3M Curve Elopement & Small Wedding Guide
Posted On | March 26, 2025
A 3M Curve wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park offers a breathtaking, intimate setting surrounded by Colorado’s natural beauty. With its stunning views and ideal lighting, it’s the perfect spot for couples seeking a peaceful, memorable ceremony. By securing a wedding permit and planning around the park’s unique features, you can create a stress-free and unforgettable elopement. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect 3M Curve elopement.
3M Curve Wedding Quick Facts
Why Couples Love 3M Curve
One of the most private and scenic wedding ceremony venues in Rocky Mountain National Park that is accessible year-round. It overlooks Longs Peak and grassy meadows.
CAPACITY
Up to 15 people year-round with parking for up to 3 vehicles
Cost to elope
$300 for a wedding permit + $35 park entrance fee per car
Privacy
Moderate to secluded depending on the time of year/day
Restrooms
None
3M Curve Parking Coordinates
Where is 3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park?
3M Curve is located on the Estes Park side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located just a few miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, this easily accessible site provides a breathtaking backdrop for intimate weddings and elopements. With its south-facing orientation, the 3M Curve wedding venue offers great lighting throughout the day, making it a favorite spot for couples looking to exchange vows surrounded by Colorado’s natural beauty.
3M Curve Wedding Overlook Coordinates
How Much Does a 3M Wedding Cost?
A wedding permit for 3M Curve costs $300 for a two-hour time slot. Whether you are holding your ceremony there or just taking photos, each vehicle in your party will also need to purchase a $35 day pass.
Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permits open on the first day of the month one year in advance. For example, if you plan to get married on June 15, 2026, you should submit your permit application on June 1, 2025.
Permits during peak season (May through October) are highly sought after and often sell out quickly. To increase your chances of securing your preferred date and location, we recommend applying as soon as reservations open. Flexibility with your date, considering a weekday ceremony, or being open to alternative locations can also be helpful!
Do I Need a Timed Entry Reservation for a 3M Curve Elopement?
It depends!
From mid-May to mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a Timed Entry Reservation from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for areas outside the Bear Lake Corridor, including 3M Curve. If you have a wedding permit, it serves as your entry reservation starting two hours before your ceremony through the rest of the day anywhere in the park (including the Bear Lake Corridor!)
If you’re taking photos at 3M Curve but not getting married in the park, you’ll need to reserve a timed entry spot in advance if visiting between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. No reservation is required outside of these hours.
If you are hoping to explore a location inside the Bear Lake Corridor (such as Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, or Dream Lake) before or after your ceremony, a Timed Entry+ reservation is required from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, unless you have a wedding permit.
Timed entry reservations allow visitors to enter RMNP within a two-hour window with no required departure time. Check the park’s website for release times and the latest updates on the reservation system..
What Are the Rules for Eloping at 3M Curve?
Rocky Mountain National Park has specific guidelines to protect its natural beauty while allowing couples to celebrate their special day. If you’re planning a 3M curve micro wedding, it’s important to follow these rules to ensure a seamless experience and help preserve the park for future visitors:
- Weddings can only take place at designated ceremony sites, including 3M Curve. ANY type of ceremony, even if it is just the two of you, is not allowed outside of these designated areas.
- Exclusive use of the site is not permitted, meaning other visitors may be in the area during your ceremony. People tend to be courteous and give couples plenty of room, however!
- Drones are not allowed anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Dogs are not allowed at 3M Curve.
- Decorations, altars, tables, tents, floral displays, generators, and the scattering of any materials (including rice, confetti, and birdseed) are prohibited. A few chairs are only permitted for individuals unable to stand for the entire ceremony.
- The total number of attendees, including the couple, guests, and vendors, cannot exceed 15.
- Following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace is highly encouraged so we can keep 3M Curve looking just as gorgeous for years to come!
When Is the Best Time of Year for a 3M Curve Wedding?
3M Curve is a beautiful ceremony location year-round, each season offering something different!
Summer 3M Curve Elopement
Mid-June through Early September
This is the most popular time for weddings. Days are warm, nights are comfortable, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Expect lush green landscapes and blooming wildflowers, with long daylight hours and a chance to see the Milky Way at night!
Fall 3M Curve Elopement
Mid-September through Early November
Fall is the second most popular season to elope at 3M Curve. Days are cooler, and snow is possible beginning in early October. The leaves change color from late September through early October, making for stunning scenery.
Winter 3M Curve Elopement
Mid-November through February
While the park is less crowded, winter remains a breathtaking location for a wedding at 3M Curve. Snow-capped peaks and sunny days create a winter wonderland, though temperatures can be frigid and snow is frequent.
Spring 3M Curve Elopement
March through May
The weather in spring can be unpredictable with March historically being the snowiest month. Snow typically remains on the ground at 3M Curve until at least April. However, it’s the least busy time in the park and is a great option if you’re looking for maximum privacy!
What Is the Best Time of Day to Elope at 3M Curve?
Since 3M Curve faces south, it offers great lighting throughout the day. For the best experience, we recommend early morning or late afternoon/evening ceremonies. These times provide the best light for photos and offer the most privacy.
How Do You Get Married at 3M Curve?
- Choose Your Date – Consider the season and typical weather conditions.
- Apply for Your 3M Curve Wedding Permit – You can apply online, or if you hire us, we can handle the permit application for you!
- Hire a Photographer – We specialize in Rocky Mountain National Park elopements and know all the best spots in the park!
- Plan Your Attire – Keep in mind that the terrain in the park is often uneven, so choose footwear and clothing accordingly.
- Get Your Marriage License – Pick it up at any Clerk and Recorder’s office in Colorado. Learn more here.
Top Tips for Your 3M Curve Elopement
Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park is an unforgettable experience, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your day is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. The park’s high elevation, unpredictable weather, and popularity mean it’s important to plan ahead. Here are some key tips to help you make the most of your RMNP elopement.
Explore more of the park!
Before or after your ceremony at 3M Curve, consider visiting one or two of our favorite scenic spots in RMNP for additional photos and a chance to experience more of the park’s stunning landscapes. Check out our guide to the best locations to explore!
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
The weather in RMNP can shift quickly, with sunny skies turning into afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the summer. Temperatures can also vary dramatically between day and night. Bring layers, check the forecast frequently, and be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
Take altitude into account and acclimate before your ceremony.
RMNP’s elevation ranges from about 7,500 to over 14,000 feet, and 3M Curve sits above 8,000 feet. If you’re coming from lower elevations, give yourself at least a day or two to adjust before your ceremony. Staying hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, and taking it easy on physical activity can help prevent altitude sickness.
Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
At high altitudes, the sun is stronger, and even on cooler days, you can get sunburned quickly. Sunscreen is a must, especially for longer outdoor ceremonies or photoshoots. In the warmer months, mosquitoes and other bugs can be persistent near meadows and lakes, so having bug spray on hand is a good idea.
Check the dates for free admission days.
On designated free days, entrance fees are waived, making the park more crowded than usual. If your wedding date falls on one of these days, be prepared for more visitors and limited parking. In 2025, the free admission dates are:
- Tuesday, November 11
- Thursday, January 9
- Monday, January 20
- Saturday, April 19
- Thursday, June 19
- Monday, August 4
- Saturday, September 27
Consider a weekday 3M Curve wedding to avoid crowds.
RMNP is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and weekends can be especially busy, even at less-trafficked spots like 3M Curve. A weekday elopement offers more privacy, easier parking, and a quieter, more intimate experience.
3M Curve Wedding Pictures
Real 3M Curve Weddings
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 3M Curve Elopements & Small Weddings We’ve Photographed
Ali & Tom
Tony & Laura
Jenna & Brian
Andrew & Bianca
3M Curve Wedding Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state.
Larissa (left) is the person who always chimes a smiley “hi!” on the hiking trail.
Bailey (right) is the person who will absolutely cry at your wedding.
Together we’ve planned and photographed 400+ elopements and small weddings in Colorado (100+ in the Rocky Mountain National Park alone), collectively been to 46 countries, and agree that cracking a local beer around a campfire is the best way to end a day.
We’re More Than Just Photographers
We’re here to make this process easier than “accidentally” binge-watching the newest season of your favorite show.
Every single elopement package includes:
3M Curve Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A 3M Curve Photographer
We intentionally document your day with both digital and film. Includes high-resolution digital images, printing rights, a shareable online gallery, and free album design.
Full Small WEdding Planning Assistance
When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Estes Park wedding vendors who know elopements. Recs for activities to do on your elopement day. Stress-free timeline planning. Planning resources and ideas. Unlimited communication because we never leave you high and dry.
Overwhelmed with How To Plan A Colorado Elopement?
Download Our Free Colorado Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist
40+ pages of ideas, tips, and a step-by-step checklist to make your dream elopement come to life.
Are You Freakin’ REady?
We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.
Are You Freakin’ REady?
We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.
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