The Best Places to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park: A Photographer’s Guide

If you’re considering an elopement, one of the first questions you need to answer is “Where should we get married?” Rocky Mountain National Park is a gorgeous option.  With its alpine lakes, mountain peaks, forests, meadows, and dramatic light Rocky Mountain National Park has a backdrop to fit the elopement you’re dreaming up. 

Dream Lake

If you’re up for a hike, Dream Lake is one of RMNP’s most popular locations.  Although it’s not on the list of locations where vow exchanges are permitted, Dream Lake is a beautiful spot to take couples portraits after your ceremony.  Although the hike is just 2.2 miles the high elevation may not be suitable for everyones fitness level.

Sprague Lake

One of the easiest lakes to access, Sprague Lake is a .8 mile loop trail, most of which is handicapped accessible.  With beautiful views of Hallett Peak and frequent moose sightings, this location is perfect if you’re not used to the elevation/don’t want a long hike in your wedding clothes.  Sprague Lake is often crowded with visitors, so if you’re looking for a private option, I’d suggest a sunrise elopement at this location.  As one of the designated ceremony locations , this is a great option for exchanging vows, including a few guests, or general couples portraits.

Bear Lake

Perched at 9,475 feet, the views from Bear Lake make the mountains feel close! With views Hallett Peak, Longs Peak, and Thatchtop Mountain, Bear Lake is a beautiful option for your elopement.  Although it is another designated wedding site the narrow trail and crowds make this best suited for a true elopement (just you two). 

Moraine Park

Moraine Park’s grand views are reminiscent of Rohan from Lord of the Rings!  Herds of elk frequent the large meadow, and a nearby amphitheater can be reserved for weddings with up to 30 people. 

Trail Ridge Road & Alpine Locations

Although none of the official wedding sites are located on Trail Ridge Road, some of the alpine locations are beautiful spots for couples portraits after your vow exchange.  With frequent afternoon storms, these locations would be best suited to a morning elopement/portrait session.  If you have your hear set on these views summer is your best option, as the road is typically closed from October-May due to high elevations and snowfall.

Lily Lake

With easy access outside of the main gate, and two ceremony locations, Lily Lake is an excellent choice for your elopement!  It’s much quieter than Sprague Lake or Bear Lake, mentioned above, and although you will need parks pass, and a permit for your vow exchange you don’t need to obtain a timed entry permit.

Chasm Lake

If you’re up for a big adventure, consider Chasm Lake! The 9 miles round trip gains roughly 2,600 feet, and reaches an elevation of over 11,800 feet.  Expect the hike alone to take up to 7 hours.  This is not a designated ceremony site, but it’s a stunning spot to take couples portraits!

Best Locations for Sunrise vs. Sunset

If you’re considering one of the lake locations, consider a sunrise elopement! With fewer crowds, and less chance of Colorado’s typical afternoon thunderstorms, sunrise elopements embrace the natural beauty offered by the park, in the quiet of morning.  Wildlife sightings are more likely, plus you get to enjoy a more intimate/private moment with your person!

If you’d prefer a sunset elopement for an easier/stress free wedding day, consider eloping on a Tuesday or Wednesday when the crowds at the park are less. Lily Lake or 3 M curve are better locations for sunset, since these locations are less popular/crowded.

Best Seasons to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park’s beauty changes with the seasons. Although some locations are best suited to summer months, there are options for each month of the year!

Spring –

Probably the most unpredictable. Colorado gets most of it’s snowfall in the spring, especially at high mountain elevations.  If you’re hoping for a snowy elopement, this might be the best choice!

Summer –

The most accessible and busy season in RMNP.  With summer crowds and Colorado’s infamous afternoon thunderstorms, I suggest eloping at sunrise in the summer months. 

Autumn –

My favorite season (especially for elopements!) Golden aspen, crisp air, and diminishing crowds make Fall a beautiful time to plan your wedding or elopement.  The risk of snow and thunderstorms is lower (though never none) and you don’t have to worry as much about sweating during your hike!

Winter –

Although you location options diminish in the winter, there are still areas of the park that are accessible on all but the snowiest of days.  Sprague Lake, Lily Lake, and Moraine Park, beautiful under a blanket of snow, are accessible year round, and make stunning backdrops for a winter elopement!

Photography Tips for a Rocky Mountain Elopement

If you’re eloping outdoors, it’s best to make a plan, but hold it loosely.  Sometimes the weather forecast dictates a last minute change in the time or location, and when it does it works best to roll with it!  When it comes to booking wedding and elopements, you’re my only client for the day, which means that we can shift from sunrise to sunset if the weather is looking bad in the morning.

When hiking in the mountains, it’s best to have warm lightweight layers on hand, even in July! The temperatures can drop by 20+ degrees with an afternoon thunderstorm, and it’s best to be prepared.

If you’re choosing a location that requires a hike build in extra time to ensure time to finish the hike, and take along headlamps just in case we end up walking back in the dark! 

If you want to hike, choose wedding attire that can be packed into a large backpack with low risk of wrinkling, and hike in different attire.  Wear appropriate shoes for hiking, and change into other shoes for photos.

And make sure to respect wildlife and prioritize Leave No Trace practices throughout your visit.

Permits, Rules & Planning Considerations

No matter what size wedding you’re planning, you do need a special use permit to exchange vows in Rocky Mountain National Park.  These permits are released a year in advance (on the first of the month), and the popular summer permits often sell out the day they’re released.   In addition to the permit mentioned above, you’ll likely need a timed entry permit.  As your photographer, I’ll send a reminder and make sure you have all the information you need to acquire the necessary permits.

Because Colorado allows self solemnization, you aren’t required to have an officiant for your vow exchange, but you do need to apply for a Colorado state marriage license.

Sample Elopement Timeline

When you book me as your RMNP elopement photographer, I help with details like planning a timeline for your day.  Although every wedding is different, the timeline below can inform and inspire your elopement planning. 

What to Bring

The decision to elope makes it necessary to leave behind a lot of the details that typically make up a wedding day, which can be a huge relief!  As you pack, make sure you have these items:

• Layers and weatherproof clothing appropriate to the season.
• Comfortable hiking shoes, suited to your location.
• Water, electrolytes, and snacks, which are especially important as you acclimate to high elevations.
• Headlamps for early starts and late hikes back.
• Sun protection (hats, sunscreen, long layers, etc.)
• Emergency essentials
• Wedding attire that can handle mountain terrain
• Minimal, packable ceremony details

Ready to Start Planning?

I hope this list of the The Best Places to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park gives you a springboard to work from as you plan your Colorado elopement.  As you plan, I’d love to connect and help you decide on details about your day! As an elopement photographer, much my service includes helping guide you in the planning process.  I’d love the opportunity to connect and work together!

If you’re searching for The Best Places to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll also enjoy my Ultimate Guide to a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement, where I cover everything from choosing a season and location to permits, accommodations, and planning your day. For even more inspiration, check out my guide to 16 Unique and Magical Estes Park Elopement Locations, followed by my Estes Park Elopement Guide for practical tips on choosing your photographer, planning around the weather, setting your budget, and creating an unforgettable mountain elopement.