If you’re eloping, you’ve probably heard at least one person say, “Oh, so you’re just doing something small?”
But here’s the thing: your elopement is still your wedding day. It deserves intention, magic, and moments you’ll want to relive over and over—not something that feels rushed or like an afterthought. Whether you’re eloping in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, or somewhere totally different, you get to decide how special this day feels.
Let’s talk about ways to turn your elopement from “short and simple” into “holy crap, that was the best day of our lives.”
1. Treat it like a full wedding day, not an appointment
Your elopement doesn’t have to be a 15‑minute ceremony and a handful of photos. You’re allowed to stretch it into a whole day (or even a full weekend) of memories.
Instead of asking “What’s the minimum we need?” ask yourselves:
If we had an entire day to celebrate us, what would we do?
How would we want to feel from morning to night?
What would make this day feel like our relationship, not just a checklist?
From slow coffee in your Airbnb to sunset views and a late‑night snack run, all of that can be part of your elopement story.
2. Craft a morning that feels like you
How you start your day sets the tone.
Some ideas:
Make breakfast together in your cabin and read letters from loved ones
Put on a playlist that feels like your relationship and dance around while getting ready
Spend time separately journaling or writing a quick note to each other before your first look
Go for a short walk or sit outside with coffee and soak in the views
Instead of rushing straight into hair, makeup, and timelines, build in a slow, grounding start where you can actually feel the “we’re getting married today” butterflies.
3. Plan an intentional vow moment
Your vows are kind of the whole point of this thing, so give that moment some room to breathe.
To make it special:
Choose a location that feels private and safe to be emotional—whether that’s a tucked‑away overlook, a quiet forest spot, or a lakeside rock
Decide if you want to share longer, personal vows in private and shorter ones if anyone else is present
Use vow books or notebooks that you can keep forever instead of crumpled notes
If you’re eloping in the Colorado mountains, we can plan your vow time around the best light and the quietest spots so it feels intimate and cinematic all at once.
4. Add meaningful activities, not just photos
One of the best ways to make your elopement feel special is to actually do things you love together instead of only posing for the camera. Think of it like planning your dream date day… plus wedding outfits.
A few ideas:
Sunrise hike to say your vows at the top
Picnic with your favorite snacks, champagne, or takeout from a local spot
Canoeing or kayaking on an alpine lake
Stopping at a brewery, coffee shop, or ice cream spot in town in your wedding attire
Stargazing or a campfire (where it’s allowed) to end the night
Reading letters or voice notes from family and friends who couldn’t be there
These little experiences are what will make the day feel full, not just “we took pictures and went home.”
5. Bring in details that make it feel like a wedding (if you want)
Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip all the “wedding” details. You can still go all‑out, pick a few things you care about, or keep it minimal—there’s no wrong way.
You might include:
A bouquet or boutonniere that fits your vibe (wildflowers, moody florals, dried flowers, etc.)
A small cake or dessert to cut and share together
Personalized vow books
A cute champagne coupe set, mugs, or glasses
A special perfume/cologne you’ll always associate with your elopement day
Those tiny details can help the day feel more intentional and ceremonial while still being relaxed and low‑pressure.
6. Involve your people in creative ways
Eloping doesn’t automatically mean “no one else is involved.” You can keep your day intimate and still include your favorite humans.
Some ideas:
Have a close friend or family member officiate (if your location allows it, or self‑solemnize if you’re in Colorado)
Invite a tiny group to your ceremony, then sneak off for an adventure with just the two of you
Ask loved ones to write letters for you to read together after your vows
Schedule a celebration dinner or reception back home later—show off your photos and relive the day with everyone
You get to draw the line between private and shared in whatever way feels best for you both.
7. Choose a location that feels special to you
Where you choose to elope can make the whole experience feel extra meaningful.
Think about:
Places that feel like “your” spot—where you’ve traveled together, hiked, or always dreamed of going
Landscapes that feel like you: mountains, forests, desert, coastline, city, etc.
How private you want it to feel vs. how accessible it needs to be
If you’re drawn to Colorado, we can explore options like Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Sapphire Point, or more off‑the‑beaten‑path areas that match your comfort level and adventure style.
8. Document it like the big deal it is
Your elopement is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime day. Investing in photography (and maybe video) that tells the full story makes it feel just as special—if not more—than a traditional wedding.
Instead of only booking “a quick hour,” consider:
Coverage that includes getting ready, your vows, adventure time, and a celebration afterward
Time for both candid in‑between moments and the epic mountain portraits
Space in the schedule for you to just be together while I quietly document what’s actually happening
You’re building a day you’ll want to remember in detail—let’s make sure you have more than three posed photos to look back on.
9. Give yourselves permission to feel everything
You’re still getting married. Even if it’s “just us” on a mountainside, the emotions are real and big and valid.
Let yourselves:
Cry if you’re emotional
Laugh if something chaotic happens
Take breaks to breathe and soak in the views
Talk about how surreal and special it feels throughout the day
The more present you are, the more your elopement will feel like a full‑body memory, not just a day that flew by.
Ready to make your elopement feel like the best day ever?
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels intentional, romantic, and a little bit wild—in Colorado or beyond—I’m here for it.
As your photographer, I’ll help you:
Brainstorm locations and activities that feel like you
Build a timeline that lets your day actually breathe
Create space for slow, meaningful moments and the fun, feral ones
Reach out through my contact form, tell me what you’re dreaming up, and we’ll start planning an elopement day that feels special from the very first coffee to the last light of sunset.
