If you’ve made the decision to elope (go you two!), you need to make sure it’s somewhere memorable, beautiful, and fits perfectly with your relationship. There are few places in the world that can make you feel as though you’ve escaped into your very own fantasy wonderland – and won’t cost you an arm and a leg in the process! Today, I’m going to tell you about one such place that’s very close to my heart and let you in on 5 beautiful places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park!

If you aren’t too sure whether it’s right for you, I guarantee you that this place has something for everyone, and will perfectly compliment the love that you two share. Let me be your guide as we explore the incredible locations that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer for your portrait photos after the ceremony!

FYI: These stunning locations are perfect for capturing INCREDIBLE couples portraits; however, all ceremonies in the park must be conducted at one of the 12 designated sites – or at a different site outside of the park 🙂

1. UTE Trail Elopements (Via. Trail Ridge Road)

UTE Trail Via. Trail Ridge Road Trail 

First on our list of RMNP wedding portrait locations is the UTE trail via trail ridge road. It’s closer to the east side of the park, near Estes but still roughly central. While it might be one of the most easily accessible locations on the list, don’t think for a second that means it’s any less beautiful.

On one side of the trail, you’re presented with a mix of alpine tundra and rocks, a setting extremely similar to the Scottish highlands. This landscape often allows for some stunning golden hues in the grass which is perfect for timeless couples portraits. The other side provides expansive views over the valley that truly makes you feel as if you’re on top of the world. We’ll be shooting at around 13,000 feet at this location, so I would recommend grabbing a bottle of boost oxygen for the journey. Think about how unique that’s going to be when you tell stories of your wedding in the future!

2. Trail Ridge Road Elopement Photography Pull-Offs

If your love makes you feel on top of the world, couples portraits on Trail Ridge Road will offer a pretty literal depiction! Just like your partner, the views on this truly epic track will take your breath away. Trail Ridge Road might be extremely long, but its length provides ample pull-offs, which equals loads of ridiculously beautiful photography locations. Expect the landscape to be similar to the UTE trail – gold and green tundra – and be prepared to bring some boost oxygen due to the thin air (there’s no need to worry, we aren’t scaling mount Everest — it’ll just make the day more pleasant!)!

3. Dream Lake Elopements

Dream Lake Trail

When you’re wondering where to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, this is probably one of the spots that initially caught your eye. With views that seem as though they are straight out of a storybook, Dream Lake is an easy 2-mile round trip. The lake sits a little lower at 10,000 feet, but due to the length of the trip, I would still recommend taking a couple of oxygen cans!

It’s also important to note that in winter you are required to wear microspikes to help you navigate the trail. Snow usually falls from early October to May, so keep that in mind when preparing for your trip. It’s totally achievable for those in good health, but certainly a more adventurous route than some! As your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement photographer, 

I will guide you as we traverse this epic trail and capture STUNNING portraits along that way.  This elopement experience will truly be an adventure of a lifetime, so we’re going to make sure you have the photos to match!

The ceremony site “Bear Lake Trail” is close by, so it could be a perfect choice if you’re looking to incorporate everything together for a smooth elopement itinerary!

4. Bowen Baker Trailhead Elopements

Bowen Baker Trail

If you’re looking for a very easily accessible location that can make you feel like you two are the only people in the world, this is the place for you. It’s only a short walk from the parking lot until you can feel the might of the mountains all around you. At this point, you’ll be nestled in a fairytale-like meadow, just you and your loved one.

This location is close to the Timber Creek ceremony site, which makes it an ideal location if you’re considering a ceremony nearby!

5. West Alluvial Fan Trailhead Elopements

West Alluvial Fan Trail

Our final location is extremely accessible, with all the necessary amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, and a parking lot to make your experience stress-free. It’s also just 10 minutes from the Fall River Entrance Station near Estes! 

Just across from the parking lot is a vast meadow which is perfect for photography. Surrounded by the mountains with a running creek making its way through the landscape gives us some amazing photo opportunities. It’s potentially the most beautiful place of all to view sunsets, making it perfect for Rocky Mountain National Park wedding photos. Truly an unforgettable experience!

If you’re still looking for reasons why you should elope in RMNP, I’ve got an article just for you! Ready to make the jump and start planning your dream elopement? Let’s chat!