A Second Marriage, A New Beginning: An Intimate Elopement at Sprague Lake

This elopement at Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park was a quiet celebration of love rediscovered. For both of them, this was a second marriage—a second chance and a new lease on love. They didn’t want their ceremony or the views to be any less grand. They simply didn’t feel the need to have an audience.

This day was for them and them alone.

Sprague Lake provided the perfect backdrop: calm water reflecting towering peaks, easy access without sacrificing scenery, and the peaceful rhythm of nature setting the tone. We spent the day slowly wandering the loop around the lake, then heading into Moraine Valley, letting the landscape guide the pace. No rush. No expectations. Just presence.

Elopements like this are a reminder that a wedding doesn’t need a crowd to be meaningful—it just needs intention.

How to Make Your Elopement Special and Personal (When It’s Just the Two of You)

• Strip it down to what matters most – Ask yourselves: what actually feels meaningful? Vows, location, shared experiences—start there.
• Write vows without an audience in mind – Say the things you’d never say in front of a crowd. This is one of the biggest gifts of eloping.
• Build experiences into the day – A walk around a lake, a scenic drive, a picnic, champagne, hiking, or watching the sun move across the mountains.
• Choose a location that reflects you – Easy access, epic views, or solitude—there’s no wrong answer, only what fits your story.
• Let the day breathe – No tight timelines. Give yourselves space to wander, pause, and actually feel the moment.

How to Decide What Matters Most as a Couple

Planning an elopement starts with honest conversations. Ask each other:

• Do we want adventure or comfort—or a mix of both?
• Do we want solitude, or are we okay sharing space with other park visitors?
• What moments do we want to remember most 20 years from now?
• What feels like us, not what feels expected?

When you’re clear on those answers, decisions get easier. Locations, timing, activities, and even what you wear start to fall into place.

Why Couples Choose to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park

• Epic alpine scenery without difficult access
• Sprague Lake, Moraine Valley, and countless other iconic locations
• Only about 2 hours from Denver—much closer than many Colorado mountain destinations with similar views
• Wide variety of lodging options nearby
• Perfect for intimate, intentional weddings
• Four distinct seasons with dramatic scenery year-round

Tips for Getting Married in a National Park

• Apply for your wedding permit early—dates can fill quickly
• Choose locations with established trails to minimize impact
• Expect other visitors and embrace flexibility
• Follow Leave No Trace principles
• Plan around lighting and weather—mountains change fast
• Have a backup plan for wind, rain, or snow

Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permits & Approved Sites

Rocky Mountain National Park requires a wedding permit for all ceremonies. Larger weddings have stricter limitations on guest count and must take place at designated ceremony locations.

Commonly approved ceremony sites include:

• Sprague Lake
• Moraine Park Discovery Center
• Lily Lake
• 3M Curve
• Upper Beaver Meadows
• Hidden Valley

Guest limits vary by location, and all decorations, seating, and amplified sound are restricted. Elopements with just the couple often have more flexibility while still requiring a permit.

Top Places to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

1. The Stanley Hotel – Historic, iconic, and dramatic
2. YMCA of the Rockies – Cabins and lodges surrounded by nature
3. Della Terra Mountain Chateau – Romantic and secluded
4. Quality Inn near RMNP – Comfortable and convenient
5. Estes Park Airbnbs – Private cabins and mountain homes

Allenspark

1. Wild Basin Lodge – Quiet, rustic, and close to trailheads
2. Allenspark Cabins – Cozy and classic mountain cabins
3. Peak to Peak Lodging – Unique mountain rentals
4. Allenspark Airbnbs – Remote and peaceful stays
5. VRBO Mountain Homes – Ideal for longer stays or extra privacy

Your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement, Fully Customized

If you’re dreaming of getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park and want something truly personal—this is where I come in.

Dylan Burr Wedding Photographer specializes in custom elopement experiences. From planning activities, choosing locations, finding places to stay, designing your ceremony, helping write vows, and crafting a day that actually feels like you—you name it, Dylan does weddings.

If you’re ready to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park and want help creating something meaningful, intentional, and unforgettable, reach out and let’s start planning.