So here you are, engaged and daydreaming about your ideal wedding day. You start imagining what you want your wedding day to look like and then very quickly start realizing your guest count has grown higher than you thought, the venue you had your eyes on is booked out for three years, and this whole thing is going to cost way more than you initially guessed. Yikes.
“Okay, so what if we just nix the whole idea of what we should do and instead elope in the mountains?”
The idea seems exciting… and overwhelming. Where do I even start? Do I need a permit? How does the legal process actually work? “Surely we could figure this out,” you say to yourself. You want the freedom of an elopement but there’s a part of you that worries about whether it’s really the right decision for you. Does any of that sound familiar? If so, let’s talk about it.
Let’s start with some good news. Colorado is one of the most elopement-friendly states, making it a popular destination for those looking to have a wedding without jumping through a lot of logistical hoops. This is for two main reasons: you aren’t required to have a witness or an officiant to get legally married. (More info on this here.) With that being said, there are a lot of preconceived notions about what eloping has to look like that aren’t exactly correct.
Myth #1: Eloping requires a strenuous hike or an early morning wake-up call.
Both are completely optional. If you want beautiful mountain views but don’t consider yourself an “outdoorsy person,” it’s totally possible to find a location that offers stunning views without you needing to don a pair of hiking boots to get there.
A popular option for getting to remote locations is 4x4ing. You can access locations that aren’t as saturated with visitors and hikers and don’t require a big hike. Depending on where you elope in Colorado, this can give you access to mountain backdrops, lakes, and even wildflowers. Because you’re on four wheels instead of two legs, you’re also able to cover more ground quickly, allowing for multiple photo locations.
Additionally, there are several locations within the national parks that offer stunning scenery with a short walk from where you park, making them not only a great option for you but also for your guests (should you choose to have them). Which leads me to my next point.
Myth #2: Eloping means I can’t include any friends or family.
False. You can absolutely still include your friends and family if you choose. In Rocky Mountain National Park, you can include a guest count of up to 15 people for your ceremony. I’ve also seen couples opt for a much smaller guest count and choose to do a short hike with only their best man and maid of honor. Both are great options, as is something in between.
Another option is having a small ceremony or dinner at an Airbnb with family and then having a private vow exchange or just photos at a secondary location that offers more of the dramatic backdrop you envision.
Myth #3: Eloping means I can’t do anything traditional.
Eloping can be whatever you want it to be. Your wedding day is truly about finding a way to celebrate in a way that feels authentic to you.
If you want to nix a big venue but still want to include a first look—great! If you want to include a speech from your maid of honor and best man but don’t want a first dance—amazing! If having your dad walk you down the aisle is something that’s important to you, but you also want a private vow exchange— I’m all for it!
I believe wholeheartedly that your wedding should be whatever you want it to be.
Having the freedom to plan a day (or entire weekend) that’s tailored to you can be both liberating and intimidating. The good news is that you don’t have to plan it alone! When you hire me, you’re not only hiring a photographer but someone to help you put together a timeline that includes the milestones you value, navigate permits, and support you along the way.
If you’re ready to say yes to a wedding experience that feels easeful and authentically you, then I’d love to hear from you. Fill out my contact form to get in touch, and let’s start planning your dream elopement.