Estes Park Elopement Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Day
Posted On | February 27, 2025
We believe that an Estes Park elopement is one of the best ways to get married in Colorado! Here is an ultimate guide for everything you need to know to plan your own Estes Park elopement – updated for 2025!
Why Have an Estes Park Elopement?
Couples are drawn to Estes Park for its stunning natural beauty, small-town charm, and ease of planning. The town sits at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, which has over 300 miles of hiking trails, sweeping alpine views, and abundant wildlife. With 12 designated ceremony sites that can accommodate intimate gatherings, Rocky Mountain National Park is also an incredible place to exchange vows surrounded by nature. Whether you want a scenic drive to 12,000 feet or a quiet moment by a mountain lake, the park provides a breathtaking backdrop for an elopement. If eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park sounds like a dream, be sure to read our guide on How To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park!
Beyond its natural beauty, Estes Park is a welcoming and accessible destination. Just 90 minutes from Denver International Airport, it’s easy to reach whether you rent a car or take a shuttle. The town itself has a relaxed, walkable downtown with family-owned shops, cozy restaurants, and a picturesque riverwalk, making it a great place to unwind before or after your ceremony. The ease of getting married in Colorado is another reason couples choose Estes Park—self-solemnization means no officiant or witnesses are required, so you can make your marriage official with just the two of you (and even have your dog sign your marriage license as a witness!). With a range of lodging, vendors, and affordable options compared to other mountain towns, it’s easy to create a stress-free, unforgettable elopement experience.
Estes Park Small Wedding and Elopement Locations
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular places to elope in Estes Park, if not all of Colorado! Couples can choose from 12 ceremony locations that can accommodate 10-30 people depending on the location and season. Dogs are only allowed at a few specific wedding ceremony locations throughout the park and are not allowed on trails, so the park is not recommended for couples who want to include their dog on their wedding day. Permits are required to get married in the park and can be applied for one year in advance.
YMCA of the Rockies Elopement
YMCA of the Rockies is one of our favorite recommendations for couples looking to have a ceremony with their closest friends, family, or pups outside of the park if their guest count is too large or permits are not available for RMNP. It is located minutes from the Beaver Meadows entrance, so it’s a great spot for couples looking to explore inside the park before or after their ceremony!
Hermit Park Open SPACE Elopement
Hermit Park Open Space is one of our favorite options for couples wanting to explore an option a bit off of the beaten path! The Hermit Park Pavilion is a great spot for couples with a larger guest count who still want to get married in nature. The dog-friendly Pavilion can accommodate up to 150 people and can be reserved up to one year in advance. If you’re looking to sneak in a hike before or after your ceremony, there are some great trails nearby!
O’Connor Pavillion
Elopement
O’Connor Pavilion is located just outside of the Fall River entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s another great option for couples with larger guest counts wanting to forego booking a traditional venue, as it can accommodate up to 140 people and is dog friendly.
Black Canyon Inn
Elopement
While Black Canyon Inn is a more traditional wedding venue, they do offer specific packages for small weddings and elopements!
Taharaa Mountain Lodge Elopement
Taharaa Mountain Lodge is the perfect spot for groups of up to 50 people, with an outdoor ceremony spot and room for a small indoor reception!
When is the best time to elope in Estes Park?
Summer Estes Park Elopement
Months: mid-June through early-September
Average High/Low Temperatures: mid-70s to upper 80s/mid-40s to low 50s
Beginning mid-June and lasting through the beginning of September, summertime in Estes Park is every hiking lover’s dream. The days are long and warm and the nights are comfortably cool with wonderful opportunities for stargazing. You can expect to see lush, green meadows and forests and full lakes and rivers.
Fall Estes Park Elopement
Months: mid-September through November
Average High/Low Temperatures: mid-60s to low 50s/high 40s to low 30s
Fall is one of the most popular times to elope in Estes Park due to the mild weather and changing leaves! While it’s hard to predict exactly when the leaves will change, you can usually find aspens turning from green to various hues of yellow and orange from late September through early October, providing a scenic backdrop for your elopement photos! The temperature tends to be comfortable (low 60s to upper 70s) during the day at the start of fall, with it beginning to slowly dip as we get later into the year. It’s not unheard of to start seeing snow in October, but the real snowfall usually begins sometime in November.
Winter Estes Park Elopement
Months: mid-November through early April
Average High/Low Temperatures: upper 30s/low-20s
Winter tends to be in full swing in Estes Park beginning in mid-November and lasting until the beginning of April. Estes Park tends to be a bit quieter in the winter months, which is perfect for couples looking to avoid crowds. Temperatures can range anywhere from below freezing to the mid-40s during the daytime, and while the days tend to be shorter, there’s still plenty of light for exploring! View Amanda + Joe’s winter elopement in Estes Park to get a feeling for what your winter wedding could look like.
Spring Estes Park Elopement
Months: early-April through late-May
Average High/Low Temperatures: high 40s to high 60s/low 30s to high 40s
Springtime in Estes Park tends to be shoulder season. From mid-April to the beginning of June, the snow starts to melt and trails can get muddy. But don’t let this scare you off! While many of the trailheads at higher altitudes won’t open until late June/early July, there are still a plethora of locations to explore at lower elevations! Springtime is a wonderful time to elope in Estes Park if you’re looking to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices.
Should you have a weekend or weekday elopement in Estes Park?
Because Estes Park is one of the most popular towns to get married in Colorado, we highly recommend eloping on a weekday in Estes Park. Trailheads tend to fill up quickly on weekends, even with the recently implemented timed entry system for Rocky Mountain National Park, and lodging and vendor availability is much more limited. If privacy is a top concern on your wedding day, a weekday is going to be your best bet!
If you are set on having a weekend elopement, it is still possible to find some privacy by visiting lesser-known trails, or eloping at sunrise.
Estes Park Elopement Activities
It’s not difficult to find an activity to do outdoors or in town year-round! Here are a few of our favorite activities to consider including as you adventure on your wedding day.
Hiking
Rocky Mountain National Park and Hermit Park Open Space have hundreds of miles of trails to explore.
Boating
If you’re wanting to get out on the water, consider renting a pontoon, row boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at the Lake Estes Marina.
Horseback Riding
Looking for a new way to explore the park? Consider doing it on horseback!
Picnicking
We’re big fans of food around here and will never say no to incorporating a picnic into a wedding day. What better way to relax than with some delicious food and a scenic view?! Bird’s Nest and Scratch Deli & Bakery both have wonderful picnic options!
Hammocking
Want to take a few moments to relax and swing in your hammock? It’s always an option!
Hiking
Rocky Mountain National Park and Hermit Park Open Space have hundreds of miles of trails to explore.
Boating
If you’re wanting to get out on the water, consider renting a pontoon, row boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at the Lake Estes Marina.
Horseback Riding
Looking for a new way to explore the park? Consider doing it on horseback!
Picnicking
We’re big fans of food around here and will never say no to incorporating a picnic into a wedding day. What better way to relax than with some delicious food and a scenic view?! Bird’s Nest and Scratch Deli & Bakery both have wonderful picnic options!
Roasting S’Mores
So long as no fire ban is in place, ending the day around a campfire, roasting s’mores, and listening to your favorite music is a wonderful option to wind down and relax! Some of our favorite campgrounds are Hermit Park and Moraine Park.
Drive Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road is a high alpine road that connects Estes Park to Grand Lake. Typically open late May through mid-October, it reaches 12,183 feet in elevation at its highest point and provides sweeping views of the Rockies, as well as the potential to see lots of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and pika!
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Expand your palette and enjoy a wine tasting and charcuterie board at the Snowy Peaks Winery!
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway offers a birdseye view of the town, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Stargazing
Perhaps one of our absolute favorite summer activities, stargazing is a great way to take an intentional moment to relax and be still on your wedding day while admiring the night sky. Plus, you’ll get some really incredible photos!
Snowshoeing
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean hiking trails are off-limits! Strop on a pair of snowshoes and explore Estes’ winter wonderland. Winter gear, including snowshoes, can be rented from Estes Park Mountain Shop, Rocky Mountain Adventures, or Estes Park Outfitters.
Sledding
Located 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Hidden Valley is the perfect place to go sledding!
Cross-Country Skiing
While Estes Park doesn’t have any ski resorts, you can still go cross-country skiing in the park!
Warm Up at a Coffee Shop or Brewery
Whether you’d rather warm up with a cup of something hot or cool down with cup of something cold, there’s never a bad time to take a break and grab a drink. Here are a few of our favorite coffee shops and breweries in town!
- Bird’s Nest
- Kind Coffee
- Inkwell & Brew – Great for photos!
- Coffee on the Rocks
- The Barrel
- Lumpy Ridge Brewing
- Avant Garde Aleworks
- Rock Cut Brewing
Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
Whether you want to grab a drink at the Whiskey Bar & Lounge, or take one of their many historic and ghost tours, the Stanley Hotel is a can’t miss!
How to Get a Marriage License in Estes Park
While you can get your marriage license from ANY county in Colorado, Estes Park is located in Larimer County.
Colorado allows couples to self-solemnize their marriage certificate, which means no officiant or witness is needed to make your marriage legally binding. Because no witnesses are required, depending on which county you get your marriage license in, you might even be able to have your dog sign with their paw print!
In order to get your marriage license in Larimer County, you will need to visit one of the three Larimer County Clerk & Recorder’s offices, located in Estes Park, Loveland, and Fort Collins.
For up-to-date information on getting your marriage license in Larimer County, visit the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder’s Office’s website.
Real Estes Park Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 50+ Estes Park elopements We’ve Photographed
Kristi & Richard
Colette & Charlie
Kaitlin & Sara
Kylee & Eric
The Best Estes Park Elopement Vendors For Your Wedding Day
Estes Park Florists
If you’re in need of a bouquet or boutonniere for your elopement, check out these local florists!
- Fanciful Floral & Weddings | Based in Estes Park, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
- Rocky Mountain Wild Flowers | Based in Estes Park, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
- Palmer Flowers | Based in Loveland, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
- A Florae | Based in Longmont, CO & Fort Collins, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
- Lace & Lilies | Based in Fort Collins, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
Estes Park Caterers/Private Chefs
Estes Park is home to several fabulous private chefs and catering services. If you’re looking to hire someone to cook for you, you can’t go wrong with any of the options below!
- Brazi Eats | Based in Fort Collins, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
- Jubilations Catering | Based in Estes Park, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
- Juli Y Juan’s Kitchen | Based in Fort Collins, CO
- GB Culinary | Based in Longmont, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
Estes Park Hair + Makeup Artists
Need someone to work their magic with hair and makeup on your wedding day? Here are some options that serve the Estes Park area!
- Bridal Glow Wedding Services | Based in Estes Park, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned
- Estes Park Bridal Company | Based in Estes Park, CO
- Glow Salon and Spa | Based in Estes Park, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
- Make Faces | Based in Boulder, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
- April Joy Beauty | Based in Loveland, CO
- Rotella Beauty | Based in Loveland, CO
- Colorado Bridal Company | Based in Longmont, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
Estes Park Officiants
While an officiant isn’t required to legally get married in Colorado, here are a few of our favorites in the area.
- Marry Me in Colorado | Based in Estes Park, CO
- Small Circles Ceremonies | Based in Boulder, CO
- Wandering Honeymooners | Based in Fairplay, CO
- NearlyWed Coaching | Based in Denver, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
- Phil Gallagher | Based in Breckenridge, CO
Where to Stay In Estes Park
The links below are a great place to start your search for lodging in Estes Park!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to purchase through one of our recommended partners. We would never recommend anything we don’t use ourselves!
Ready to Elope in Estes Park?
we’re more than just your photographer
We’re not kidding. We’re here to make this process easier than “accidentally” binge-watching the newest season of your favorite show. Every single elopement package includes:
If it’s on your elopement to-do list, we’re here to help check it off.
Estes Park Elopement + Small Wedding Packages
Meet Larissa and Bailey! We are two born and raised Coloradoans who specialize in planning and capturing epic elopements for our couples that feel authentic to who they are. Loveland Pass is THE spot to elope if you want adventure and stunning scenery. We specialize only in Colorado and can help you plan the perfect just-us day or a celebration with up to 30 of your friends/family.
What’s Included
3+ Hours of Photography Coverage
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 Elopement Planning Assistance
When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted and LGBTQ+ allied 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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