There’s something magical that happens when you elope in Estes Park, Colorado! This peaceful retreat is located at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park with mind-blowing natural beauty — few places have such a wide variety of terrains, environments, and ecological diversity. 

When people consider where to elope in Estes Park, they usually choose somewhere in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is only natural. The town is right next to the park, and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located right at the Estes Park town limits. There are tons of places to explore in Rocky Mountain National Park, and you definitely can’t go wrong if you choose a spot in the park for your Colorado mountain elopement!

Since there are so many amazing spots in Rocky Mountain National Park — and a few incredible alternative locations around Estes Park! — it can sometimes be difficult to choose the location that’s best for you.

I’m sharing the best Rocky Mountain National Park elopement spots plus some alternative venues that are off the beaten path, but still offer an unforgettable elopement experience. Here are the best Estes Park elopement locations!

The Best Places To Elope In Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park

There are tons of incredible spots to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park – SO many that it deserves its own blog post. Fortunately, I’ve written one! Check out this in-depth guide for details on how to plan the perfect Rocky Mountain National Park elopement from beginning to end.

But this blog is just about the best elopement spots, so let’s focus on that for now! Here are some of the can’t-miss spots in Rocky Mountain National Park that are perfect for your Estes Park elopement.

3M Curve

When it comes to choosing where to have your elopement in the Colorado mountains, 3M Curve should be at the top of your list! This location has been my favorite spot for elopement ceremonies in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

It offers an amazing view of the Rockies that’ll leave you breathless – while still being relatively accessible, which I love! 3M Curve isn’t marked on the map but sits just off the main road that runs through the park — which is ideal since you won’t have to deal with a big crowd during your ceremony. 

Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake is one of the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park elopement locations — and for good reason! The lake is surrounded by beautiful forest, and on a clear day, it offers a stunning view of Hallett Peak.

Despite being deep in the mountains, Sprague Lake is surprisingly accessible. It’s also a pretty popular area, so you can expect to share the trail and area with hikers and tourists. 

Bear Lake

This super accessible spot offers extraordinary mountain views right in the heart of the Rockies. Keep in mind that a Bear Lake elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park will take some advanced planning! 

Insider tip: Bear Lake is the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park elopement location, so to manage the crowds the park only permits wedding ceremonies on weekdays — and only between October and May.

Upper Beaver Meadow

If you’re looking for a more private, secluded spot with forests and breathtaking mountains, an Upper Beaver Meadow elopement is definitely worth considering! 

Upper Beaver Meadow gets less foot traffic compared to other areas of the park, so you’ll be able to enjoy more privacy without worrying about being around others.

Good to know: This area has bad road conditions in the winter, so Upper Beaver Meadow is only available for elopement ceremonies from May through October.

There’s So Much More To Explore!

For even more unforgettable elopement locations in Rocky Mountain National Park, check out my in-depth guide here. There’s something for everyone! When you plan a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, the only limit is your imagination.

Estes Park Elopement Locations Beyond Rocky Mountain National Park

Here are some awesome spots around Estes Park that are perfect elopement locations outside of Rocky Mountain National Park!

Roosevelt National Forest

Roosevelt National Forest is a big forest that surrounds the park before you hit RMNP. You drive right through the forest! There are tons of trails and places to go here but since RMNP is right next to it, not many people show it the love it deserves. 

If you’re unable to secure a permit for Rocky Mountain National Park, or just feel like venturing a bit off the beaten path for your Estes Park destination elopement, you should definitely consider eloping somewhere in the Roosevelt National Forest.

Roosevelt National Forest is FULL of hidden gems for elopement ceremonies! It’s not very well known except to locals and people with an in-depth knowledge of the best elopement ceremony locations around Estes Park. This means that there’s very little foot traffic, which means your Roosevelt National Forest elopement will be private and truly special.

Since it’s literally off the beaten path, some of my favorite trails and locations in Roosevelt National Forest involve a little bit of off-roading to get to! For adventurous couples ready for a little adventure, there are many spots to choose from.

The Overlook Chapel

The Overlook Chapel is operated by the YMCA of the Rockies and is hands down one of the most stunning elopement locations in the Estes Park area!

Located on the outskirts of Estes Park — on a mountain that overlooks Rocky Mountain National Park — you’ll have incredible views of the mountains! It’s the perfect spot if your guest list is a little on the larger side (it can accommodate up to 125 guests).

The Overlook Chapel is just 20 minutes from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, so you have the option of having your ceremony at the chapel and then driving into the park for some portraits!

This location is particularly near and dear to my heart since my wife and I had our wedding ceremony here! I’ll never forget the magic of exchanging our vows in full view of mountain peaks stretching to the horizon.

Your Rocky Mountain Adventure Begins Here!

If you’re considering an Estes Park elopement and are ready to start planning the adventure of a lifetime, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch any time and together we can start planning the elopement you’ve always envisioned. 

We’d love to share our expertise as Estes Park elopement photographers to help you choose an unforgettable elopement ceremony venue for an unforgettable day!