How to Have a Bear Lake Elopement

Bear Lake is one of the most photographed spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Mirror-like reflective water, craggy mountain peaks towering in every direction, and an easy loop trail that works in all seasons… Need I say more? It’s a dream backdrop for a Rocky Mountains elopement. While you can only have your full ceremony here in the winter, it’s an excellent place for portraits all year round. 

I photographed my first elopement here a decade ago, and I’ve returned so many times since. Having photographed countless elopements at Bear Lake, I know exactly how to navigate the permits, crowds, and when to find the perfect light. Oh, and I have a few extra bits of insider knowledge that’ll make your time here feel personal and memorable, even in a busy spot.

Let’s dive in!

Frequently asked questions about eloping at Bear Lake

How do you get married at Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a super popular spot within the park due to its accessibility and ease of access from the parking lot. It’s honestly one of the best views with no hiking required in the entire park! I’ve helped dozens of couples elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, so I’m happy to break down the steps to get married here. 

First, decide if you want to have your ceremony at Bear Lake or elsewhere
There are three ways you can go with your ceremony, and all of them impact the planning process. Those options are: 

• Have your ceremony at Bear Lake
  This option requires a permit through Rocky Mountain National Park and is only available on weekdays in the winter (October – Memorial Day). You’ll have full access to the park before and after, but some options (like Trail Ridge Road) may be closed for the season.
• Have your ceremony at another park ceremony site
  You can elect to have your ceremony at another place in the park and then only come to Bear Lake for portraits, which would require the same permitting system but no other site has the same level of date restriction. However, Bear Lake is much busier any other time of year or day of the week, so you will likely not have it to yourselves. As with the Bear Lake ceremony option, you’ll have access to the park before and after, including sites like Trail Ridge Road if you elope during the summer or fall. 
• Have your ceremony off-site entirely (outside of the park)
  If you choose to have your ceremony not on park grounds, you don’t have to go through the permitting process. You can just access the park like you usually do! 

Think about things like average temperature, chances for extreme weather (snow vs afternoon thunderstorms in the summer), privacy preferences, and what kind of scenery you’d like to have. Also check guest counts closely—the park is strict with these!

2. Pick your (rough) date
   Based on where you elect to have your ceremony, pick a date to get married on. This can be loose initially, but you’ll have to determine something specific to get your permit. Permits open up on the first day of the month for any dates in that month in the year following. For example, if you eloped on March 5, 2027, you could apply for that permit starting March 1, 2026. Only 5 ceremonies are allowed in the park each day and permits move fast, so my advice is to pick a date where you’ll be able to go for it on the first day it’s released. This is especially important for Bear Lake! You’ll also need to know what time of day you want to get married. Pro Tip: Think sunrise when it comes to Bear Lake!

3. Book your photographer
   If you’re struggling with steps #1 or #2, you can also do this first so that you have a pro in your pocket to help you make informed decisions along the way! But be sure you contact them before you secure a permit at the very latest—that’ll help smooth your timeline out and make sure you’re only requesting your permit for day(s) your photographer is available. They can also help you out with the permitting process. I’ve done this so many times that it’s second nature, so I’m always happy to help my couples!

4. Apply for your permit
   Via the Rocky Mountain National Park webpage on weddings you can download the Special Use Permit Application and fill it out. Email the application to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov. They will contact you with a drafted permit, which you will approve and sign. Pay the $300 fee and then wait to get your final copy of the permit. Make sure you print enough copies out for your entire group. 

5. Plan out your timeline & schedule other vendors if necessary
   Your photographer can help you design a day that includes your ceremony, portraits in the park, and anything else you want it to have! If you’re traveling into the area, this is also the time to book things like hotels and travel. I provide recommendations on everything from unique stays in the area to other vendors you may be looking for like florists & private chefs! 

6. Get married and adventure!
   All that’s left to do is enjoy your day! You’ll show up at the gate, show your permits (which acted as your timed reservation when it’s necessary), and pay the gate fee of $30. And the park is yours!

When’s the best time to visit Bear Lake

The only days you’re allowed to have a ceremony at Bear Lake are winter weekdays. 

Bear Lake is one of the few spots in Rocky Mountain National Park that’s easily-accessible year-round, and looks epic in photos regardless of the backdrop. In the winter, your surroundings will be drenched in snow and ice, in summer, bathed in golden, glowing sunlight. You really can’t go wrong!

If you have total flexibility when it comes to the day of the week, I’d opt for a Monday-Thursday outside of school vacation dates. This will give you the best shot possible of enjoying some peace and quiet along the lake and snagging those all-important elopement shots without strangers hiking in the background.

How do you get to Bear Lake? 

Bear Lake is one of the most accessible spots in Rocky Mountain National Park —just drive all the way to the end of Bear Lake Road and park at the Bear Lake Trailhead. From there, it’s mere minutes walking along a flat trail to get to the lake. In the summer, you may need an additional timed entry for Bear Lake corridor. 

The Bear Lake parking lot usually fills by 6:30-7:00 AM in peak season, so an early start is essential. If the lot is full, you can park at the Park & Ride and take the free shuttle up.

How much does it cost to elope at Bear Lake?

If you’re planning to elope at Bear Lake, the required permit through Rocky Mountain National Park costs $300. Because it’s one of the most in-demand spots in the park, I always recommend applying as soon as permits open (up to a year in advance). This location books out fast.

You’ll also need a Colorado marriage license, which is $30 and can be picked up at any county clerk’s office in the state. No officiant or witnesses are required if you want to self-solemnize (which many of my couples choose to do).

There’s a $30/day entrance fee per vehicle, or you can use an America the Beautiful annual pass. The entrance booth usually operates from early morning through mid-evening, and both cash and card are accepted.

Beyond that, your elopement budget is totally flexible. Some couples go all-in with vendors and full-day coverage, others keep it simple with just the two of them and a backpack full of snacks. But almost every couple I work with chooses to invest in photography first, because when the location is this beautiful, the experience and the memories are what matter most.

Want to know what a typical elopement costs? Check out my full guide here!

Are dogs allowed at Bear Lake

No – dogs aren’t allowed on the trails or around the lake at Bear Lake, or anywhere else beyond developed areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. They’re permitted in parking lots, campgrounds, and along roads (on a leash), but not on hiking paths or at ceremony sites like this one. If including your pup in your big day is important to you, I’m happy to suggest nearby elopement locations outside the park where dogs are welcome.

Bear Lake Elopement Photos

Laura & Jon’s Bear Lake Elopement 

Laura & Jon eloped back in 2018, when you could still have ceremonies at Bear Lake itself. But because they eloped in early June, these photos still give you a good sense of what’s possible with a late May elopement here! They started at sunrise and hiked up to Dream Lake, spending some time exploring and grabbing portraits while alpenglow lit up the ridge behind them. Then they hiked down to the Bear Lake ceremony spot, which overlooked the lake from above. They had family and friends join them and write out well wishes for them after their ceremony.