Elopements
Are you dreaming of an intimate and breathtakingly beautiful wedding experience? Imagine saying your vows surrounded by towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and the serenity of nature. If this sounds like your ideal wedding scenario, eloping in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado might be the perfect choice for you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to plan your magical elopement in this enchanting mountain range. Let’s starting with choosing your location and elopement videographer & photographer.
Step 1: Choose Your Spot (with help from your Elopement Videographer)
The San Juan Mountains are filled with stunning locations for your elopement ceremony. From the iconic Telluride to the hidden gems like Ice Lakes Basin, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Research various spots, consider the views, accessibility, and overall ambiance (or hire me because I’ve already done this for you). Whether you prefer a mountaintop ceremony or a serene lakeside exchange of vows, the San Juan Mountains have something for every couple. Once you choose a general area, how do you find trails and locations? As your elopement videographer or photographer, I can help with that part.
Step 2: Hire an Elopement Videographer & Photographer
This step could honestly be number one but I listed it as second. I did this because it can be helpful to have an idea of the location you want to elope. When couples come to me with a general location, it cuts down the amount of questions I need to ask thus cutting down on the amount of decisions for them. If you’re anything like me, decision fatigue is real, gang. Documenting your elopement is essential to reliving the narrative that you’ve created with your person, the narrative that’s still to being told years later.
Hire a photographer or a videographer who specializes in capturing the beauty of micro weddings or elopements. An elopement videographer or photographer understands how to work with the landscape to create breathtaking images that truly reflect the moment. Despite some thoughts, there is an art to creating images like this – it’s fully incorporating the composition of the landscape yet wholeheartedly focusing on the couple’s story. I like to think I have that skill.
The pivotal role of elopement photographers and videographers in elopements is capturing the moments that you want to look back on when you’re 80 and romanticizing your life.
While planning an elopement often involves scaling down the guest list and simplifying logistics, there is one vendor whose role remains absolutely pivotal – the photographer and videographer.
Here’s why a professional photographer & videographer are arguably the most important vendors to hire for your elopement:
Capturing the Authentic Moment
Elopements are cherished for their intimacy and authenticity, and a skilled elopement photographer and videographer excel at capturing those fleeting moments. From the nervous glances before saying “I do” to the spontaneous laughter shared during the ceremony, an elopement videographer has a keen eye for preserving the emotions that make your elopement uniquely yours.
Preserving the Narrative with an Elopement Videographer
A photograph is not just an image; it’s a tangible memory frozen in time. A skilled photographer has the ability to encapsulate the essence of your elopement, allowing you to relive those special moments whenever you revisit your wedding album. Likewise, a well-crafted wedding video can transport you back to the vows, the laughter, and the joy of your elopement day.
Telling Your Love Story
Every couple has a unique love story. A professional elopement photographer and videographer can artfully weave that narrative into their work to then communicate that story later, and potentially, for other people (this is how it’s a step further than preserving the narrative). From the choice of locations to the composition of shots, these creatives have the ability to visually tell your story, creating a timeless and personalized record of your commitment to each other.
Expertise in Capturing Challenging Environments
Elopements often take place in breathtaking outdoor settings, from mountain vistas to beach sunsets. Photographers and videographers are experienced in navigating challenging lighting conditions and unpredictable weather, ensuring that your pictures and videos are not only beautiful but also technically well-captured.
Elevating the Aesthetic of Your Elopement
The right elopement photographer and videographer bring an artistic touch to your elopement, enhancing the overall aesthetic and visual appeal of your celebration. Their creative eye can transform even the simplest of ceremonies into a stunning visual masterpiece.
Sharing the Experience with Loved Ones
While elopements are often intimate affairs with a limited guest list, the visual documentation provided by photographers and videographers allows you to share the joy and magic of your special day with those who couldn’t be present. The power of a well-crafted image or video is undeniable in conveying the atmosphere and emotions of the moment.
When planning your elopement, investing in a skilled elopement photographer and videographer is not just a vendor choice – it’s an investment in the memories and legacy of your narrative. Their ability to capture the essence of your love, create lasting memories, and tell your unique story through their lens makes them an indispensable part of any elopement celebration. Ok, but how do you make it official?
Bonus Tip: Enlist the Expertise of an Elopement Planner
While the legal steps are essential for a seamless marriage in Colorado, considering the services of a professional elopement planner can elevate your experience to extraordinary heights. An elopement planner specializes in crafting intimate celebrations tailored to your unique preferences. From coordinating vendors and handling logistics, they ensure that every detail aligns with your vision. An experienced elopement planner can navigate the vast array of options Colorado offers, suggesting hidden gems and ensuring all permits and reservations are secured. By entrusting the planning process to a seasoned professional, you free yourselves to fully embrace the romance of the moment, confident that every element of your elopement will be flawlessly orchestrated. With their expertise, you transform your intimate celebration into a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable experience amidst Colorado’s stunning landscapes.
Step 3: Legalities and Permits
A Guide to Legally Getting Married in Colorado
Before embarking on your elopement journey, it’s crucial to understand the legalities and necessary permits. Colorado requires a marriage license, which you can obtain from any county clerk’s office. Make sure to check the specific requirements and waiting periods for the county you choose. Additionally, some elopement locations might require permits, especially if you’re planning a gathering larger than ten. Research the regulations for your chosen spot and secure any necessary permits well in advance.
Colorado, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse scenery, is a popular choice for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. If you’re planning to tie the knot in the Centennial State, here’s a step-by-step guide to legally get married in Colorado.
Obtain a Marriage License
The first step towards a legal union in Colorado is obtaining a marriage license. Both parties must appear in person at the county clerk’s office to apply. Make sure to bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and be prepared to pay the license fee ($30). Colorado does not have a waiting period, so you can typically get your license on the same day.
Choose a County
While Colorado marriage licenses are valid statewide, you must apply in the county where one or both of you reside. If neither party is a Colorado resident, you can apply in any county. Popular counties for destination weddings include Denver, Boulder, and Aspen.
Check Waiting Periods
As mentioned earlier, Colorado has no waiting period. Once you obtain your marriage license, you are free to have your ceremony right away. This flexibility makes Colorado an ideal choice for spontaneous elopements.
Choose an Officiant
In Colorado, your wedding officiant can be a judge, magistrate, clergy member, or even a friend or family member. If opting for a friend or family member, they can become a Temporary Officiant by completing a simple application process with the county clerk. Self-solemnizing is also allowed in CO, which you can do by filling out paperwork and returning to the county clerk.
Exchange Vows
With your marriage license in hand and an officiant ready, it’s time to exchange vows. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony in the mountains or a bustling celebration in one of Colorado’s vibrant cities, the choice is yours (I suggest Ouray and the San Juan Mountains).
Sign and Return the License
After your ceremony, make sure to sign the marriage license along with your officiant (two witness lines are available but not required in Colorado). The officiant is responsible for returning the license to the county clerk’s office within 63 days of the ceremony (unless self-solumizing in which case you would have to handle that).
On a side note, since Colorado allows you to self-solemnize you can have your dog ‘sign’ your marriage license with a paw print. Literally the coolest dog-parent humble brag if you ask me.
Obtain a Marriage Certificate
Once the county clerk receives and processes your marriage license, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This official document serves as proof of your marriage and is often required for legal and administrative purposes.
By following these steps, you’ll navigate the legal requirements for getting married in Colorado, leaving you free to focus on creating lasting memories in this breathtaking state. Remember, these are guidelines and you should always double-check your state’s requirements.
Step 4: Select the Right Season
The San Juan Mountains offer diverse beauty throughout the year, so choosing the right season is key. Spring and summer bring wildflower-strewn meadows and lush greenery, while autumn showcases a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds as the aspen leaves change. Winter offers a stunning snowy landscape, but keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable. Consider both the atmosphere you envision and the logistics of the season when planning your elopement date.
Step 3: Plan Logistics
Since eloping often involves fewer people, logistics can be simpler than a traditional wedding. However, you’ll still need to think about accommodations, transportation, and any other necessary arrangements. Whether you choose to stay in a cozy cabin, a charming inn, or camp under the stars, make your reservations well in advance to secure your preferred options.
3 Best Places to Stay in Ouray, Colorado (from an elopement photographer)
The Western
This stay is perfect for the couple looking for a unique hotel stay but want to venture outside of town for epic hikes and waterfall vows. According to their website, the Western’s vibe takes inspiration from its western roots – think highly elevated vintage cowboy aesthetic. Not only does this stay offer warm fires, period-inspired decor but there is a bar (original old west saloon), grotto spa and general store + coffee bar for guests. I chose this location because of the amazing space it offers for your getting ready time on your elopement day. If you’re in your cowboy/cowgirl era, this is the place for you. Just think of the film-inspired vintage vogue shots that would be in your image gallery from this place? If I could get married all over again, I would choose this stay.
The Western Hotel Standard Rate: $437/night
The Imogene Hotel & Rooftop Bar
Two words: rooftop bar. Need I say more? Well, as you guessed, I will say more. This updated hotel, once the old Historic Columbus Building, sits in the heart of Ouray with stunning views of peaks from the valley. Unlike other places, this hotel is a keyless entry with no lobby, which makes it feel like you’re just going home to your own apartment after an awesome day in the mountains. Oh, but with a private sauna. Yes, please.
The Imogene Standard Rate: $145/night
Gold Mountain Ranch + The Wilmont
This is perfect for the couple looking to throw a small party with close family and/or friends and want everything centrally located. Not only does this stay offer a suite with a private entrance for couples choosing to have a ceremony here, but the property has 1,200 acres of land to explore … on horseback. Yes, there are trail rides from May through October. According to the Action Adventure Trail Rides website, they breed, raise and train all their own livestock. Can you imagine getting married overlooking the mountain town of Ouray and spending your afternoon ride overlooking the Uncompahgre River Valley? This location is like if Jane Austin and Louis L’Amour collabed on a novel – this would be the setting for the book.
The Wilmont Standard Rate: Inquire for price
Step 6: Personalize Your Ceremony
One of the joys of eloping is the opportunity to create a ceremony that truly reflects your personalities and love story. Write your own vows, incorporate meaningful rituals, or bring along special mementos to enhance the experience. Whether you’re exchanging rings or sharing a first dance in the mountain air, these personal touches will make your elopement uniquely yours.
Step 7: Respect the Environment
As you plan your elopement in the San Juan Mountains, remember that you’re entering a pristine and delicate ecosystem. Practice Leave No Trace principles by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and be mindful of the wildlife. By respecting the natural beauty around you, you contribute to the preservation of these stunning landscapes for generations to come.
Step 8: Enjoy the Moment
Above all, remember to savor every moment of your elopement day. Take in the panoramic views, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and embrace the intimacy of the occasion. Your elopement in the San Juan Mountains will be a memory you cherish forever, a testament to your love and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
In the embrace of the San Juan Mountains, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your elopement—an experience that will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. As you plan, prioritize what truly matters to you as a couple, and let the stunning surroundings do the rest.
If you’re ready to move forward with a San Juan Mountain elopement, reach out to me! I am so passionate about showing people the magic of this place – if you know, you know. And if you don’t, I want to show you as your elopement photographer or videographer.