Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is infamously Colorado.
Just 20 minutes outside of Denver along the western slopes lies the rusty red rock formations that have inspired artists, concert goers and adventure lovers for decades. Living and working right next to the park, it’s also one of my most requested photography locations for my couples and over the years I’ve been able to navigate the logistics and find all the hidden spots along the way.
If you are looking for something adventurous, epic, and focused on only the two of you, Red Rocks Park is a fantastic place to elope! However, planning an elopement at one of the most iconic locations in Colorado requires some strategy, and this guide is here to help.
Finding the perfect timing
Let’s be honest - Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is BUSY. There was a time not so long ago when Red Rocks wasn’t a fully operating concert venue 24/7/365.
I am exaggerating a little bit but Red Rocks Amphitheater’s concert season now runs every day from April to October closing the Amphitheater down at around 2pm daily to start sound checks. Before 2pm, the Amphitheater will have people working out and tourists taking photos while the next show’s stage sets get built for that evening. The weekends become even more busy with Yoga on the Rocks or other fitness classes in the Amphitheater in the morning. So how do you avoid the crowds?
The insider secret:
A midweek sunrise elopement is the key to a semi private Red Rocks experience.
There are significantly less people and tourists and you get the added benefit of morning golden light washing over the rock formations.
As a side note, everyone talks about golden hour, but what is it exactly? Golden hour is the magical time (usually 1-3 hours) right after sunrise and right before sunset. At Red Rocks specifically, you only get golden hour in the morning. Since the rock formations are right on the side of the front range, the sun technically “sets” behind the mountain a few hours before actual sunset making late afternoon lighting just shady instead of brilliantly warm and golden.
If you can’t go that early in the morning, there are other ways to work around the park to find secluded spots without the crowds. Just know that the later and later in the day it gets, the further away from the Amphitheater you’d need to go just to find parking alone.
Location Location Location
My favorite spot to take couples is never the Amphitheater, unless it’s meaningful to your relationship.
The Epic: Southern most point of the Trading Post Trail. This is the south entrance to the park and it is just stunning! It is the spot I always send people if they want to be in awe of the park before they even get to the top.
The Intimate: The Geologic Overlook Trail. This trail is close to the Upper North Lot and can get steep pretty fast. Most people who are in this area of the park are making their way to the Amphitheater, not to the steep trail leading away from it so it makes it very quiet with all the magic of the rock formations.
The Views: The Mt. Vernon Creek Trail. This trail is very lightly traveled due to the fact it’s on the eastern most side of the park. However, the views of the park, the rock formations, and the front range are amazing.
Outfit Details
The rocks aren’t the only thing that is red. The dirt, the mud, the parking lots, everything is a rusty red and a majority of the park is dirt trails.
- Choose a dress/outfit you can move in and bring comfortable walking shoes. You can swap them for heels if you’d like once you arrive at your ceremony spot.
- Your clothes and shoes will pick up the red dirt. Unless you are fine with your wedding dress getting slightly red, I’d suggest a dress with no train.
- If you are interested in having flowers, a simple and light weight bouquet is all you need. You won't want to carry a heavy bouquet all day as we are navigating the trails.
Paperwork Simplified
Permits
You are ready to have your elopement at Red Rocks, what’s next logistically. Your first step would be to verify you don’t need a permit. As of 2025 the City of Denver (the owner and operator of Red Rocks Park) only requires permits for photoshoots at their parks that have more that 5 people OR if the photoshoot uses specialized equipment (such as dones) or access to public spaces are impacted (such as needing to close streets or sidewalks). If it’s just you both, your photographer, and potentially your officiant saying a few vows on a trail, then you are good!
If your party size is larger than 5 people or you want to go to the Amphitheater for any part of your day, you MUST get permission from Red Rocks venue management. Even then, they will not block the space for you - ie. people will still be in the amphitheater working out, climbing stairs, listening to the sound checks, and being tourists. If you are interested in going that route, reach out to venue management. Or you can hire a local elopement photographer, like us, who can navigate all the paperwork, permits, phone calls, and red tape so you don’t have to!
Denver has other rules for all photoshoots that must be upheld. These typically follow the Leave No Trace principles but some to note are:
- Dogs must be on leash at all times
- Park amenities must remain accessible to the public
- Parking is first come first served
- Pack out all items
- NO venturing off trail
- NO climbing on the rock formations
- NO glitter, decorations, etc
Red Rocks Park also has reservable spaces specific for weddings and events that can host up to 250 people. If that sounds closer to your needs visit: https://www.redrocksonline.com/private-events/weddings/
Wedding License
The biggest advantage of getting married in Colorado is self-solemnization. With self-solemnization, you can go anywhere in Colorado to marry yourselves. No officiant or witnesses required. This makes Red Rocks a great location for your elopement!
Getting your marriage license from the county where you’re getting married generally saves a lot of time but you can pick one up from any county.
BONUS: Your easy flow Red Rocks Elopement timeline
Pre-Dawn
- Simple Preparation & Travel
- Keep hair/makeup light. Get dressed together. Grab your favorite coffee on the way up. There’s great coffee shops everywhere (let me know if you want my fav). No stress.
Sunrise (The Magic Hour)
- Ceremony & Vows
- Arrive at your spot. Take 15 minutes to soak it in. Say your vows and sign the license. No audience, no rush.
Post-Vows
- Adventure Portraits
- We spend the next 90 minutes exploring the park, taking epic photos, and just hanging out. This is the fun part!
Late Morning
- Celebration!
- We're done by 9:30 AM! Head back to Denver for a celebratory brunch, a mountain hike, or whatever YOU want.
Ready to Plan Your Red Rocks Elopement Together?
Finding the perfect location for your elopement is the first step to an intimate and stress free day. I’ll help you create an experience that feels authentic, simple, and true to both of you!