A Wild and Wonderful Elopement at Upper Beaver Meadows

July in Rocky Mountain National Park is pure magic, and I was thrilled to capture an elopement/microwedding that was as adventurous as it was romantic. The couple I had the pleasure of photographing wanted to embrace the beauty of the park, so we set out for a pre-ceremony wander, hitting some of the most iconic spots in the area. It was two hours of pure joy, laughter, and breathtaking scenery!

Wandering Through Iconic Locations

Our first stop was the 3M Curve—a spot that boasts some of the most stunning vistas of the valley. Imagine standing at the edge, with the vastness of the park spread out before you, the mountains towering in the distance, and the crisp mountain air filling your lungs. It was the perfect place to kick off our adventure, with the couple soaking in the awe-inspiring views and sneaking in a few kisses as I captured those first moments of their special day.

Next, we made our way to Moraine Park, where we were greeted by a field bursting with wildflowers. The colors were absolutely dazzling, and we found a spot where the couple could be perfectly framed by the surrounding mountains. It was one of those moments that felt like something out of a dream—nature’s beauty blending seamlessly with the couple’s love, creating a scene that was simply unforgettable.

Our final stop before the ceremony was at a cozy campground by the river on Old Fall River Road. There’s something incredibly serene about the sound of the river flowing by, and it added a touch of tranquility to our adventure. The couple took a moment to dip their toes in the water, laughing and holding hands as the cool river flowed around them. It was the perfect way to wrap up our wander before heading to the ceremony site.

A Ceremony to Remember at Upper Beaver Meadows

With our hearts full and spirits high, we headed to Upper Beaver Meadows for the ceremony. This spot, nestled in the heart of the park, was the ideal setting for an intimate elopement. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple held a beautiful ring-warming ceremony, where each guest had a chance to hold the rings and send their best wishes to the couple. It was such a touching moment, filled with love and warmth.

As they shared their vows, the sky began to darken, hinting at what was to come. But nothing could dampen the joy of the day. After the vows were exchanged, we took some time for family photos, capturing the love and connection that filled the meadow.

And then, just as we wrapped up the family shots, the rain arrived—a small storm moving through the valley, adding a touch of wild beauty to the day. But this couple was all about embracing the moment! They grabbed their clear umbrella, laughed, and danced in the rain, letting the drops fall as they twirled and kissed. It was pure, unfiltered joy, and the photos we captured in that moment are some of my favorites. There’s something so freeing about letting go of perfection and just enjoying the moment, rain and all.

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Day

This elopement was a reminder of why I love what I do. It’s not just about capturing beautiful photos (though that’s definitely part of it!). It’s about the adventure, the connection, and the joy that comes from celebrating love in its purest form. Rocky Mountain National Park provided the perfect backdrop, but it was the couple’s spirit and love that truly made the day unforgettable.

If you’re planning your own elopement or microwedding and are up for a bit of adventure, don’t hesitate to embrace the wild, wonderful moments that come your way. Whether it’s dancing in the rain, wandering through fields of wildflowers, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, these are the moments that will make your day uniquely yours. And I’ll be there, camera in hand, ready to capture it all.