Copeland Lake Wedding & Elopement Guide
Posted On | March 24, 2025
Nestled at the southeastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, a Copeland Lake wedding offers a peaceful and scenic backdrop for couples looking to elope surrounded by nature. With its reflective waters, towering pines, and sweeping mountain views, this hidden gem provides an intimate setting for a stress-free wedding day. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Copeland Lake elopement.
Copeland Lake Wedding Quick Facts
Why Couples Love Copeland Lake
Unlike some of the more crowded locations in Rocky Mountain National Park, Copeland Lake offers a quieter, more intimate experience while still capturing the beauty of the park.
CAPACITY
Up to 30 people with parking for up to 10 vehicles
Cost to elope
$300 for a wedding permit + $35 park entrance fee per car
Accessibility
Easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area
Restrooms
There are vault toilets located at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead parking lot right before Copeland Lake
Copeland Lake Coordinates
Where is Copeland Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Copeland Lake is located near the Wild Basin entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. It sits just off Highway 7, a short drive from Estes Park and Lyons, offering a convenient location while still feeling tucked away in nature.
Copeland Lake Coordinates
How Much Does a Copeland Lake Wedding Cost?
A wedding permit for Copeland Lake 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 want to get married on June 15, 2026, you should apply on June 1, 2025. Peak season (May through October) permits are in high demand, so we recommend applying as soon as reservations open. Being flexible with your date, considering a weekday ceremony, or keeping an alternative location in mind can increase your chances of securing a permit!
Do You Need a Timed Entry Reservation for a Copeland Lake Wedding?
It depends! From mid-May to mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a Timed Entry+ ReIt 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 Copeland Lake. 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 Copeland Lake 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 Copeland Lake?
Rocky Mountain National Park micro weddings have specific regulations to preserve its natural beauty while allowing couples to celebrate their wedding. Some key rules include:
- Weddings can only take place at designated ceremony sites like Copeland Lake. Even a private vow exchange must be held at an approved location.
- You cannot reserve exclusive use of the site, meaning other visitors may be in the area. However, most people are respectful and give couples space.
- Drones are prohibited anywhere in the park.
- Dogs are not allowed at Copeland Lake.
- No amplified music is allowed.
- Decorations, altars, tables, tents, floral displays, generators, and the scattering of any materials (including rice, confetti, and birdseed) are not permitted. A few chairs are allowed only for guests who cannot stand during the ceremony.
- Group size limits: 30 people year-round
- Following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace is highly encouraged to help keep Copeland Lake pristine for future visitors!
When Is the Best Time of Year for a Copeland Lake Wedding?
The best time to elope at Copeland Lake depends on your preferred scenery and weather conditions.
Summer
Mid-June through Early September
Summer brings warm days, vibrant green landscapes, and colorful wildflowers. With long daylight hours, it’s an ideal time for exploring, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms that roll in frequently.
Winter
Mid-November through February
Winter transforms the area into a peaceful, snow-covered retreat with dramatic mountain views. The park is at its quietest, but temperatures can be bitterly cold, so come prepared for winter conditions.
FalL
Fall offers crisp air, golden aspen trees, and fewer visitors. It’s a quieter time to take in the scenery, though snow can start falling as early as October, hinting at the winter ahead.
Spring
March through May
Spring is the most unpredictable season, with lingering snow and fluctuating temperatures. While March tends to be the snowiest month, it’s also the least crowded time to visit, offering a more secluded experience as the landscape slowly awakens from winter.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Get Married at Copeland Lake?
The best time for a ceremony at Copeland Lake is just after sunrise or late afternoon. Sunrise ceremonies offer fewer visitors and the chance to capture the stunning alpenglow on the surrounding peaks, while late afternoon provides warm golden light.
How Do You Get Married at Copeland Lake?
- Choose Your Date – Consider the season and typical weather conditions for the time of year.
- Apply for Your Copeland Lake 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 – The terrain can be uneven, so choose comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Get Your Marriage License – Pick it up at any Clerk and Recorder’s office in Colorado. Learn more here.
Top Tips for Your Copeland Lake Wedding
A little preparation can make your elopement stress-free and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips for your day at Copeland Lake:
Explore more of the park!
Before or after your ceremony at Copeland Lake, take the opportunity to visit a few of our other favorite scenic spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a great way to capture even more stunning photos and experience the park’s diverse landscapes. Check out our guide to the best locations to explore! Check out our guide to the best locations to explore!
Be ready for unpredictable weather.
As you prepare for your Estes Park elopement, remember that conditions at Copeland Lake can change fast—clear mornings often shift to afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the summer. Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, so dressing in layers and checking the forecast will help you stay comfortable no matter what the day brings.
Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.
Copeland Lake sits at over 8,000 feet in elevation, and much of RMNP ranges between 7,500 and 14,000 feet. If you’re traveling from a lower altitude, arriving a day or two early, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol can help prevent altitude sickness before your ceremony.
Be aware of wildlife!
Moose, elk, and deer are frequently spotted around Copeland Lake. While they’re generally peaceful, it’s important to give them plenty of space and stay alert, especially in quieter areas. Keeping a safe distance ensures both your safety and theirs.
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
Opt for a weekday Copeland Lake elopement to avoid crowds.
Copeland Lake is a peaceful spot, but RMNP as a whole can get busy—especially on weekends. Choosing a weekday ceremony will give you a more private experience with fewer people around and easier parking.
Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray!
The high-altitude sun is intense, even on cloudy days, so sunscreen is a must for any outdoor ceremony or photoshoot. In the warmer months, mosquitoes are common around lakes and meadows, so bug spray will help keep you comfortable while you explore.
Copeland Lake Wedding Pictures
Real Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the RMNP Weddings We’ve Photographed
Wendy &
Tony & Laura
Paige & Braden
Lydia & Braxton
Copeland Lake 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:
Copeland Lake Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Copeland Lake 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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