Fall Elopement in the San Juan Mountains
Victoria + Nick
Silverton, Colorado
Victoria and Nick decided, after seven years, it was time to get married. They did not have an engagement and did not plan a traditional wedding. Instead, Victoria and Nick had an adventure elopement in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Their wedding day was about their love for each other and their love for free time outside hiking and connecting with nature.
VENDORS
Photography: Kayleigh Rust
Flowers: Urban Canyon Floristry
The adventure elopement festivities started early in the morning. In attendance was Victoria and Nick's dog, Aila. As Nick stood among tall Ponderosa Pines and groves of Aspen trees, Victoria made her way down the trail. Just as she approached us, Nick turned to see his beautiful blushing bride for a sweet first look. It was a happy and enlightening way to start the day. We then began our journey into the San Juan National Forest.
Temperatures in the San Juan Mountains during October usually reach about 45°. Though it was a brisk fall morning, the sun was shining high above us, and the chilly mountain air was refreshing as we hiked through the forest. Victoria and Nick live nearby in Silverton, Colorado. When they contacted me and told me they wanted to elope somewhere close to home, I knew the Rico-Silverton Trail would be the perfect spot.
I led Victoria and Nick through the woods to their first stop, South Fork Mineral Creek Falls. This two-tier waterfall is a glorious sight to behold. It is also an incredibly photogenic spot, perfect for romantic adventure elopement photos. Without a timeline to adhere to, Victoria and Nick hung out here for awhile while I captured lovely images of the happy couple and their beloved dog.
Victoria and Nick were naturals in front of my camera. Their laid-back, fun-loving personalities made for genuine-looking keepsake portraits. Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable being affectionate in front of your elopement photographer. That is understandable. Rest assured, I will direct you if you need me to. The most important thing to do is focus on your partner and not overthink how you look. Just be your beautiful, genuine selves and leave the rest to me.
While at Mineral Creek Falls, I gave Victoria and Nick time to slow down, hang out, and just be themselves. The result was a collection of photos that depict how connected and in love they are with each other. Before we embarked on our journey, I made it clear their only job was to have fun. Both of them were doing their jobs well so far.
After a while, we got a bit chilly standing by this magnificent waterfall. Victoria and Nick had one last kiss near the icy water, and we took one final look before we continued on the trail. Just past the waterfall, our hike became steep. We were now at an elevation of over 12,000 feet and entering an area known as the Alpine Tundra.
Victoria and Nick chose to wear formal wedding attire with appropriate shoes for hiking. Victoria carried a boho-style bridal bouquet, and Nick wore a matching boutonniere. They also had an adorable matching dog collar made for Aila. I love when couples incorporate unique nuances into their wedding day to make it more authentic.
The Alpine Tundra in the San Juan Mountains is the area between the tree line and the mountain's tallest slopes. This area is treeless and cold, and permafrost is common. Walking through this curious area, we discovered a valley surrounded by panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. We stopped here for a while and let the magic unfold.
We continued to Little Molas Lake, the spot Victoria and Nick chose for their elopement ceremony. They each took a moment to write their vows. This day was theirs and they did not rush through it. When they were ready, they shared what they had written for each other.
Victoria and Nick's vows blew me away. This marriage was seven years in the making, and they have been through a lot together. Their words were heartfelt and full of emotion. They exchanged wedding rings and sealed their love with a kiss.
In Colorado, your wedding does not need to be performed by a wedding officiant, and you do not need to have a witness present. You do need to apply for a marriage license and return it to the county clerk's office within 35 days. It is also perfectly legal to put your pet's paw print on the license as your witness. Naturally, Victoria and Nick lovingly helped Aila sign their marriage license.
Each moment of this day flowed effortlessly. After the ceremony and signing of the marriage license, we continued to walk a bit more. Ironically, the golden hour was now upon us. The timing couldn't have been better for newlywed photos.
Do you like discovering new places while enjoying the great outdoors? Maybe an adventure elopement is the ideal wedding for you. Eloping allows you the freedom to soak up every moment of your wedding day in your time. The hardest part is deciding where to go. I'd love to help you plan your adventure elopement and be your elopement photographer. Click the button below to get the conversation started.
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