We love parks, hiking, being outdoors, and we loved our engagement that took place in Zion National Park so much that we wanted to re-create something similar on our wedding day. We researched the easiest (i.e. direct flight) and cheapest national park to get to from Indianapolis, and that park is Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). We originally wanted to get married inside the park, but unfortunately there are too many restrictions due to COVID. Most of the ceremony locations inside the park only allow 15-20 guests including vendors and they do not allow chairs inside the park. We then found the most perfect private lodge right at the base of RMNP located just outside the south entrance of the park. We can't wait to celebrate our day with you in the beautiful state of Colorado!
We understand that attending a destination wedding may not be possible for a variety of reasons. We want you to know that each of you have been invited because we love you and we want to include you in our special day. However, we don't want you to feel any pressure or obligation to attend if you are struggling with a decision. It is perfectly acceptable to love us and wish us the best from afar. We will be having a wedding video made and we would be happy to share this with you once available.
A microwedding is any ceremony and/or reception with less than 50 total guests. We wanted to keep things simple by only inviting close family due to COVID restrictions and because we are having a destination wedding.
The high in Estes Park in July is typically 74-84 degrees and the low is typically 35-45 degrees. You'll want to bring both warm weather and cold weather clothes as the temperature will be perfect during the day for hiking, exploring and attending the ceremony, but it will be chilly in the evenings and early mornings. Sunset is around 8:30pm.
Nope! There's no cell reception in or near RMNP. Make sure you have a map in case your GPS loses connection. The Wild Basin Lodge does have wifi that guests can use if needed.
Estes Park is located near the main entrance/north entrance of RMNP and has a lot of options for lodging, resturants and entertainment. It's about a 20 minute drive from Estes Park to our ceremony location at Wild Basin Lodge.
Yes! Feel free to grab a drink, socialize, enjoy live music and explore the Wild Basin Lodge and their 13 acre property. We will be steps away from RMNP! Feel free to explore Copeland Lake as well.
Yes! Book your reservation here beginging on June 1: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910 In summary, here is how to visit Rocky Mountain National Park this summer: Step 1: Decide whether or not you want to visit the Bear lake Corridor. Step 2: Decide which day(s) you want to enter the park and go to https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910 to purchase your pass To Visit RMNP in July, you can make reservations beginning June 1. Step 3: Bring a screenshot or printed copy of your permit with you when you enter the park. Step 4: If you miss out and can't get a reservation for the day that you were wanting, you have a few options: Check www.recreation.gov at 5 pm MT on the day prior to the day you want to visit, as 25 percent of permits will be held until that time. Enter the park before 9 am or after 3 pm; enter the Bear Lake Corridor before 6 am or after 5 pm. Permits are not required during those hours.
Estes Park or RMNP Trolley Tours - http://estesparktrolleys.com/tours/ Estes Park or RMNP Jeep Tours - https://www.greenjeeptour.com/home Scenic Drive in RMNP - Trail Ridge Road - https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/ Offroading - https://www.backbonecycles.com/ Hiking - Bear Lake (EASY) and Dream Lake (HARD) Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries - https://www.visitestespark.com/things-to-do/wineries-breweries-distilleries/ Restaurants - https://www.visitestespark.com/restaurants/ For additional things to do in the Estes Park area, check out: https://www.visitestespark.com/