The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Estes Park
Fondly referred to as the “gateway to the Rockies”, Estes Park is truly a gem. While most folks head directly into Rocky Mountain National Park for their elopement, Estes Park is such a sweet place to kick off your nuptials. This quaint small town is a unique Colorado elopement location if you’re on the search for an “off the beaten path” kinda place. With its endless views, small town charm, and modern accommodations, the ultimate guide to eloping in Estes Park is a pretty straightforward one! So without further ado, let’s just get into it.
Eloping in Estes Park | Chuck and Shiloh
As a Colorado Springs wedding and elopement photography and videography team, my husband and I have been lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time exploring throughout Colorado. And while I’m yet to find a place in this beautiful state that isn’t absolutely stunning, there’s just something about being in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located just 90 minutes from the Denver International Airport, Estes Park is accessible for locals and visitors alike. Folks are drawn to the area for the dramatic landscape, jagged cliffs, wildlife, alpine lakes, and a whole plethora of activities to indulge in.
When it comes to eloping anywhere, there are a few steps to take to ensure a stress-free planning process. From putting together a vision board (or Pinterest board), budgeting, getting legal, and more. Wherever you’re at on your elopement planning journey, I’m so glad you’re here. As your newly appointed, certified elopement planning buddy, you deserve to feel 100% prepared to make your dreams a reality.
How to Plan an Elopement | Estes Park Elopement Photographer
I’m a firm believer in celebrating life’s moments - the big, the small, the in-between… you get it. Being engaged is such a joyful season in life, and one that so many of us spend what feels like an eternity longing for. So you can bet that I’m of the belief that the first step in wedding or elopement planning is CELEBRATING! I want to encourage you to just sit in the season of being a fiancé and use that word to death. Pop some champagne, wear all-white, get your nails done, and take tons of photos.
Once you’ve spent a good chunk of time celebrating the fact that you get to spend your life with your person, you’ll feel even more excited hopping into elopement planning.
Dream with your partner
Whether your partner anticipates being involved with elopement planning or not, there’s something so special about sitting down to just envision your day together. This is a fun date night idea, too! Order in some pizza, sip some wine, and break out your laptop or tablet. It’s as easy as creating a Pinterest board and pinning any images that speak to you. Whether that be bridal portraits, locations, wedding dresses, florals, etc.
list your non-negotiables
If you’re not familiar with this term in elopement planning, it’s literally just as it sounds. Individually, make a list of what aspects of your day are absolutely not negotiable. Maybe you absolutely need to have your parents present for your ceremony. Or maybe you absolutely need to spend the morning of your elopement going for a stroll together before getting all dolled up. Flowers might be important to you or location might be the driving factor.
You’ll notice that this step is intentionally placed before setting a budget; once you and your partner see your non-negotiables listed out, it’ll be easier to allocate your budget to fit your vision.
set a budget
Many couples opt for an elopement because it’s typically more affordable than a traditional wedding. However, it is imperative to note that elopements can absolutely be more expensive than a traditional wedding. Even if you’re planning an elopement just two states away, it could still end up being more expensive than an elopement on the other side of the world. Budgeting for your elopement is all going to come down to what your non-negotiables are.
As a couple, decide how much money you are comfortable allocating towards your elopement. If family has expressed that they plan to contribute, figure out that information in order to get a true grasp at the funds you’re working with. From there, start allocating based on your non-negotiables list. How much money are you willing to spend on traveling and accommodations? Are you covering any travel costs for guest (if you’re having any)?
As funds are allocated, you might notice that there are some things on your list that might have to be adjusted in order to meet other needs. While you have your eye on a dress by a certain designer, is there a similar dress you could wear that looks similar for a fraction of the price? Are there any things on your list that you could save some money on if you did it yourself? You can save within your budget by designing and printing your own paper goods, creating your own bouquet, doing your own beauty, etc. Again, elopement budgeting really comes down to what you’re willing to spend vs. save on.
choose your location + date
Disclaimer: As an elopement photographer, many couples choose to book their elopement vendors before deciding on a location. This is completely dependent on your priorities. If you aren’t too particular on photos, you might find yourself searching for photographers local to your elopement location. Alternatively, if photos are a top priority, you may find yourself needing to pay for accommodations or travel for your photographer to travel to your elopement location.
Deciding on a location goes hand-in-hand with selecting a wedding date. You’ll need to consider weather, tourist season, accessibility, and budget. The best weather frequently is also smushed into tourist season, which hikes up the price or accommodations and vendors. To have the “best of both worlds”, consider eloping during shoulder-season to avoid the steep prices while still enjoying desirable weather.
Another factor to take into consideration when choosing your elopement location and date would be how accessible the area will be. Not only for guests who may be partaking in the festivities, but also for any vendors you may want to utilize. Extremely remote locations may be limited in vendor options, which increases their service rates as well.
hire additional vendors + make Reservations
While I might be slightly biased, I highly recommend hiring an elopement photographer early on in your elopement planning process. From finding hidden-gem locations for photos, to walking you through the permitting process, an elopement expert will come in clutch throughout the planning process.
Once you have your location and date solidified, start hiring other vendors and arranging travel and accommodations. Some elopement vendors to consider to complete your vision include videographers, florists, officiants, caterers, etc. I would also recommend booking any activities or excursions at this time. Do your research, purchase tickets, and make reservations.
How to Legally Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the biggest components of planning an elopement is obtaining the proper licensures and permits. It may seem intimidating to travel to an unfamiliar destination and have to figure out the legal aspects of eloping. While this stress can certainly be mitigated by hiring an elopement planner early on, you can absolutely navigate the legal processes.
For any Colorado elopement, you need to obtain a marriage license from the state of Colorado. Head to any county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license (or apply online). Sort out which county you’ll be obtaining your license from ahead of time, so that you are aware of their specific hours and/or requirements. Both you and your partner will need to provide proper photo identification, your Social Security Number, and where the city and state that your parents were born in. The cost of a marriage license is $30.
If you are eloping in Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park, and plan to obtain your marriage license nearby, you can find more information on Larimer County HERE. But again, any county clerk will be able to help you!
Fun fact: Colorado is a self-solemnization state, which means you don’t need an officiant!
Where to Elope in Estes Park | Colorado Wedding Videographer
Once you’ve sorted out all the early steps of eloping in Estes Park, you’re able to finally get down into the nitty gritty (and most exciting part of elopement planning). While Estes Park is technically located within Rocky Mountain National Park, there are an endless number of elopement locations to choose from. Whether you and your honey are eloping solely as a couple, or you plan to have an intimate guest list, you will want to take these factors into consideration when narrowing down your Estes Park elopement location. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up of some of my favorite Estes Park elopement locations.
The Estes Park Resort
Spoiler alert: just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on location. For some couples, eloping means having an epic ceremony atop a mountain. Whereas other couples may just want an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest people, while enjoying modern amenities. The Estes Park Resort hits the latter on the head. With endless views of the Rockies, an open air pavilion perched on a lake, and accommodations within, you can soak up quality time with all your favorite people here!
Image courtesy of Visit Estes Park
Sylvan Dale Ranch
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Estes Park, Sylvan Dale Ranch brings a modern twist to the western, rustic charm of a Colorado wedding. Offering all-inclusive packages, Sylvan Dale Ranch makes eloping almost too easy! With on-site lodging, breakfast provided, two sprawling outdoor ceremony locations, event coordination, and on-site catering, you and your guests can enjoy a sweet mountain retreat.
Image courtesy of Sylvan Dale Ranch
Della terra mountain chateau
Perched along the Fall River, Della Terra is the picture of romance and elegance. If you can’t get married in a castle, this is pretty dang close. This venue is perfect for a 2 day elopement, with one day being a destination wedding kinda vibe. Imagine spending 1 day just as a couple exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The next day could be spent surrounded by your loved ones, indulging in delicious food, and toasting champagne. Another “best of both worlds” situation.
Image courtesy of Visit Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Locations
You know I couldn’t not include some magical elopement locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, right?! Before I share my little list, I do want to stress the importance of obtaining a Special Use Permit for your elopement. Rocky Mountain National Park only allows 6 weddings per day, and only 2 per day at each location.
It is imperative that you apply for a Special Use Permit as soon as possible; the permit costs $250 and can be purchased up to one year before your elopement date. Before applying, you will need to know how many guests will be in attendance (which includes your photographers, videographers, officiants, etc.). When eloping in a national park, you also need to be aware that you will not have exclusive rights to a site. If privacy is important to you, a national park elopement (especially within Rocky Mountain National Park) may not be right for you.
3M Curve —
Easily accessible
15 people maximum
Mixed terrain featuring large rock outcrop, meadows, mountain views, and moraines
Image courtesy of National Park Service
Upper Beaver Meadows —
Restroom access
60 people maximum
Large open meadows with views of the Continental Divide
Image courtesy of National Park Service
Alluvial Fan Bridge —
Restrooms nearby
20 people maximum
Waterfront features surrounded by Aspen trees
Image courtesy of National Park Service
Lily Lake Dock —
Restroom access
Wheelchair accessible
10 people maximum
360 degree mountain views paired with a clear blue lake
Image courtesy of National Park Service
Hidden Valley —
Restroom access
Wheelchair accessible
30 people maximum
Mixed terrain featuring towering Aspens, summer wildflower fields, a wooden foot bridge, and mountain views
Image courtesy of National Park Service
Where to Stay in Estes Park
If you’re not staying in a lodge or on a property like the ones mentioned above, have no fear! There is no shortage of beautiful, charming accommodations within and nearby Estes Park. Whether you like to rough it, or you’d prefer a soft bed to snuggle up in at night, there’s no shortage of lodging options.
Cozy Tiny Cabin Retreat
With space for just two, this is a sweet place to call your “home away from home”. Cozy on up with your honey, soak in a private hot tub, and enjoy this quaint tiny home in Larimer County. With views of the river, you’ll enjoy sipping morning coffee on the patio, reminiscing on your relationship, and looking forward to the future ahead.
Diamond Retreat
With room for up to 8 guests, this modern home in Estes Park is an incredible basecamp for an elopement. With exposed beams, a wood-burning stove, and endless mountain charm, this space would be the perfect place to start getting ready before heading into Rocky Mountain National Park for your ceremony.
Johnny Horns Luxury Retreat
Another Estes Park gem, located just 2 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park’s entrance. With room for 8 guests, you’ll enjoy soaking up every second of being immersed in nature, without sacrificing on some luxury. Between the stunning mountain views, cozy fire pit, deep soaker tub, and vaulted ceilings, you won’t want to leave.
Fall River Condo
This charming condo is a sweet place to rest before gearing up for an incredible adventurous elopement. Although this home has space for 4 guests, it’d be the perfect place for just you and your boo. The outdoor patio is situated on the river’s edge and looks about as peaceful as a place as any! Start your honeymoon off on the right foot in this rustic gem.
Estes Park Elopement Activities
10/10 recommend including an activity or two on your elopement day. Whether you and your partner are super adventurous or are just looking for a fun activity to fill your day, your only issue will be not having enough time to fit everything in!
Here are some elopement activities to consider near Rocky Mountain National Park:
Hiking
Wildlife viewing
Horseback riding
Fishing
Snowshoeing
Rock climbing
Stargazing
Whitewater rafting
If adrenaline isn’t your best friend, Estes Park offers small-town charm that will leave you feeling relaxed. There’s nothing better than grabbing a coffee before browsing the shops downtown. Or head to one of the many spas in the area to pamper yourselves before heading to a romantic dinner.
Colorado Elopement Planning Resources
Now that you’ve got your ULTIMATE Guide to eloping in Estes Park in tow, you’re ready to get to planning. Whether you plan on just passing through Estes Park on your way to your Rocky Mountain National Park, or you plan to take in the charm of the town, you will have a stunning backdrop for your “I Do’s”. Happy planning friend! Now, go get hitched!!
Be sure to check out the blog for some of our recent musings, elopement planning tips, and more. And of course, stay tuned to our Instagram (@chuckandshiloh) for behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, and our latest adventures with Hoka! Thanks for being here — until next time, deuces.
