How to Have a Stunning Sprague Lake Wedding

Quiet and serene, Sprague Lake is a staple of Rocky Mountain National Park and a beautiful place to say your vows. Not only is it peaceful and secluded but, with an elevation gain of only 34 feet, this spot is easily accessible while also providing stunning mountain and lake views that make the perfect backdrop for your big day!

As a local Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve photographed dozens of elopements and weddings in Rocky Mountain National Park alone. It honestly never fails to blow me away and I’m excited to share my top tips for planning your beautiful Sprague Lake ceremony, so it can do the same for you!

How do you get married at Sprague Lake? 

Thanks to its accessibility and low altitude, Sprague Lake is a popular spot within the park itself for the perfect elopement, especially since it’s open year-round. I’ve walked dozens of couples through eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, so here is everything you need to know about the process!

1. Pick a Date
   
   Rocky Mountain National Park only allows 6 total ceremonies per day and no more than 2 per designated wedding location (regardless of availability), so I recommend booking a year in advance in order to secure your chosen date.
   
   Pro Tip: Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis and open on the 1st of each month for the same month the following year (i.e. if you want to get married in June in 2027, you can apply for your permit starting June 1, 2026).
2. Finalize Your Guest Count
   
   Sprague Lake has a 15-person limit in the Summer (Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Monday in October) and a 30-person limit in the Winter (the rest of the year). These limits include you two, your photographer, your officiant/guests, and any vendors.
   
   Your group is allowed 3 total vehicles in the Summer and 10 in the Winter, so carpooling could be helpful!
3. Get a Permit
   
   Rocky Mountain National Park only requires a Special Use Permit for elopements. They limit the amount of permits given out for certain months–60 ceremonies per month for May–October; 40 ceremonies per month for November–April, so the sooner you apply the better!
   
   To get your permit, you’ll need to download the application for it from the Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings webpage (I’ve also linked it here to make your life easier!). Once you’ve filled out the application, email it to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov.
   
   When your application is accepted, you’ll receive an emailed copy of your Special Use Permit to review and sign, as well as instructions on how to pay the $300 fee. You’ll then receive a fully executed copy of your permit–make sure to share a copy with your entire group and have one on-site for the big day!
4. Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations
   
   The Special Use Permit allows you to take portraits not only at your location but also elsewhere in the park before or after your ceremony. As a local photographer who’s really familiar with the park, I can help you make a timeline for the whole day and capture the most beautiful photos to remember it by. I know the best timing for the perfect light and the best spots for the most epic views–everything you need to have a smooth and memorable experience.
   
   Pro Tip: Mornings are particularly beautiful at this spot!
5. Get Married!
   
   That’s it! Just remember to bring a copy of your permit and get ready to say your vows by the stunning Sprague Lake.

When’s the best time to visit Sprague Lake?

The best time to visit Sprague Lake is in the Summer, specifically during the warmer months of May–October–the wildflowers bloom in July, making this spot even more beautiful. If you want a more wintery setting though, March & April are our snowiest months in Colorado and make for some stunning white-capped mountain backdrops!

The best times of day to avoid crowds would be in the early morning or late evening (those hours also give us great lighting to work with, especially at sunrise and sunset!). Weekdays are less busy than weekends, so I strongly recommend Mondays through Thursdays if you’re looking for something quieter and more secluded.

Sprague Lake Summer Elopement

If you’re looking for lots of greenery, beautiful wildflowers, and serene lakes reflecting the stunning surrounding mountains, then look no further! The Summer season (late May–early October) also provides later sunsets which is perfect if you want an evening elopement.

Sprague Lake Winter Wedding

If you want frosted evergreens, a world dusted with snow, and majestic mountains, then this is a great location for a winter wedding! Starting in November, the lake begins freezing over, which only adds to the magical ambience.

How do you get to Sprague Lake?

To get to Sprague Lake, you’ll need to enter through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and travel about 6.5 miles down US-36 W. There will be clear signage directing you to Bear Lake Rd and that will lead you to a paved parking lot right next to Sprague Lake, located at 40°19’13.9″N 105°36’30.4″W. You’ll also find some park benches there as well as restrooms!

How long is the walk to get to Sprague Lake?

While there is no trail necessary to get to Sprague Lake, there is a 0.7 mile trail loop that goes around the lake itself and can lead to some gorgeous spots for photos. The trail is fairly flat and super accessible with a lot of benches and lookouts along the whole loop.

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

Getting married at any site within Rocky Mountain National Park will cost $360. This includes the Special Use Permit fee, your marriage license from a local clerk ($30), and the cost at the gate for one car to enter the park ($30). If you have more cars, each one will have to pay a $30 entry fee (card only). You can find my full cost of eloping guide here! 

During the Summer season (Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Monday in October), the park usually requires a Timed Entry Reservation, but your Special Use Permit will serve as your reservation instead, so you won’t need to deal with that. 

Beyond that, your total elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want it to be! It will depend on how many guests you have, which vendors you choose, etc., but the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventurous experience in an incredible location, which is why they often invest most of their budget in photography to document it.

Are dogs allowed at Sprague Lake?

Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at Sprague Lake or on any of the Rocky Mountain National Park trails.

Sprague Lake Elopement & Wedding Photos

Alyssa & Jason’s June Sprague Lake Elopement

Alyssa & Jason had their ceremony at Sprague Lake, surrounded by their closest family. They didn’t have more than 15 guests in attendance, which let the ceremony still feel intimate and private. Their ceremony was officiated by Jason’s cousin and included personal vows, rings, and a handfasting ceremony. They made everything super personal—including having vow notebooks from a couple of their favorite TV shows/movies! After they were married, Alyssa & Jason had a champagne toast where their guests were invited to say a few words to the happy couple, and they got to gather together to take portraits by Sprague Lake. Post-toast, Alyssa & Jason parted ways with their guests to go explore on their own! They popped up Trail Ridge Road to spend time exploring some of the scenic overlooks & wide valleys. They stayed out until the full moon rose and did some stargazing out in the park back by the lake, wrapping up their elopement day by taking it all in together.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Sprague Lake Elopement Photographer

I’m a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer, and I live just 45 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. For over a decade I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements around the world.