Lily Lake Wedding & Elopement Guide
Posted On | March 24, 2025
A Lily Lake wedding offers stunning mountain views, peaceful water reflections, and an intimate setting for couples looking to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. With three ceremony locations to choose from, it’s a versatile spot that can accommodate a range of group sizes while still providing breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re drawn to the lakeside dock, the secluded picnic area, or a quiet spot along the trail, Lily Lake has something for every couple looking for a picturesque and stress-free elopement! Here is everything you need to know about planning a Lily Lake elopement.
Lily Lake Wedding Quick Facts
Why Couples Love Lily Lake
One of the most scenic and accessible wedding ceremony locations in Rocky Mountain National Park, featuring a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by mountain peaks.
CAPACITY
Varies by location, but ranges from 10 to 30 people with space for up to 3 to 10 vehicles
Cost to elope
$300 for a wedding permit + $35 park entrance fee per car
Accessibility
Some areas are fully accessible, while others require walking on uneven terrain
Restrooms
Vault toilets are available near the parking area
Lily Lake Coordinates
Where is Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Lily Lake is located along Highway 7, just south of Estes Park and outside the main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This makes it an excellent choice for couples who want a scenic ceremony without needing to go deep into the park. The lake features a flat, easy loop trail and multiple ceremony sites with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
How Long is the Walk Around Lily Lake?
The walk around Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is about 0.8 miles on a flat, well-maintained loop trail. It’s an easy and accessible walk with stunning views of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, making it perfect for all ages and abilities. If you want to extend your hike, the Lily Ridge Trail adds a bit more elevation and brings the total distance to around 1.3 miles with even better panoramic views.
Is Lily Lake Private?
No, Lily Lake is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and is publicly accessible. Since it is located just outside the main area of Rocky Mountain National Park along Highway 7, it tends to get extremely busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Where Can You Get Married at Lily Lake?
Lily Lake has three designated wedding ceremony locations, each with its own rules and capacity limits:
Lily Lake Picnic Area Wedding
The Lily Lake Picnic Area is one of the only locations available for a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding where you can hold both your ceremony and a small reception! This area allows up to 30 people and 10 vehicles year-round. While the trail leading to the picnic area is accessible, the final approach requires a short walk down a dirt path with rocks and tree roots, which might be difficult for those with mobility concerns. Because it is tucked away from the main trail, this location offers more privacy than the dock.
Lily Lake Picnic Area Coordinates
Lily Lake Dock Wedding
The Lily Lake Dock allows up to 10 people and 3 vehicles year-round. It is handicapped accessible and offers a stunning waterfront ceremony setting. However, the dock is a high-traffic area, so privacy is very limited, especially during peak hours.
Lily Lake Dock Coordinates
Lily Lake Trail Wedding
The Lily Lake Trail allows up for a couple to hold their ceremony anywhere along the 0.8 mile loop around the lake. Up to 20 people and 5 vehicles are allowed year-round. Ceremonies must not block the trail, and visitors will likely be passing by. The best place to hold a ceremony along the trail is the “pull-off” area with benches, which offers more privacy. This permit does not allow ceremonies at the dock or picnic area.
Lily Lake Trailhead Coordinates
How Much Does a Lily Lake Wedding Cost?
A wedding permit for Lily 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 Lily Lake 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 Lily 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 Lily 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 a Lily Lake Elopement?
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. 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 Lily 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.
- Following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace is highly encouraged to help keep Lily Lake pristine for future visitors!
When Is the Best Time of Year for a Lily Lake Wedding?
A Lily Lake micro wedding is accessible year-round, but each season offers a different experience:
Summer
Mid-June through Early September
Lush greenery, wildflowers, and warm temperatures, but the busiest time of year.
Winter
Mid-November through February
A quiet, snowy landscape with breathtaking mountain views, but be prepared for cold temperatures and icy conditions.
FalL
Mid-September through early November
Stunning golden aspens, cooler weather, and fewer crowds once the leaves have fallen.
Spring
March through May
Unpredictable weather with lingering snow, but fewer visitors and emerging greenery.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Get Married at Lily Lake?
Sunrise and late afternoon are the best times for a ceremony at Lily Lake. Mornings offer the most privacy and calmest water reflections, while the evening brings golden light on the mountains. Midday tends to be the busiest time, especially on weekends.
How Do You Get Married at Lily Lake?
- Choose Your Date – Consider the season and typical weather conditions for the time of year.
- Apply for Your Lily 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 Lily Lake Wedding
A little preparation can make your elopement stress-free and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips for your day at Lily Lake:
Explore more of the park!
Before or after your ceremony at Lily 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 during your Rocky Mountain wedding. Check out our guide to the best locations to explore!
Be ready for unpredictable weather.
Conditions at Lily 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.
Lily Lake sits at almost 9,000 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 Lily 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
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.
Opt for a weekday Lily Lake elopement to avoid crowds.
Lily Lake is extremely popular, and weekends can be busy. A weekday elopement will offer more privacy and a quieter experience.
Arrive early to secure parking.
Because Lily Lake is outside of the main park entrances, the parking lot fills up quickly. Be sure to add extra time to find parking if getting married during peak visiting times!
Bring traction devices for your shoes.
In the winter, snow and ice can make the trails around Lily Lake extremely slippery. It’s a good idea to bring traction devices like Yaktrax for your shoes. These will help keep you steady and safe as you walk to your ceremony spot.
Lily 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
Ali & Tom
Tony & Laura
Paige & Braden
Lydia & Braxton
Lily 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:
Lily Lake Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Lily 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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