FAQs

Question

So when and where is the wedding?

Answer

When? September 18, 2025. Ceremony starts at 3:00PM. Kindly arrive by 2:45PM. Late arrivals will be asked to wait outside the ceremony space until after the processional. Reception will go until 10:00PM, with maybe a little extra power hour of dance time ;) Where? Lionscrest Manor: 603 Indian Lookout Rd. Lyons, CO 80540. While the venue is only 1-3 miles from most accommodations in Lyons, the venue is ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN. You would probably regret walking (Looking at you, KELLY) - especially after a late night of partying! :-) Reach out to Donna Farwell (229)-269-1305 if staying in Lyons the night of the wedding for some transportation options. Transportation questionnaire provided in RSVP section.

Question

When is the RSVP deadline?

Answer

Please RSVP by Friday, August 29th! Invitations will be going out in early June. They will have the link to our RSVP page.

Question

Will there be parking at the venue?

Answer

Yes! There is plenty of parking available for everyone on site. The venue has also told us that cars can be left overnight and picked up the next day if necessary. BE SAFE!

Question

How should I dress?

Answer

Dress is formal. Only one white dress will be allowed (and someone has already called dibs). If you feel like showing off your fanciest attire though, black tie is welcome!

Question

May I bring my children?

Answer

We kindly request that only guests specifically listed on the invitation attend our wedding.

Question

May I take photos during the ceremony?

Answer

Please no phones or cameras during the ceremony. We will have a photographer and want to share the moment with everyone unplugged. Photos and videos are encouraged the rest of the day!

Question

Will there be an open bar at the reception?

Answer

Yes! All who wish to partake are encouraged to come ready to raise a glass (or several) with us!

Question

Rocky Mountain National Park has a reservation system. How does that work?

Answer

Rocky Mountain National Park will require reservations to enter the during certain hours of the day. There are two kinds of reservations that are available: 1. "Timed Entry" gets you in the main entrance and access to MOST of the national park. These reservations are required between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM 2. "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road" gets you in the main entrance as well as a very popular section of the park called the Bear Lake Corridor. You cannot visit this area without a Bear Lake reservation. Bear Lake requires reservations between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM. One timed entry permit is required per vehicle (not per person). These reservations cost $2. The person who makes the reservation must be present inside the vehicle. Upon arrival, the reservation holder must have a copy of their reservation confirmation and their valid photo ID. All reservations have a specific time window. If you do not arrive within the window of your reservation, you may not be allowed to enter. In addition to your reservation, you will also need to purchase a ticket or pass. Tickets or passes can be purchased at the gate day-of. Here's how to get a reservation: 1. Go to https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910 or download the Recreation.gov app. 2. From this link, you can select the kind of reservation you want (Timed Entry vs Timed Entry + Bear Lake). If you're using the app, type "Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry" into the search bar. You can select your reservation type from there. 3. Select the day you want to make a reservation for and the window of time that works best for you. 4. You'll be prompted to make an account or log in before you check out. 5. Review, confirm, and you're done! *RESERVATIONS SELL OUT QUICKLY! BE SURE TO PLAN IN ADVANCE!* Here's a link with some helpful details about the process, including a video explanation of the info above. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Question

When can I make a timed entry reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?

Answer

Reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park open August 1st, 2025!!! If you plan on visiting the National Park during your trip, we HIGHLY consider making a park reservation on the day you wish to visit on AUGUST 1ST! Reservations sell out very quickly this time of year.

Question

What kind of conditions should I prepare for? What kind of clothes should I pack?

Answer

The short answer is: the typical average for September is in the mid 60s. The long answer is: Colorado has some SERIOUS range and the weather moves FAST. You'll want to be prepared for a variety of conditions. The mountains are frequently beautiful and sunny in the morning but regularly experience thunderstorms in the afternoon. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN LATER THAN 1:00 PM. Sunny conditions will quickly warm you up, but temperatures can also quickly drop in the shade, at night, or when the afternoon storms roll in. It is not uncommon to encounter snow in September - especially at high altitudes. In fact, some alpine roads or trails can be closed during this time of year due to snowfall. All that to say: Layers, layers, layers. They will be your best friend. When we hike, here's what we typically wear: - A light, breathable, long-sleeved, UV protecting shirt for a base layer (think long runner's shirt, angler's style button-down, etc.). Light because it can be hot in the sun. Long sleeves because you can sunburn very quickly at high altitudes. - Zip-up or pull-over fleece/sweater. Something easy to throw on over your base layer if you're chilly but conditions are still good. - Soft shell jacket/puffy coat/rain coat/wind breaker that you can throw over your sweater and base layer. The important thing to keep in mind for this layer is that it needs to protect you from wind, precipitation, and act as an additional layer of insulation if it gets really cold. You'll be grateful for this layer if you're hiking in the rain/snow or anywhere above the tree line. - A good pair of sunglasses - A hat (either the kind that protects you from the sun or the kind that keeps you warm). - Gloves - Long pants and/or leggings (long underwear for the colder days). - Warm socks (we love wool socks). - Shoes or hiking boots that you can move well in and have good traction

Question

Timed Entry Reservations are sold out! Help!

Answer

Here are our favorite hacks if you can't get a reservation before they sell out. 1. Plan to camp in the national park. If you camp in the park, you never need to worry about making a timed entry reservation. You get the VIP treatment and can come and go as you please for the entire duration of your camping reservation. Remember though: campsites book up early too. 2. Wake up early. Remember: reservations for the main entrance are only required between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM! Get there before 9:00 or after 2:00 and you're in the clear! If you want to go to anywhere in the Bear Lake Corridor though, wake up VERY early. Like... so early. However early you're thinking right now, earlier than that. Bear Lake is EXTREMELY popular and requires reservations from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you can get there before 5:00 AM, you won't need a reservation AND you'll beat the crowds. You'll *probably* even find parking at the trail head! That's a HUGE deal for Bear Lake! Getting there after 6:00 is still an option, but remember: afternoon storms are common, you won't have much daylight left, and the trails may be crowded.

Question

I want to adventure outdoors! Do I need any special gear?

Answer

There are a number of specialized pieces of gear that can help you enjoy the outdoors more safely. Whether or not you may need them depends on the activity you want to do and the conditions at the time. Most of these specialized items are also available for rent! You don't have to buy them unless you really want to. (Examples include microspikes, hiking poles, snow shoes, tents, ground pads, etc.) One example of gear that stands out to us as being extra helpful for hiking in snowy conditions are microspikes. Microspikes are a set of small spikes and chains that easily slip over any pair of shoes or boots for extra traction in wet or snowy conditions! They are cheap and easy to rent at almost any mountaineering shop in Estes Park (about $12/day at the link below). Here is a link to one of the mountain shops we have rented from before: https://www.estesparkmountainshop.com/rental-equipment Equipment can be rented day-of or reserved in advance.

Question

I've heard of altitude sickness. Do I need to be worried? How do I minimize my risk of altitude sickness?

Answer

Altitude sickness occurs when your body does not have enough time to adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It may sound scary, but the good news is that it's easy to treat. Here are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. - Stay hydrated! - Ascend gradually - Drink plenty of water! - Give your body time to adjust. After a few days, any symptoms should improve. - Seriously, staying hydrated helps your body acclimate. - If you experience symptoms during a hike, turn around and go down the mountain. Continuing to climb will only worsen symptoms, but going down should quickly alleviate them. - Are you drinking water right now? Because you should be. * It's worthwhile to look at the elevation of where you'll be staying and where you want to explore. *Donica's favorite hack is Boost Oxygen. These are cans of 95% oxygen that you will probably see at stores all over Colorado. They may help you catch your breath if you find yourself particularly sensitive to the lower oxygen concentration in the mountains. The placebo effect is also a real thing.

Question

What is Trail Ridge Road?

Answer

Trail Ridge Road is the only road that goes directly through Rocky Mountain National Park to connect the east and west sides. Our wedding, in Lyons, and all of the accommodations we have recommended (including Estes Park) are on the east side of the park. Trail Ridge Road ascends into the alpine region and, as a result, conditions are unpredictable. It is possible that this road may not be open at all during our trip because of poor road conditions. If Trail Ridge Road is open, we highly recommend visiting the Alpine Visitor Center (and the town of Grand Lake if you're down for a longer drive). HOWEVER, DO NOT rely on Trail Ridge Road to reach our wedding. Driving from one side to the other on Trail Ridge Road is only about an hour long drive. The only other route that connects the east and west sides of RMNP is over a 4 hour drive around the front range.