Why elope?

You’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Following a proposal, most couples dive right into the thick of wedding planning. Budgeting, choosing venues, finding the right photographer, and (what seems like) a million little details that involve decision making. While we love a big ol’ wedding celebration, we also recognize that not every couple wants that big wedding and all that it entails.

Eloping isn’t just for couples who want to run away from it all! Some couples choose to elope to save money, to avoid the hassle of wedding planning, or simply for the thrill of an adventurous, romantic new beginning together. Some couples opt for an elopement as a replacement for the ceremony, but still host a traditional wedding reception to celebrate with their loved ones. Colorado is home to endless literally breathtaking spots, all perfect for an adventurous couple to say their vows!

Whatever your reasons for eloping, we highly recommend hiring a photographer to capture the moment, and including a few wedding traditions, such as wearing a wedding dress, of course!

Finding the right dress

Choosing to elope doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice wearing the fairytale wedding dress you’ve always dreamed of! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and how often do you get to wear a stunning white dress? And hey, since you’re doing away with so many traditional wedding expenses, there’s more room in your budget to buy that gown you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest.

There are many ways to dress for a mountain elopement. In fact, with the growing trend of eloping, we’ve noticed a myriad of ways brides have dressed to say their vows, from simple sheaths to full-on ball gowns. When choosing a wedding dress for your elopement, it’s important to consider a few things.

First, consider how you’re getting to your elopement spot. Will you be hiking a few miles to a mountain peak? If so, you may want to wear something comfortable, stretchy, and lightweight. Our bride Brandy hiked to her ceremony location in Rocky Mountain National Park, so her lightweight lace fit-and-flare gown was the perfect choice.

On the other hand, if your location is more accessible, you have the freedom to choose! For an adventure elopement in the snow, our model wore a bodysuit with leggings and snowmobiled to the photo location with a full skirt packed in a backpack! Another bride wore a fitted lace gown trekking through the mud in Yosemite National Park. Don’t feel limited to a specific type of gown for your special day; our bridal stylists would love to help you find your dream dress and make it elopement-accessible!

Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement Styled Shoot

This past summer, we participated in a styled elopement with Erika Aileen Photography at Lost Gulch Overlook. We love how a few simple details came together to create such a beautifully styled wedding day! These photos are proof that all you need for a dream wedding is the perfect spouse, the perfect dress, some beautiful flowers, and a breathtaking view!

bride and groom walking away holding bouquet bride and groom climbing mountain bride walking toward groom at colorado mountain elopement wedding dress front and back view golden light on bride and groom bride and groom snuggle close up three photos of bride on top of colorado mountain elopement groom's boutonniere and bride's bouquet bride and groom on top of mountain with blue sky background wedding stationery and vow books