The Estes Valley is a spectacular venue for exchanging vows. Picture this: tranquil lakes, soothing streams and rivers, meadows filled with wildflowers, shimmering golden aspen leaves in the fall, or a winter scene of crisp, clear skies and days with snowcapped peaks.
Book Early
Estes Park is a very popular destination, not only for weddings but also for family reunions and vacationers. To ensure your ideal location, plan and book early.
The Place to Be
Estes Park is just 75 miles from Denver International Airport (DIA). Colorado’s location in the central United States means a maximum travel time of four hours from anywhere in the country. With the chance of a deer, elk, or the occasional wild turkey making an unexpected appearance, the mountain splendor of Estes Park promises a romantic and memorable wedding experience.
All about Choices
Estes Park offers many kinds of venues. Select from upscale hotels, restaurants, historic lodges, or a beautiful mountain meadow to celebrate your special day. Lots of venues offer custom packages to suit your needs that include catering and bar service, as well as tables, chairs, linens, and other essentials. Other venues give the option of hiring your own wedding vendors and simply provide the location for your ceremony or reception.
Consider the Weather
Colorado is known for deep blue skies and 300 days of sunshine a year, but afternoon thunderstorms can move in quickly. Always have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage license requirements vary based on the county, city, or town in Colorado where you host your ceremony. It is important to verify current requirements with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making wedding or travel plans. (Estes Park is in Larimer County.)
To get married in Colorado, neither one of the wedding couple has to be a resident of Colorado.
For useful information about licenses, visit larimer.org/clerk/recording/marriage.
The Larimer County Clerk office is located at 1601 Brodie Ave. in Estes Park. They are open Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm. 970-577-2025.
Marriage in the Park
Ceremonies in Rocky Mountain National Park are authorized through a Special Use Permit that requires a non-refundable administrative fee of $150. Weddings in Rocky are simple with no frills. Chairs, music, decorations, runners, arches, and other extras are not allowed. Normal park entrance fees apply for all vehicles associated with the ceremony. 970-586-1209.
Go with the Pros
If you’re organizing a wedding from afar, it’s worth hiring a wedding planner to help coordinate all the details of your day. Local planners are not only familiar with the best venues for your ceremony and reception, but can also recommend florists, photographers, DJs, officiants, bakeries, and other reputable wedding vendors to execute a flawless day.
Keep It Local
Even though it’s a small community, wedding professionals of all types live and work in Estes Park, so there’s no need to search Denver or the surrounding area for your wedding vendors. Local pros truly understand how to provide the perfect Estes Park wedding in the unique place they call home.