How to Plan an Epic Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding

Nestled away from prying eyes, the Moraine Park Amphitheater is one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most romantic locations to say your vows! With its rustic stone benches, towering pine trees, and scenic views of Moraine Park below, the amphitheater offers an intimate setting that perfectly pairs privacy with nature.

As a local Colorado elopement photographer, I have captured countless elopements and weddings in Rocky Mountain National Park alone. No matter how many times I photograph it, the Moraine Park Amphitheater remains as timeless as ever–let’s dive right into my best tips for how to get married there, so you can experience it for yourself!

Frequently asked questions about getting married at the Moraine Park Amphitheater:

How do you get married at the Moraine Park Amphitheater?

As one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most intimate and secluded wedding sites, the Moraine Park Amphitheater is very popular with couples looking for something peaceful and charming year-round! I’ve helped dozens of couples through the process of eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, so here is everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable elopement at the Moraine Park Amphitheater!

1. Pick a Date

Rocky Mountain National Park only allows no more than 2 ceremonies each day per designated wedding location, so I strongly recommend you apply for your booking a year in advance in order to secure your preferred date.

Pro Tip: Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. They officially open on the 1st of each month for the same month in the following year (i.e. you can apply on June 1st, 2027, for a June 2028 wedding).

2. Finalize Your Guest Count

Ceremonies at the Moraine Park Amphitheater are capped at 30 people max and this includes you two, your photographer, your officiant, guests, and any vendors. Your entire group is also allowed a maximum of 10 vehicles.

3. Get a Permit

To get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, all you need is a Special Use Permit! The park limits how many permits are issued per month depending on the season–60 for May-October (summer) and 40 for November–April (winter). Because of that, I suggest you apply as early as possible to lock in the permit for your selected date. 

You can download the permit application from the Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings webpage (I’ve linked it here to make things as easy as possible!). After completing the application, just email it to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov.

Once your application is approved, you’ll get an emailed copy of your Special Use Permit to review and sign, along with instructions on how to pay the $300 fee. You’ll then receive a fully executed copy of your permit–be sure to share it with your entire group and bring copies to your ceremony on the day-of!

4. Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

With your Special Use Permit, you’re free to take photos anywhere in the park before & after your ceremony! As a local photographer who knows the park inside and out, I can guide you to the best spots for the most beautiful photos and help you design a day that feels every bit as magical as it looks. 

5. Get Married!

Congratulations, you made it! Just remember to bring copies of your permit day-of and soak in the moment as you say your vows in the beautiful Moraine Park Amphitheater.

When’s the best time to visit the Moraine Park Amphitheater?

The best time to visit the Moraine Park Amphitheater is during the Summer (late-May to early October). Not only are the trails clearer and snow-free, but you also get beautiful views of Moraine Park and its blooming wildflowers. The amphitheater itself is overflowing with greenery, thanks to the towering trees that surround it, offering a cool quiet spot for your vows! 

Since it is less frequented by your average park-goer, the Moraine Park Amphitheater can be less crowded than other spots in Rocky Mountain National Park, regardless of what time of day you choose to visit (though weekdays are better than weekends). The golden light that comes with the early morning and late evening is perfect and can make for some gorgeous photographs!

Pro Tip: Moraine Park is really popular with the elk in the fall! You can often hear them bugling.

Moraine Park Summer Elopement

In the summer Moraine Park is a great choice for anyone looking for a combination of a somewhat more formal wedding site, a gorgeous backdrop, and proximity to some of the best nature that this portion of Colorado has to offer. The amphitheater has space for 30 people (including you and your photographer) as well as benches for your guests. The trees form a semi-circle around the ceremony site, making it feel intimate & cozy here. 

Moraine Park Winter Elopement

In the winter, you can come to the amphitheater for all of the summer perks plus a usually pretty lovely layer of snow (especially if you elope in February or March, our snowiest months of the year here). The benches may need some clearing off if you plan to have your guests sit, but the winter wonderland vibes here can’t be beat. As a bonus, all of the trees in this area are evergreens, so you’ll be surrounded by snowy pine needles instead of bare branches. 

How do you get to the Moraine Park Amphitheater?

To get to the Moraine Park Amphitheater, you will enter through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and travel about 1.5 miles down US-36 W, then turn left onto Bear Lake Rd. After about 1.3 miles, you’ll find signage directing you to turn left toward the Moraine Park Discovery Center. This road will take you to a paved parking lot, located at 40°21’30.5″N 105°35’03.8″W,

near the Moraine Park Amphitheater. You can find restrooms at the Moraine Park Discovery Center by the parking lot!

Pro Tip: The Moraine Park Discovery Center is closed during the winter season (mid October–May) so, in that case, the closest restrooms can be found at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center about 1.5 miles away. 

How long is the walk to get to the Moraine Park Amphitheater?

The walk to the Moraine Park Amphitheater will only take you a couple minutes, especially if you park at the Moraine Park Discovery Center, since you’ll be right next to the Amphitheater entrance! Keep in mind, though, that the Amphitheater itself does have steps and slightly uneven ground if you’re concerned about accessibility. There is no wheelchair accessible path. 

How much does it cost to get married at the Moraine Park Amphitheater? 

Getting married at any of the designated wedding sites in Rocky Mountain National Park costs about $360. This total includes the Special Use Permit fee, your marriage license from a local clerk ($30), and the park entry fee for a vehicle ($30–card only). If you have more cars, each one will have to pay the $30 entry fee.

During the busier summer season (from Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Monday in October), the park usually requires a Timed Entry Reservation. Fortunately, your Special Use Permit will act as your reservation instead, so you don’t need to worry about this step! 

Beyond that, your elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want it to be! It will usually depend on your guest count, your vendors, travel plans, etc., but typically the couples who hire me prioritize having an epic adventure in a stunning location, which is why they often invest most of their budget in photography to document it. You can read my full cost of eloping guide here.

Are dogs allowed at the Moraine Park Amphitheater? 

Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash! This is actually one of the only locations in Rocky Mountain National Park that allows dogs, since you can’t bring them on any of the trails found throughout the rest of the park.

Moraine Park Amphitheater Elopement & Wedding Photos