Located off Highway 7, just 6.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Lodge, both the Lily Lake Trail and Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area are accessible by a ¼ mile hike up the trail. Swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, horseback riding right on your doorstep. • Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the wedding. The lake is a short drive down a dirt road, but is easily accessible by any car. Chelsea Lake County Park. • Throwing and scattering rice, birdseed, flower petals or other materials is prohibited. From the picnic area, continue a quarter of a mile up to see the Upper Eagle Falls. read more, It's no Jenny Lake, but still, what a wonderful way to spend several hours. And if you haven’t already picked a date, I recommend reading my post on why you should consider eloping on a weekday. The location isn’t marked on Google Maps, but it’s easy to find if you have the GPS location or use my map from above. Little Log Cabin. If you are looking for a backcountry elopement, hire an experienced elopement photographer who can help you find a legal location elsewhere in Colorado. Lily Lake was a small natural lake on Fish Creek that was dammed in 1915, increasing its size to 39 acres. Moose have been seen in the area. This 143 acre park is adjacent to the 96 acre Lake Emily which provides easy access for fishermen, boaters, water skiers and swimmers. Nina moved to the Front Range from Norway in 2010, fell in love with the Rocky Mountains, and now shares her love for the mountains with down to earth couples (and their dogs). This area is outside the main part of RMNP, so there is no entrance fee. Lily Lake is always beautiful but due to the apparent drought the area has been experiencing, it is... Nymphaea Lake located within the Royal Botanic Gardens is popular among couples seeking a garden wedding. Once you’ve narrowed down your options and found a couple of locations that you like, do some googling to see more photos from that area. Not all of the designated ceremony locations show up when you search for them by name on Google Maps, so make sure that you know where you’re going before driving up there to scope these places out in person. Book your tickets online for Lily Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park: See 346 reviews, articles, and 245 photos of Lily Lake, ranked No.9 on Tripadvisor among 95 attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Upper Beaver Meadows is one of the most quiet and private place to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, and one of my personal favorites. It’s the perfect place to go when you want to surround yourself with natural beauty, go fishing, hiking, backpacking or camping. Ellen and Joey chose Lily Lake in Estes Park, CO for their ceremony location. Make sure to read up on the RMNP website so you understand the current permit rules for the area as they can change from time to time. There are two portable toilets at the lake and two at the Lily Lake Visitor Center but none are accessible. It was getting so popular to get married in the park that they had to lower the limit of weddings allowed per day. A rare opportunity for a one of a kind property! Nymphaea Lake located within the Royal Botanic Gardens is popular among couples seeking a garden wedding. Notes: You cannot apply for a site more than one year in advance. The amphitheater is located at the Timber Creek Campground, so you could actually camp right there with all your guests. It’s the perfect place to go when you want to surround yourself with natural beauty, go fishing, hiking, backpacking or camping. There is a $300 application fee for all permits. The parking area is on the left hand side of the road when driving west. It has an easy walk around that is wheelchair accessible and pretty mountain views. Trail Ridge Road is NOT one of the approved ceremony locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. photo 1, photo 2 Lily Lake is situated at the headwaters of Fish Creek, which flows for roughly five miles into Lake Estes. Think of the logistics. There’s a bit of an established social trail, and when you see the epic overlook, you’ll know you’re in the right place. The flowers were beautiful. There are no restrooms here. Wedding ceremonies for up to 100 people are held on a knoll overlooking the lake. Utah’s Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful spots in the Beehive State. There are restrooms available. A complete guide to the official Rocky Mountain National Park wedding ceremony locations, permit requirements, the best RMNP wedding vendors, and scenic hikes in the park where you can have the adventure elopement of a lifetime! View details. The trail down there is rocky and uneven, so please don’t wear high heels for weddings here (and tell your mom). Would recommend coming before 7 AM if you are interested in the wildlife. You can easily take beautiful photos without breaking the rules – the above photo was taken in a parking lot! The Lily Lake Pavilion is also home to Frank & Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit, Day of Mourning Monument, Inside Out Nature Centre and Pangea Wellness Spa. Here’s a little campground that’s nestled on a tiny lake, surrounded by fragrant pines. You can read more about each site further down in this guide. Moraine Park Amphitheater is the best place to have a wedding with a large group of guests in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lily Lake: Photographing my cousins wedding. The alpine tundra is fragile, and can take over a hundred years to regrow when harmed by hikers going off-trail. After rounding the southwest side of the lake, take a left at the Lily Lake Trail junction and go a few yards to Max's Shortcut to the right. The area is a busy picnic area, so we suggest avoiding peak times (typically 9am until 3pm) and aim for an early ceremony or a ceremony later in the day. When visiting Trail Ridge Road, please take care to stay on designated trails. Nightlife at Lily Lake. Lake and Pond Fishing Spending a day fishing on one of the many lakes or ponds in the Modoc National Forest can be pure pleasure. 1/4 mile walk on lake trail, mountain views, wheelchair-accessible trail. The trailhead is located at the far end of the parking area, just beyond a couple of picnic sites. No entrance fee. Trail Ridge Road is usually open from around Memorial Day weekend until mid-October, but it is completely weather dependent, and the exact open and close dates change every year. I was standing on the trail when taking the photo above, with the road and parking lot out of the frame behind me. Lily Lake Resort offers casual dining and a full bar. • Equipment such as tables, chairs, carpets, tents, floral displays, signs, banners, flags, generators and amplifiers cannot be used in the park. Hidden Valley is located off highway 36 where it turns into Trail Ridge Road, so it’s easy to combine with a drive up the mountain for some of those epic views that Colorado is known for. more. This is a perfect stop for older couples or families with … (Lily Lake in winter) Number 3: Lily Lake. LILY LAKE TRAIL & LAKE PICNIC AREA. You can reserve just the ceremony spot at lily lake trail, Lily lake dock or you can also reserve the picnic area if you want a more relaxed campground feel. We just had a wonderful morning walk/hike. The road is closed off during winter, so you can only elope here from May through late October. South Eltuck Group Picnic AreaThe South Eltuck Picnic Area, accommodating up to 50 people, has covered picnic tables, grills, horseshoe pit, restrooms, and a spectacular view of Horsetooth Reservoir. Ideal for marquees and larger guest lists, the largest side (East side) of the lake is the most spacious location. We came here while we were staying in Estes Park. After being closed in March and April, RMNP started a phased reopening of the park on May 27, 2020. Once you get to the location, you will be greeted by a knoll overlooking the lake… Located off Highway 7, just 6.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Lodge, both the Lily Lake Trail and Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area are accessible by a ¼ mile hike up the trail. We were treated to watching beavers swim, snack, and carry branches through the water to assemble their lodge. Location: East of Green Bay, WI off Highway 29 on 3897 Lily Lake Road. 1. You will receive a payment link and instructions after your application is processed, so don’t mail a check or otherwise attempt to pay before that. Located along Highway 7 just south of Estes Park, beautiful Lily Lake features stunning views of Longs Peak, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a short accessible family-friendly trail around the lake. 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. I hear the beavers are very active before sunset. • Park visitor centers, restrooms, and other buildings may not be used for wedding preparations such as dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, and waiting areas. You can never have more than 10 cars parked at the trailhead for any of the sites. When I’m not photographing elopements, you can find me exploring the trails that don’t have their own hashtags (yet – and let’s keep it that way!). Lily Lake Dock/ Lily Lake Trail/ Lily Lake Picnic Wedding Also a beautiful mountain lake. It was hauled from the lake by tanks and sold for 1 cent a bucket. She was right. We were referred to Lily Lake by a park ranger as a potential place to see beavers. Max amount for this ceremony spot is 15 persons in the summer and 30 persons in the winter. • No disruption of the atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the park; no amplified music. Lily Lake Park. Ceremony rules: You can have a maximum of 10 guests at the dock, 20 at the trail, or 30 at the picnic area. There is a parking area, restrooms, and the short (0.3 miles) walk is flat and wheelchair accessible. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Florists in Lily Lake, IL. Additional well-known picnic areas include Lily Lake, Lawn Lake, the Longs Peak Ranger Station, Tuxedo Park and the Wild Basin Trailhead. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates fishing on all waters in the state. Harbison Meadow is my favorite of the two designated wedding ceremony locations on the less busy west side of the park. Popular Rocky Mountain National Park Categories, Commonly searched for in Rocky Mountain National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park - Things to Do. This was a new rule as of 2018, and so there are photos out there of ceremonies on TRR, but those are either from before this, or from someone who broke the rules. The walk around the lake was easy and beautiful. 1.6 km from Lily ... 2.5 out of 5.0 1089 South Hover Street, Longmont, CO . During a predawn motorcycle ride last summer, they stopped at Lily Lake and watched the sunrise together, dreaming of their wedding day. Avoid holiday weekends, as the trailhead often fills up, and you’d need to take the free public shuttle buses up there and back. If you two are up for an adventure, I’d love to share the hidden gems of Rocky with you. Between mile posts 6 and 7 south of Estes Park, either turn west into the Lily Lake parking area or turn east in to the Lily Lake Visitor Center, just across the highway from Lily Lake. My favorite ceremony sites are 3M Curve, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and Upper Beaver Meadows. The lake is situated on Bear Lake Road, about 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Yes, you can! It was hauled from the lake by tanks and sold for 1 cent a bucket. Lily Lake Village Resort offers a beautiful landscape and quiet retreat for camping, family vacations and company outings. Are you staying on the east or west side of the park? Many of my couples combine a ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park with a reception at one of the many Estes Park wedding venues. (If a ceremony site allows 15 people, the limit is still 15 people. Timber Creek Amphitheater is one of two wedding ceremony sites on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, near Grand Lake. Ellen and Joey chose Lily Lake in Estes Park, CO for their ceremony location. Remember to include your photographer, officiant, and any other vendors in the guest count and vehicle count. Lily Lake : The trail around Lily Lake is accessible as are the 4 picnic tables near the parking lot and 4 additional tables on the south side of the lake. The 0.8-mile Lily Lake Trail is a level hike along the lake’s edge that begins at the parking lot. Lily Lake Trailhead. Glen Alpine Falls With 65 feet of layered drops, the stair-step, snow-fed stream setting of Glen Alpine Falls above Fallen Leaf Lake is perfect for pictures. Ceremony rules Max 15 people + 3 cars in summer, 30 people + 10 cars in winter. Location: Taylor County park just north of the Chelsea, WI on Highway 13. These facilities cannot be used in the event of inclement weather. A popular stop on a drive up Bear Lake Road with a picnic area and beautiful views of the Continental Divide. Although the lake is natural, a dam was constructed in 1915 in order to increase its size. If you’re getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park, and looking for a local elopement photographer who knows the park and can help you plan the best day ever, I’d love to chat more with you. I don’t personally recommend Timber Creek Amphitheater for weddings unless you need the accessibility features. Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding at Lily Lake Dock, Trail & Southside Picnic Area About a quarter of a mile walk to the trail, this Rocky mountain wedding ceremony spot has mountain views, an alpine lake, is wheelchair accessible, a knoll and aspen trees. The hike is easy. There are also lots of great places to take portraits nearby after your ceremony, where you can get better views. Little Log Cabin. Plenty of parking is on the east side of the lake as well as in a large lot on the east side of the highway. We saw ducks, snakes, chipmunks, various birds, and a beaver. No weddings permitted from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. Recommended experiences in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. My wife and I explored both trails and absolutely loved this area. Lily Lake is not as well known as some other lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park because it's six miles south of Estes Park. The road underwent construction during the summer of 2020, so it’s now in great shape and can be driven by any car. About five kilometres shy of Meldrum Bay, Manitoulin’s westernmost community, a sign appears on the south side of Highway 540 saying “Lily Lake.” Few people venture down this unprepossessing byway, and the ones who do might be somewhat reasonably expect to find a pond choked with lily pads, or alternatively, a lake chock-a-block with cottages. It can be very enjoyable. Snowmobile Trail: 0 . Relax with a late snack or with a great meal before you head out to our outdoor area for a leisurely lounge or swim. We … It’s also easily accessible with a wheelchair friendly trail from the parking lot, plenty of parking spots, and restrooms in the nearby visitor center building. There’s plenty parking, restrooms at the trailhead, and you can have groups of up to 60 people here. No. AllTrails has 91 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. To have a Sprague Lake Wedding, you need to file a Special Use Application (see resource links) with Rocky Mountain National Park. Your photographer will need a permit, but it’s $50 for a single session or $300 for the annual permit – and most serious photographers cover the cost of permits for their couples if it’s a location where they work often. There’s a small parking lot on one side of the road, and a short walk down to the lake on the other side of the road. read more. 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