If you love fall foliage and are planning the Colorado fall elopement of your dreams, you’re going to want to keep reading! Brogan and Wes had the ultimate Rocky Mountain fall elopement in Estes Park, Colorado and I will never be over it. I’ve known Brogan for going on 5 years since she was my TA in a meat science course at Texas A&M University and if you had told me then that I would one day be her Colorado elopement photographer, I would have never believed you. She reached out to me just 12 days before their elopement and we pulled off the fall elopement of their dreams! In this post, you’ll find the story of their elopement and helpful information about how to elope in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, including required permits.
Planning a Colorado Fall elopement in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
There are endless beautiful locations to elope in Colorado and I know it can be overwhelming to choose! When Brogan reached out and wanted ‘an epic fall elopement’ and jaw-dropping wedding photos, I knew just the place. Living in Northern Colorado, I am just an hour away from the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park. I am so lucky to spend so much time recreating and working in this beautiful park. RMNP, known for its breathtaking fall foliage, is the most picturesque backdrop for any fall elopement. When we chatted, I presented them with my plan and they were all in! We worked quickly to pull together the final details and itinerary for their day, including 2 of my favorite epic mountain locations in Estes Park that require moderate hiking.
Best Locations to Elope in Estes Park: Choosing the Location for your Colorado Fall Elopement
For their epic Colorado fall elopement, we decided on Hermit Park Open Space for their ceremony, specifically the Kruger Rock trail. With just a 0.6 mile hike, you will reach an enchanting overlook that makes for the perfect place to exchange vows. I would say this trail has a moderate incline and you may need to stop for breaks, especially if you aren’t used to the elevation. If you are having an elopement with less than 20 total people, your photographer will just need to obtain the Larimer County Parks and Open Spaces Special Use Permit for your ceremony. You can read all about it here.
Like a true Rocky Mountain bride, Brogan hiked up the trail in her maroon wedding dress and white cowgirl boots. I’ve never been so impressed! Once we reached the ceremony site, everyone took a few minutes to soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and prepare for the ceremony. Wes and his brother changed into their western-inspired groom and groomsmen attire for the ceremony. Being a professional fiddle player, Wes pulled out his vintage fiddle to play amidst the vibrant fall foliage as Brogan walked down the ‘aisle’ to him. This was such a romantic moment straight out of a fairytale!
Fall Wedding Photos at Hermit Park Open Space
After their ceremony at Hermit Park Open Space, we captured their stunning fall mountain wedding photos in the glorious sunshine! The aspens were literally glowing – I thought I was dreaming! After their formal portraits, Wes continued to play his vintage fiddle for Brogan while we all danced and hummed along. I will never get over this magical moment from their elopement that tied in such a special element of their lives and relationship!
How To Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most popular wedding destinations in Estes Park is Rocky Mountain National Park! Did you know you can get married here for just $300? You can apply up to a year in advance for a wedding permit in the park for one of the designated wedding sites. You will need this permit whether you are eloping with just the 2 of you (plus me!) or with up to 30 of your closest loved ones. Read all about how to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park here. As your Colorado wedding photographer, I’ll help you navigate this!
However, you can take your wedding portraits in Rocky Mountain National Park without a wedding permit, so that’s exactly what we decided to do! You just cannot have your ceremony in the park without a wedding permit. Photographers, as of January 1st, 2024 you no longer need a CUA for portrait photography in RMNP, making it even more accessible for your couples.
Breathtaking Fall Wedding Photos in Estes Park
So, we headed to one of my favorite locations in Rocky for their epic sunset portraits – Bierstadt Lake Trail! While this trail does require some more intensive hiking, the views are beyond worth it. Bierstadt Lake Trail is my all time favorite location to view fall foliage in RMNP. After a hike up some winding switchbacks, you’re greeted with a grand, undisturbed view of the vibrant foliage against the blue mountains. There’s nothing else like this view and luckily, Brogan and Wes were absolutely thrilled with this location!
We took our time getting up the trail with a few stops along the way to 1. rest and 2. capture photos in the foliage at all the best spots! By the time we reached my favorite point of the trail, the sun was starting to set and the sky was glowing with rich hues of orange and pink. The newlyweds spent their first married evening watching the sunset in one of the most epic mountain locations in Colorado. How magical is that? I can’t think of a better way to end this fall elopement!
Estes Park Elopement Photographer
It was Brogan and Wes’ dream to have an incredible fall elopement with peak fall foliage and they definitely got it. As a Colorado wedding photographer, their elopement was everything I myself have ever dreamed of. It was such an honor to work with such a kind and effortlessly in love couple! Together, we truly planned a day that’s authentic to their relationship, which is all I ever want for my couples.
If you’re looking to elope in the Rocky Mountains, I’d love to come along side you! I pour my heart into providing personalized service and ensuring a seamless experience for you because you deserve so much more than just pretty photos. I have a few more openings for 2024 weddings and elopements and am actively booking 2025! If you are looking for your Colorado elopement photographer, I’d love to be yours! You can look through my portfolio and services, then fill out my contact form if anything there resonates with your soul.
