5 Top Tips for Planning your Estes Park Elopement
You have your ring 💍
You popped (or answered the question) 🍾🥂
….Now what?
There are so many details that go into wedding planning.
Whether you’re envisioning a large celebration with all your friends and family, or you’re picturing an intimate Estes Park Elopement you have decisions to make.
Location, dress, hair, makeup, flowers, cake, dinner…a hundred things to consider. Some of these things are big, and others small, but each detail feels so important as you plan, and each decision must be made and agreed upon by you and your partner.
Here are some tips and tricks for planning your Estes Park Elopement for 2026 from a photographer who has been in the business since 2014.
Choose your photographer first!
Although you may have location ideas in mind, utilize your photographers knowledge of the area to your advantage. Why reinvent the wheel? When you hire a local photographer you’re investing in a professional who has already invested time and resources into learning what permits different locations require, what time of say provides ideal lighting, how much time to expect to reach your location, etc.
A seasoned professional can help you navigate all these types of details, even if they haven’t worked in the exact location you’re considering.
Choose a Stunning Location
With so many stunning locations available, how do you choose the best spot for your Estes Park Elopement?
Some important things to consider are accessibility (is a hike required?), permits, ideal time of day, etc.
If you’re hoping to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, for example, you need to obtain permits well in advance of your planned elopement. These permits can be difficult to obtain due to the popularity of the park. Locations outside RMNP may not require a permit, or may require permits for photography, but not for the elopement itself. This is another area where your photographer can help direct you to the correct information for your specific Estes Park elopement location. I’ve often researched requirements for my clients. It benefits me to know what each location requires for future couples!
Another benefit to hiring a local photographer their knowledge of the area and locations. Some spots are best photographed in the early morning, while others sparkle at sunset. Whether or not your photographer has worked in your desired location in the past, their proximity should give opportunity for them to scout out the location before the day of your Estes Park elopement and determine the best time of day for beautiful lighting.
Consider the Weather
Although Estes Park is accessible for much of the year, some days are too cold and blustery to make hiking up for sunrise elopement enjoyable. Trails in some areas remain covered in snow well into April, making them difficult to access for much of the year. If you choose a location requiring a hike, it may be best to plan your elopement for the summer or fall before snow starts to collect on trails. But if you choose to hike to your location during colder months, be sure to dress appropriately.
Set Your Budget (and stick to it!)
If you have your heart set on spending your big day in Estes Park, choosing to elope greatly impacts affordability.
One of the great things about eloping is spending the money where you really want to. Not spending thousands on a venue, wedding party, invitations, flowers, ect. may free up funds for you to spend on the things that matter most to you and your partner.
You can plan an Estes Park elopement for so much less than a traditional ceremony and reception.
Although there are many stunning venue options in Estes Park worth considering, the cost for a venue alone can be 10k+, making this dream location impossible to afford for many potential couples. Eloping can cut the costs to a fraction of a traditional wedding. As a bride on a budget, I planned my own wedding with a budget of 7k, so I know what it’s like to cutcosts where you need to. Having a smaller budget doesn’t make this day less important or special!
Choose Your Officiant – or not!
Here in Colorado, you don’t actually have to have an officiant to get married! You can self-solemnize (perform the ceremony yourself). Although you will still need to obtain a marriage license before your Estes Park elopement, you can choose to keep the ceremony as small as you and your person (although I’d love to be a witness and capture memories of this special day for you!)
Ready to start the planning process?
I’d love to help you pin down the details for your Estes Park elopement!
If this article raised any questions please feel free to reach out!
I’d love to help you plan and make your Estes Park elopement the wedding day of your dreams!
Reach out here to start planning your best day ever!
Here are some of my favorite Estes Park Wedding Venues, if decide to include all of your family and friends in your big day!
And here are more tips for making your elopement the BEST DAY EVER!
