How-to Guide: Curecanti National Recreation Area Wedding

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Home to the largest body of water in Colorado, Curecanti National Recreation Area is one of the most popular spots in the state for outdoor recreation and a gorgeous example of Colorado’s unique natural landscape. With “fjord-like” reservoirs surrounded by rugged cliffs and vibrant forests, this place is perfect for couples who are looking to exchange their vows in a beautiful location that’s just begging to be explored.

As a local Colorado photographer, I’ve captured tons of elopements in Curecanti and each one has been an unforgettable adventure! I know the process inside and out, and can’t wait to share my top tips for planning your perfect Curecanti National Recreation Area wedding.

A bride and groom sit on a rocky lakeshore surrounded by mountains. The groom, in a gray suit, lifts a baby in a red hoodie and tutu while the bride, in a white gown, smiles and reclines beside them. The sun sparkles on the water.

Frequently asked questions about getting married in Curecanti National Recreational Area:

How do you get married in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Given its proximity to larger and more trafficked spots like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area is actually a great option for couples who want something a little off the beaten path. It’s a great place to experience Colorado’s unique natural beauty, so here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know to plan the perfect Curecanti National Recreation Area wedding and enjoy this natural beauty yourself:

Pick a Ceremony Location & Finalize Your Guest Count

Bryce Canyon National Park actually has no official designated ceremony sites, so you have the entire place at your disposal when it comes to elopement spots! There are plenty of stunning options from the Blue Mesa Reservoir to the dramatic cliffs near adjacent Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Just keep your guests in mind when picking a location. While there aren’t guest limits, many of the sites require some amount of hiking that may be difficult to navigate with groups larger than 10 people.

Regardless of where your guest count ultimately lands, be sure to practice Leave No Trace and do your part to keep the area beautiful so others can enjoy it too!

Pick Your Date

The park is technically open year-round but certain areas are subject to closure based on weather, especially during the winter—you can check current conditions on the official park website here. I go into more detail in my “When’s the best time to visit Curecanti National Recreation Area” section below but, in general, late summer/early fall is a beautiful time to visit thanks to the temperate weather and changing colors!

Get Your Permit & Marriage License

In order to get married in Curecanti National Recreation Area, you’ll need a Special Use Permit, which will cost $100. While the National Park Service website says most requests can be accommodated within 10 days, applications are accepted on a rolling basis so I recommend applying sooner rather than later to make sure you get your date locked in!

You can download your application from the official National Park Service website (I’ve also linked it here for your convenience!). Once you’ve filled it out, email it to BLCA_CURE_commercialservices@nps.gov and head over to Pay.gov to pay the $100 permit fee online. When your application is accepted, you’ll receive a copy of your Special Use Permit—I suggest sharing it with your entire group and bringing a hard copy day-of!

As for the marriage license, you’ll want to get one from the county clerk’s office closest to the park which would be the Gunnison County Clerk’s office. Applications must be done in-person so, first things first, you’ll want to review their checklist before booking an appointment to make sure you have everything you need and won’t need to reschedule. After that, contact the office at (970) 641-2038 to schedule your appointment—you’ll pay the $30 license fee when you’re there. Since Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, you won’t need any witnesses or officiants—just be sure to sign the license within 35 days of the date it’s issued, then return it within 63 days of your wedding!

Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

Since you won’t have a designated wedding site, an experienced local photographer (like me!) can help you pick out the perfect place for your ceremony and help plan your day. I’ve done tons of elopements in Curecanti and know where all the hidden gems are—I’ll guide you to the best spots with the best lighting so your day can look as magical as it feels!

Get Married!

That’s it! All that’s left is to exchange your vows in Curecanti National Recreation Area and enjoy every moment!

When’s the best time to visit Curecanti National Recreation Area?

The best time to visit Curecanti National Recreation Area is during the late summer/early fall season. Those months offer warmer temperatures and sweeping views of Colorado’s beautifully rugged terrain under clear blue skies. If you visit closer to September, you’ll also find the blue waters of the reservoir beautifully offset by the surrounding trees which will have just started shifting from green to gold.

Early mornings and evenings during the weekdays are the least crowded, especially if you visit during the summer which is peak season thanks to the amount of water activities available in the area (another reason I suggest visiting closer to the fall). Those times also happen to offer the most gorgeous golden light that will make for perfect wedding portraits!

Pro Tip: If you get the chance, stay in the area until after the sun goes down. Curecanti National Recreation Area is a certified Dark Sky Park which means stargazing here is a truly magical experience!

How do you get to Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Curecanti National Recreation Area is mainly located along Hwy 50, about 3 hours south of Aspen and an hour and a half northeast of Ouray (if you’re having trouble finding it on your navigation app, the center of the area is located at 38°27’56.1″N 107°10’00.6″W). Specific directions will depend on exactly where in the recreation area you’re trying to go—I’m happy to help you figure out logistics once you’ve locked in a ceremony site!

How long does it take to get to Curecanti National Recreation Area?

How long it takes to get to your destination depends on your chosen ceremony site within Curecanti National Recreation Area. For example, if you want to exchange your vows at the Blue Mesa Scenic Spot, there is parking available steps away from the location at 38°27’54.5″N 107°15’51.3″W, so there’s no hiking required to get where you want to go. If you want to exchange your vows at Lookout Point, though, you’ll need to park in the open lot at the foot of the Curecanti Creek Trailhead (located at 38°27’14.1″N 107°24’53.6″W) and hike a bit of the Curecanti Creek Trail to reach it—about 0.1 miles on fairly even ground, so nothing too crazy unless you want to do the entire trek which is considered to be of moderate difficulty and could take 2.5 hours.

No matter where you choose to have your ceremony or what adventures you want to embark on, I can help you figure out the best way to plan your day and make the most of your time in Curecanti!

How much does it cost to get married in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Getting married in Curecanti National Recreation Area will cost you about $130. That includes the $100 Special Use Permit and the $30 marriage license from a local clerk—you won’t even have to pay an entrance fee to access the recreation area!

Beyond those costs, your total elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want it to be! It usually depends on how many guests you have, whether or not you do a reception, travel costs, etc. (I have tons of recommendations for nearby accommodations, caterers, and anything else you may need!). Most of the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventure in a stunning location like Curecanti National Recreation Area and capturing every memorable moment of it, which is why they spend a lot of their budget on photography. If you want more details, you can find my full cost of eloping guide here!

Are dogs allowed in Curecanti National Recreation Area?

Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they’re leashed! The only places they are not allowed are the marina and docks (unless it’s for direct travel to and from the boat), and inside the Elk Creek Visitor Center.

Curecanti National Recreation Area Wedding Photos

Sarah & KC’s Curecanti National Recreation Area Summer Wedding

Sarah & KC are practically inseparable from the ocean where they live in the south, so for their elopement, they really wanted to feel like they were on a grand adventure in the mountains! They were really excited about alpine lakes, huge views, and peaks all around. So naturally, I suggested the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where I knew they could have some of all of that while staying really accessible.

What they wanted most was a spontaneous adventure, where everything was stunning and they could pick their ceremony location out whenever they wanted. Curecanti is the perfect place for that! I knew its blend of mesas, trails, and views was exactly right to let them truly wander and find what was calling to them. Plus, it checked all of their scenery boxes!

They set out at sunrise, had a first look before hopping on the trail, and found a beautiful ceremony spot along the way. They spent over half their time up there, just exploring together! After they were back at the campsite, they celebrated with lunch, a dance, and signing the paperwork to make it official.

Distant snow-capped mountains glow with soft light at sunset, while a dark, forested hill is visible in the foreground under a clear sky.

A black camper van with roof storage and a rear ladder is parked in a lot at sunset, with mountains and an open sky in the background.

A white wedding dress and accessories hang on the open back doors of a camper van parked in a scenic mountain area, with the interior bed and belongings visible inside.

A smiling woman kneels on a bed inside a cozy camper while a baby in a white tutu and brown outfit stands and looks toward the camera.

A woman smiles at a baby lying on a bed inside a camper van with the back doors open. A white lace dress hangs on a hook, and storage compartments are visible around them.

A woman smiles while helping a man dress a baby who is sitting and looking at the camera inside a cozy, dimly lit room. The image is in black and white.

A small child in a white outfit and red boots sits on a bed while an adult, wearing a green jacket, helps put on one of the child’s boots. The child looks toward the camera, holding one foot up.

A man stands outdoors, holding a young child dressed in a pink hoodie and red shoes. They face a scenic mountain landscape, smiling and enjoying the view by a wooden fence.

A woman in a flowing white dress stands near the open back doors of a camper van, with mountains in the background and wind gently blowing her dress.

Close-up of a person’s hands buttoning a vintage lace wedding dress, with intricate fabric details and small white buttons visible. The image focuses on the hands and torso, highlighting the delicate texture of the dress.

A woman in a wedding dress sits on the edge of a van with the door open, putting on hiking boots with red laces. Her bare foot rests on the ground, and the train of her dress pools around her.

A couple stands beside a camper van, with the woman in a wedding dress and jacket holding a suit jacket. The man, in dress pants and shirt, looks at the clothing as they prepare or change outdoors. Camping gear is visible inside the van.

A man with a beard adjusts his black suspenders over a light blue button-up shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred background.

A man in a light grey suit adjusts his bow tie, looking down with concentration. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing his focused expression and formal attire.

A couple walks on a narrow, dirt trail through a mountain landscape. Both carry backpacks; the woman’s pack holds gear, while the man’s has a bouquet of flowers. Leafless trees and distant mountains surround them.

Two people with backpacks, one carrying flowers, walk down a trail surrounded by greenery and mountains in the distance, with patches of snow on the peaks and trees framing the scene.

Black and white photo of a river or lake curving between steep, forested mountains, with sunlight casting shadows on the rugged landscape.

A couple dressed in outdoor gear stands close together on a forested hiking trail. The woman smiles, adjusting the man's beanie, while both carry backpacks. They are surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.

Two hikers walk down a dirt trail through a mountainous landscape. The person in front wears a white dress, and the person behind carries a large backpack adorned with fresh flowers. Sunlight highlights the natural scenery.

A couple stands on a forest trail, smiling as the man kisses the woman's forehead. He carries a bouquet and a baby in a backpack carrier. Sunlight filters through trees, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.

A bouquet of pastel roses, peonies, and greenery rests on a weathered log, with a rustic, natural background.

A delicate floral crown with small white and pink flowers and a white ribbon lies on a rustic wooden surface next to a boutonnière featuring a pale pink rose.

A calm river flows between forested, rocky mountains under a clear sky, with a log and pebbled shore in the foreground.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky lakeshore, holding hands and facing each other, surrounded by mountains and trees under a clear sky, with sunlight reflecting on the water.

A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain by a lake, holding hands and looking at each other, with sunlight reflecting off the water and mountains in the background.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky shore by a lake, holding a baby. The water and mountains are visible in the background under daylight.

A bride and groom stand on rocky ground by a shimmering lake, smiling at each other. Mountains rise in the background under a bright sky. The bride wears a white dress; the groom is in a light suit.

A man in a grey suit holds a baby dressed in pink, while a woman in a white lace dress faces them, holding the man's hand. All are smiling outdoors in natural sunlight.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky shore by a lake, holding a small child. The bride wears a flowing gown and flower crown, wiping her eye, while the groom is in a suit. Mountains are visible in the background.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a light suit stand on rocky ground outdoors, holding a baby dressed in pink, with trees and mountains in the blurred background.

A smiling couple in wedding attire stands outdoors, holding hands, as the bride carries a baby dressed in red. Trees and soft sunlight fill the blurred background.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a light suit stand on rocky ground outdoors, holding a baby dressed in pink, with trees and mountains blurred in the background.

A bride and groom embrace on a rocky lakeshore, surrounded by mountains and trees under a clear blue sky. Sunlight sparkles on the water in the background.

A couple in wedding attire kisses on a rocky lakeshore, with mountains and trees in the background and sunlight reflecting on the water.

A bride and groom stand arm in arm on a rocky lakeshore, looking out at a calm lake surrounded by forested mountains under a bright sky.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky lakeshore, surrounded by mountains and sunlight reflecting off the water, holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony.

A man in a suit, a woman in a white dress, and a baby stand on a rocky lakeshore. The man pops champagne, the woman raises her arm in celebration, and sunlight shimmers on the water with mountains in the background.

A man in a suit pops a champagne bottle, spraying droplets, while standing beside a woman in a white dress holding a baby. They are on a rocky lakeshore with trees and mountains in the background.

A woman in a lace dress holds a baby wrapped in a pink blanket while looking at her phone. A man in a grey suit and bow tie, with a boutonniere, sits beside her outdoors, smiling warmly.

A couple sits closely together on a blanket over rocky ground by a body of water, surrounded by rocks and cliffs. They appear happy and relaxed, sharing a drink, with a champagne bottle placed nearby.

A couple in wedding attire sits on a blanket by a rocky lakeshore, smiling and looking at something in the woman's hands. A bottle of champagne rests nearby on the rocks.

A man in a suit kisses a baby dressed in pink, while a woman in a white lace dress watches and smiles. They are seated outdoors on rocks near the water in sunlight.

A family sits on a rocky shore beside a lake, surrounded by mountains. Two adults and a baby relax on a blanket under the sun, enjoying the scenic outdoor setting.

A couple in wedding attire embraces on a rocky lakeshore, surrounded by mountains and sparkling water under a clear sky.

A bride and groom stand on rocky shore, holding hands and facing a calm lake with mountains in the background. The bride's dress flows as they look toward the water. The scene is in black and white.

A bride and groom share a kiss on rocky ground by a sparkling lake, with mountains and a clear blue sky in the background.

A baby wearing a pink bonnet, red sweater, and white tutu sits on rocky ground outdoors, holding an object and looking to the side with a thoughtful expression.

A joyful couple in wedding attire embrace and smile, standing on rocky ground by a lake with mountains and trees in the background. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers and her dress flows in the wind.

A joyful couple dressed in wedding attire embrace outdoors, with the groom kissing the bride on the cheek as she smiles and holds a bouquet of flowers. Sunlight filters through tree branches in the background.

A groom in a light gray suit leans in to kiss his laughing bride, who is holding a large bouquet of flowers, as they stand outdoors among trees on a sunny day.

A joyful bride and groom walk hand in hand through a sunlit forest, with the bride holding her dress and a bouquet of flowers, both smiling amid tall trees and dappled sunlight.

A smiling woman in a white dress and a man in a gray suit sit outdoors, lovingly interacting with a baby dressed in white and brown. The trio is surrounded by greenery and sunlight filters through the trees.

A smiling couple in wedding attire stands in a sunlit forest, holding a baby in a white dress and red boots. The family looks happy and lovingly at each other among the trees.

A smiling woman in a white strapless dress holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers with greenery, standing outdoors among trees on a sunny day.

A smiling woman in a light dress and flower crown holds a baby in a white tutu and red shoes. The baby and woman both wear floral headbands, and she holds a large bouquet of pale flowers. They stand outdoors in sunlight.

A bearded man in a light gray suit lifts a smiling baby wearing a white tutu and red boots into the air outdoors, surrounded by trees and sunlight.

A man with a beard, wearing a light gray suit, bow tie, and boutonniere, stands outdoors with his hands in his pockets, smiling among trees and natural greenery.

A smiling woman and man help a young child hold a pen to sign a document on a wooden table outdoors, all appearing joyful and engaged in the activity.

A joyful woman and man hold a smiling baby wearing a white dress and flower crown, standing outdoors under trees in warm sunlight.

A scenic mountain landscape with green hills and valleys in the foreground, and distant snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

A scenic view of a lake surrounded by rugged, forested mountains under a clear sky, with distant snow-capped peaks in the background.

A couple stands on a rocky hillside covered in green bushes, overlooking a large lake with forested mountains in the background. The woman, in a white dress, raises her arm while the man, in a blue shirt, stands beside her.

A couple embraces and kisses on a hillside covered in green shrubs, with a forested mountain and a river or lake in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a mountain trail overlooking a river and forested hills, surrounded by green shrubs under a partly cloudy sky.

A man and woman lie on their stomachs in a camper van, cuddling and kissing a smiling baby who sits between them on a bed. The family appears relaxed and happy, framed by the open doorway.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Curecanti National Recreation Area Wedding Photographer

Not only am I a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer, but I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements worldwide for over a decade. I’ve done more than 150 in the state of Colorado alone and each one has been an unforgettable adventure.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Curecanti National Recreation Area Wedding Packages

If you’re looking for an experienced local elopement photographer who knows Colorado like the back of her hand and wants to make your day as epic as possible, then you’re in the right place!

Just contact me here to check if I have your date available and for a free planning consultation, and we can get started!

includes:

4+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in Colorado

$6,800 for all of the above including 4-hours of photography

$9,000 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

About Maddie Mae Elopement
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