Upper Beaver Meadows is a sweeping, grassy valley and one of the most quietly majestic spots in Rocky Mountain National Park for your ceremony! Wide stretches of land slope to meet gorgeous forests of pines, with peaks rising over the treetops to complete the idyllic backdrop. A small stream and grazing wildlife adds a peaceful ambience, making this location the perfect setting for an elopement that feels like an intimate adventure through nature.
I have photographed countless elopements and weddings in Rocky Mountain National Park as a local Colorado elopement photographer, and each one has been a uniquely beautiful experience. Having captured quite a few in Upper Beaver Meadows alone, I am so excited to share my top tips with you on how to plan the perfect wedding for this stunning spot!
How do you get married in Upper Beaver Meadows?
Open year-round (though road access varies seasonally as outlined below), Upper Beaver Meadows offers a calm yet epic backdrop for your ceremony. I have guided so many couples through the process of a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, so here is absolutely everything you will need to know to plan an epic Upper Beaver Meadows wedding:
- Pick a Date
Only 6 total ceremonies (no more than 2 per designated wedding location) are allowed per day in Rocky Mountain National Park, and that’s regardless of availability. Because of that, I strongly recommend booking a year in advance so you can be sure to secure your chosen date.
Pro Tip: Applications for permits 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) and they’re accepted on a first come, first serve basis. - Finalize Your Guest Count
Upper Beaver Meadows ceremonies have a 30-person limit and this includes the both of you, your photographer, your officiant, your guests, and any vendors. You are also allowed a maximum of 10 vehicles for your entire group. - Get a Permit
In order to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will need a Special Use Permit. The park only allows 60 ceremonies per month during the May–October period (summer season) and 40 ceremonies per month during the November–April period (winter season), so the sooner you apply for your permit, the better!
You can get your permit by visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings webpage (I’ve also linked it here to make your life easier!). Once there, just download and complete the application form, then email it to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov.
You will then be emailed a copy of your Special Use Permit to review and sign, along with instructions on how to pay the $300 fee. After you’ve signed and submitted your payment, you will be sent a fully executed copy of the permit.
Pro Tip: Your entire party needs a copy of the permit, so make sure you share the fully executed version with everyone in your group and have a one on-site day-of! - Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations
A great perk of the Special Use Permit is that it allows you to take photos anywhere in the park before & after your ceremony! A local photographer (like me!) who is familiar with the park can help you plan your day and guide you to the perfect spots with the best lighting and most epic views for your ideal wedding portraits. - Get Married!
All you have left to do is exchange your vows in the beautiful Upper Beaver Meadows and enjoy your epic adventure!
When’s the best time to visit Upper Beaver Meadows?
While Upper Beaver Meadows is open year-round, the best time to visit is late May through early October (the summer/early fall). That’s when you’re most likely to find the meadow blooming with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery as far as the eye can see. It’s also a great time to catch grazing wildlife and really experience the added serenity the nearby stream brings to this beautiful piece of land. The mountains look particularly majestic in late September when you can find them peaking out over the golden treetops that can only be seen in the fall!
If you’re looking for smaller crowds and gorgeous lighting, the best times of day to visit Upper Beaver Meadows would be at sunrise or sunset. The soft glow at those times and quieter ambience make for beautiful photos and a much more peaceful atmosphere. I especially recommend visiting during the weekdays since weekends can get a bit busy.
Upper Beaver Meadows Summer Wedding
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.
Upper Beaver Meadows Winter Elopement
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 Upper Beaver Meadows?
To get to Upper Beaver Meadows, enter through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and continue on US-36 W for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Upper Beaver Meadows Road–shown as Beaver Mdws on most commonly used navigation apps.
1 mile down the road, you’ll find a picnic area on your left with some restrooms (only open during the summer), located at 40°22’20.3″N 105°36’22.7″W–you can park along Upper Beaver Meadows Road. If you keep going down Upper Beaver Meadows Road for another mile, it will take you to the Upper Beaver Meadows trailhead–located at 40°22’22.1″N 105°36’51.1″W–where you’ll also be able to find a paved parking lot!
Pro Tip: Upper Beaver Meadows Road is closed from mid-October to mid-May. While no vehicles are allowed, you can find ample parking along US-36 and then access the road on foot.
How long is the walk to get to Upper Beaver Meadows?
The walk to Upper Beaver Meadows depends on the season. During the winter (mid-October to mid-May), when Upper Beaver Meadows Road is closed, the walk to the trailhead is about 2 miles if you park along US-36 W, by the entrance to Upper Beaver Meadows Road.
During the summer, you can park right next to the trailhead, making the Upper Beaver Meadows trail the only walk you need to consider. It’s about 1 mile long and the trail loop is fairly flat with a 111 foot elevation gain, which makes it pretty accessible with a lot of great spots for beautiful photos!
How much does it cost to get married at Upper Beaver Meadows?
Getting married at any of the designated wedding sites in Rocky Mountain National Park will cost about $360. This includes the Special Use Permit fee ($300), your marriage license from a local county 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 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 can skip that step!
Beyond that, your total elopement/wedding budget is completely up to you! It will depend on your guest count, your vendors, travel plans, etc., but the couples who hire me usually prioritize the experience and adventure, which is why they often invest most of their budget in photography to capture every incredible moment of the day. For more details, feel free to check out my full cost of eloping guide here.
Are dogs allowed at Upper Beaver Meadows?
Sadly, dogs are not allowed at Upper Beaver Meadows or on any of the Rocky Mountain National Park trails. I’m happy to recommend nearby pup-friendly spots!
Upper Beaver Meadows Elopement & Wedding Photos
Jen & Jason’s Summer Upper Beaver Meadows Wedding
Jen & Jason had an intimate wedding at Upper Beaver Meadows in late summer, complete with dogs and their closest family members there to witness it. They had a ceremony where they read vows to each other and exchanged rings, complete with a truly epic champagne spray that had everyone laughing. They signed their marriage license against their Jeep and then had their dogs sign as witnesses with a paw print, which is one of my favorite things possible with Colorado elopements! Note: These photos were taken prior to rule changes about dog access in RMNP. Dogs are no longer permitted at this location, but I’m always happy to find nearby places where you can bring your furry family members with!
Hey I’m Maddie Mae
Upper Beaver Meadows Elopement Photographer
I have designed, planned, and photographed over 150 adventure elopements in the state of Colorado and, as a born-and-raised local, I know Rocky Mountain National Park like the back of my hand. So, if you’re looking for an experienced elopement photographer who can help you have the wedding of your dreams in Rocky Mountain National Park, then you’re in the right place!
Upper Beaver Meadows Elopement Packages
includes:
4+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae
The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™
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.
