3M Curve Elopement - Everything You Need To Know In 2024
Vows at 3M Curve with the amazing snow-capped peak view.
Everything You Need To Know & Updated For 2024:
A Dreamy Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Location
Photos by partner Alyssa Carpenter
3M Curve is a sweet mini-hike down a slightly steep trail that brings you to a view overlooking a glacially-carved valley and an expansive rocky mountain vista.
At the ceremony spot, there are meadows spanning out as far as the eye can see, with rocky outcroppings to stand on that make you feel like you're on top of the world.
The granite formations here are beautiful, and the view is everything you think of when you imagine being in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Read on for all the intel!
With Love,
Officiant Lisa
3M Curve ceremony spot with the Longs Peak backdrop.
All The Deets
Availability: Accessible year-round. Mid-June through early October are ideal for weather.
Group Size: The park allows a group of up to 15 at this spot. We do packages with just the two of you, or bring up to 10 guests with you. After years of elopements at 3M Curve, we find these are perfect size elopements for this spot.
The Drive: A 15-minute to hour-long drive from downtown Estes Park to the park entrance, depending on traffic, then another 15 minutes to 3M Curve.
The Hike: A 5-minute hike from the parking area on a dirt trail with rocks and uneven terrain. Even though it’s short, we require hiking shoes or sneakers. If you want to wear fancy wedding shoes, you can change into them at the ceremony spot.
Permit: Commercial RMNP permit required, which is included in your elopement package with us.
The Mini Hike To 3M Curve
3M Curve is actually the name of the pullout area off the side of the road that goes through the park. You park in the pullout, next to a huge rock and for a moment it doesn’t look like there’s anywhere to go.
On closer look though, there is a trail to the left and right of the rock. Either trail will take you to the overlook spot which is perfect for your ceremony. The hike is not hard, but it does have uneven ground and rocks to navigate over.
It’s the perfect little hike for a wedding processional as it takes you through a mini forest of beautiful Ponderosa Pines, then the view and ceremony spot open up before you.
Where Your Guests Stand
There is a sweetness to the 3M Curve ceremony spot because of the way guests are able to stand. The flat rock outcropping is perfect for the two of you and any small wedding party, then your guests can gather just in front of the rocks for a circular, intimate feel. There is even room for a folding chair or two for older guests.
Or if it’s just the two of you without guests, you’re standing in the middle of this cool circle of rocks. In short, it feels like a very special place to share vows and exchange rings.
Plus, any guests get an amazing view!
Local Tips & Tricks For A 3M Curve Elopement
Cell Service Tip
It’s good to know that once you drive about 5 minutes into the park from the Beaver Meadows entrance, you’ll lose cell signal. A nice benefit is that you won’t have your phone to distract you from all the nature.
Do however, make sure that you take care of all your communications with officiant, photographer and guests before you enter the park, plus make sure that everyone has great driving directions because if they get lost they won’t be able to call you.
Entry Fee Trick
The park entry fees are $35 per car, so the less cars, the less overall cost. If it makes logistical sense, put four people in one car instead of two people in two cars.
This also makes it easier to find parking since the pullout parking area at 3M Curve has limited spots.
Park Wedding Permit Tip
Due to high volumes of visitors to the park each year, the park has limited the number of weddings to 250 max in 2024 and only so many weddings can happen at each spot on any given day.
So you want to apply for your park permit sooner than later. Permits cost $300, and you can either apply yourselves here or secure a package with me and I’ll get the permit for you since I am a wedding vendor with the park. Plus the cost of the permit is included in your package :)
Trail Ridge Road Pics After The Ceremony
Another 20 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic) past 3M Curve is a spot on Trail Ridge Road that is just exquisite. You can have an additional photo shoot up there after the ceremony. It’s like being on top of the world. And married now to boot!
You can see more photos at Trail Ridge Road here at this link too.
Colorado Elopement Package: Ceremonies With Lisa Elopement Packages
Photos by Alyssa Carpenter
To see other elopements at similar locations: Megan & Terin, Mary & Jeremiah
Meet the officiants and photographers who I’m partnered with Here
If you want to know more about how your elopement will work…
Let’s Make It Happen
Hey it’s Lisa :) I’m an officiant, elopement expert and mountain girl at heart. I can’t wait to tell you all about these sweet mini adventures and how it all works.
Reach out using this handy form and I’ll send all the info to make your elopement day real, see if we’re a fit and hop on a call to lay out your dream day and package quote. Can’t wait to get to know you!
