Adventure Elopement in the San Juan Mountains in Ouray Colorado

Nicole + Mario

San Juan Mountains
Southwest Colorado

It's time for another adventure elopement with the venturesome Nicole, Mario, and yours truly! Nicole and Mario love to travel and all things outdoors. They met roughly three years ago and have been on many thrilling adventures together since then. One particularly memorable mountain hike turned into a surprise engagement when they reached the summit of Mount Belford in Colorado. Standing at an elevation of 14,000 feet, Mario asked Nicole to snap a picture of him. As she got her camera ready to capture the epic shot, a grinning Mario pulled out a cardboard sign that read, "Nicole, will you marry me?" (Be still my beating heart. 💓)

Nicole and Mario stayed true to their outdoorsy lifestyle and planned a San Juan Mountain adventure elopement. They wanted an adventure elopement photographer to lead their journey and graciously asked me to join them. Their elopement took place in Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray County, Colorado. As many of my readers know, the San Juan Mountains are one of my favorite places to shoot an adventure elopement. Naturally, I accepted their offer and prepared for another epic expedition into the wilderness.

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Photography: Kayleigh Rust

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Our journey began in Ridgeway, Colorado, a serene town known as the gateway to the San Juan Mountains. This hidden gem embodies the old-western charms of yesteryear and offers pristine mountain views. Upon arriving at their accommodations, I got right to work capturing Nicole as she prepared for the ceremony. She wore a romantic wedding dress with elegant lace details that gave her a graceful and playful vibe. Dressed in shades of grey and looking sleek, Mario's attire perfectly complemented Nicole's dress.

When it comes to the weather in Colorado, rainfall happens quite often during the summer months. On this July day, a tepid drizzle fell upon us, but this in no way ruined our plans for an outdoor adventure elopement. As you can see, this outdoorsy couple was all smiles despite the wet conditions. In attendance were immediate family members, a small group of roughly fifteen people.

In the spirit of non-traditional adventure elopements, Nicole and Mario planned to have their first looks in a private setting instead of during the wedding ceremony. I love when couples forego formal traditions and make their wedding day uniquely theirs. I'm also biased because "private first looks" mean I get more opportunities for pictures. 😊

As the day progressed, the rain was intermittent, the temperature was warm, and the mood among everyone was calm and happy. The wedding party gathered for a few pictures before we climbed into our ATVs and ascended into the Yankee Boy Basin for the elopement ceremony. Standing side by side, Nicole and Mario looked dazzling with twinkles of joy in their eyes.

The drive into the basin was refreshing, and the scenery was stunningly beautiful. We drove a good way up until we came across a plateau that seemed appropriate for the ceremony. The eager bride and groom hopped out of their ATV, and the elopement ceremony began nestled beneath some of the San Juan Mountain's most breathtaking peaks.

Nicole and Mario said, "I do" while taking in the mystical atmosphere of the wilderness that surrounded them. For an audacious couple like them, it was perfect. The San Juan Mountains have much to offer valiant couples who desire an adventure elopement. There's no better décor than the naturally occurring beauty found in Southwest Colorado, especially here in the Yankee Boy Basin.

After the ceremony, there were tears of joy, contagious smiles, and a glowing bride who was not upset about her muddy wedding dress. Nicole's dress is a representation of her down-to-earth spirit. May she inspire more brides to worry less and enjoy more. After all, they say brides in dirty dressed have more fun.

And then, these magical shots of Nicole and Mario unfolded. It's easy to see their appreciation for nature by the look of contentment upon their faces. The sweeping vista had a powerful energy that harmonized with Nicole and Mario as they got lost in this moment together.

Nicole and Mario wanted to get in the ATV and continue the quest for more epic scenery and gorgeous photo opportunities. Of course, being the adventure elopement photographer I am, I was down with their plan. We climbed back into the ATV, and off we went. In the San Juan mountains, you don't have to search far to find epic scenery for gorgeous elopement pictures. Within moments of driving, we came across this charming hillside.

The Yankee Boy Basin boasts many species of wildflowers during the summer months. Nicole and Mario made themselves at home submerged in this enchanted garden of Dwarf Sunflowers, Chiming Bluebells, and Bittercress, to name a few. Being in the lush Colorado wilderness is always something I appreciate. Moments like these are why I love being an adventure elopement photographer. There's no need for a florist when you have all these flowers.

As we journeyed deeper into the Yankee Boy Basin, every turn revealed a sight to behold. When we reached one of the Crystal Blue Lakes, we decided to stop and soak up the view. Standing along the shore of this crystal blue pool of water, I felt engulfed by the immensity and allure of the wilderness that surrounded me. I also captured a few more priceless moments of Nicole and Mario's adventure elopement.

We spent a fair amount of time near the edge of the lake. It was a still and peaceful setting. I could tell Nicole and Mario shared my connection and appreciation of nature. It's hard to describe the feeling I get when I'm in the San Juan Mountains. It's the feeling of being small in such a vast landscape. Feeling small out here is both liberating and inspiring. It's a gentle reminder that we are but a speck in the Universe.

As the afternoon continued, the clouds parted, revealing a turquoise blue sky. With the warmth of the sun now upon us, it was the perfect time to pop the champagne and enjoy an adventure elopement toast. "May they live each day like it's their last and enjoy many more outdoor adventures together."

Nicole and Mario had an incredible adventure elopement near Ouray, Colorado, with views they'll never forget. I am grateful they chose me to document the experience for them. I understood their plan and vision and am thankful I could lead them on this adventure. As with all my newlywedded clients, I wish them a lifetime of happiness together.

If you love to explore the great outdoors and think an adventure elopement is right for you, let's talk! Together, we'll dream up and plan the best elopement ever. I'm eager to lend you my ideas, inspiration, and favorite locations around the Rocky Mountains and Western U.S.