Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding & Elopement Guide
Posted On | March 24, 2025
Tucked in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, a Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding offers a stunning, natural setting for an intimate ceremony. Surrounded by towering peaks, meadows, and wildlife, it’s an ideal spot for couples looking for a peaceful, scenic location to exchange vows. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding.
Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding Venue Quick Facts
Why Couples Love Moraine Park Amphitheater
Moraine Park Amphitheater is one of the few ceremony sites in the park where both dogs and arches are allowed and seating is provided! It also tends to be one of the most private ceremony sites in 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
Due to the amphitheater’s stone steps, this location is not ideal for people with mobility concerns
Restrooms
Only available when the Moraine Park Discovery Center is open
Moraine Park Amphitheater Coordinates
Where is Moraine Park Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding venue is located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, just a short drive from the Beaver Meadows Entrance near Estes Park. Nestled in a scenic valley, the amphitheater is surrounded by tall, lush evergreens.
This location is ideal for couples who would like to include their pup or have seating provided for their guests! The Amphitheater features 30+ benches arranged in a semi-circle, with stone steps leading down a center aisle. The “stage” itself is a dirt-packed, flat area nestled among the trees. To get there, you’ll walk a trail that includes 16 uneven stone steps followed by an uphill path that’s partially paved.
Moraine Park Amphitheater Coordinates
How much does it cost for a Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding?
A wedding permit for Moraine Park Amphitheater 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 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 Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding?
It depends! From mid-May to mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a Timed Entry+ Reservation from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for locations inside the Bear Lake Corridor, including the Moraine Park Amphitheater.
- If you have a wedding permit, it acts as your reservation starting two hours before your ceremony and for the rest of the day.
- If you’re taking photos only at Moraine Park Amphitheater during the timed entry period, you will need to reserve a spot in advance.
Check RMNP’s website for the most up-to-date information on their timed entry system.
What are the rules for getting married at Moraine Park Amphitheater?
Rocky Mountain National Park micro weddings have a few guidelines to help preserve the natural beauty of the area and ensure a smooth experience for everyone:
- Weddings must take place at designated ceremony sites, like the Moraine Park Amphitheater. Ceremonies are not allowed outside of these areas, even for small, private vow exchanges.
- The total number of attendees, including the couple, guests, and vendors, cannot exceed 30.
- The site is not available for exclusive use, so expect other visitors to be nearby. However, most park-goers are respectful and give couples their space, and the amphitheater itself tends to be pretty private!
- Drones are prohibited anywhere within the park.
- Moraine Park Amphitheater is one of the few ceremony locations in the park where dogs ARE allowed! If you are planning on including your pup, be sure they are leashed at all times, and that you clean up after them.
- Moraine Park Amphitheater is also one of the few places where decorations and arches are permitted. However, the scattering of any materials (including rice, confetti, and birdseed) is still prohibited. Be sure to clean up anything that you bring to the site when you are finished.
- As part of your celebration, it’s encouraged to follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to help keep RMNP looking beautiful for future visitors!
When is the best time of Year for a Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding?
Moraine Park Amphitheater is a wonderful spot for a wedding year-round, with each season offering something unique.
Summer
Mid-June through Early September
This is the most popular time for weddings at Moraine Park. You can expect warm days, lush green meadows, and a variety of wildflowers. However, afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so be prepared for changing weather.
Winter
Mid-November through February
If you’re seeking a peaceful, winter wonderland, this is a great time to consider Moraine Park. The snow-capped peaks and serene atmosphere are perfect for a cozy elopement. However, temperatures can be quite cold, and some services may be limited. The amphitheater does NOT get shoveled, so there may be snow present on both the ground and the benches.
Fall
Fall is a stunning time to elope here, with cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors. The park tends to be less crowded during this time, and snow may start to appear in the higher elevations by early October.
Spring
March through May
Spring can be unpredictable, with snow lingering into April. However, it’s the least crowded time in the park, offering a quieter, more private experience. Just be aware that conditions can change quickly in the spring months. Just like in winter, the amphitheater does NOT get shoveled, so there may be snow present on both the ground and the benches.
What is the best time of day to get married at Moraine Park Amphitheater?
The best time to elope at Moraine Park is in the late afternoon or early evening, as the amphitheater faces west. This means you’ll get the most beautiful lighting during the golden hours of the day, creating a romantic, soft glow for photos. If you’re an early riser, sunrise also offers stunning light and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
How do you get married at Moraine Park Amphitheater?
- Choose Your Date – Consider the season and weather when selecting your date, as conditions can vary throughout the year.
- Apply for Your Moraine Park Amphitheater 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 the terrain, as it can be uneven, especially during winter or spring. Wear comfortable footwear, and dress for the weather.
- Get Your Marriage License – Pick it up at any Clerk and Recorder’s office in Colorado. Learn more here.
Top Tips for Your Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding
A little preparation can make your wedding day stress-free and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips for your wedding at Moraine Park Amphitheater:
Explore more of the park!
Before or after your ceremony at Moraine Park Amphitheater, take some time to visit other scenic spots in RMNP. It’s a great way to capture even more stunning photos and experience the park’s diversity. Check out our guide to the best locations to explore!
Be ready for changing weather.
As you plan your national park wedding, remember that the weather in RMNP can shift rapidly, so be prepared for anything! Bring layers and keep an eye on the forecast to ensure you’re comfortable no matter the conditions.
Acclimate to the altitude.
Moraine Park sits at around 8,200 feet, so if you’re coming from a lower elevation, allow yourself 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.
Keep an eye on wildlife.
Moraine Park is a wildlife haven, so you may encounter elk, deer, or even moose. Stay alert and keep a safe distance from any animals.
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 Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding.
If you’re looking for more privacy, a weekday ceremony can help you avoid crowds and give you a more relaxed experience!
Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
The high-altitude sun is strong, even on cloudy days, so sunscreen is a must. In the warmer months, mosquitoes and other bugs can be a nuisance, so pack some bug spray to stay comfortable.
Moraine Park Amphitheater 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
Alexa & Jason
Tom & Ali
Paige & Braden
Lydia & Braxton
Moraine Park Amphitheater 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:
Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Moraine Park Amphitheater 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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