The ULTIMATE Guide to Planning your Estes Park Elopement
This guide has everything you need to know about planning an elopement in Estes Park, Colorado, including the best places to elope in Estes Park, Estes Park elopement photography packages, and lots more!
Estes Park elopements are becoming very popular with couples, and for many good reasons! Estes Park is known for its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and being home to The Stanley Hotel. In addition it has a number of beautiful parks and open spaces within the town itself where you can elope. As a small mountain town, you’ll also find adorable lodging and local restaurant options to host your elopement guests or have a celebratory dinner reception.
Best places to elope in Estes Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
People often get confused about the difference between Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is a small town in Colorado. It borders the eastern edge and entrance to one of America’s great national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park. Because of its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town of Estes Park has become a popular place for visitors to stay while visiting the area.
Rocky Mountain National Park has 13 designated ceremony sites where you can have your elopement ceremony. Read more about Rocky Mountain National Park elopements here!
Lily Lake
Lily lake is part of Rocky Mountain National Park; however it is accessed outside of the main entrance to the park on the south side of Estes Park.
Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is another of Rocky Mountain National Park’s designated ceremony locations and is very accessible with beautiful mountain views. There is a flat trail that encircles the lake and makes for a nice walk before or after your ceremony.
3M Curve
3M Curve is located in RMNP as well, and is one of the more popular ceremony locations due to its amazing views.
Airbnb/VRBO
Another fun idea to consider for your elopement would be to rent an Airbnb or VRBO with a great backyard or beautiful views for your elopement. If both privacy and accessibility are important to you, renting a private property is a great choice! Of course, always make sure to check with the owners about your plans before booking your property. Check out this post for more information on renting a Colorado Airbnb as your elopement venue.
Chat with your photographer about hidden gems for your elopement
Estes Park and the surrounding area has many more hidden gems that are perfect for an elopement as they are much less crowded than the more well-known areas. Location assistance is included with all of my Estes Park elopement packages! Get in touch for more info!
Getting your marriage license for your Estes Park elopement
How to get your marriage license in Colorado
The process for getting your marriage license in Colorado is very simple.
You will need to go to a County Clerk and Recorder’s office. You can go to any county’s office in the state, regardless of where you are getting married.
Although some counties allow you to start the application online, you must complete the process in person.
There is no waiting period to get married in Colorado, so you can use it the same day you get it. However, keep in mind that these offices follow typical government office hours and holidays. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 4:30/5 P.M.
The process is very quick! It will usually only take about 20 to 30 minutes and you should not need an appointment.
You must use the license within 35 days of applying for it. Then it must be completed and filed back with the County Clerk and Recorder’s office within 63 days from the date of the wedding. You can either mail it back in, or return it physically to the same location.
What do I need to bring?
- $30 (most counties accept cash, check, or credit card)
- Valid form of identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license, military I.D.), including proof of age
- Social security numbers
If I live elsewhere, should I get my marriage license in Colorado?
If you are getting married in Colorado, you should obtain your marriage license in Colorado rather than your home state if you live elsewhere. This is because very few states allow you to apply for a marriage license, have your ceremony in another state, and then return home to file the license.
The reverse is also true. If you live in Colorado, but want to have your ceremony in another state, you should apply for your marriage license in the state where you’re having your ceremony. Colorado requires you to sign your marriage license within the state.
Choosing when to elope in Estes Park
Season
There really isn’t a bad time of year to elope in Estes Park! You’ll want to consider the type of scenery you want, as well as the specific location where you want to elope. For example, there are certain areas or mountain passes that are closed during the winter (which may last from October through June here!), including Trail Ridge Road.
The summers in Colorado are a personal favorite! I love all the wildflowers and how the mornings are still cool in the mountains. It’s also nice to have all your location options available when all of the trails and passes are open and accessible!
Fall is also a beautiful time in Estes Park. Usually in mid to late September the leaves will start to change colors, and the fall foliage in certain areas is really stunning.
Winter is also gorgeous in Estes Park if you can tough out the cold! All of the snow makes it a winter wonderland.
Finally there’s Spring, when the temperatures are starting to warm up and the crowds are starting to dissipate after ski season. You’ll want to keep in mind that Spring is very unpredictable. If you’re not from Colorado it may surprise you to hear that Estes Park sometimes sees snow days as late as June! The melting snow can also make certain trails very muddy!
Weekend/Weekday
Because of the popularity of many Estes Park locations, I always recommend a weekday elopement if at all possible. It will offer you significantly less crowds and more privacy than a weekend elopement.
Time of day
Equally as important as choosing a weekday elopement over a weekend elopement, is choosing a time of day that will offer you the best chance of privacy.
Early mornings are by far the best time to elope if seclusion is important to you. If you can’t make a morning elopement work for you two, evenings are generally the next best time.
Where to have your Estes Park elopement reception
Here are a few different options you have for celebrating your Estes Park elopement, whether that be just the two of you or with others.
Picnic
A picnic at a local park is always a great option for celebrating your elopement, especially if you’re planning to celebrate your elopement with friends and family.
Some popular parks near Estes Park include Bond Park and Performance Park.
Restaurant
Another option would be to make a reservation at a nearby restaurant for your reception. Many restaurants have a private event space option. You could also consider having your reception at a nearby distillery or craft brewery!
Private Chef/Catering
Finally, if you love good food but want more privacy to celebrate your marriage, consider hiring a local private chef or ordering catering. This is a great option if you’re renting an Airbnb or VRBO in the area.
Lodging in Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park elopement packages
I’m more than just a photographer…I’m here to help you have the best day ever!
Based on my experience, especially with elopements and microweddings, couples need more than just a photographer.
Unlike with a traditional wedding, you may not have a venue coordinator or wedding planner helping you think through logistics, locations, or all the little details that really add up!
I don’t just show up and take photos on your day. I’ll be here for you every step of the way.
I know you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking a photographer. What makes me different is that my number one goal is to be here for YOU–not just as your elopement photographer… but as your elopement partner to help you create the epic day your love story deserves!
All of my Estes Park Elopement Packages include:
- Elopement & Micro wedding VIP Planning Guide exclusively for Wild and Found couples
- Questionnaires to help you through the planning process
- Personalized location assistance
- Local vendor recommendations
- Logistics help and a custom timeline
- Gear and day-of checklists customized for your day
- More one-on-one planning help
- Assistance with wedding permit if needed
- Cost of photo permit included
- An entire gallery of edited, high-resolution images great for printing, PLUS websize images ideal for posting to social media
- The rights to print, share, and download all of your images
- A sneak peek of 5 images with 48 hours
- PLUS a 20% off discount on prints, albums, canvas art, etc. for your first order
2-Day Estes Park Elopement Package
Can’t decide between a “just us” celebration, or a day with friends and family? Have both!
Includes 12 hours of photo coverage, split over 2 days.
Travel throughout all of Colorado included!
8 Hour Estes Park Elopement Package
Our most popular package–for capturing memories of your entire elopement day
Includes 8 hours of photo coverage.
Travel throughout all of Colorado included!
4 Hour Estes Park Elopement Package
A great choice for simple elopements at accessible locations or for short hikes.
Includes 4 hours of photo coverage.
Travel throughout all of Colorado included!
2 Hour Estes Park Elopement Package
When something short and sweet will do!
Includes 2 hours of photo coverage.
Available only for “just us” elopements (no guests) on Mondays through Thursdays within 2 hours of Denver.
Bookable up to 2 months in advance.
Are you planning an Estes Park elopement or microwedding?
I’m more than just a photographer. Helping couples create their dream day is what I do best!
Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision!
Or check out more elopement planning resources…
Hi I’m Kim, a Denver, Colorado based photographer specializing in Adventure Elopements in Colorado and worldwide! Photographing couples on the most special day of their lives is a true honor for me. But I’ve made it my mission to take it one step further than that. When you work with me, you’re getting more than just a photographer. I’m here to help you with all of the planning resources you need to have the most amazing elopement day ever! That includes everything from assistance with location ideas, timeline planning, and lots more free resources. So you can forget the work, and focus on having fun!
