Estes Park is known for its amazing views, which means it’s one of the best places to have your destination wedding. But destination weddings can get complicated because there are so many things to keep track of. When planning a destination elopement in Estes Park, there are a few things you want to consider to ensure your big day is absolutely perfect! We are sharing a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you begin planning your elopement so that no detail goes overlooked!

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Do your homework

If you want to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, make sure you do your research! There are limited numbers of wedding permits available. This is the third busiest National Park in the country, with 4.7 million visits, and it is a most-requested spot for elopements and weddings.

If you are planning a 2022 wedding, or even 2023, the time to start looking for a permit is now! Permits are available a year in advance and are limited to only 40-60 per month, and 2021 is fully booked. This website is a great resource when it comes to permits.

If you are looking for a view of the Rocky Mountains, we have a gorgeous Pergola that gives you incredible views! You can also do an elopement on the grounds, which will give you the gorgeous view of the Rockies, without worrying about getting a permit a year in advance.

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Know the rules at Rocky Mountain National Park

This isn’t the venue for you if you want a large ceremony set up with lots of vendors and decor. You can’t bring in chairs, ceremony arches, or any physical decor, or have amplified music. This makes it perfect for very simple elopements with limited decor and guests! Also, the park is not closed, so your ceremony is not guaranteed to be private. So, keep in mind there might be some fellow visitors!

Even though you might not be able to have tons of décor, you won’t be short on beauty! There are so many gorgeous ceremony spots with backdrops so beautiful you won’t miss any of the extra décor. Trust us!

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Plan your reception/wedding dinner early

There are lots of restaurants in Estes, but not all places have the banquet space or ability to accommodate larger parties. At Taharaa Mountain Lodge, we have the Twin Owls Restaurant on-site, so we can accommodate up to 120 guests! For an elopement, we have quite a few options on-site, so whether you have just the two of you for an elopement or a party of 100+ guests, you can have your perfect day at Taharaa!

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Think of hiring a wedding coordinator

Planning a destination wedding can be a challenge and having someone to help you along the way is priceless. Even elopements have a lot of moving pieces! Especially if you are doing a destination elopement, we recommend having a planner help make sure everything is perfectly coordinated. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is worry about coordinating with vendors or stressing about last-minute details. Leave that to the pros while you sit back and enjoy your day.

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

Don’t forget to get your marriage license when you arrive in Colorado!

You don’t want to forget the marriage license! After all, that’s the reason you’re here. So, make sure you’ve covered all your bases when it comes to the legal side of your wedding. The certificate must be signed in Colorado within 35 days from the date the license was issued.

Licenses issued in Colorado must be used in Colorado and out-of-state licenses are not valid in Colorado. Learn more about getting a marriage license here!

Rustic outdoor elopement at Taharaa Mountain Lodge

When it comes to destination weddings, Estes Park is the perfect location if you love sweeping views of gorgeous mountains. It may take some time and planning, but it’s totally worth it. If you have been dreaming of a destination elopement in Estes Park, learn more about our venue options and contact us to begin planning! We can’t wait to hear from you. 

Photography: Colliad Photography