Hidden Valley Elopement Location in RMNP
Hadley and Parker opted to have a Hidden Valley elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park after their guest count exceeded the allowed group size at 3M Curve. This was the Colorado elopement location they had initially reserved. We were happy to help them pivot to the perfect alternative – Hidden Valley. The Hidden Valley elopement location allows group sizes of 30. This includes the couple and any on-site vendors (i.e., photographer, videographer, and officiant) and also allows 10 vehicles, whereas 3M Curve is limited to a 15-person group size and 3 vehicles.
Hidden Valley is located about 6 miles from the Beaver Meadows visitor’s center and is a gorgeous spot nestled in fir and pine trees. This gorgeous elopement location typically has wildflowers from June-August and is one of the only wheelchair and stroller-accessible locations to elope in the national park! Despite the smoky views from distant wildfires in Canada during their mid-May elopement, Hadley and Parker embraced the moody Scotland-like ambiance that enhanced their nuptials.
Since the couple had already reserved 3M Curve as their initial elopement location, they chose to share a private first look and personal vows there before meeting their guests for their intimate wedding at Hidden Valley. After the ceremony, they headed to another favorite location of ours in RMNP, the Alluvial fan bridge, to take some just-married portraits. Their festivities concluded with a wedding dinner at The Post in Estes Park!
We’re so happy that Hadley and Parker’s day included a trifecta of postcard-worthy Estes Park locations! The beauty of working with a local Colorado team is our familiarity with Rocky Mountain National Park’s wedding rules and regulations and our ability to help pivot plans with ease when things like this arise!
Their Love Story
Hadley and Parker’s paths initially crossed after Hadley’s boss and Parker’s Mother tried to set them up. The matchmakers were eager and persistent for months, but neither Hadley nor Parker were interested at the time. They eventually met in person at a bar, which must’ve sparked something in Parker because, for the next several months, he would regularly visit Hadley’s vet clinic with his parent’s dogs in the hope of “bumping” into Hadley.
Ten days before Hadley was planning to move, Parker finally “bumped” into Hadley and asked her out on a date. She agreed, and they spent every day together until her big move.
The Proposal
What was meant to be eventually found its way, and Hadley and Parker had become inseparable. One special day, Parker invited Hadley out to his parent’s property, where they had one of their favorite first dates. He had their dogs there and Hadley’s best friend, who he asked to secretly film the proposal with a video camera. Hadley tells us that it was a beautiful day and a very simple but sweet proposal.
Their 6-Hour Elopement Experience
6 hours of photography was the perfect fit for Hadley and Parker’s elopement experience and included the following…
- Getting ready photos for the bride and groom at separate Airbnb properties.
The rental homes were less than 5 minutes apart and less than 30 minutes from their Hidden Valley elopement location. - A private first look and personal vow exchange at 3M Curve
- A ~ 30-minute ceremony at Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is located approximately 2.5 miles from 3M Curve - Celebratory champagne popping and toast following their ceremony.
- Elopement portraits at Hidden Valley
- Elopement portraits at the Alluvial Fan Bridge and waterfall.
The Alluvial Fan Bridge and waterfall are located approximately 5 miles from Hidden Valley.
We understand that choosing how many hours to hire an elopement photographer can be tough. But we are here to help! Be sure to check out our resource on that below!
Hadley and Parker’s Elopement Day
Hadley and Parker’s elopement day was one for the books, and we are so happy were able to capture so much of it for them! They had rented two separate Airbnbs so they would each have their own space to get ready in. One for Hadley and her ladies and their mothers and one for Parker and his crew. We started at Hadley’s Airbnb to capture those iconic getting-ready moments, like hair and make-up, finishing touches, champagne toasts, moments with the Moms, and the big reveal with Hadley and her ladies. Afterward, we headed over to the gentleman’s abode for some detailed shots of Parker, his customized tux, and some quality getting-ready moments with his Dad and his guys.
Elopement First Look at 3M Curve
Once they were ready, we headed to 3M Curve for the sweetest, most emotional first look. Seriously, this first look should be a romance movie. The moment Parker turned around to see Hadley for the first time is a moment we will remember forever.
They shared their personal vows with love in their hearts and laughter in their souls.
Hidden Valley Elopement Ceremony
Emotions were running wild and free in the most beautiful and heartwarming way on their special day. From Hadley and Parker’s first look to Hadley’s first-look moment with her Father that pulled at all of our heartstrings. Their Hidden Valley elopement ceremony was no exception.
When the time was right, Hadley’s Dad walked her “down the aisle” toward Parker. The two joined hands, then exchanged rings and promised each other forever with their loved ones as their witnesses.
After they made it official, it was time to celebrate! They popped some bubbly and raised a glass (or two) in celebration of their love and greatest adventure yet.
Alluvial Fan Bridge Elopement Photos
After their ceremony, the newlyweds made their way to the Alluvial Fan bride and waterfall for their bridal portraits. The smoke that had blown in from the fires in Canada made their photos feel moody, magical, and totally medieval. It was the perfect backdrop that aligned with the “essence of Scotland” vibes they had been dreaming of for their elopement day!
Estes Park Elopement Vendors
Getting Ready Locations | Private Residence
Elopement Location | Hidden Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park
Dress | Essence of Australia
Dinner | The Post
Marta | Colorado Photographer Squad
National Park Service Legal Disclaimer
Colorado Photographer Squad is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is a resource-protected area and a busy national park with high visitation. All ceremonies in the park are managed and require a Special Use Permit, regardless of size. For the most recent information about having your elopement or wedding ceremony in RMNP, please visit the National Park Service website by clicking here.
