Estes Park is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Colorado. When couples first visit, they are always in awe of the scenic mountain views, the intimate downtown, and the incredible wedding vendors. Located at the steps of the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park makes for the perfect destination wedding spot! You are just an hour from Denver and a quick drive to many other cities. There are countless spots for guests to hike, see waterfalls, or just kick back and relax.
As one of the top wedding venues in Estes Park, we get to work with couples from all over the country, and we have a few tips for planning a wedding here in town!
Plan Your Transportation
Unlike most cities, we do not have Lyft or Uber here in Estes Park. So make sure that you have a shuttle service for your guests after the wedding reception. We suggest that guests rent a car if they are traveling from the airport. You will want a car to get around as you explore the town as well.
One of the perks of Taharaa Mountain Lodge is that you can have both the ceremony and reception right on site, so no need to shuttle guests from both spots! Another perk? Guests can stay right here at our Lodge! Guests love being able to stay on-site, and our couples love how easy it makes planning their wedding day timeline!
Plan For High Elevation and Changing Weather
Most out-of-town guests will not realize what it means to be at a high elevation. Here at Estes Park, we are 7500+ feet above sea level. Make sure your guests understand that alcohol will affect them much faster at a high elevation. And make sure everyone hydrates! Altitude sickness can happen at any time, especially when drinking. We also suggest using lots of sunscreen since our higher elevation can lead to quicker sunburns.
Our weather is also unpredictable. It can really change on a dime! So always make sure that you have a backup spot for any outdoor plans. While we get 300+ days of sunshine, the summer afternoons are known for their rain showers. At Taharaa Mountain Lodge, we have both indoor and outdoor spots for your ceremony. If it does rain on your wedding day, don’t worry! Our covered patio is a perfect backup spot. It gives you gorgeous views without getting wet.
Know The Rules
The town of Estes Park has a noise ordinance. All events must end at 10 pm. So, as you are planning your timeline, keep this in mind! When planning your trip, you’ll also want to keep in mind that you need to get your marriage license ahead of time. There are forms you need to fill out, and you have to create an appointment to get your marriage license. We recommend arriving three days ahead of your wedding and scheduling your appointment as soon as you can.
Getting married in Estes Park really creates the most magical wedding day experience for both you and your guests! Here at Taharaa Mountain Lodge, we are committed to helping our couples create an unforgettable Rocky Mountain wedding experience from start to finish. Whether you are planning an intimate affair or the gala of the year, our packages are sure to deliver! Contact us today to see how we can work together to make your vision for your wedding day a reality!
Photography Credit: Mackenzi Knight Photography | Sharee Davenport
