3M Curve Elopement Guide & Packages 2025
Vows at 3M Curve with the amazing snow-capped peak view. Photo: Alyssa Carpenter.
Published 12/17/20. Updated 1/23/25.
Everything You Need To Know For 2025 - And Packages Too!
A Dreamy Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Location
Welcome to 3M Curve - a sweet 5-minute hike down a trail that brings you to a breathtaking view overlooking a glacially-carved valley and an expansive rocky mountain vista.
At the ceremony spot, there are rocky outcroppings to stand on, and that make you feel like you're on top of the world. The view is everything you think of when you imagine being in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and in Rocky Mountain National Park.
I’m Lisa Hunter - wedding officiant, elopement expert and mountain girl at heart - and I’ve been guiding couples to elope at this magical spot for over a decade now. Each month my team is on the trail having new adventures with couples, and I’ve created this page to give you all the intel about 3M Curve in one easy place. Glad you stopped by!
With Love,
Officiant Lisa
February 2025 Spotlight: Hannah & Tyler’s Sweet Family Ceremony
(After the spotlight, read on for my comprehensive 3M Curve Elopement Guide & Packages)
Pro Tip: Make sure to get a twirling photo! Photo: Colorado Photographer Squad.
Our Latest Trail Notes From 3M Curve
This month I thought I’d tell you about one of our 3M Curve elopements from last summer since it’s nice during the cold temps of January & February to look at photos that make us feel warm and summery ;)
Hannah & Tyler brought their closest family to Rocky Mountain National Park so that they could share their love for the mountains with the people they love the most.
They wanted something special after exchanging rings, so I created a ceremony for them that included a rose exchange as their first gift to one another after officially saying “I Do”. We also had their toddler son bring them the rings which was nothing less than the definition of adorable.
Above is my favorite photo from their day, with these two having a romantic dance after their ceremony with that incredible backdrop behind them.
Did You Know?
There’s a special window of time in Colorado where the meadows are still green while the mountains are still snow-capped. You can see that in Hannah & Tyler’s photo above. The sweet spot is typically in June and then maybe a bit into July as well. After that, the meadow greens have faded to a golden yellow and the mountains are less snow-capped. Still gorgeous of course, just in a different way.
3M Curve Elopement Guide & Packages For 2025
Everything You Need To Know
Photos by partner Alyssa Carpenter.
First, let’s just take a moment to breathe in this incredible ceremony spot!
3M Curve ceremony spot with the Longs Peak backdrop.
Now 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 down 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.
Or if it’s just the two of you without guests, you’re standing in the middle of this cool outcropping 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 may lose cell signal. In recent years, cell signal has improved in the park, but it’s still hit or miss. Usually some phones pick up signal and some don’t.
On that note, 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 might not be able to call you.
A nice side benefit if you have no cell service: You won’t have your phone to distract you from all the gorgeous nature ;)
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 limits the number of wedding permits it gives out each year, 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 and I’m able to charge less for it than if you obtained it yourself :)
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!
Tip: The Trail Ridge road spot that is great for photos is at a very high elevation, so if you want photos there, you’d want to plan your elopement between July and mid-September, when it’s much less likely there would be a road closure due to snow.
You can see more photos at Trail Ridge Road here at this link too.
To see other elopements at similar locations: Megan & Terin, Mary & Jeremiah
Meet the officiants and photographers who I’m partnered with Here
3M Curve Elopement Packages
You can read all about our Colorado Elopement Packages at this link here where you’ll find detailed information about how we support you every step of the way in the months and weeks before your elopement, plus guide you for the smoothest, easiest and most beautiful experience on the day-of.
Our 3M Curve packages not only include all of our typical elopement package services, they also include detailed driving directions with photos since 3M Curve is an unmarked pullout on the side of the road and is also not found on GPS - you want to be absolutely certain you’re in the right place!
You’ll also get step-by-step how-to’s for worry-free entry into Rocky Mountain National Park and your wedding permit is included since I’m a vendor with the park. Or, if you’ve already got your wedding permit, that works as well.
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!
