How to Have a Great Grand Lake Elopement in Any Season

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Just outside of the bounds of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the gateway to the area from the west. Slower and more relaxed than Estes, Grand Lake’s calling card is their 600+ acre lake of the same name, where you can boat, swim, fish, camp, picnic, and more!

I’ve photographed over 150+ elopements in Colorado and grew up in the area, so I know Grand Lake like the back of my hand! Sara & AJ had their wedding here in 2021, but I’ve been photographing elopements in this area since way back in 2015.

Here are my top tips about how to get married at Grand Lake!

Frequently asked questions about getting married in Grand Lake?

How do you get legally married in Grand Lake?

Colorado makes getting married super easy thanks to its laws around self-solemnizing—AKA, getting married with no officiant or witness needed. And Colorado is one of the only states in the US where you can do it! I wrote a blog post about self-solemnization here and I go more in-depth on the legalities of getting married here in my How to Elope in Colorado guide.

All you’ll need to do is fill out the application online, make an appointment with the Grand County Clerk and Recorder, pay $30, and ta da! You have one marriage license ready to go. You can fill it out any time within 35 days and return it up to 63 days after your wedding. It’s that simple.

Best places to elope in Grand Lake

The best spot to elope in Grand Lake is Point Park. This park sits at the intersection of Grand Lake (the lake, not the town) and Shadow Mountain Lake, connected by a river-sized channel. There are great trails in this area, including the popular Continental Divide Trail, tons of beautiful stretches of lake, and perfect views of Shadow Mountain! This is a great place to get a little dose of everything Colorado has to offer all in one eyeful.

Between Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Granby Lake just a short drive away, there are so many gorgeous scenic spots and trails in this area! You’ll honestly have a harder time finding a bad view here than a stunning one. Picnic areas near the lakes and the CDT are both popular ways to find a good spot to elope.

Why elope in Grand Lake and not Rocky Mountain National Park?

Honestly, even though Grand Lake is most well known for its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, this town has so many beautiful spots all to itself. And the best part is, the vast majority of places within Grand Lake don’t require permits the same way that Rocky does! Which makes the process of getting married in a gorgeous place that much easier and more affordable. If you’re curious, though, I have a guide about eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park here! (Note: Even when places don’t require permits, it’s important to treat nature with respect and always Leave No Trace.)

When’s the best time to visit Grand Lake?

The best time to visit Grand Lake is going to be during the summer, avoiding holidays, ideally during a weekday at sunrise! That’s going to be hands down the best combination of beautiful lighting, good weather, low crowds, and your pick of gorgeous locations.

While Grand Lake usually stays quieter than the Estes side of things, camping spots can fill up over the busiest weekends of the summer, especially Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day. But most folks who will be out on the lake for the day don’t get a start until after 10am, letting you get the most beautiful hours of sunlight to yourself! Sunset can be busier at times as people settle into their campsites for the evening.

Grand Lake Summer Elopement

This lake sits in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, keeping it temperate and green even during summer’s hottest months! And it connects directly to Trail Ridge Road!

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a large rock surrounded by pine trees, overlooking a calm lake with forested mountains in the background.

Grand Lake Winter Wedding

Frozen lakes, snowmobiles, snowy peaks give Grand Lake its charm in the winter months! This is a great middle ground between Denver’s altitude and a mountain peak.

A bride and groom embrace in a grassy field, with the bride holding a bouquet. Snow-capped mountains and pine trees are visible in the background under a clear sky.

How do you get to Grand Lake?

Grand Lake is easily accessible along Route 34! In the winter, when 34 is closed through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park (Trail Ridge Road), you can still access it by taking I-70 and connecting to Route 40 North, which will then take you right up to Route 34 East. The center of town is located at 40°15’07.0″N 105°49’16.4″W.

How much does it cost to get married at Grand Lake?

It doesn’t cost anything to say your vows at Grand Lake! You don’t need a special use permit to access this lake and there’s no entrance fee! Making this a totally free venue.

The only cost to consider is if you’re doing your paperwork in the state, which I talked more about above.

That means you’re totally free to spend the rest of your wedding budget on whatever you actually want to spend it on! I’d encourage you to think about what would make your day really memorable.

The couples who hire me are ones who personally prioritize adventure and incredible scenery. I make sure that they have the best experience possible and document everything, so they can just soak up every second and be in the moment!

I have a whole blog post all about what it costs to elope here!

Are dogs allowed at Grand Lake?

Yes! Dogs are allowed in and around the lake, including the beach! Just make sure that any trails you head down aren’t part of Rocky Mountain National Park (even in part), as dogs are not allowed on the trails in the park.

Grand Lake Elopement Photos

Sara & AJ’s Late Summer Grand Lake Elopement

Coming in from out of state, Sara & AJ immediately told me that they wanted my expertise as a local to guide them to the best spot in the state for them! They had never been to Colorado before, but wanted somewhere gorgeous that their elderly relatives could easily visit. I knew Grand Lake would be perfect! It’s got a great mix of incredible beauty in the mountains while still being easy to access for guests of intimate weddings. And afterward, we were close enough to Rocky that we could go in to grab some additional wedding portraits and let them have an adventure!

A couple stands on a small lakeshore surrounded by misty, forested mountains, with their reflection visible in the calm water under a cloudy sky.

A flat lay of wedding accessories on a wooden surface includes patterned socks, jewelry, a map with rings, and a bouquet of white flowers and greenery.

A rustic house with large windows is nestled among tall trees and wildflowers on a grassy hillside under a cloudy sky.

A rustic bouquet with white, pink, and red flowers, greenery, and dried accents arranged in a decorative vase on a round, wicker-patterned wooden table against a neutral wall.

A man in a light gray suit adjusts his jacket while standing indoors, looking slightly upward with a calm expression, illuminated by warm, soft lighting.

A man in a suit jacket stands indoors, gazing out of frame with a thoughtful expression. He has one hand raised to his hair, and the photo is in black and white with dramatic lighting.

A white, sleeveless wedding dress with a deep V neckline hangs on a wooden door in a dimly lit room with a stone arch and a small fireplace.

A bride in a wedding dress covers her face with one hand while holding a mirror with the other, standing indoors by a window. A woman beside her smiles supportively. The mood appears emotional and joyful.

A woman in a sparkling, celestial-patterned gown sits on the floor by a window, adjusting her earring. She has long dark hair and looks down, with soft light illuminating her and part of an ornate rug visible nearby.

A woman in a delicate, sheer dress decorated with moon and star patterns sits with her hands resting on her lap. She wears a bracelet and a ring, and soft light highlights the intricate details of her dress.

A bride in a white dress walks toward a groom in a light gray suit, who stands smiling in a forest clearing surrounded by tall trees and wildflowers.

A bride in a white gown smiles as she stands behind a groom in a light gray suit, who is laughing joyfully amid wildflowers and tall trees in an outdoor forest setting.

A bride in a white gown smiles as a groom in a light gray suit wipes his face emotionally; they stand in a forest clearing surrounded by wildflowers and tall trees.

A bride and groom stand outdoors, facing each other and holding hands in a scenic, grassy field with wildflowers and trees, mountains visible in the background. The groom smiles joyfully at the bride.

A bride in a white dress with a long train walks through a grassy field, smiling, while a groom in a gray suit follows behind her. Tall trees and hills are visible in the background.

A calm lake with a small tree-covered island, surrounded by distant, hazy mountains under an overcast sky. The shoreline is sandy, and a few boats rest on the water and on the beach.

A couple, dressed in wedding attire, stands on a boat; the groom steers while the bride waves to another boat. Other people, including a woman holding a child, sit at a table with flowers on the boat.

A man in a gray suit drives a boat while a woman in sunglasses and a denim jacket hugs him from behind, both smiling as they enjoy a ride on the water.

A small group of people ride on a pontoon boat across a calm lake, surrounded by misty, tree-covered mountains in the distance under a cloudy sky.

A group of people explore a rocky shoreline beside a lake, with trees and boulders on one side and mountains visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

A small group of people gather outdoors by a lake and mountains, attending a wedding ceremony. The couple stands in the center with the officiant, surrounded by friends and family under a cloudy sky.

A small group of people gathers by a lakeshore, surrounded by mountains and pine trees, as a couple stands at the center, seemingly in the middle of a wedding ceremony outdoors.

A bride and groom stand together outdoors by a lake, smiling during their wedding ceremony. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers and wears a flowing white dress, while the groom wears a light gray suit. An officiant reads beside them.

A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors by a lake, with mountains in the background. The bride and groom stand together, surrounded by guests dressed formally, as an officiant reads from a book.

A newlywed couple shares a kiss outdoors by a lake, with the bride in a flowing white gown and the groom in a gray suit. A bouquet and another person are visible nearby on a grassy shoreline.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a sandy lake shore, with calm water and distant mountains under a cloudy sky in the background.

A newlywed couple walks hand-in-hand along a sandy lakeshore, smiling joyfully. The groom wears a gray suit; the bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet. Misty mountains and calm water are in the background.

A couple in wedding attire walks along a sandy lakeshore under a cloudy sky, with distant mountains and calm water in the background.

A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a light gray suit joyfully run hand-in-hand along a sandy lakeshore, with mountains and water in the background. The bride carries a bouquet of flowers.

A bride and groom stand on a dock, kissing by a marina with several boats. Mountains and a cloudy sky are in the background, creating a serene and romantic scene.

A bride and groom stand on a dock beside several boats, with calm water and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

A bride and groom stand on a dock surrounded by boats, sharing a kiss. The bride holds a bouquet, and mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky.

A bride and groom embrace on a sandy lakeshore as a young boy runs toward them, with calm water and distant mountains under an overcast sky in the background.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky lakeshore, with the bride wearing a white dress and the groom in a light suit, facing a calm lake surrounded by forested mountains under a cloudy sky.

A bride and groom embrace by a calm lake, surrounded by forested mountains and reflected trees, under an overcast sky. The bride’s long veil trails behind her on the rocky shore.

A bride in a flowing gown and a groom in a suit stand on rocky ground beside a calm lake, gazing into each other's eyes in a romantic, black-and-white outdoor setting.

A bride in a white dress lovingly wipes away a groom's tears with a handkerchief as they embrace outdoors, both showing deep emotion. The groom wears a light gray suit and looks touched, while water is visible in the background.

A bride in a white dress gently wipes a tear from the groom’s face. The groom, in a light gray suit and white shirt, looks emotional. They stand close together outdoors near a calm body of water.

A bride and groom embrace by a calm mountain lake, surrounded by trees and misty mountains, with reflections on the water and the bride’s train cascading onto the rocky shore.

A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a light gray suit embrace on a rocky lakeshore with calm water and forested mountains in the background.

A bride in a white dress embraces a groom in a grey suit as they stand on rocky ground by a calm, reflective lake, with trees and mountains faintly visible in the background.

A bride in a white dress and veil embraces a groom in a gray suit by a calm mountain lake, surrounded by trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.

A bride and groom hold hands by a calm lake, surrounded by mountains. The bride wears a flowing gown with a long veil; the groom wears a suit. The photo is in black and white, creating a timeless, romantic mood.

A bride in a jeweled dress kisses the cheek of a smiling groom in a gray suit, both embracing outdoors near a calm, rocky lakeshore.

A bride and groom embrace closely by a lakeside, facing each other with eyes closed, about to kiss. The bride wears a sleeveless lace gown and pearl hairpins; the groom is in a light gray suit. Mountains and water are in the background.

A bride in a long white dress with flowing ribbons embraces a groom by a rocky lakeshore, with calm water and tree-covered mountains in the background.

A bride in a long white gown with a flowing train stands on a rocky lakeshore, holding a baby, with calm water and forested mountains reflected in the background.

A calm lake reflects surrounding pine trees and distant, misty mountains under an overcast sky. The scene is tranquil with soft light and muted colors.

A bride and groom stand close together on a dirt path surrounded by tall pine trees in a forest, with overcast skies above.

A bride and groom stand on a forested hillside, the bride in a white gown with a long veil trailing behind her, surrounded by tall pine trees and a mountainous landscape.

A calm lake reflects surrounding pine-covered mountains and a cloudy sky; a small sandy shore with driftwood is visible on the right, creating a peaceful, natural scene.

A couple sits on a small, rocky peninsula by a calm mountain lake, surrounded by pine-covered hills and misty mountains, with their reflection visible in the water.

A bride and groom sit together on a pebbled lakeshore, facing each other intimately, surrounded by forested mountains with their reflection visible in the calm water under a cloudy sky.

A couple sits on a blanket by a lakeshore, facing a small tree-covered island and misty mountains in the background, with overcast skies and calm water.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a light gray suit sit closely together on a striped blanket over rocky ground, gazing lovingly at each other and smiling.

A bride in a white dress and boots lies on a striped blanket, embracing and kissing a groom in a gray suit, on a rocky outdoor surface.

A bride in a detailed, celestial-themed wedding dress lies on a striped blanket, holding hands with a groom in a gray suit, both appearing relaxed and intimate outdoors.

A bride in a lace dress lies on a striped blanket, smiling up at a groom in a grey suit with a boutonnière. They hold hands and gaze at each other, looking happy and relaxed outdoors.

A bride in a white dress lies on a striped blanket, laughing, as her groom in a gray suit jacket sits behind her, holding her hand. They are outdoors on a rocky ground surrounded by trees.

A bride and groom walk along a forest path under a clear umbrella, surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery.

A couple walks hand in hand down a forest path, sharing a clear umbrella on a cloudy day. Tall pine trees surround them, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Grand Lake Elopement Photographer

I’m a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer, but I travel all over the world! For over a decade I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements across the state of Colorado and anywhere else on the planet that you can dream up.

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.

Grand Lake Elopement Packages

I’ve photographed over 150+ elopements right here in CO, so there’s nothing you can run by me that I haven’t seen before! I’ll be your guide to permits if they’re needed, hidden nooks only locals know about, where to be for the best lighting during the day, and so much more. For everything from custom vendor recommendations to personalized packing lists, I’ll be in your corner! All you have to do is reach out to me and tell me about yourself! I can’t wait to get this process started for you.

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

Starting at $6,000 for 4-hours of coverage.

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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