The Ultimate Small Wedding Guide: Rocky Mountain National Park
If you've always dreamt of having an outdoor wedding, but it seems like you can't afford it, look no further! This ultimate guide to planning a small wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park contains all you need to know in order to have a fabulous wedding experience.
First I’ll answer the most popular questions as simply as possible, then I’ll get into more detailed breakdowns.
Is a permit required to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, a $300 permit is required to have a wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park. This allows your group up to two hours at one of the designated ceremony sites. You must also pay $30 per vehicle entering the park.
Are weddings allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Weddings are allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park, but a permit is required! You must obtain a $300 permit directly from the park in order to be allowed to have a wedding ceremony in RMNP.
How many people are allowed for a wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park has a strict maximum wedding group size of 30 people, but each wedding site within the park varies, with some only allowing 12 guests.
Where can I get married in Rocky Mountain National park?
Rocky Mountain National Park as twelve designated ceremony sites that can be reserved and for a wedding ceremony for $300. After the ceremony is over, you can go elsewhere in the park for photos.
How far in advance can I get a wedding permit for Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park issues wedding permits 12 months in advance, the process can be very competitive with peak dates booking exactly 12 months out.
What’s the best way to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Well, I have to admit, I’m a bit bias… but as a wedding planning who specialize in small weddings in Colorado, I think my services are a great fit! I offer all-inclusive packages that cover officiant, photography, videography, hair and makeup, and flowers! Plus, with my service you save $100 off the RMNP permit cost. This page has more info, or just shoot me a text! 720-598-2862
Rocky Mountain National park
All-Inclusive Wedding Packages
- 1 on 1 Planning
- RMNP Permit
- Photography
- Officiant
…Starting at $1,500
Why Choose Rocky Mountain National Park for Your Wedding?
More and more couples are straying from the norm of holding large, extravagant weddings in favor of holding a small wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the biggest reasons are,
It's much easier to plan
Planning large traditional weddings are notoriously stressful as it requires coordinating an endless amount of vendors and trying to get every little detail perfect for your special day. But a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding has most of the necessary wedding facilities available, such as seating. All you really need to bring is your future spouse, a small group of vendors, your chosen guests and some versatile wedding decorations. Since there is no strict timeline, you can spend your day in any way you'd like. You will be able to prioritize your happiness instead of everyone else's.
It's much more affordable and accessible.
On average, wedding venues in the U.S. cost around 5k to 10k. But, it only costs $300 to reserve a ceremony site in Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition, a parking pass and a marriage license both cost $30 each. These unbelievably low prices will give you much more freedom to spend money on the finer details of your wedding, like hiring a good wedding photographer, lodging, travel, makeup and hair, florists and, of course, wedding attire.
It's more intimate
The hecticness of a traditional wedding can steal away the magic and intimacy of a marriage. But, holding a small wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park ensures that your marriage will be intimate. You'll be able to share your special moment with your closest family and friends.
What's more, since marriages are not just the union of two people but also two families, the Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to spend time together and bond.
It's extremely beautiful
The ethereal view of the Rocky Mountains, in all its majestic glory, is truly unmatched. With the right wedding photographer, you'll be able to use these natural gems in photos that perfectly display your character and personality. And not only is it great for your wedding photo album, but it's also well-protected because it's a national park. And to think, all of it is just a car ride or zip line (depending on which park you choose to get married in) away.
Things To Keep In Mind When Having A Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding
A permit is mandatory when having a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding.
For your actual wedding ceremony, only 12 locations are approved.
As the Rocky Mountain National Park is a natural jewel, you must follow leave-no-trace principles during your wedding ceremony. This means that you must not leave any trash or damage the environment in any way. This includes refraining from picking wildflowers or approaching and feeding wildlife.
Always be prepared for unpredictable weather. Either have a backup location or bring some umbrellas and raincoats along with you.
Ceremony Location Guidelines In Rocky Mountain National Park
There are a number of guidelines to follow when getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park. These must be followed diligently because even though it is your special day, the Rocky Mountain National Park is a public treasure and a natural haven.
Wedding Permits
Even with a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit, your ceremony site is not exclusive to you, and other visitors can be in that area.
Maximum Guest Count
The total number of people allowed at the wedding ceremony cannot exceed 30 people. This number includes the wedding couple, any guests and your chosen wedding vendors, such as the photographer and officiants.
Wedding Ceremony Duration
Wedding ceremonies are limited to a maximum duration of 2 hours at all locations.
Probibited Areas
Wedding ceremonies are prohibited from occupying picnic sites.Public facilities like visitor centers, roadside turnouts, overlooks, parking areas or special viewing areas for wildlife are also strictly off-limits to wedding parties.
No Refunds In Case Of Constructions
Construction, which is considered a critical need in Rocky Mountain National Park, may take place unexpectedly at any time or location. Even though it may impact areas near your ceremony site, refunds are not offered. Instead, contact the Concessions Office to discuss changing your wedding site location.
How To Plan A Wedding In Rocky Mountain National Park?
Start planning immediately
The moment you're sure that you want to have a small wedding at Rocky Mountain National Park, contact the park and secure your spot. Make sure a satisfactory wedding site is available on your chosen wedding site, and then apply for a special-use permit.
It is possible for you to reserve a ceremony site up to a year in advance. However, only a certain number of permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. 60 permits a month are issued per month from May through October, while 40 permits are issued per month from November through April. Though you can reserve a wedding location a week before your wedding, it is not recommended as it will limit your options, and you will be forced to compromise.
Once your permit is finalized, an official copy will be sent to you via email, which you must print out. This permit must be with you at all times for the park rangers to examine when they make their rounds. Remember that Rocky Mountain National Park ceremony sites are always open to the public and are situated outdoors, completely unprotected from the weather.
Get your marriage license
Before you can have your wedding ceremony at the Rocky Mountain National Park, you must get your marriage license to make things official. You can either apply for this at your local county clerk or a recorder's office in Colorado. The perk of applying for a marriage license in Colorado is that you don't need an officiant or witnesses to make a legal union. You can even sign your own marriage certificate.
Tips For Small Weddings In Rocky Mountain National Park
Research Your Wedding Location
When choosing a wedding site from the wide selection of picturesque locations, take into consideration things like how many wedding guests are allowed and accessibility (since different locations must be accessed in different ways). Choose a place that just feels right to you, whether it's mountainous or a lakeside.
The most ideal places for photo opportunities include Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, or even the Trail Ridge Road.
Best Times And Days For Weddings
The best time to have your wedding ceremony is either before 9 am or after 5 pm, as you'll be able to avoid the crowds. Also, sunrise or sunset views are phenomenal and will elevate the magic of your special day.
Since the crowds also considerably lessen during spring and winter, consider choosing your wedding date in those seasons. But if you're a fan of autumnal beauty, you can't go wrong with a fall wedding. And even though summer is the busiest season at the Rocky Mountain National Park, it also ensures that the park is full of life and all the roads are open.
However, avoid marrying at the Rocky Mountain National Park on free admission days like nationally recognized holidays and days recognized by the National Park. It will be unbelievably crowded on those days and will prove more bothersome than festive.
Final Words
The Rocky Mountain National Park is the ideal place to have a small wedding due to its cost-effectiveness and ethereal beauty. You will be guaranteed to have a more intimate experience than you'd have with a large traditional wedding, and you'll be able to focus on what's most important: you and your love.
Call, Text, Email Anytime!
Iver Marjerison
Founder & Lead Planner
Colorado MicroWeddings
720-598-2862
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
