How to Get Married at Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Lily Lake is one of my personal favorite wedding ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain Natioanl Park.

It’s a place Shayne and I love to spend without having to travel far from Estes Park. We frequently walk this lake and are often fortunate enough to spot wildlife! We often see moose, especially in the early morning hours.

This lake sits just under 9,000 feet in elevation, and has scenic views in every direction. Look one way and you’ll see the perfectly framed Longs Peak, one of the tallest mountains here in Colorado! Around the lake you’ll also spot truly unique rock formations, aspen groves, dense pine forests, and plenty of big mountains.

There are numerous hiking trail systems around here. There’s even a 3/4 mile handicap accessible trail that loops the entire lake including the dock and picnic tables.

Getting There

Lily Lake is conveniently located just minutes outside of the town of Estes Park, as if you’re driving toward Allenspark. Since it’s located outside of the main entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park, there is no entrance station or lines! The parking lot is just off the road, and the lake itself is just a 30 second stroll beyond that. Parking can fill up quickly here, especially during the peak seasons May-October. If necessary, here is overflow parking just across the street at the Twin Sisters trailhead.

Wedding Permits

Lily Lake is a favorite wedding ceremony site in Rocky Mountain National Park and can accommodate up to 30 guests. This number includes yourselves and any on-site vendors.

Each year a limited number of wedding permits are available. It’s important that you apply for your permit as soon as possible. You can apply for a wedding permit up to one year in advance from your desired wedding month. For example, if you would like to marry on November 15, 2024, apply for your permit on November 1, 2023.

It costs $300 for a wedding permit to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Find out more information and apply for your wedding permit here.

What is the best time of year to get married at Lily Lake?

Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is open and accessible year-round! So, with a valid wedding permit, you can have your wedding here any day you wish.

Lily Lake and the National Park in general are busiest between the months of May and October. If seclusion is important to you, consider eloping at sunrise or in the early morning hours. Weekdays are generally less busy in the National Park than weekend dates too.

You can expect the fewest visitors in the National Park between November and April, but we do experience a lot of winter weather during these months! Prepare yourself for cold temperatures and potential snow during this time of the year. Plan to bring lots of warm layers that you won’t mind being in photos.

Photos of Lily Lake in Winter and Early Spring

Lily Lake in the Summer

Lily Lake in the Fall

More Information on Getting Married in Rocky Mountain National Park

You can have your own Lily Lake elopement ceremony! And I’m here to help make it a little less intimidating. Learn more about all the wedding options in this how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park article here and find more information on permits as well as updated availability at the NPS site here.

Ready for some help planning your Lily Lake wedding?

That’s what I’m here for! I’d love to help you navigate getting married in beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. Fill out the inquiry form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit.