5 Estes Park Wedding Weekend Itinerary Ideas for Every Style
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A “Choose Your Own Adventure” Estes Park Wedding Itinerary Guide
Planning a wedding win Estes Park, Colorado with family and friends and wondering how to make the most out of your itinerary while you’re here?
Well, you’re in the just right place.
I’ve been living (and photographing weddings) here since 2015 and I love sharing my insider knowledge and favorite spots with visitors! This really is such a special place.
Think of this blog as your personal guide to creating a wedding weekend that perfectly matches your style, and the vibe of your entire group. It doesn’t matter if your friends and family are outdoor adventurers, seeking some rest & relaxation, or ready to explore the local sights, I’ve got ideas for everyone.
Below you’ll find 5 curated wedding itinerary options. You can follow one itinerary from start to finish or mix and match to create a weekend that’s uniquely yours.
Lastly, these are laid out for a true weekend (Friday-Sunday), but you’ll have even fewer crowds if you spread these Estes Park wedding itinerary ideas over weekdays.
Alright, let’s dive in!
The Adventurer’s Wedding Weekend
Perfect for couples + families with a sense of adventure and a love for the outdoors.
FRIDAY
- Sunrise summit hike to Twin Sisters or Deer Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Afternoon off-road adventure with Backbone Adventures (Jeep and ATV rentals)
- Patio beers + food truck snacks at Avant Garde, The Barrel, or Lumpy Ridge
- Dinner downtown at Ed’s Cantina
SATURDAY / WEDDING DAY
- Wedding ceremony and reception at O’Connor Pavilion or Estes Park Outfitter’s remote off-grid cabin
SUNDAY
- Morning guided Via Ferrata climb with KMAC
- Picnic lunch in RMNP with sandwiches from Scratch Deli
- Sunset hike to The Loch with the option to continue up to Sky Pond!
- Star gazing near Moraine Park, or on top of Trail Ridge Road
The Relax & Reconnect Wedding Weekend
If your ideal celebration includes cozy indoor spaces, wine tastings, and meaningful conversation, this is for you.
FRIDAY
- Morning group horseback ride at Elkhorn Stables, or pontoon rentals on Lake Estes!
- Scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park or the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
- Whiskey tasting at Stanley Hotel
- Dinner at Seasoned – An American Bistro
SATURDAY / WEDDING DAY
- Della Terra Mountain Chateau wedding ceremony + celebration
SUNDAY
- Sleep in before a late morning group brunch at Serenitea Tea Room
- Spa afternoon with all the pampering at Della Terra
- Take a stroll downtown and enjoy the local shops
- Movie night at the Historic Park Theatre, one of the oldest movie theaters in the United States!
The Family-Friendly Wedding Weekend
Keeping it lighthearted, outdoorsy, and full of fun for all ages.
FRIDAY
- Visit the open air-adventure park, go mini-golfing, ride the big slide, and go cart! All within walking distance of one another
- Lunch at Ed’s Cantina followed by a stroll along the Riverwalk to play musical instruments and hit up the playground
- Evening at YMCA of the Rockies, gathered around a campfire
SATURDAY / WEDDING DAY
- YMCA of the Rockies wedding ceremony + celebration
SUNDAY
- Rent bikes and surreys and take a cruise along the shore of Lake Estes
- Afternoon at the Mountain Coaster
- Group “farewell” dinner at Twin Owls Steakhouse for sunset
The Lake-Lover’s Wedding Weekend
Water lovers—this one’s for you. And hey, I think you might want to check out the waterfront cabins at Lake Estes Resort, too!
FRIDAY
- Morning fly fishing lesson with Sasquatch in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Lunch at Bird & Jim on your drive out of RMNP
- Take a stroll downtown along the Riverwalk, checking out the local shops
- Dinner on the patio at Ember overlooking Lake Estes
SATURDAY / WEDDING DAY
- Lake Estes Resort wedding ceremony + celebration
SUNDAY
- Mellow cruise on Lake Estes with pontoon boats rented through Estes Park Marina
- Lunch picnic with Antonio’s Pizza at Lake Estes Pavilion
- Private chef dinner back at the cabin
The “Best of Both Worlds” Wedding Weekend
Can’t decide between adventure and relaxation? Blend the two for the ultimate wedding experience.
FRIDAY
- Rocky Mountain National Park tour with Green Jeep Tours
- Afternoon wine tasting and charcuterie at Snowy Peaks Winery
- Dinner at The Rock Inn with live music
SATURDAY / WEDDING DAY
- The Landing at Estes Park wedding ceremony + reception
SUNDAY
- Easy sunrise stroll around Lily Lake or Sprague Lake, looking for wildlife
- Pick up breakfast at Village Bagel, rent e-bikes from the Estes Park Mountain Shop, and ride until you find the perfect picnic spot around Lake Estes
- Afternoon massage or spa treatments at Qi Lounge
- Dinner at Ember overlooking Lake Estes
Quick Estes Park Wedding Planning Tips
Book early, especially in peak season or on holidays
Summer and early fall are popular times in Estes Park! Book lodging, activities, and restaurants as far in advance as possible.
Consider accommodations with group-friendly options
Look into places like YMCA of the Rockies, cabins at Lake Estes Resort, or large vacation rentals that can host your crew comfortably. You can even consider a buy-out of a property like Romantic RiverSong Inn!
Check out local happenings
Visit Estes Park is a great spot to find local events and happenings that you might want to include in your plans!
Don’t forget timed
Don’t forget your timed entry passes between May and October for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Some things are closed during winter months
Certain businesses and activities may be closed during “off-season”, so don’t forget to check in advance.
Limited cell service in some area
Ahh the beauty of escaping to the mountains! Just make sure to download maps + directions in advance.
Pack for all seasons
Seriously! Even mid-summer at this elevation, you might want some warm layers for when the sun goes down (or before it comes up!).
Altitude is a real consideration
The town of Estes Park sits at over 7,500 ft. Encourage guests to hydrate, take it easy the first day, and acclimate if possible!
Meet Your Wedding Photographer (and Wedding Itinerary Sounding Board)
Hey, I’m Amber!
An Estes Park-based wedding and elopement photographer. Not only can I beautifully photograph your wedding, but I’ll be that person in your corner helping you plan an entire experience that feels exciting, fun, and most importantly—yours.
Explore my elopement and micro wedding packages here.
And if you think I’d be a good fit for your day, just fill out the inquiry form below and let’s meet!
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