If you’re dreaming of mountain views, chill vibes, and a budget-friendly setup that still feels magical, Hermit Park might just be your new best friend. This is the spot where Amy & Grandon tied the knot in July, and where Rachel & Ryan made it official surrounded by golden aspens in September. We’re talking open fields, wildflower meadows, towering pines, and epic views of the Rockies—all for a fraction of what a typical wedding venue would cost.
So whether you’re planning a barefoot-in-the-grass elopement or a bring-the-whole-crew celebration with taco trucks and trail hikes, here’s everything you need to know about throwing a wedding at Hermit Park.
First things first: What the heck is Hermit Park?
Hermit Park Open Space is a hidden gem just a few minutes outside of Estes Park, Colorado. It’s owned and operated by Larimer County, and it’s one of those places where you can actually hear the wind in the trees and the birds doing their thing.
The main wedding setup spot is a covered pavilion with a big open meadow next to it, surrounded by trees and mountain views that are gorgeous. There’s a little parking area, bathrooms, picnic tables, and even some benches built into the pavilion, so you’ve got some structure to work with, but the rest? Totally up to you.
The rental site does include a charcoal grill and a fire pit that’s perfect for toasting marshmallows!
Renting the pavilion: What to know
Renting the group-use pavilion is refreshingly simple. You book it through the Larimer County parks reservation site, and prices are usually in the $150–$300 range depending on the day and season. That’s not a typo. For real. For less than you’d pay for your wedding cake, you get a full-day rental of a mountain wedding location. There’s also a $10 vehicle entrance fee for guests—but! You can prepay for your guests’ entry passes and have them pick them up at the ranger station at the entrance. Super easy. No surprise fees for your Aunt Carol who forgot her wallet.
DIY vibes: What it takes to pull it off
Now, this isn’t a venue that hands you a preferred vendor list and says “see you at 4 pm.” Hermit Park is more of a blank canvas. That means you’re responsible for bringing in everything you need—chairs, tables, food, drinks, whatever else floats your wedding boat.
For Amy & Grandon, that meant renting chairs and setting them up in the open field next to the pavilion (the perfect “ceremony with a view” spot). They DIY’d their altar—think: wood frame, pretty fabric, wildflowers, lawn games, and coolers filled with drinks and snacks. McDevitt Tacos serving up spicy deliciousness straight from their truck. (Side note: McDevitt also catered my wedding, so I may be slightly biased, but their beer braised beef tacos are actual heaven.)
These two brought their whole blended family to the party—including their four sons—and got ready at a rental house in Estes Park beforehand.
There are some absolutely gorgeous spots on-site and within walking distance for stunning portraits.
Rachel & Ryan had a totally different, but equally rad setup in September. These two are hardcore trail runners, so after their vows, they led a short, casual hike up to Kruger Rock with some of their guests for portraits. The view over Estes Park from the top? Straight-up postcard material.
Their ceremony used the benches already at the pavilion, plus a simple and gorgeous handmade arch with white fabric gently blowing in the breeze.
Their pup Emma walked down the aisle as ring bearer, and their flower man? A friend who absolutely committed to the role (petals, fanny pack, full enthusiasm). They wrapped up the day in a vintage camper van with “Just Married” scrawled across the back. Freaking adorable.
Rachel is a geologist and fossil collector, so they incorporated dino skulls into their homemade decor.
Tips for planning your Hermit Park wedding
Let’s break it down with some helpful tips so your day can go off without a hitch (besides, you know, the whole getting hitched part).
1. Reserve early
Hermit Park gets booked fast—especially for weekend days in summer and fall. If you’ve got your heart set on golden aspens or July wildflowers, snag that date early.
2. Plan for weather
This is Colorado, baby. Summer afternoons can bring surprise thunderstorms, and fall evenings get chilly fast. Bring extra blankets, umbrellas, and maybe even a thermos of hot toddies. (Highly recommend.)
3. Restrooms are there, but basic
There are bathrooms nearby, but don’t expect hotel-level amenities. These are pit toilets. They’re clean-ish and functional, just keep that in mind when planning outfits or getting-ready logistics.
4. Trash is your responsibility
This is a “pack it in, pack it out” situation. Bring trash bags, designate a cleanup crew, and make sure you leave the place better than you found it.
5. No amplified sound
There are rules about loud music, so check with Larimer County if you’re hoping for a DJ or speakers. Otherwise, acoustic setups or curated playlists on portable speakers are usually the move.
Why it’s actually awesome to go DIY
Planning a wedding at a traditional venue can feel safe and easy, but sometimes it can also feel a little… impersonal. Hermit Park is the opposite. It’s personal AF. It’s your people, your music, your food, your mountain backdrop. No one’s telling you when to cut your cake or what time to end your party. If you want your dog to carry the rings and your nephew to emcee the whole thing with a handheld mic from Costco, do it.
You’re not stuck with canned lighting and a menu that charges $80 a head for chicken. You can do tacos. You can do picnic blankets and cornhole. You can go for a hike after your ceremony, barefoot if you want. It’s wild and free and totally yours.
TL;DR: Is a Hermit Park wedding right for you?
If you’re down for a little extra planning, love the idea of doing things your own way, and don’t mind packing a few folding chairs into a camper van, Hermit Park is a dream location. Between the open field, the covered pavilion, the Rocky Mountain views, and the price tag that doesn’t make your eyes water, it’s a killer option for couples looking to create something meaningful and fun without the wedding-industrial-complex BS.
And hey, if you need someone to photograph all that mountain magic, taco eating, trail hiking goodness… I might know a gal 😉
