Alpine lakes, mountains, cute airbnbs, good food, coffee shops. This was the vision for Kim and Sam. Originally, they loved the idea of Washington until I suggested my favorite mountain town in Colorado – Telluride. This changed everything for them as they dug into their Telluride search and fell in love like I did just 5 years ago. Their 3-day Ouray elopement adventure turned into exactly what they never knew they needed – a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, intimate moments, and breathtaking views.
Want more destination inspiration? Check out the below destination stories.
Dreaming up their perfect Colorado Elopement experience
As we started to brainstorm and think about their day, the most important thing for Kim was an alpine lake. In Colorado, to get seclusion, we’d have to take the off roads to get to these without hiking. With the roads being incredibly unsafe, especially for those who aren’t used to them, they decided to hire a jeep company.
The more we got to planning, the more exploring they wanted to do. Kim’s vision was to have picking up their marriage license documented. They also wanted to do some hiking and see the local spots. So what was supposed to be a one day jeep tour turned into the absolute best 3 days of adventure ever.
Day One: First Steps in Telluride
Their Colorado adventure began at the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride’s crown jewel. As we hiked up the trail, there were so many gorgeous spots to stop and take in. My favorite part about this hike though was our chats, and how quickly these two felt like long lost friends. The kind of easy friendship that makes you forget you’ve only just met. We scrambled over rocks, discovered new perspectives of the falls, and let the afternoon unfold naturally.
After working up an appetite on the trail, we hitched a ride back down by some lovely people, then went to Brown Dog Pizza – a local favorite that serves up what might be some of the best pizza in Colorado. It was the perfect casual start to their elopement experience.
Day Two: The Art of Slowing Down
Their second day embodied everything an elopement should be – unhurried, meaningful, and completely their own. We wandered through Telluride’s charming streets, making picking up their marriage license feel less like an errand and more like part of their story. With their local flowers from Flowers by Ella in hand, we headed back to their mountain-view Airbnb.
As the sun began its descent behind the mountains in front of us, Kim and Sam settled in to write their vows by the fire. One of my most favorite genuine moments came when Sam kicked back with his bowl of cereal and steak – a perfect reminder that elopements are about being completely yourself, not following a prescribed script.
Day Three: Their Ouray Mountain Marriage
Mother Nature kept us guessing on their wedding day, with dark clouds threatening rain and steep mountain roads ahead. But like all the best elopement day stories, everything fell perfectly into place. Seriously… everything always works out.
The morning began at their Airbnb, where Kim got her hair and makeup done by Telluride Beauty Co. Their first look brought tears and GORGEOUS moments against a backdrop of my favorite mountain views. Then, it was time for adventure.
We partnered with Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours for an epic journey into Yankee Boy Basin and Silver Basin. Our skilled driver navigated hair-raising cliff edges while light rain created an ethereal atmosphere. Our first stop was a hidden waterfall that was the most magical spot ever.
Their ceremony location couldn’t have been more perfect – an alpine lake surrounded by mountains, where they exchanged heartfelt vows they’d written the night before. Even the local wildlife celebrated, with a curious marmot making an appearance. My gosh was he CUTE.
The celebration continued at another alpine lake, its waters an impossible shade of blue, surrounded by the last of summer’s wildflowers. The day ended perfectly with burgers in Ouray and cake back in Telluride – a deliciously casual conclusion to their extraordinary day.
Planning Your Own Colorado Mountain Elopement
Timing is everything for a San Juan Mountain elopement. Here are some key things you should know about Kim and Sam’s elopement:
- When it was: mid-August – warm days, minimal snow, and stunning scenery. However, the wildflowers were just coming off their peak, so if you’re dreaming of peak wildflower season, consider planning for late July to early August.
- Length of elopement: Their three-day timeline allowed for a perfect balance of adventure and intimacy. Rather than cramming everything into one day, they had space to enjoy each moment, from casual pizza dinners to thrilling Jeep tours.
- Weather: Remember that mountain weather can be unpredictable. Prepare with either backup locations, or a rain date before or after. But remember, a little rain might just add that touch of magic you never knew you wanted.
The Best Telluride/Ouray Elopement Vendors
- Photography: Me! Kelsey Converse Photography
- Hair and Makeup: Telluride Beauty Co
- Flowers: Flowers by Ella
- Adventure Transport: Alpine Scenic Jeep Tours
San Juan Mountains Elopement Photography
What made Kim and Sam’s elopement so special wasn’t just the breathtaking locations or perfect planning – it was the gift of time. Three days allowed them to truly sink into the experience, to let moments unfold naturally, and to create memories that went far beyond just a ceremony.