If you’re thinking about eloping in Colorado, I just want to say this first:
It probably won’t go exactly as planned.
And that’s kind of the best part.
Anthony and Haley came from Orlando, Florida to Colorado because they already loved it. They’ve been there before, they love the mountains, they love hiking… and they knew they didn’t want anything traditional.
They just wanted something that felt like them.
Their Day (aka… a little bit of everything 😅)
We started the morning at their lodge on Peak 8 in Breckenridge. It was calm, easy, just getting ready and enjoying the moment before everything started.
Then we went to get their marriage license (which is super easy in Colorado, by the way), and after that, we headed up to Loveland Pass for their first look.
And it was beautiful… for about five minutes.
Because right after that, we saw the fog rolling in and the wind picking up, and we were like—
“Okay… we need to go. Now.”
Within minutes, a full snowstorm was coming in.
So instead of trying to force the plan, we pivoted.
We drove down the mountain and ended up doing their ceremony in the most random but perfect spot – literally off the side of I-70 near Dillon Reservoir.
No setup. No view (because… fog 😅).
Just the two of them, doing their vows.
And honestly? It was one of the most meaningful ceremonies I’ve been part of.
I even got to pronounce them husband and wife, which made it feel even more personal.
And then… pizza, cake, and a Whole Foods parking lot
Because that’s how elopements should be.
We grabbed pizza and cake, went back to their hotel, and just had fun with it. We did some editorial-style photos in their room, flash photos, super Vogue vibes.
And then yes… we also took photos in a snowy Whole Foods parking lot.
And you would never know.
The next day: we went full adventure mode
We hiked Mayflower Gulch for their portraits.
Two hours. In the snow. At altitude.
I’m not even going to pretend it was easy 😅
But when we got to the top… it was insane.
Blue skies, snow everywhere, little cabins, mountains all around us.
We were freezing, laughing, out of breath… but it was 1000% worth it.
That’s the part of elopements that people don’t always talk about—
it’s not just pretty photos. It’s the experience.
So… what is it actually like to elope in Colorado?
Let me be real with you.
Timing matters a LOT
From what I’ve seen:
• August + September → safest weather
• Late September / October → beautiful but unpredictable
• Winter → stunning, but very cold and intense
We went in late October and got a full snowstorm in the middle of the day.
So just… be ready for anything.
Weather & roads are no joke
Colorado is amazing, but it’s not something to take lightly.
• Snow can come out of nowhere
• I-70 can get sketchy or even close
• Wind at high elevations is intense
If you’re planning this:
• Get a rental with winter tires or chains
• Give yourself extra time
• Always have a backup plan
We literally had to move flights just to make everything work.
Altitude will humble you real quick
We were at:
• ~11,000 ft (Loveland Pass)
• almost 12,000 ft (our hike)
And yeah… you feel it.
Bring water. Take breaks.
Oxygen cans? Honestly, yes.
One of the best parts? The legal side is easy
Colorado makes it so simple:
• You can get your license same day
• You don’t need witnesses
• You can marry yourselves
Which is a huge reason couples choose it.
What it’s like having me there with you
Honestly?
We’re going to have fun.
I’ll guide you, help plan everything, give you location ideas, build your timeline… but I’m also not going to stress you out if things don’t go perfectly.
Because they won’t. And that’s okay.
I always come in with a plan, but I also have backup plans, and backup plans for those.
And I pay attention to everything around us.
That’s how we found their ceremony spot.
That’s how we turned random locations into something beautiful.
I want you to feel like you can just be there, enjoy your day, and trust that everything is being taken care of.
Who this is perfect for
You’ll love a Colorado elopement if you:
• Love being outdoors
• Want something adventurous
• Don’t mind a little chaos
• Care more about experience than perfection
It might not be for you if you want everything controlled and predictable.
My biggest advice
You can’t control the weather.
You can’t control everything.
But you can be prepared and trust the process.
And that’s where the magic happens.
If you’re overwhelmed…
Don’t try to figure everything out alone.
Just start by reaching out and talking through your ideas.
That’s literally what I’m here for.
Final thoughts
This day didn’t go as planned.
And that’s exactly why it was so special.
