Going in the fall for a wedding. I am on a budget & as you know this place is expensive. Any advice on places to stay (willing to drive up to 30 miles away). Also any must sees/must do during the day for some short trip sightseeing? Any help you can offer is great.

Chances are that it will be reasonable in the fall--not ski season. Why don't you see if you can google and find condos/rooms there.

McGregor Mountain Lodge near the park entrance was comfortable and reasonably priced when I stayed there a few years ago. It may be worth figuring out if you will be there during high season, which ends sometime in the fall. The prices vary a lot according to time of year.

If Trail Ridge Road is open when you are there, that drive is a definite must-do. Ask a ranger about possible hikes in the park if you like walking. I don't know if you're going alone, but I've felt safe when hiking there by myself.

There is a Budget Host Motel in Estes Park (www.budgethost.com). In my groundless opinion, that's probably one of the cheapest non-camping places to stay.

If Trail Ridge is closed when you're there, at least drive the portion that is open (probably up to Many Parks Curve). Also drive up Bear Lake Road. Incredible views of the Peaks along the Continental Divide. You can also take a short drive south of town along Hwy 7 for great views of Long's Peak and Mt Meeker. (Around mile markers 8 and 10, respectively, between the Lily Lake and Wild Basin areas.)

You'll have a good chance of seeing Elk in Moraine Park in the late afternoon, and possibly sheep in Horseshoe Park during the day.

Dave

I am going mid-Sept - last of the high summer rates if this helps with the advice

I've spent many happy summers at a family cabin in Estes. You can find numerous private cabins available for rent in the Thompson River Canyon, just outside of town. Incredible, private setting beside the rushing river, with forest all around.

if you really want to save money. check the holiday inn webpage and go under last minute/weekend specials, nice hotel. we live in colo sp. 2 hrs from estes, go up a couple times a year. nice location. Make sure you check the weekend deals.
good luck