Estes Park Site 020403solemn
Estes Park Site 020403solemn
Embedded Files
Conveniently located from Estes Park (about 15 minutes from the city center), this location offers spectacular views of Long's Peak. Great dock on south side perfect for elopements and a short walk from the parking lot. This site is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and therefore requires a permit. However, it does not require a paid admission like other RMNP sites.
In 2021, we discovered another great site at the lake. A short walk down the path and up a hill leads us to a site just off the lake that takes full advantage of the mountain and lake views while getting away from other folks that might be visiting the lake at that time. Check out the video below.
What we love about this site:
The natural beauty all around is simply incredible.
It's only a short drive (15 minutes) from Estes Park, making it very accessible.
Although it's part of Rocky Mountain National Park, the site has a separate entrance. There is no need to pay the park entrance fee (or wait in line!).
Accessible for most.
Potential drawbacks of this site
It does require a paid permit and they are limited.
Parking can be limited.
Accessibility
Parking: 23 spaces. Rocky Mountain National Park is gorgeous throughout, but this beauty comes at a price. The park gets VERY crowded in summer. We strongly recommend carpooling, as the parking here can fill up quickly and stay that way.
Vehicle type: for winter, make sure your vehicle has good ground clearance to get over snow, as well as 4-wheel drive for potential ice. For weddings held between September 1st and May 31st, note that Colorado has strict traction laws in place that affect what type of vehicle you are allowed to drive in the mountains. If you are planning a Colorado mountain wedding between these dates, please thoroughly read this blog post so you'll be driving the right type of vehicle. (Don't rely on the car rental companies to fill you in on this; our experience is that they don't.)
Accessibility: To get to the site, you'll walk from the paved parking area over a flat, dirt path. The loop surrounding the lake is about three-quarters of a mile long.
Additional Logistics
Dogs/Pets: no.
Bathrooms: yes.
Suitable for children: yes.
Max number of guests at this site: 6.
Dates of Availability: year-round.
Type of Site: Public and reservable, but not exclusive.
Elevation: 9,000ft (2,743m) above sea level.
Permits, Fees and Other Information
Permits, Fees and Other Information
This site is within Rocky Mountain National Park. RMNP only allocates a limited number of wedding permits per year, and they tend to go quickly.
A permit for a site within the park is $300 and we will obtain it for you.
That amount will be added to your package fee.
There is no such thing as a "private" wedding here between May and October. It's simply too crowded.
This is a great location within the park for a winter wedding as it is easily accessible and the road to it does not close in winter.
Photos
Video
Location
Note: place marker is approximate; the actual location will be provided upon booking.
Estes Park Calendar of Events
IMPORTANT: be sure to check the calendar of events for the dates you're considering before you submit your date to us. Local events can impact traffic and the accessibility of your site.
Estes Park Average Temps and Precipitation
Report abuse