Guide To An Adventure Elopement in Estes Park; Romantic Riversong Inn & Dream Lake

Why Romantic Riversong Inn?

Nestled by the Big Thompson River, Romantic Riversong Inn offers a secluded setting that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. Whether you say your vows by the river or in one of the inn’s picturesque gardens, this inn sets a dreamy tone for the day. The tranquility here will wrap you and your partner in serenity before you venture into the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.

I have the honor of being featured on their vendor referral list for couples that book their elopement & micro wedding packages that need a photographer that knows the area extremely well. There offer 4 different types of elopement and micro wedding packages for anyones needs. The most popular one I see and recommend is The Elopement Package. This includes a two night stay in their suite with a fireplace, huge bathtub and all around great views to settle in and prepare for your elopement and time enjoying Estes Park. This package includes it all from the officiant for your ceremony, charcuterie board, floral arrangements and boutonniere for the wedding day. Followed by a cake ceremony with champagne and they even pack you a lunch for you elopement adventures! They even throw in two keep sake mugs to remember your time getting married in such a cozy place off the beaten path. Check out their packages here. There is one to fit the needs of all!

Pro Tip: Book a private suite the night before to ease into your elopement day. Share breakfast, sip coffee by the fire, and soak in the calm before your adventure to Dream Lake. Also, note that you can’t have an elopement or wedding at Dream Lake. You can hike there and take photos but no vow exchange is allowed at this location.

Hiking Dream Lake

First things first, you will need a timed entry for to get into Rocky Mountain National Park for Bear Lake Road. You can book online here.

Few things to note about timed entires.

• $2 Timed Entry Fee for a 2 hour window time.
• You can reserve on the 1st month of each month. They also release 40% of their timed entires the day before your date needed.
• Required from May 21st to Mid October.
• Upon entering you still have to pay an entrance fee into the park

Parking is located right outside of Bear Lake (I have done a wedding there too!) You start the trail on the left hand side of the lake and start making your way up the trail. You will first pass Nymph Lake before you arrive at Dream Lake.

Dream Lake is one of the most stunning elopement spots in the Rockies, with its alpine views, crystal-clear water, and surrounding peaks. This short, moderate hike is accessible yet remote enough to feel like a hidden gem with a slow incline and easy terrain to navigate. I see kids and families on this train often from all over the world. After your morning vows at Romantic Riversong, you’ll head to Dream Lake for a post-ceremony adventure with your photographer capturing every magical moment. If you are a bit like me and want more photos and more adventure I recommend to keep on hiking to Emerald Lake that is just .7 more down the trail or you can fork the other way on the trail and head towards Lake Haiyaha! The further you go the less people you will see. A lot of people turn around after Dream Lake.

We asked the park ranger nearby if we could stand in the water and take some photos. After making sure we weren’t wearing any sunscreen, baby oil, lotion or anything unnatural to this ecosystem (the bride of the day wasn’t wearing anything at all!) We took a few photos in the stream and one of the endangered fish came up and booped their toes–they were absolutely stoked. This couple was a breath of fresh air of really loving nature, knowing about it and respecting it effortlessly. At one point a beetle landed on her dress at one point and instead of freaking out she picked it up and made it a photo op-from this moment on I felt at home with them because this is how I have always been. The bride is a gardener & had a lot of knowledge & understanding of all the little parts that the bugs do to keep nature going round. Here in Colorado we really don’t have anything posionness outside of widows, brown recluse and rattlers. Which, I must note I have never seen in all my 31 years of just roaming around. In the last two years I have seen my first widows. One dead & the other in nature not bugging me at all..I just walk away. (hippie life!) My rule of thumb is if I am not in danger, I let it be.

Pro Tip: The best light for photos at Dream Lake is either early morning or golden hour in the evening. This will also help you avoid crowds and experience the lake in peaceful solitude.

Packing For Your Adventure

Even if you’re exchanging vows at the inn, you’ll want to be prepared for your hike to Dream Lake. Pack a pair of hiking boots or comfortable shoes (don’t worry, we can get those epic shots once you’re in position!), layers for Colorado’s unpredictable weather, and water. Keep your bouquet and any elopement accessories lightweight and easy to carry.

Pro Tip: Consider packing a champagne picnic to enjoy at Dream Lake after your photoshoot. It’s the perfect way to soak in the moment! On this particular elopement Emily & Ryan got their lunch packed by Riversong Inn from the package they chose during their romantic stay at the inn.

Other RMNP Locations

Sprague Lake- Can share your vows there. Reserve a space

I have other locations but I am not ready to share them yet. Book an elopement with me and we can adventure around and I will show you all the places!