Your Guide to Choosing an Estes Park Wedding Venue
As the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is one of Colorado’s top wedding destinations. Visiting feels like stepping into a wilderness wonderland complete with towering mountains, alpine lakes, and golden aspen groves. A true haven for nature-loving couples, it has world-class wedding venues just steps from the foot of the Rockies.
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve had the great pleasure of capturing several weddings in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, I’m sharing a guide to finding an Estes Park wedding venue that matches your adventure level. Whether you’re a lover of luxury or would rather camp than stay in a resort, there’s something for you at this destination. Let’s dive in!
Why Should You Get Married in Estes Park?
Due to its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park boasts uncommon natural beauty and thriving wildlife. Whether you tie the knot inside or outside the park’s boundaries, using its iconic vistas as the backdrop for your portraits is as simple as making a ten-minute drive. However, Estes Park is also an accessible wedding destination for couples or guests traveling from out of town. Located just 90 minutes from Denver International Airport, it feels like a world away, yet is easy to reach.
The town has wedding venues for couples of all adventure levels, along with a range of amenities. Lodging, dining, and activity options are abundant, making it simple to plan a wedding weekend getaway without being bogged down in complicated logistics. Depending on their desired experience, guests can stay downtown, in cabins, or at the lodge at several of the venues listed below.
What Does a Wedding Venue’s “Adventure Level” Mean?
Considering your adventure level is important when choosing your Estes Park wedding venue. Which amenities are non-negotiable for you, and which would you happily go without? For the sake of this post, I’ve classified wedding venues into three categories: low-, moderate-, and high-adventure.
Low-adventure venues require minimal walking. Usually, they also have paved parking lots and indoor facilities. Your guests won’t need to worry about a high-altitude hike, uneven terrain, or bringing special shoes. A low-adventure venue is best if you anticipate inviting elderly guests, children, or anyone who isn’t outdoorsy. Think shuttle drop-offs, climate-controlled ballrooms, and cozy on-site lodging.
Moderate-adventure venues are surrounded by nature, but don’t require a long trek. They may still have indoor facilities, but ceremonies generally take place in an outdoor location requiring a short walk on a dirt path, such as a riverside lawn or rustic deck. Most guests will still find this type of venue accessible. However, some may wish to wear flats instead of heels and bring a cardigan to wear when the temperature drops in the evening.
High-adventure venues are rustic and remote. Getting there is part of the adventure! The journey may involve dirt roads, uneven terrain, or even a high-altitude hike. All guests must be physically fit enough to make the trek. Alternatively, a couple may opt to elope. This type of venue is for those who want to immerse themselves in nature on their wedding day and enjoy magnificent views.
Low-Adventure Estes Park Wedding Venues
Della Terra Mountain Chateau
This luxury wedding venue and boutique inn sits on 14 secluded acres near the Fall River entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering couples a private and romantic spot to say “I do” surrounded by sweeping mountain views. The indoor and outdoor site options include an outdoor ceremony site tucked in an aspen grove and a grand hall with floor-to-ceiling windows. Kelsey and Justin’s fall wedding concluded with a wood-fired pizza dinner and an epic dance party inside the warmly lit space.
Della Terra hosts one wedding per day, ensuring your exclusive use of the property. It also offers a weekend buyout package! This option allows you to rent the entire property for a weekend—including the 14 on-site guest suites, featuring fireplaces and private balconies with hot tubs.
Starting Fee: $4,500
Capacity: 200
Site Rental Duration: Seven hours
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: None
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes, bridal suite and groom’s suite.
Pet-Friendly: No
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
Guests can enjoy fine dining and spectacular views of the Estes Valley and the Rocky Mountains at this venue, which includes a lodge and a gourmet steakhouse. The lodge’s 18 guest rooms each have a private balcony, and many also feature a jacuzzi tub. The venue has two ceremony sites—one indoor and one outdoor—and a rustic yet elegant reception space. It also offers two venue packages: the Overlook Package and the Twin Owls Package. The former accommodates intimate weddings of 20-50 guests, while the latter accommodates larger weddings of up to 120 guests and includes two nights of lodging.
Starting Fee: $3,000 (Overlook Package), $9,500 (Twin Owls Package)
Capacity: 120
Site Rental Duration: N/A
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes, this location is a hotel that also has a dedicated bridal suite.
Pet-Friendly: No
Moderate-Adventure Estes Park Wedding Venues
The Landing at Estes Park
The Landing is situated on the banks of the Fall River, just steps away from the main gate of Rocky Mountain National Park. The entire property is available every day of the week for exclusive rental, allowing for privacy while you celebrate. On-site lodging options include four spacious suites inside the main lodge, a selection of charming riverside cabins, and villas.
This venue features a large deck overlooking the river, perfect for outdoor ceremonies. A climate-controlled event hall provides a backup option in case of rain. The space is ideal for receptions, with large wooden ceiling beams, Old World light fixtures, and a cozy stone fireplace.
Starting Fee: $7,200
Capacity: 120
Site Rental Duration: Five and a half hours
Rentals Included: Wooden ceremony chairs
Vendor Restrictions: None
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes, bridal suite.
Pet-Friendly: No
Black Canyon Inn
This venue boasts picturesque views of Long’s Peak, the Continental Divide, and Lumpy Ridge. It offers couples two distinct venue experiences: The Homestead and The Boulders. The Homestead package includes an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour, followed by a reception inside a historic cabin. Meanwhile, the Boulders package grants access to a brand-new event hall featuring a “mountain modern” design and sweeping views of the peaks for your ceremony and reception. On-site accommodations include one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos, as well as a rustic log cabin.
Starting Fee: $4,000 (The Homestead), $5,000 (The Boulders)
Capacity: 100 (The Homestead), 200 (The Boulders)
Site Rental Duration: Six and a half hours
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering and alcohol.
Getting Ready Rooms: The Boulders has a bridal suite and a lounge.
Pet-Friendly: No
YMCA of the Rockies
Aside from the gorgeous mountain views, flexibility is this venue’s main draw. With two locations to choose from—Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch—and various ceremony and reception sites at each location, the options are endless.
Each location has on-site lodging for guests, which requires a minimum of ten rooms and two nights to book. Additionally, each site offers outdoor activities, including archery, rock climbing, and high ropes courses. By purchasing a day pass, you and your wedding guests can participate in any of the activities being hosted at the time!
YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center
Cradled by Rocky Mountain National Park on three sides, YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center feels like a true mountain retreat. It’s just a short fifteen-minute drive from downtown Estes Park, yet it feels worlds away — quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by the kind of alpine views that make this part of Colorado so unforgettable.
Spread across 860 acres of pine forest and open mountain air, Estes Park Center is a longtime favorite for families, nature lovers, and couples looking for an affordable and adventure-filled getaway. With cozy lodging, casual on-site dining, and more than 30 year-round activities included with your stay or Y membership, it’s the perfect home base for exploring, relaxing, or simply soaking in that crisp Rocky Mountain light. I had the honor of capturing Ann and Landis’ wedding there!
Ceremony Sites at Estes Park Center:
Sarah Smith Chapel (outdoor, year-round, seats 200)
Ponder Chapel (indoor, year-round, seats 120)
Hyde Chapel (indoor, year-round, seats 400)
Overlook Chapel (outdoor, Memorial Day to October, seats 100)
Reception Sites at Estes Park Center:
Assembly Hall (year-round, seats 500)
Upper Cookout Pavilion (Memorial Day to Labor Day, closed on Saturdays, seats 120)
Willome (year-round, seats 120)
Dakota Hall (year-round, seats 50)
Walnut Room (Labor Day to Memorial Day, seats 120)
Pine Room (Labor Day to Memorial Day, seats 50)
YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch
Tucked between meadows of wildflowers and the whispering aspens of the Rockies, YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch is one of those rare Colorado destinations that feels both peaceful and full of adventure. Spanning more than 5,000 acres of forest, open sky, and mountain views, it’s a favorite spot for families, hikers, and couples looking for a place that truly captures the Colorado spirit.
Whether you’re skiing freshly groomed Nordic trails in the winter or biking through the pines in summer, there’s always something to explore. With cozy, affordable lodging, dining on-site, and endless year-round activities, all framed by a stunning alpine backdrop near some of Colorado’s top ski resorts, Snow Mountain Ranch makes every visit feel like a getaway into the mountains’ quiet magic.
Ceremony Sites at Snow Mountain Ranch:
Columbine Point Chapel (outdoor, Memorial Day to October, seats 250)
Just Ranch (outdoor, last weekend in May to second-to-last weekend in October, seats 200)
Schlessman Camper Hub Patio (outdoor, second week of September to last week of April, seats 250)
Ember Fire Ring (outdoor, second week of September and October, seats 250)
Whispering Pines Chapel (indoor, year-round, seats 160)
Wildflower Chapel (outdoor, second-to-last weekend in May to second-to-last weekend in October, seats 150)
Zachman Family Amphitheater (outdoor, second-to-last weekend in May to second-to-last weekend in October, seats 250)
Hidden Sanctuary (outdoor, second-to-last weekend in May to second-to-last weekend in October, seats 150)
Winter Wedding Lot (outdoor, first week of November to last week of March, seats 250)
Reception Sites at Snow Mountain Ranch:
Legett Reception Hall (year-round, seats 175)
Promise Reception Hall (year-round, seats 175)
Mountain Air Cookout Shelter (second-to-last week of May to first week of October, seats 150)
Schlessman Family Camper Hub (second week of September to last week of April, seats 250)
Starting Fee: $3,500
Capacity: Location-dependent
Site Rental Duration: Four hours (ceremony site), four and a half hours (reception site)
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: None
Getting Ready Rooms: There is no dedicated bridal or groom’s suite, but you may use the on-site lodging as a getting-ready space.
Pet-Friendly: Pet-friendly accommodations include The Alpen Inn at Estes Park Center and Indian Peaks at Snow Mountain Ranch.
High-Adventure Estes Park Wedding Venues
The Cheley Lodge + Grove
This unique venue began and still operates as a summer camp for children and teens. Because of this, it only books weddings from mid-August to mid-October! During this brief window, the property transforms into a rustic wedding venue. The outdoor ceremony site, known as “The Grove,” sits amid spectacular mountain views at the foot of the Twin Sisters Peaks. Meanwhile, a beautiful sailcloth tent with a dance floor provides ample space for events. Staying the night is part of the experience at this venue, allowing you and your guests to immerse yourselves in the mountain setting and nostalgic summer camp feel.
Starting Fee: $17,000
Capacity: 200
Site Rental Duration: 13 hours (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Rentals Included: Sailcloth tent, dance floor, catering tent, four-stall bathroom trailer, and three generators.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering and alcohol. Couples are also required to book a wedding planner.
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes, bridal suite and groom’s lounge.
Pet-Friendly: No
Rocky Mountain National Park
For the ultimate adventure, have an elopement or micro wedding in the park itself! The park’s ceremony locations, which include such iconic sights as Bear Lake and Moraine Park, accommodate a maximum of 30 guests. However, some only have space for ten. This draws the focus of your day back to your love and the park’s gorgeous natural surroundings. Bear in mind that the park is best for ceremonies, not receptions; Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area is the only site that can accommodate a picnic or simple meal.
Couples must obtain a Special Use Permit to get married in the park, and may apply for one up to one year in advance. The park hosts a limited number of weddings each month, so submit your application as early as possible! Some locations are uncovered, so considering seasonal weather patterns and making a plan B is important. Moreover, note that decorations are not permitted in the park, including ceremony chairs (a few chairs for disabled guests are acceptable).
Ceremony Sites in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Sprauge Lake (15 guests in summer and 30 in winter)
3M Curve (15 guests)
Moraine Park Amphitheater (30 guests)
Bear Lake (20 guests)
Hidden Valley (30 guests)
Upper Beaver Meadows (30 guests)
Copeland Lake (30 guests)
Alluvial Fan Bridge (20 guests)
Lily Lake Trail (20 guests)
Lily Lake Picnic Area (30 guests)
Lily Lake Dock (10 guests)
Timber Creek Amphitheater (20 guests in summer, closed in winter)
Starting Fee: $300 (Special Use Permit)
Capacity: Site-dependent, but generally ranging from ten to 30.
Site Rental Duration: Two hours
Rentals Included: N/A
Vendor Restrictions: N/A
Getting Ready Rooms: N/A
Pet-Friendly: Yes, but only in the following locations: Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater, Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater, and Harbison Meadows.
Your Estes Park wedding venue should match your adventure level to ensure that your wedding day delivers the desired experience. Fortunately, this destination caters to all kinds of outdoorsy couples! From those who prefer to take in the mountain landscape from the comfort of a luxurious ballroom to those who can’t wait to venture into their heart to say “I do.”
If you’re planning to tie the knot at Estes Park, I would be thrilled to help you preserve your memories of your special day. Let’s chat about the celebration you’re planning to see if my services are a perfect match!
Venues Featured:
Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
The Landing at Estes Park
Black Canyon Inn
YMCA of the Rockies
The Cheley Lodge + Grove
Rocky Mountain National Park