How to Plan a Small Wedding in Estes Park (By a Local)

This is your perfect resource to plan a small wedding in Estes Park. This resource was written to help ensure you and your guests have the best possible experience while tying the knot in one of Colorado’s most iconic locations!

And if we haven’t met yet, I’m Amber! I’ve been living in Estes Park for over a decade and photographing elopements and micro weddings here all along. I love this town. And honestly? It’s so ideal for a wedding with guests (or without).

If I were in your shoes and beginning to plan my Estes Park wedding, here’s exactly where I would start… with all the best of the best this town has to offer.

What is the Best Time of Year for a Small Wedding in Estes Park?

When you have scenery like this, any time of the year is beautiful in Estes Park. It just depends on the vibe you’re going for! Here are some key points to consider:

Our busiest time of year is between late-May and mid-October. We also see an influx of tourism around Christmas time (when the downtown area looks like a Hallmark movie!).

We typically see fall foliage in late-September and early-October. This is another busy time of year because people travel from all over to see the elk rut!

We see quick afternoon thunderstorms from mid-June through August.

Winters here bring wind, but far less crowds.

You can typically expect snow in the mountains between October and June.

Here are some wedding galleries from different times of year:

• May Elopement in RMNP with Fresh Snow
• June Intimate Wedding in RMNP
• June Elopement in National Forest
• July Intimate Wedding in RMNP
• August Intimate Wedding at The Landing
• Early September Elopement (on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park)
• Mid September Intimate Wedding with Horseback Riding
• November Elopement in RMNP
• Late December Intimate Wedding in RMNP

If you want help choosing the best time of year for your wedding, I’d love to chat with you and help match you with the perfect month or date!

Getting to Estes Park, Parking, and Local Transportation Options

Estes Park is located about 1.5 hour from Denver International Airport. Most people opt to rent a car, but the Estes Park Shuttle offers one-way or round-trip rides from your hotel/house to the airport.

In downtown Estes Park, there is both free and paid parking in lots throughout town. Majority of the free parking is located at the Estes Park Visitor Center and parking garage next door. During the “busy” season (Memorial Day through mid-October), free shuttles run downtown as well. Learn more about the free shuttles here.

If you’re looking for a private ride, check out Explore Estes! They offer private tours in RMNP, rides in town, to trailheads, and even trips down the canyon to the nearest dispensaries.

Where Do We Get Our Marriage License in Estes Park?

You can pick up your Colorado marriage license up at any county clerk office in the state, but the most convenient one is located right here in Estes Park at the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder! It’s located at 1601 Brodie Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 and you can schedule your appointment here.

Best Estes Park Outdoor Ceremony Sites in Nature

Check out even more outdoor wedding ceremony sites in this article: Best Estes Park Wedding Venues for Small Weddings.

Best Estes Park Small Wedding Venues

Check out even more Estes Park small wedding venues in this article: Best Estes Park Wedding Venues for Small Weddings.

Check out even more small wedding venues in this article: Best Estes Park Wedding Venues for Small Weddings.

Best Small Wedding Reception Spaces

Check out even small wedding reception spaces in this article: Best Estes Park Wedding Venues for Small Weddings.

Best Estes Park Restaurants for Wedding Reception

Looking for a private space to celebrate with family and friends after the ceremony?! Here are my favorites restaurants in town where you can reserve the entire space, or a private room.

• Bristlecone Inn
• Nest Above
• The Post
• Ember
• Twin Owls Steakhouse
• The Bull Pin
• Ed’s Cantina
• Club House Fairway Tavern

Where Guests Should Our Guests Stay for Our Estes Park Wedding?

The thing about Estes Park is that we have an incredible amount of lodging options! Here are some of my favorites to recommed:

• Estes Park Resort
• The Landing at Estes Park
• Romantic RiverSong Inn
• Black Canyon Inn
• Taharaa Mountain Lodge
• YMCA of the Rockies
• Estes Park Outfitters
• Aspen Falls

And as always, be sure to check Airbnb & VRBO!

Estes Park Wedding Vendor Recommendations

While you’re here, you might find this article helpful: How to Choose a Hair & Makeup Artist for Your Adventure Elopement

Wedding Weekend Itineraries for You and Your Guests

What makes Estes Park such a great destination for a wedding with guests is that there’s a little something for every taste to enjoy!

From local shopping, to spas, to hiking, to more extreme adventures like the Via Ferrata!

Check out this article for more: 5 Estes Park Wedding Weekend Itinerary Ideas for Every Style

Meet Your Estes Park Wedding Photographer