Rocky Mountain National Park Permit Rules
Ceremony Rules & What to Know
Rocky Mountain National Park is a protected, high-use public space. All ceremonies must follow National Park Service regulations and permit requirements.
What You Need to Know
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Rocky Mountain National Park requires a Simply Eloped representative to be on site for your ceremony as part of the permit.
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This may be your officiant or photographer.
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If you book hair and makeup only, an onsite helper add-on is required.
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Ceremony sites are outdoor, rustic, and open to the public.
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Your permit does not grant exclusive use of any area. Other visitors will be present.
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Ceremony sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on when applications are received.
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Weddings may only take place at designated ceremony sites and must follow site-specific limits for group size, vehicles, and timing.
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Bear Lake area weddings are prohibited:
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From the Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend
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On weekends from Columbus Day through Memorial Day
Other sites also have seasonal restrictions during peak visitation.
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Entrance, Parking & Access
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Normal park entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony.
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Your wedding permit serves as your timed entry reservation, so no additional timed entry pass is required.
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Parking is allowed only in designated areas.
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Parking is limited. Carpooling or shuttling is strongly encouraged and may be required.
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Unauthorized parking may result in citations.
Ceremony Setup & Décor Rules
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No structures or equipment are allowed, including:
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Tables, chairs (except limited seating noted below)
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Tents, carpets, arches, trellises
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Floral installations or generators
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Throwing or scattering materials is prohibited, including:
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Rice, birdseed, flower petals, confetti, or similar items
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Only two or three portable chairs may be used for elderly guests or individuals unable to stand (provided by the permittee).
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No banners, streamers, or hanging objects are allowed.
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Nothing may be attached to natural features, historic objects, signs, benches, posts, buildings, or park facilities.
Sound, Drones & Photography
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Sound amplification is not permitted.
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Noise must remain at normal conversational volume.
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Audio devices may not exceed 60 decibels or disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
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Drones are strictly prohibited, including for weddings. No exceptions.
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Photography and videography are allowed during the permitted period.
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After your ceremony, photography may continue elsewhere in the park without an additional permit.
Trails, Wildlife & Environmental Protection
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Stay on designated trails and walkways at all times.
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Do not block trails or pathways.
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Use of the Tundra Nature Trail is not authorized.
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In tundra areas, all participants must stay on established walkways.
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Wildlife may not be disturbed, harassed, baited, called, or flushed.
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Flash photography of wildlife is not permitted.
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Do not interfere with park programs, visitor activities, or park operations.
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All natural, historic, and cultural resources are protected by law.
Buildings, Facilities & Weather
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Park buildings (visitor centers, restrooms, etc.) may not be used for:
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Dressing
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Rehearsals
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Waiting areas
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Photography
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Shelter during bad weather
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Alcohol & Pets
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Alcohol is permitted. Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.
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Pets are not allowed on park trails, tundra, or meadows.
Cleanup & Conduct
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All trash and ceremony items must be packed out.
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Leave the area as you found it.
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Follow any instructions given by park rangers or officials.
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Maintain a safe, respectful environment for other visitors.
- COVID-19 Mask Requirement: Consistent with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance, all visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels in surrounding counties, are required to wear a mask inside all park buildings and in crowded outdoor spaces.
