Why elope in Colorado?
As an elopement photographer, I receive many questions from couples who want to elope to Colorado. The quick and easy answer is to, “just do it!” But in reality, there are SO many unique and special aspects about eloping to Colorado. Read along and maybe I’ll convince you to elope to Colorado as well. 😉
Intimacy + Intention
A beautiful level of intimacy is reached during an elopement session. A type of intimacy, where the focus and attention are solely on the couple and their needs. A traditional wedding can also be an intimate experience, however, the focus on the two of you can get lost or replaced with focusing on thanking everyone for attending your wedding.
Eloping doesn’t mean you have to be alone, you can still invite and include your close friends and family to be included in the experience the entire day -OR- you have the choice to split the day where you and your partner spend a portion of the day together privately. For example, you two can hike to your ceremony location, where you privately exchange vows and soak up the intimacy of just being alone together in nature. Then, you both can hike back to meet up with your friends and family for another ceremony or reception!
Bring your furry friend to sign off on your marriage.
Colorado is a state where you can self-solemnize (a.k.a marry yourself!) You do not need an officiant or even better, you can have your dog sign with their paw print.
Are elopements a version of a micro wedding?
Definitely, not!
Occasionally, people think of eloping as being a “micro or mini wedding day.” That’s not the case at all!! It definitely can be that if that’s what the couple wants, but if you think of a wedding, it’s a whole day ordeal. Most coverage of weddings is at a minimum of 6 hours, and some weddings last up to 10… even 12 hours!! To put it simply, just because you decide to elope, doesn’t mean it can only last for 3- 4 hours.
On the contrary! I think you should make the absolute MOST out of your special day. You both do not want to feel rushed or stressed to cram a bunch of activities in a small time frame. Especially, if you plan to elope to Colorado, where you have the freedom to hike and participate in other activities. This day is all about you and your partner, and you deserve to enjoy all of it.
In case you need a reminder, it’s all about YOU and YOUR day!
In my opinion, the best part about eloping to Colorado is that with ANY idea you and your partner have, we can make it happen! This is an opportunity to craft the day and your wedding ceremony EXACTLY how you both want it. Your needs are so important and valued, so let’s make it an experience you both will cherish forever and never forget.
You can incorporate traditional themes into your Colorado elopement, like having a ceremony, reciting vows, and engaging in a dinner/picnic.
There’s also an option to create the day to be an adventure for the two of you by including your favorite things to do outdoors. You can hike, fish, star gaze, ride an ATV or 4×4, swim, kayak… all the things!
Or you can include some traditional themes while also participating in adventurous activities. It is all about what both of you want that day to look like!
What I like to ask my couples to help them get the ideas pumping is,
“If the two of you were just creating the best most fully enjoyable day of your lives together, what would that look like?”
“What would you do? Who, if anyone would be there? What activities would you include?”
Some final advice for planning your elopement to Colorado from yours truly!
I’ve always encouraged couples to account and book more time to ensure we have plenty of time between travels and to get set up for whatever we have planned. For example, allotting a full 8- 10 hours per day of coverage is great! You can also split your elopement to Colorado into two days as well. With this extra time buffer, you have time to get ready, have the ceremony, recite the vows, pose for photos at a location, do an adventure activity/hobby, and even catch the sunrise or sunset… or heck, even both!
Although elopements SEEM more simple, I would say you and your partner should expect more planning and flexibility than a traditional wedding. Usually, the couple will visit more than one venue/ location and we will also be working with mother nature. Colorado weather is very unpredictable!
This brings me to my final point of going with the flow. Eloping is not for the faint of heart- we can plan an entire day but nature will always win. There could be rain, snow, closed roads, fires, you name it! This is not to discourage you and your partner from eloping to Colorado, but rather to be prepared for whatever the day brings. From previous elopement sessions, I’ve had couples who were rained on the entire time and it added SO much value to the day and their experience! Read about this couple’s experience here.
Ready to elope to Colorado?
Did I convince you to elope to Colorado? I hope so! Please, fill out one of my contact forms! I’d love to help you plan your perfect elopement! If you’d like to view more pictures from other couples who have chosen to elope to Colorado, please click here!
