Sprague Lake is one of the most scenic destinations to get married at in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado!

This guide has everything you need to know from the best times of year to visit to how to acquire a wedding permit for your ceremony!

Why Sprague Lake for your wedding?

Firstly, there’s just that something grounding about saying “I do” with a view. At Sprague Lake, you’re near a body of water, surrounded by a pine forest, with mountains towering in the background. I absolutely love Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National park for a wedding ceremony because:

• It’s easily accessible! The path around the lake is wide and flat, making it easily accessible for family and friends
• Views in every direction My favorite viewpoint at Sprague Lake might just be on the far side of the lake near the fishing dock where you get full views of the Continental Divide
• Near a lot of great hiking trails Bear Lake and Glacier Gorge trailhead are just a few minutes up the road!
• Excellent wildlife spotting opportunities It’s not uncommon to see moose and elk here, especially during dawn and dusk.

How to get a wedding permit for Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

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 October 15, 2025, apply for your permit on October 1, 2024.

Sprague Lake is a favorite wedding ceremony site in Rocky Mountain National Park and can accommodate up to 30 guests in the summer and 15 guests in the winter. This number includes yourselves and any on-site vendors.

When you’re ready to apply for your wedding permit, here’s what to do:

1. Check the website to make sure there is still availability for your desired month
2. If so, download a Special Use Application
3. Email your completed application to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov
4. Once approved, they will send a Special Use permit to you with instructions for signing and payment.
5. Finally, make sure you have the approved permit with you on your wedding day! This will also serve as your timed entry reservation.

It only costs $300 for a wedding permit for Rocky Mountain National Park. And I mean, can you think of a more affordable wedding venue that is this scenic?!

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

Getting there

Sprague Lake is in the Bear Lake corridor of Rocky Mountain National Park and can be accessed 24/7 via Beaver Meadow or Fall River entrance stations on the East side of the park. It’s about a 25 minute drive from downtown Estes Park (not including traffic and potential wait times at the entrance station).

The best time of year to marry at Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake offers an exceptionally beautiful setting year-round! During the winter months the Sprague Lake wedding ceremony site can accommodate up to 30 people. In the summer this ceremony site can accommodate up to 15 people.

Photos of Sprague Lake in winter

Imagine a frozen lake with snow covered mountains, rich green pines, and snowy mountains in the distance.

This is the view from the North side of the lake looking out toward the dock, a perfect spot to get married at Sprague Lake!

The view from the far side of the lake where the dock is located looking toward the snowy Continental Divide

On a normal year, can expect to find snow at Sprague Lake through April or May.

Photos of Sprague Lake in spring

The Spring time scenery in the mountains can vary drastically! In early Spring, it still looks quite wintery at this high of elevation. Toward May and June, you’ll notice the snow mostly melting and the surprisingly bright greenery starting to show.

Couple on the dock in early June

The vibrant greens of late Spring and Summer pictured above

Photos of Sprague Lake in summer

This time of year is full of color! You’ll likely see some wildflowers around the lake, bright green trees, and blue mountains.

Sunrise Sprague Lake wedding ceremony in August

The path on the west side of Sprague Lake weaves through a lovely forest area before opening up on either side.

View from an August elopement, with the snow almost entirely melted off the mountains.

Photos of Sprague Lake in fall

Real weddings at Sprague Lake

• A sunrise micro wedding with family in August
• A June mid-morning elopement ceremony at Sprague Lake

Additional information

Learn more about all the wedding ceremony site 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.

Your Sprague Lake wedding photographer

Looking for a local Estes Park wedding photographer for your day? Not only would I be so honored to photograph your RMNP wedding and show you my favorite spots for photos, but I’d love to connect you with all of my favorite Estes Park wedding vendors, too!

To get started, fill out the inquiry form below and let’s start a conversation.