Estes Park Elopement

If you’re planning on getting married in Colorado and are interested in
Rocky Mountain National Park, check out this beautiful Estes Park elopement!
For reference, this couple eloped at the end of October so if that’s what
you’re planning on doing, plan for snow and for Trail Ridge Road to be
closed. 

Abby + Daniel met freshman almost a decade ago and even though Abby was
Daniel’s first crush, they didn’t get past the friend stage until they were
both stuck in their hometown during COVID. They bonded over hiking and an
intense love of outdoors and their first trip together was to Rocky Mountain
National park! They told me they wanted a day that was all about them, their
love, and their favorite places and pretty photos to help them remember
forever. 

I met them at their super cute Air Bnb for a couple of quick photos before
we headed out to the first trailhead! When we made it to the ceremony site
that I scouted out for them a couple of weeks prior, we took in the views
and then got right to it. Abby and Daniel’s vows were so thoughtful and
beautiful-we were all crying. After a couple of more photos, we headed back
down so we could hike Emerald and Dream Lake! Abby said she was a sucked for
dramatic peaks and there is nothing more epic than those views covered in
snow! After our adventure there, we finished out time together just hanging
out while Daniel enjoyed a celebratory cigar before they made their way to
dinner. 

Tips for hiking to Emerald and/or Dream Lake on your wedding day:

+ You need a photography permit to take photos here. $50 payment online and
the rangers will stop you and ask to see it before you head up so make sure
you screenshot it or have a printed copy. Actual ceremonies are not allowed
at any destination from the Bear Lake trailhead, this would be a trip
strictly for the photos and memories.  

+ If you can help it, sunrise is the best time to do it. It can be packed!
No worries if you’re someone who isn’t shy of PDA with an audience, but
definitely something to consider. 

+ The parking lot get full quickly so be prepared to take the shuttle. There
are a couple of stops between the shuttle lot and the Bear Lake Trailhead so
factor that time into your timeline/planning. 

+ If you are going when there is snow, bring spikes to put on the bottom of
your shoes! This is very, very important. The trail is only under the direct
sun for a portion of the day. Which means it melts and then begins to freeze
over as soon as it’s in the shade again. This is a huge safety concern! A
woman broke her collar bone slipping on ice the last time I was there. Some
people literally had to slide down on their butts. 

Estes Park Elopement Photos

Are you planning on eloping in Estes Park?

I hope you enjoyed that Estes Park elopement! If you’re interested in
eloping in Garden of the Gods or Colorado Springs, reach out! I’d love to
help you plan the sweetest celebration. Fill out my contact form here! If
you need more information about eloping at Rocky Mountain National Park,
check out my Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide!