The Most Popular Wedding Destination in the US, Estes Park

For those couples looking for a wedding with plenty of activities, Estes Park is perfect! With abundant outdoor activities, your wedding party can come together in nature's finest playgrounds. Estes Park has something for everyone, from hiking trails and backcountry camping to golf courses and ski slopes. 

With Rocky Mountain National Park only a ten-minute drive from Estes, the bride, groom, and all their guests have time to explore. The park has hiking trails; if you want to avoid hiking, you can drive through the entire park! Some of my favorite animals in the park are foxes, mule deer, big horned sheep, elk, rocky mountain elk, moose, coyote, mountain Lion, black bears, and yellow-bellied marmot.

When it comes to breathtaking scenery, Estes Park has a rocky mountain backdrop that is perfect for your big day. Whether you host your wedding outdoors or inside one of the Park's many luxurious venues, the area's stunning natural beauty will be hard to miss. I recommend staying in the Black Canyon Inn, which has the best view of the Estes Valley and surrounding mountains, or the historic Stanley Hotel, where the shining was filmed. The Stanley also has Spirited Night Tours and delicious food at their Cascades Restaurant & Lounge and The Post Chicken & Beer bar. The Cascades whiskey bar has fantastic drinks and some of the best lamb lobster bisk I have ever tasted! The post is a top-notch spot for brunch after a wedding, and it also has dinner and excellent hot chicken. 

Other top-notch breakfast, brunch, and lunch spots are Notch Top Bakery & Cafe, Mountain Home Cafe, The Egg of Estes, Kind Coffee, and the Big Horn Restaurant.

Notch Top Bakery & Cafe is located in Stanley Village Shopping Center. It is usually crowded but has excellent food and pretty decor. Mountain Home Cafe is also located in the Stanley Village Shopping Center but has a more casual atmosphere. The Egg of Estes is located in downtown Estes. It is diner-style with a relaxed atmosphere. I enjoyed it so much that I returned several times on our trip. Kind Coffee is located at the beginning of downtown Estes. Parking is a bit difficult here, but it is excellent for a quick breakfast. They have great Coffee, bagels, and burritos. Big Horn Restaurant is located at the end of Main Street and has a casual atmosphere. 

The shopping and dining in Estes Park offer a surprising variety for a small town. From local boutiques and antique stores to incredible restaurants and dining experiences, there's something for everyone. My favorite store was The Christmas Shoppe where my husband and I found some memorable gifts for the whole family.

For dinner, stop at the Dunraven or Bird and Jim. The Dunraven has a beautiful lake view in the valley of Estes, and The Birds Nest is a great rehearsal dinner spot. By day, it’s only a coffee shop, but the second floor is a beautiful event space.  Food is catered by the first-class restaurant across the street called Bird and Jim. If you are looking for a chill brewery for a meet and greet or to hang with friends, check out The Barrel or The Wheel Bar. 

Whatever you're looking for, whether it's gifts for your wedding party or the perfect dress for your big day, Estes Park has it all! With its natural beauty, abundant activities, and countless shopping and dining options, Estes Park is the perfect destination for your wedding this season. Whether planning an extravagant affair or a cozy gathering of family and friends, Estes Park will surely provide unforgettable memories on your special day. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Estes Park wedding today!