Ultimate Elopement Guide for Rocky Mountain National Park

If you’re looking for an amazing Colorado mountain experience for your elopement, look no further than Rocky Mountain National Park. From alpine lakes to beautiful summer wildflowers to waterfalls & open meadows, RMNP is definitely a top mountain-scape destination in Northern Colorado! Like all National Parks, there are specific requirements & permits you will need to obtain in order to elope in RMNP, but don’t worry, I’ve got ALL the information right here.

When to Elope at Rocky Mountain National Park

The best time of year is typically May-October. All of the trails should be open and clear of ice & snow during those months. You can definitely access the park year-round if you are dreaming of a white, snowy elopement, although, you’d have to check the park’s home page on their website to keep track of any road/trail closures.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a very popular and easily accessible park so it’s a highly sought-after tourist spot, especially in the summer months. If you want to avoid crowded trails, I recommend you try for a sunrise or weekday elopement

Where to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP has rules regarding where in the park you can actually elope/hold a micro ceremony. You can’t just step off the trail and exchange vows (but you can take photos anywhere in the park, no worries there!)

There are designated spots within the park you can hold your ceremony. You have to apply to reserve it first, but more on that later when we talk about permits.

Each spot has it’s own mini rules & regulations like how many people can be at that ceremony site, how many cars can park there, and a common theme of not taking over any of the picnic sites at the area.

The areas are all public access, so even if you reserve your site, other people can still access and hike the area.

Here is the page to the park’s Wedding Location information so you can read up on all the amazing ceremony spots they have and any rules & regulations you’ll need to know!

How to Elope in RMNP - Wedding Permits

All National Parks require permits to get married. Some parks may be more of a stickler than others, but I do know that RMNP is one of those sticklers. Here is the page to ALL the wedding permit info on the park’s website, but I’ll give you a brief run-down here! (Most of this is copied directly from the page I linked to ensure updated & accurate information.)

• A ceremony permit is needed when there are 2 or more people engaging in the activity.

• Rocky Mountain National Park is a resource protected area and a busy national park with high visitation. All ceremonies in the park are managed and require a Special Use Permit, regardless of size.

• Application acceptions start the year prior to the ceremony. So, if you’re planning on getting married in RMNP July of 2025, you can’t submit an application until July 1st, 2024.

• Weddings or ceremonies may be scheduled up to one year in advance and no later than seven days prior to your event.

• The Special Use Permit requires a non-refundable administrative fee of $300 for each wedding application. Do not send in fee at the time of application. You'll receive an email with payment instructions once your application has been accepted.

• Weddings can ONLY take place in designated site locations, regardless of the size of the wedding group. Any indication of a ceremony taking place outside of these designated sites is considered a violation and is subject to citation of the wedding party, photographer, and/or officiant.

• Drones are prohibited in the park for all uses, including weddings, even if the user/photographer is FFA licensed. No exceptions will be made.

• As parking spaces are limited in the park, carpooling or shuttling is strongly encouraged and may be required.

• Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony.

• Ceremonies conducted in Rocky require written approval from the Chief Ranger's Office or Concessions Management Office. Your finalized, signed permit is considered written approval.

There’s more information on the page (linked above) about how to submit an application and obtain the permit. Check it out to make sure you get all the right documents!

IMPORTANT NOTE: You DO NOT need to obtain a special permit for your photographer. They are covered under your wedding permit! Hooray!

A Few Other Important Details about Eloping in RMNP

Elopements are typically more minimalist since you don’t have to book a venue or caterer or DJ or spend tons of money on decorations. But, there are probably a few traditions you’ll want to include in your elopement like having a bouquet, taking couples photos, toasting to your marriage! There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind as your planning your stunning RMNP elopement:

• I know it’s SUPER popular here in Colorado to have your dog sign as a witness on your marriage license, however, dogs are not allowed in the park EXCEPT FOR at the Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater.

• You may want to walk down the “aisle” to some music. You can absolutely do that as long as it doesn’t exceed 60 decibels. (A little portable hiking speaker will be perfect!)

• No confetti or rice or birdseed or even flower petals can be thrown. (Even though it’s all biodegradable, still not allowed.) Gotta keep our parks in tip-top shape!

• You can bring in flowers like bouquets or boutineers. Just anything you pack in you have to pack out. (Leave No Trace or LNT procedures should be followed at all times!)

• No receptions can be held inside the park. (Typically not an issue for eloping.) You could totally bring a little picnic or snacks or something just the two of you can share along the trail, though! Just nothing larger than a typical hiking picnic.

If there’s something specific you’re hoping to include at your elopement in the park, let me know! I’ll be able to tell you if/how we can include it. Shoot me an email or a little DM over on instagram (my handle is @e.t.c._photography).

Rocky Mountain National Park is such a STUNNING park to visit! There are a range of ceremony location options so you can have your pick from open fields to alpine lakes to dense forest vibes. You’re sure to witness amazing views & wildlife. The photos will be so stunning you won’t be able to pick which ones to print out and hang on your wall! Reach out with any questions you may have and click my Contact form to get details about booking me as your elopement photographer!