So, you’re dreaming about eloping in Estes Park? Ahh, I’m so excited for you! You’re definitely in for something special. As a local Colorado elopement photographer who actually got married here myself, I can tell you firsthand about just how amazing this place is. It’s one of the top wedding destinations in Colorado (and the entire U.S.!), and it’s less than an hour from my home, so I’m in this area all the time helping couples plan the most incredible, personal elopement days.
From the sweeping mountain views to the charming local spots, this little mountain town is packed with beauty, intention, and so many unique ways to celebrate your love. Whether you’re hiking to a mountaintop, soaking in a quiet moment by a lake, or grabbing ice cream downtown after saying your vows, Estes Park is full of options for the intentional, adventure-filled, meaningful day you deserve.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to elope in Estes Park!
My Favorite Estes Park Elopement Locations
There’s no shortage of stunning places to say your vows in Estes Park. If you choose me as your elopement photographer, I’ll help you find THE perfect location for you based on how you envision your day. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite spots!
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
Looking for something totally unique? You can literally ride up a mountain for your ceremony. The Estes Tramway offers private event options either in their cozy Tram Haus (up to 60 guests!) or right on Prospect Mountain, surrounded by trees and views. This is such a fun option if you want an adventurous elopement in Colorado!
To inquire about their elopement packages, email them at events@estestram.com!
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
Rocky Mountain National Park is easily one of the most popular wedding destinations in the U.S.—and for good reason. From alpine lakes and scenic overlooks to wildflower meadows, it’s hard to beat the natural beauty here.
To get married in RMNP, you’ll need a wedding permit (currently $300) for one of their designated ceremony 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. You can apply up to a year in advance, and these do book up quickly, especially in summer and fall. Your permit also lets you enter the park 2 hours before your ceremony—no timed entry required!
That said, timed entry is required from May to October if you want to take photos somewhere else in the park (Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, etc.), so plan ahead and grab that timed entry slot here! During these months, RMNP will be crowded, and entrance stations may have long lines. It can vary every day, but I’ve waited in lines as long as an hour to get through an entrance station! Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider using the park’s shuttle service to avoid parking issues and reduce stress, and at the very least, I always recommend carpooling and using as few vehicles as possible.
A few faves from past couples:
- Upper Beaver Meadows for your vows
- Trail Ridge Road for epic portraits (open early summer – early fall)
- Lily Lake for a quiet first dance (or your vows!)
- Bierstadt Lake Trail for fall colors (note: not a ceremony site, but amazing for portraits!)
You can learn more about RMNP’s allowed wedding ceremony locations and permit process here!
And one last tip – be prepared for rapidly changing weather and pack layers. As your Colorado elopement photographer, I’ll help you stalk the forecast and create a backup plan (I’ve been there as a winter bride myself!).
For more tips and information about planning an RMNP elopement, check out my full guide, How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Knoll-Willows Open Space
This open space is super accessible, located right in town near the Stanley Hotel. While you won’t need to apply for a ceremony permit for your elopement, your photographer will need a Larimer County Photography Permit to photograph your elopement here. According to the Larimer County website, a special event permit is only required when attendance will exceed 20 people. It is always best practice to double check the rules before your elopement as they can change at any time!
Knoll-Willows Open Space is also a great spot for a quiet first look or a few portraits, especially if you’re eloping at a venue like Venue on the Rocks nearby. Think mountain views, golden light, and the convenience of being just minutes from everything.
It’s beautiful all year round, but it is the most colorful in summer and fall! You can get an idea about how your elopement could look like in Amy & Rico’s wedding blog – they had their first look here! There is no parking or entrance fee, nor is a reservation required. Also, unfortunately, pups aren’t allowed here, so you’ll have to leave them at home.
Hermit Park Open Space
Just outside RMNP, you can find Hermit Park Open Space, which is a hidden gem for couples looking for a ceremony with epic views. My favorite trail here is Kruger Rock, which I highly recommend. 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. This location is also dog-friendly, so your pups could join in on the fun! They must be leashed at all times, so be sure to get them a cute one and a matching collar so they look their best in photos too.
If you are having an elopement with fewer than 20 total people, your photographer will just need to obtain the Larimer County Photography Permit for your ceremony. You can read all about it here.
Sweetest review from the Hermit Park Open Space Couple – Brogan & Wes
Where do I even begin?! Logan is amazing. She went above and beyond to make our day more special than I could have ever imagined. I saw Logan post on social media that she only had a couple spots left for the remainder of the year, and I immediately messaged her. I have always wanted to elope, and since we were about 2 weeks out from peak fall colors in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, I decided that it was the perfect time! We planned our elopement in its entirety in 12 days – all thanks to Logan and her incredible experience and planning skills.
She was very knowledgeable about the area in general, educating us on the best spots, locations, entry areas and rules about the National Park, you name it! She also did a lot of very thorough research to present different locations to us in our preliminary planning calls. She thought of details that never would have crossed my mind, which speaks volumes of her experience taking photos and working with couples. On the day of, she knew our itinerary by heart, and everything about the day ran so smoothly. Logan loves her job – it was evident when she was taking pictures and working with us. She made us feel so welcome, comfortable, and confident, and we could tell she was having just as much fun as we were. Our photos turned out beautifully, and were returned to us in a little over a month, as per her contract. She is priced very fairly, and executes multiple calls, meetings, and planning stages to make you feel prepared for the day! I would absolutely recommend Logan for any photography needs you have, she is delightful to work with.
Romantic Riversong Inn
This dreamy inn is where I got married in 2021, so it holds a special place in my heart. It’s perfect for couples wanting a cozy, romantic escape. With lush gardens, crackling fireplaces, and rooms that feel like home, it’s ideal for micro-weddings with up to 20 guests. Note: there’s no TV or wifi, so it’s all about quality time!
What to Know Before You Elope in Estes Park
Be Prepared for the Weather
The weather here can be unpredictable, especially in RMNP, where elevation varies dramatically. I always help my couples prep with backup plans, layers, and clear communication around timing. As a winter bride myself, trust me: we plan ahead and roll with it!
Prepare for the Altitude
Estes Park sits at over 7,500 feet, and some ceremony and portrait locations climb even higher. If you’re coming from lower elevations, give yourself a day or two to adjust. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on the first day, and plan a relaxing start to your trip. Altitude can sneak up on you if you’re not ready, and the last thing you want is to feel crummy on your wedding day.
Plan Around Peak Seasons & Traffic
Summer and fall are incredibly popular here, which means more crowds, limited parking, and traffic. I help my couples avoid stress by choosing off-peak times, planning weekday elopements, and carpooling wherever possible.
Leave No Trace
Estes Park is full of protected lands and fragile ecosystems. I’m passionate about helping couples celebrate responsibly—so we always stay on trails, pack out what we bring in, and respect wildlife. Your love can leave a beautiful legacy without leaving a mark.
Book in Advance
Permits and popular venues book up quickly, especially if you’re planning during peak foliage (late September–early October). I recommend booking 6–12 months in advance when possible.
Take Time to Soak It All In
Your elopement day isn’t just about photos—it’s about the experience. I always build intentional breathing room into your timeline so you can actually pause, enjoy the view, and be fully present. Whether that means sipping coffee on your cabin porch in the morning or savoring golden hour together after your vows, you deserve to feel the magic of this place without rushing through the moments!
Where to Stay in Estes Park
When it comes to accommodations for your elopement or weekend celebration, Estes Park has no shortage of beautiful places to stay. Whether you’re looking for something rustic and cozy or elegant and luxurious, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my favorite options for couples and guests:
- The Stanley Hotel – Iconic and historic, with mountain views and a little spooky charm (you might recognize it from The Shining). Great for guests who want a classic Estes experience.
- The Ridgeline Hotel – Modern and family-friendly, right in town with easy access to downtown shops and restaurants.
- The Estes Park Resort – Located right on Lake Estes, offering beautiful views and lakeside luxury.
- The Stanley Hotel Aspire – Adults-only retreat with personalized upscale service and quiet vibes.
- The Inn on Fall River – Tucked away in the trees, this cozy retreat offers riverside cabins and a super romantic atmosphere.
And of course, if you’re eloping at Romantic Riversong Inn, you can stay right on-site! Their charming suites and lush property make it such a dreamy, peaceful place to stay and celebrate. A lot of people also choose to book a private vacation rental through Airbnb or VRBO, or go camping! You definitely have plenty of options!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Estes Park?
Wondering what it actually costs to elope in Estes Park? While every celebration is different, here’s a ballpark estimate to help you plan your budget.
Depending on your chosen location, you may need to pay a permit fee or rent a small venue. You may also need to pay a park entrance fee. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park permits cost $300 and $30 per vehicle for a one-day pass.
You’ll also need a Colorado marriage license, which costs $30 and can be picked up from any county clerk’s office in the state.
Accommodations vary widely—from cozy cabins and charming inns to luxurious resorts—but most couples spend anywhere from $150 to $500+ per night, depending on the season and location.
You may also want to book additional vendors such as a florist, hair and makeup artist, even a private chef, and these costs can also range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on what kind of experience you’re dreaming up. Also, we don’t want to forget your attire! Whether you’re going for a designer gown, a tailored suit, or buying new hiking boots for your mountain adventure, attire can be a meaningful part of your investment, too.
And of course, you’ll want to book your elopement photographer to capture your special day! My elopement collections begin at $2,500 for 4 hours of consecutive coverage and include planning help, vendor recommendations, timeline building, permit guidance, and more. For my couples eloping, I basically double as your wedding planner!
So overall, your total investment for an Estes Park elopement might range from $4,000–$12,000+ depending on your guest count, vendor team, and overall vision.
Estes Park Wedding & Elopement Vendors I Love
Planning an elopement doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Here are some amazing local vendors to help make your day perfect:
Floral Design
- Honey Bloom Florals
- Boulder Blooms
- Four Season Custom Florals
- Parsley and Valentine
- Flower Lover Club
Catering
Wedding Planning
Hair and Makeup
- Bridal Glow Weddings
- Freiya Beauty
- Luis Pizarro
- Estes Park Bridal Company – Local experts in bridal hair and makeup with extensive experience at mountain venues (Megan did my own hair and makeup for my Estes Park wedding in 2021!)
Wedding Cakes and Desserts
- Best One Yet Vegan
- Alyce in Flourland
- Love Emily Bakery
- You Need Pie – Offering delicious pies in a wide array of flavors for couples looking for non-traditional wedding desserts, as well as delicious cakes for more traditional couples (they provided my wedding cake at Romantic Riversong Inn!)
Book Me as Your Estes Park Elopement Photographer
Hey, I’m Logan! I live just an hour from Estes Park and have planned, photographed, and celebrated love stories all around this beautiful area. My elopement packages start at 4 hours because I believe your wedding day deserves so much more than a quick ceremony and a few photos. I’m here to help you dream big, plan intentionally, and soak in every second of your adventure.
From permits to timelines, backup plans to dance parties—I’m with you every step of the way. Let’s make your wedding photos feel like you and celebrate your story in the way it deserves!
Ready to elope in Estes Park? Let’s chat! You can read all about my Estes Park elopement packages here, and then reach out to officially get started!
And if you’re not quite sure if an elopement is the right fit for you, I also have a blog on the best Estes Park wedding venues if you’re considering a more traditional celebration!
