Snowy Bear Lake Elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park

Table of Contents

Ok, friends––HERE is the wintery Bear Lake elopement inspiration you need to see! This couple held an elopement ceremony on the snowy shore of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, before taking off on a little we-just-got-married hike to Dream Lake!

The day here was moody. The air was a little smokey, and snowy weather had just moved through, making the mountain landscape almost ethereal.

Their day began with a quick parking lot change into wedding attire, before sharing a first look on the shore of Bear Lake.

View of moody pine trees out of car window

Groom getting ready for Bear Lake elopement

Groom getting ready at Jeep for wedding day in Rocky Mountain National Park

Bride getting ready in a Jeep while groom looks off in the distance

Bride walking up to groom for first look

First look at Bear Lake elopement in Colorado

Bride and groom share first look on the shore of Bear Lake in RMNP

Bear Lake Elopement Ceremony

Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect spot for a weekday elopement during the slower months (Columbus Day through Memorial Day). It’s typically a popular destination, but on this snowy morning in May we had the lake all to ourselves for their elopement!

May in Colorado is best described as snowshoeing with a T-shirt. We often have lots of snow still in the high mountain, and there’s even a good chance of fresh snow accumulation. Because of this, Rocky Mountain National Park isn’t too busy yet. That paired with a sunrise start, gives you a great chance to be the only ones at some of the most scenic areas.

After exchanging vows, we wandered around Bear Lake a little more. We even found a dark corner of the forest for some unique photos with the lanterns.

Couple at their snowy Bear Lake elopement in May

Couple laughing at their elopement ceremony

View of Bear Lake at couples elopement ceremony

Couple getting married on the shore of Bear Lake in May

Couple holding hands while getting married

Ring exchange at elopement ceremony at Bear Lake in RMNP

Couple kissing after their Bear Lake elopement

Couple kissing on a rock at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Black and white dramatic photo of wedding couple

Couple standing on a rock at snow covered Bear Lake elopement

Couple in the forest with glowing lanterns

Couple kissing in the forest with glowing lanterns

Couple almost kissing with the glow of lantern light

Dream Lake Wedding Photos

Then it was off to hike! Just beyond their ceremony spot is the trailhead for Dream Lake, a short and incredibly photogenic hike. They enjoyed the moody and snowy scene the entire way.

When you elope in nature, there’s no decorating required. Plus, these two have always dreamed of a snowy wedding day, so it felt even more magical.

View of snowy hike to Dream Lake in RMNP

View of snowy mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park

Couple hiking to Dream Lake after their wedding ceremony

Couple standing on the shore of alpine lake in Colorado

Bride and groom at Dream Lake in the winter

Couple on the shore of snowy Dream Lake in May

Winter scene at Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National

Bride and groom leaving Dream Lake and hiking back to the trailhead

Couple laughing and being silly in the snow

Couple walking in the snow at Dream Lake after elopement ceremony

View of moody Dream Lake in the fog and snow

Couple dipping on top of a snowy mountain

Couple hiking during their May elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park

Meet Your Estes Park Wedding Photographer

Hey, I’m Amber!

I’m an Estes Park, Colorado-based elopement and micro wedding photographer who’s all about capturing your day in a way that feels laid-back, fun, and so you.

Beyond being there to beautifully photograph your day, I’m also here to make the entire process exciting and stress-free—helping you plan, explore incredible locations, activities, and to help feel completely at ease every step of the way.

Think we might be a good fit? Then fill out the inquiry form below to get started!