How to Include Your Dog in Your Estes Park Wedding or Elopement

Dreaming of an Estes Park wedding or elopement but want to make sure to include your dog? Trust me, I get it. If the idea of saying “I do” without your dog by your side feels incomplete, you’re in the right place! Estes Park, with its stunning mountain views and charming outdoor venues, offers plenty of opportunities to include your pup in your wedding or elopement.

While Rocky Mountain National Park has limited options for dogs, there are still ways to make your dog part of the adventure—whether they’re standing with you during your vows, joining you on pet-friendly trails, or simply being their adorable, tail-wagging self.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to plan a dog-friendly wedding or elopement in Estes Park, from finding pet-friendly venues and lodging to tips for including your dog in photos and hiring local pet services.

Dog-Friendly Outdoor Spaces & Wedding Venues in Estes Park

Hermit Park

Hermit Park is an area overlooking Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a large open space full of great dog-friendly hiking trails, mountain biking, car camping, and cabin accommodations. There’s a wonderful open meadow and pavilion here to reserve for weddings as well. Hermit Park is typically open between March and mid-December. Check out a Hermit Park wedding here.

Why choose Hermit Park?
It’s an incredibly affordable and beautiful natural space for a wedding in the mountains. Plus, it’s conveniently located just minutes from Estes Park while allowing you to feel completely submersed in the wilderness. Quite the hidden gem!

Lake Estes

The iconic view of Lake Estes is one of the first things you see when you drive into town on Highway 36. The lake itself has a wonderful bike path that circles the entirety of the lake, with different pavilions, picnic spots, and scenic areas along the way! There’s a very nice pavilion by the marina which makes for a great outdoor reception spot. You can rent this site for just $395/day. There are also some smaller and even less expensive pavilions to reserve around the lake as well. The whole lake path is dog-friendly!

If you’re looking for similar views but more of an actual established wedding venue, check out Estes Park Resort.

Why choose Lake Estes as your wedding location?
It’s easily accessible and will give you the perfect laid-back mountain town vibe for a wedding with guests. There are tons of lodging options nearby (even walkable!), and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities too.

The Landing at Estes Park

The Landing at Estes Park is a wonderful family-owned wedding venue with lodging! Though the lodging is not dog-friendly, you can get permission for your dog to be on-site during your outdoor wedding celebrations!

Why choose The Landing at Estes Park?
Beautiful, serene, secluded setting along the river with lodging right on site for guests! You can even buy-out the property for your whole party (and stay at a nearby dog-friendly Airbnb, just you two and the pups!).

Mary’s Lake

Mary’s Lake is a great hidden gem in Estes Park! From the rocky shorelines you can get great mountain views. This is a great wedding ceremony site for an elopement or small wedding group, and it’s easy to get a permit through Estes Valley Recreation & Park District.

Why choose Mary’s Lake for your wedding ceremony?
It’s easily accessible, and conveniently located in Estes Park. Perfect for couples looking for a no-thrills outdoor wedding ceremony outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.

O’Connor Pavilion

O’Connor Pavilion is another dog-friendly wedding venue in Estes Park! This is a great venue space with an outdoor wedding ceremony site in a meadow with mountain views and covered pavilion space for a reception or celebration! The space can accommodate intimate weddings or even larger weddings of up to 350 people.

The cost to reserve this space for your wedding is $3,000 and covers 9:00am to 10:00pm.

Why choose O’Connor Pavilion for your wedding?
This is a beautiful space in the mountains where you can choose your own vendors, bring your own alcohol, have music, and the ease of having one central location for both the ceremony + party.

YMCA of the Rockies

YMCA of the Rockies is a massive property just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. They do have pet-friendly lodging available at the Alpen Inn Lodge. They also have various outdoor wedding ceremony sites with great views of the mountains, perfect for both elopements or weddings.

Why Choose YMCA of the Rockies?
In addition to its pet-friendly features, the YMCA of the Rockies is known for its family-friendly amenities, peaceful surroundings, and proximity to the national park and downtown Estes Park. It’s a great spot for couples who want to immerse themselves (and their guests) in the natural beauty of Estes Park and have activity offerings for everyone.

Learn more about all the Best Estes Park Wedding Venues here.

Dog-Friendly Wedding Location in Rocky Mountain National Park

We love Rocky Mountain National Park endlessly—it’s one of the most breathtaking places to say “I do.” But if you’re planning to include your dog in your wedding or elopement, it’s important to know the park has strict rules about pets.

Why the restrictions? Dogs are not allowed in most areas of the park. This helps preserve the fragile landscapes, protect wildlife, and ensure the safety of your pet as well. However, dogs are able to be along roadways and in picnic areas. Just remember they remain on a six-foot leash at all times. And as always, be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pup!

Now, there is one special location where you can bring your leashed dog for a wedding ceremony. Moraine Park Amphitheater is the only dog-friendly wedding ceremony location in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Moraine Park Amphitheater can accommodate weddings of up to 30 people (vendors included). the Amphitheater is located in the Bear Lake corridor near Moraine Park. Picture wide open meadows with mountain views. The amphitheater itself is a lovely outdoor venue has views of towering pines. Learn more about how to get your RMNP wedding permit and reserve this outdoor venue here.

If Moraine Park feels like the perfect spot for your dog-friendly ceremony, be sure to book early! This location is popular, especially during peak wedding season, and availability fills up fast.

For more details about permits and planning, check out the Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Guide.

Tips & Considerations For Bringing Your Dog to Your Wedding

Consider Your Dog’s Personality

Every dog is different, and not all dogs are comfortable in a busy or unfamiliar setting. If your dog is shy, nervous around strangers, or easily overwhelmed by loud noises, it might be better to have them included in a quieter part of the day—such as getting ready or a private first look—rather than the full ceremony or reception.

Check the Venue’s Pet Policy

Before making plans, confirm that your wedding venue is dog-friendly. Some locations have restrictions on where dogs can go, while others may require additional deposits or proof of vaccinations. Knowing these details in advance will help you avoid surprises.

Assign a Dog Handler

Designate someone to watch over your dog during the wedding. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a professional dog concierge, this person can ensure your pup is cared for, walked, fed, and ready for their big moments.

Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes things don’t go as expected—especially when pets are involved. Have a backup plan for your dog, such as a quiet space they can retreat to if they get overwhelmed or arrangements for someone to take them home early if needed.

Pack a Doggie Wedding Day Kit

Bring along a kit with essentials your dog might need throughout the day, such as:

• A leash and harness
• Water and a portable bowl
• Treats or food (especially if it’s a long day)
• Waste bags
• Favorite toys or blanket to help them feel comfortable

Plan for the Weather

If your wedding is outdoors, keep your dog’s comfort in mind. Make sure they have access to shade, plenty of water, and a warm coat or blanket if it’s cold. If the ground is too hot, protect their paws with booties or limit their time outside.

Capture the Moments

Incorporate your dog into your photos or special moments! Whether they’re your ring bearer, flower pup, or simply sitting beside you during your vows, having a photographer capture these moments will make them even more unforgettable.

Show Some Style

If your dog is comfortable wearing accessories, consider a wedding-themed touch like a floral collar, a bow tie, or a bandana that matches your wedding colors.

Dog Concierges

One of my favorite wedding vendors is a dog concierge! If you’re including your dog in your wedding day but want to enjoy every moment stress-free, this is the ultimate solution. These professionals specialize in making sure your pet is well taken care of throughout the day, so you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones.

What Does a Dog Concierge Do?
A dog concierge takes on all the responsibilities of caring for your pup during your wedding, including:

• Transportation: Ensuring your dog arrives at the ceremony and reception on time.
• Supervision: Watching over your pup during key moments, like the ceremony or photo sessions.
• Assistance: Helping your dog walk down the aisle, pose for photos, or just be their adorable self while staying calm and happy.
• Care: Providing water, snacks, potty breaks, and even a little pampering if your dog needs it.

Why Hire a Dog Concierge?
Wedding days can be overwhelming, not just for people but for pets too! A dog concierge ensures your pup is comfortable, safe, and included in your celebration without you (or a guest) needing to manage the logistics. It’s the perfect way to keep your day stress-free while creating magical memories with your four-legged best friend.

Check out Plus the Pups and Pets of Honor are my two favorite Colorado dog concierges!

Meet Your Dog-Loving Estes Park Elopement & Micro Wedding Photographer