Eloping in one of Colorado’s national parks is a truly unforgettable experience. With their breathtaking views and unique landscapes, these parks offer stunning backdrops for your special day. However, before you begin planning your ceremony, it’s essential to understand the permit requirements and regulations for each park. In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know about eloping in four of Colorado’s most popular national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park. Permits and Rules for Eloping in Colorado’s National Parks will help ensure that you’re fully prepared for your special day.

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

If you’re drawn to towering peaks and alpine lakes, Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal place to elope. To get married here, you must first obtain a Special Use Permit. The permit goes on sale a year to the date so it’s best to get ahead of the game and apply as soon as possible. It’s important to note that you need to submit your application at least seven days before your ceremony but the earlier the better, and there is a $300 non-refundable application fee. This permit covers up to 30 guests, depending on the location of your ceremony. Keep in mind that ceremonies can ONLY take place in the designated ceremony area the park allows. Unfortnately you cannot say your vows and have a ceremony anywhere in the park. Fortunately, you can take photos in other locations in the park as long as your ceremony takes place in one of the designated ceremony areas. The park allows ceremonies from May to October, although permits are available year-round. Therefore, if you’re planning your ceremony during the busy summer months, it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible. For more details on permits, ceremony locations and more, you can visit the Rocky Mountain National Park website.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

For couples looking for a truly unique elopement location, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve offers the perfect setting. The park requires a Special Use Permit for all weddings, with a non-refundable application fee of $200. Additionally, the park limits ceremonies to two per day at specific locations, so securing your permit early is essential. Because of limited parking, carpooling or shuttling to the ceremony site is encouraged. Unlike many other parks, Great Sand Dunes offers ceremonies year-round, and permits can be requested beginning January 1st for that year. However, one thing to note is that drones are prohibited within the park. To learn more and apply, visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park website.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views, offers an unforgettable setting for an elopement. To marry here, you’ll need a Special Use Permit. The permit fees vary depending on the specific ceremony location within the park. To begin the process, reach out to the park’s Special Use Permit Coordinator for further instructions. Fortunately, the park offers a variety of ceremony locations, including overlooks and designated areas. Since permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s crucial to apply as soon as possible. Moreover, you can schedule your ceremony at any time during the year, as Black Canyon is open year-round. For additional details, you can visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park website.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a beautiful and historic location for couples seeking to marry amid ancient cliff dwellings. A Special Use Permit is required for all ceremonies, and the fee depends on the specific location within the park. Most weddings occur from May through October, and popular sites such as Cliff Palace are often the venue of choice. Like the other parks, Mesa Verde operates on a first-come, first-served basis for permit applications. Therefore, if you have your heart set on a specific date or location, it’s important to apply early. For more information and to submit your permit application, visit the Mesa Verde National Park website.

Final Thoughts

Eloping in one of Colorado’s national parks is a magical experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. Each park has specific requirements for permits, and following these guidelines will help protect the natural beauty of the environment while ensuring a successful ceremony. In addition, securing your permit early is key to avoiding any last-minute stress. Whether you choose the majestic Rocky Mountains, the otherworldly sand dunes, the awe-inspiring canyons, or the ancient cliff dwellings, Colorado’s national parks offer the perfect setting for your elopement. Be sure to visit each park’s official website for the latest permit information and to begin your application process. Permits and rules for eloping in Colorado’s National Parks is your guide to making your dream elopement a reality in these stunning locations.

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Kind Words

“For us, Erica was the ONLY option! I hate taking photos (and our elopement was the first time we ever took professional photos) and she was so good at directing us as well as making sure we were enjoying our time. Also, she provided us with sooo many suggestions while traveling and gave us an awesome elopement checklist to follow leading up to the big day. “