In the heart of the majestic Colorado mountains lies the hidden gem of South Fork—a perfect destination for couples seeking an intimate and adventurous elopement experience. I had the privilege of capturing the love story of Emily & Eli who decided to embark on a day filled with meaningful activities, celebrating their union in a way that truly reflected who they are. Their elopement had breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and so much joy that came with crafting a day that went beyond the traditional wedding.
The day began with all of us meeting up at their ceremony location; a beautiful lookout of the Rio Grande near Thirty Mile Campground. Surrounded by towering pines and crisp mountain air, Emily and Eli took turns getting ready before sharing their first look together. After taking some quiet moments we began their ceremony where they shared and exchanged vows in a secluded spot that we had all to ourselves overlooking the Rio Grande and forest. The intimacy of the moment was heightened by the untouched beauty of nature, creating a unique and unforgettable start to their journey as a married couple. They celebrated after with a private and choreographed first dance along the beach. It was beautiful!
After the ceremony and some dancing, we all indulged in a delicious mountain picnic; they came prepared with everything! They sat on a blanket and pillows with little table trays decorated with flowers for a perfect post ceremony picnic. This thoughtful touch added a personal and romantic element to their elopement, emphasizing the importance of embracing the small, beautiful moments.
Once Emily & Eli had enough time to relax and soak in the moment, we packed up and drove to our next spot where we’d be going on a hike to enjoy the wilderness. They took this time to enjoy being together and the hike itself. We took our time walking through the trees and taking in the views. We stopped for a couple photos, but just took it one minute at a time. As the day started coming to an end, we made our way back to the trailhead and once again got into the car to drive to our next and final stop for sunset portraits.
Emily and her family used to visit South Fork regularly on trips, so she knew exactly where her and Eli wanted to go for their sunset photos. As she told me about this abandoned train in the middle of a field, I got excited to see what magic we could capture. Turns out she also did some senior photos here, what a fun way to end up full circle! As they got dressed in their wedding attire again, we chased the changing hues of the sunset for the most beautiful portraits. We had so much fun running around and just capturing the moment. These portraits were more than just photos, they also showed genuine emotions that radiated from the couple as they had fun and embraced the stunning surroundings.
South Fork, with its diverse landscapes, offers a myriad of activities for adventurous couples. Couples can tailor their elopement to reflect their shared passions. Emily and Eli, in particular, embraced the spirit of adventure, creating a day that truly embodied who they are as individuals and as a couple.
An elopement in Colorado is not just a wedding—it’s an immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional ceremony. It’s about crafting a day filled with activities that resonate with your personalities and passions, celebrating your love amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature. As an elopement photographer, capturing these intimate moments allows me to witness the authentic joy and connection that emerges when couples choose to celebrate their love in a way that is uniquely theirs. South Fork, with its unparalleled views and endless possibilities, provides the perfect backdrop for couples seeking a truly memorable and adventurous elopement experience.
If you’d like to see more elopement photography or inquire, please fill out a contact form. I look forward to helping you create your own unforgettable moments!