Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Marissa + Tyler │ Estes Park, Colorado │ 07.16.2020

In April 2019, I got a call from Marissa and Tyler, two outdoor enthusiasts who got on the books for their adventure elopement. They told me they dreamed of a wedding somewhere off the beaten path with spectacular views. Their elopement dream came true, and we headed to Estes Park, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain National Park one year and three months later. Since I'm familiar with this area, I made plans to lead them to a few of my favorite picture-perfect spots that offer breathtaking views in every direction.

Marissa and Tyler's wedding-day festivities began at sunrise, with a two-mile hike up to Lake Isabelle. Our trek began at Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. The trailhead elevation is 10,505 feet and gains roughly 450 feet in total during the hike. The difficulty level of this trail is moderate, but the views along the way were massive.

Shortly after embarking on our journey, we crossed into Indian Peaks Wilderness, 76,000 acres of unspoiled mountain wilderness. We meandered through the pine forest, navigated rocky terrain, and carefully crossed a few rushing streams using fallen trees. As we approached the lake, dramatic views of the Rocky mountains emerged, as did the sun.

Marissa and Tyler slipped into their wedding attire and shared an adorable first look. Though it was July, there was still snow on the ground. Navajo, Apache, and Shoshoni peaks encompass Lake Isabelle. It's the picture-perfect spot I had in mind when Marissa and Tyler reached out to me back in 2019. On this glorious day, conditions were just right, and the water mirrored a perfect reflection of the mountains onto it.

After many happy moments and pictures, we made our way down the trail and prepared for the wedding ceremony. The wedding took place in an open field at Rocky Mountain National Park. A small group of family and friends joined Marissa and Tyler for their ceremony. A few happy tears were shed among the onlookers as Marissa and Tyler recited their vows.

After the ceremony, I got busy grouping the guests for formals with the happy couple. Then, I stole Marissa and Tyler from the crowd for a few romantic newlywed shots. We met up with the others a bit later at the riverfront reception site and the wedding celebration kicked into high gear. The laughter and smiles overflowed as day turned to night.

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Do you like what you see? The incredible majestic peaks and fertile valleys of Rocky Mountain National Park are both beautiful and inspirational. The varied landscape of this area provides a dramatic backdrop for wedding ceremonies of all kinds. Click the button below to contact me, and let's turn your wedding day dreams into reality.

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