The Ultimate Estes Park Wedding Guide:
Getting married in Estes Park is a dream for many couples who love the great outdoors and breathtaking mountain scenery. Whether you're planning a large celebration or an intimate elopement, our Estes Park wedding guide will walk you through everything you need to know to have a perfect wedding here.
Why Choose Estes Park for Your Wedding?
Estes Park is one of the most sought after wedding destinations in the United States, offering:
- Stunning views of the Rocky Mountains
- A variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues
- Year-round beauty with distinct seasonal charm
- Plenty of accommodations for guests
- A romantic, adventure-friendly setting for elopements and weddings
Best Wedding Venues in Estes Park
1. Taharaa Mountain Lodge: A cozy mountain retreat that provides a romantic atmosphere for weddings of all sizes.
2. Della Terra Mountain Chateau: A luxurious, private wedding venue with breathtaking scenery and exceptional service.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP): For adventure-loving couples, RMNP offers stunning locations for elopements and intimate ceremonies.
4. Black Canyon Inn: Estes Park's premier wedding venue offering two separate venues. A rustic yet elegant location with incredible views and a dedicated event team.
How to Get a Marriage License in Estes Park
To legally get married in Estes Park, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder’s Office in Estes Park or Fort Collins.
2. Bring valid identification (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate).
3. Pay the $30 marriage license fee.
4. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 35 days.
Best Time of Year for an Estes Park Wedding
Each season offers something unique:
- Spring (April–June): Fresh greenery, wildflowers, mild weather.
- Summer (July–August): Warm temperatures, longer daylight hours, great for outdoor weddings.
- Fall (September–October): Golden aspens, cooler weather, fewer crowds.
- Winter (November–March): Snowy mountain backdrops, cozy indoor venues.
Every Season is Perfect for an Estes Park Wedding
No matter what time of year you choose, Estes Park offers a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding, each season bringing its own unique charm. Spring (April–June) is a dream for couples who love lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, with cool, crisp mountain air making outdoor ceremonies refreshing. Summer (July–August) provides the most vibrant scenery, long daylight hours, and warm weather, perfect for outdoor adventure weddings in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want golden aspens and cooler temperatures, fall (September–October) is an unbeatable choice, with vibrant autumn colors making for stunning photography. Finally, winter (November–March) turns Estes Park into a romantic, snowy wonderland, ideal for cozy, intimate weddings with snowy peaks as your backdrop. Whether you envision a sunny summer mountaintop ceremony or a magical winter elopement, Estes Park is a year-round wedding destination that caters to every couple’s dream.
Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Estes Park Wedding
- Book Early: Popular venues fill up fast, especially for summer and fall weddings.
- Plan for Altitude: Estes Park is over 7,500 feet above sea level; remind guests to hydrate and acclimate.
- Have a Backup Plan: If you're having an outdoor wedding, prepare for unpredictable weather.
- Work with Local Vendors: Hiring a local photographer, florist, and planner ensures your wedding runs smoothly.
1. Sprague Lake
Why It’s Great: Sprague Lake is one of the most popular wedding photography spots in RMNP. It offers a serene, reflective lake with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The short, flat trail makes it accessible for all guests, and there’s a wooden dock that provides a perfect setting for intimate portraits.
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise is magical here, with soft light and mountain reflections on the water. Fall brings golden aspens, while winter offers a snow-covered wonderland.
Accessibility: Super easy! A flat, half-mile loop makes this location ideal for couples and guests of all ages.
2. Bear Lake
Why It’s Great: Bear Lake is an iconic destination with stunning alpine scenery. It’s surrounded by towering pine trees and offers breathtaking views of Hallett Peak. This location is especially beautiful in autumn when golden aspen trees reflect on the lake’s surface.
Best Time for Photos: Early morning or late evening for soft lighting. It gets very crowded, so plan a sunrise session for a more intimate feel.
Accessibility: Easy—just a short walk from the parking lot. However, it’s a high-traffic area, so visiting in the off-season or early in the day is recommended.
3. Dream Lake
Why It’s Great: This location is perfect for couples looking for a little adventure. A short but rewarding hike leads to one of the most picturesque lakes in RMNP, with crystal-clear waters reflecting dramatic mountain peaks.
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise is unbeatable, as the lake is often still and mirror-like. In the winter, the lake freezes over, offering unique ice-filled backdrops.
Accessibility: Moderate 2.2-mile round-trip hike with a gradual incline. It’s a manageable trek for adventurous couples but not ideal for large wedding parties.
4. Emerald Lake
Why It’s Great: A step beyond Dream Lake, Emerald Lake offers an even more dramatic landscape with jagged peaks surrounding the area. The setting is pristine, and fewer crowds make for peaceful, uninterrupted photography sessions.
Best Time for Photos: Morning is best for natural lighting and avoiding midday crowds. Late summer is ideal for wildflowers, and winter snow creates a magical scene.
Accessibility: Moderate 3.6-mile round-trip hike, but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views.
5. Moraine Park
Why It’s Great: If you want a vast, open valley with unobstructed mountain views, Moraine Park is the perfect spot. It’s also home to abundant wildlife, including elk herds that make for epic, nature-filled wedding shots.
Best Time for Photos: Sunset and golden hour create a warm, glowing atmosphere. Fall is especially beautiful with golden meadows and rutting elk in the background.
Accessibility: Easy—drive-up access with various pull-off spots for photos.
6. Trail Ridge Road
Why It’s Great: If you’re dreaming of mountaintop wedding photos, Trail Ridge Road takes you above the tree line to breathtaking alpine tundra landscapes. The expansive views and dramatic cliffs make for unforgettable wedding portraits.
Best Time for Photos: Sunset creates stunning alpenglow lighting on the peaks. However, mid-morning can be great for clearer skies.
Accessibility: Drive-up access with multiple overlook points, but beware of strong winds and unpredictable weather! The road is only open from late May to October due to snowfall.
7. Lily Lake
Why It’s Great: A peaceful, accessible location with stunning mountain reflections and calm waters, Lily Lake is perfect for couples seeking an intimate, nature-filled setting. There’s even a small dock that makes for a perfect ceremony or first-look spot.
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise and sunset for soft lighting. Fall brings golden aspens, while winter offers a snow-covered scene.
Accessibility: Super easy—a flat, half-mile trail surrounds the lake, making it a great choice for all wedding guests.
8. The Alluvial Fan
Why It’s Great: This dramatic location features cascading waterfalls over boulders, making for a unique and adventurous photography setting. The rushing water adds a dynamic touch to wedding portraits.
Best Time for Photos: Early morning or late afternoon for best lighting. Spring and summer offer the strongest water flow.
Accessibility: Short, easy trail with minimal incline, making it accessible for most couples and guests.
9. Upper Beaver Meadows
Why It’s Great: This hidden gem is an open meadow with breathtaking mountain views. It’s ideal for elopements or intimate ceremonies, providing a secluded and peaceful setting.
Best Time for Photos: Sunset for warm, golden light. In the summer, wildflowers bloom, adding a pop of color.
Accessibility: Easy—accessible by car with minimal walking required.
10. Glacier Gorge
Why It’s Great: This location offers a variety of scenic spots, including waterfalls, rocky landscapes, and forests. The mix of textures and lighting creates a diverse and dynamic wedding album.
Best Time for Photos: Late afternoon for warm lighting and soft shadows.
Accessibility: Moderate hike, but easier trails available depending on your desired photo locations.
Things to Keep in Mind When Planning RMNP Wedding Photos
- Photography Permit Required: If you plan to take professional photos of an actual wedding in RMNP, you’ll need a photography permit. Be sure to check with the National Park Service to secure the necessary permissions.
- Weather & Altitude Considerations: The weather in Estes Park and RMNP can change rapidly, so be prepared with layers. Higher elevations mean cooler temperatures, even in summer.
- Timing is Everything: The best lighting for photos is at evening or sunset. Midday light is harsh, and certain locations (like Bear Lake) get crowded quickly, so plan your day accordingly!
- Be Ready for Adventure: Some of the most breathtaking spots require a bit of a hike, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a little adventure to get those unforgettable shots! You can even wear your hiking gear then change once we all arrive at the destination!
Thank you for visiting our Estes Park Wedding Guide, we hope it helps you create a beautiful time here in our beautiful home town!
