Crested Butte Elopement

2 Day Colorado Elopement in Crested Butte

Day 1: Getting Ready

Natali and Anthony decided to have a two day elopement in Crested Butte to celebrate their love. Colorado has special place in their hearts as they love hiking, off roading, and traveling to places with their dogs. So they were excited for going somewhere new together in Colorado. Crested Butte was the perfect place for everything they were dreaming of.

The day started off at The Grand Lodge of Crested Butte. Anthony, Natali, and their dogs got ready together in their suite while I captured photos of all their personal belongings and some photos of Natali’s dress using the property. Shortly after their parents joined us to finish getting ready some we could head over to their ceremony location which is an amazing spot you have to 4×4 to that I had scouted out earlier that week.

Crested Butte Elopement Ceremony

After everyone was ready, we loaded up into my Jeep and another vehicle they brought. Everyone followed me up the mountain as we drove about 45 minutes to get their ceremony location far away from everyone. It was a beautiful and quiet spot that overlooked very unique mountains that were mixed with reds and greens. Big pine trees covered the area as well. It was everything that they had dreamed about.

We all put our belongings down and had a short walk to their ceremony spot. Then we got ready for them to exchange their vows. Natali and her dad walked down the “aisle” to start the ceremony. He then handed her off to Anthony for them to vow themselves to one another. It was such a special moment for them and their parents to witness.

Picnic

After the ceremony, they had a moment with their parents and dogs to celebrate their marriage and take some family photos. Then we said goodbye to them and loaded up in the Jeep to head down the mountain a little ways to a nice forest area to have a picnic and escape the sun for a bit. They brought a nice picnic basket full of goodies and some champagne to celebrate together.

I documented them setting up their picnic and giving a toast to each other as they started their picnic. Then I made sure to give them some privacy to take some moments in together. We enjoyed the nice break and felt refreshed after getting some food in. Then we explored around the forest for a little while capturing some more moments of them being playful and cuddly with one another. Before heading out we went down to the gorgeous alpine lake to take in its beauty. We couldn’t stay too long there though because we had to start driving to our sunset hike location.

Crested Butte Elopement Sunset Hike

After off roading for a little bit to reach our sunset hike trailhead, we set off up the mountain. The climb was fairly steep but we were so excited about the views that were to come at the top and it was so worth the effort. Along the hike there were a couple great stopping point to capture photos of the beautiful mountain scenery and to take a rest. These were some of mine and their favorite photos from their elopement day.

After this short break we carried on upward towards the top of the mountain to reach our final viewpoint. One thing I always love doing is capturing photos of the couple hiking their way up the mountain to showcase the journey as well. These often times can be some of my favorite photos as well.

We got so spoiled when we got to the top with the most beautiful sunset that lit the sky up in purples, pinks, and blues. It made for such a gorgeous scene. I put on a little music for Anthony and Natali and they had fun dancing a little with each other. We also had fun getting creative with Natali’s dress and having her sway it around and do some fun movements to really dramatize it.

Then when the last bit of the sunset was happening, Anthony and Natali exchanged their private vows with each other to finish their perfect day. It was such a sweet and personal moment for them. Before heading back down the mountain, we played around with some fun flash photos during the late blue hour to capture something different. These were so much fun. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day one of their Crested Butte elopement.

Day 2

Family Gathering

After an epic and full day of adventure for day one of their elopement, day two looked very different. Anthony and Natali invited their immediate family members to an Airbnb in Granby, CO near a lake. Everyone was able to stay on site and they had a large family cookout to celebrate. Everyone got dressed up and we had fun taking family photos.

Anthony even brought his fly fishing gear and we took a moment to go fly fishing in the pond just behind the Airbnb. These were such special photos as its one of his favorite activities to do when he has free time. The rest of the evening was dedicated to them spending time with their family members celebrating together. I just documented all the fun interactions they had together.

Anthony and Natali shared a first dance again at sunset together and had a cake cutting after dinner. Then it was time to party. They got a fire rolling and the shots came out in full force. The passed a giant bottle around and before I headed out for the night, they did one last final cheers with the entire family. It was such an amazing two day celebration where they got to spend time dedicated to adventure on their elopement day and then celebrating with family the next day at an Airbnb together.

Want to see more elopements and elopement information, checkout the links below:

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How to Elope in Colorado