WHY VOWS WITH VIEWS IS HEADING TO COLORADO THIS FALL

Colorado ElopementsElopement Planning GuidesDestination Elopement Ideas

Aug 20

scout report:

Eloping in Colorado is Epic & Easy

Okay, let’s be honest. I got a little COMFY in my cute island life out on Kauai- photographing plenty elopements in my own backyard. I’ve been spoiled. I mean the beautiful beaches, cliffs, and coastlines that are all minutes down the road from my jungle bungalow bring zillions of couples from all over the world to get married every year! But with COVID closing Hawaii’s doors to visitors month after month after month after month after month after month- it’s become obvious that if I wanted to continue doing what I love to do for a living (that’s telling epic love stories, of course!) Then I ought to find another good place to do that for a while.

why colorado?

The Landscape

I live on a tropical island. The stunning beaches, ocean views, jungles and pretty waterfalls are all apart of my everyday sight. If I’m going to go somewhere else to shoot elopements for a while- it’s gotta be as equally rad... I’ve never been to Colorado- but the rumors I’ve heard about it’s snowy mountain vistas, turquoise alpine lakes, enormous sand dunes, vibrant wildflower meadows and steamy hot springs sound pretty dang incredible.

The Season

I’m going to be there from September 20th to October 15th and December! COLORADO IS FAMOUS FOR IT’S FALL COLORS AND WHITE WINTERS! It’s the BEST time of the year to be in there! I hear the place turns into magical shades of orange, yellow, and red during the fall months and a powdery wonderland in the winter. It’s been YEARS (at least 6) since I’ve got to experience a fall season. So if I’m going to experience fall colors for the first time in over 6 years, I might as well experience them in a place like CO.

The Legalities

When I found out that no judge or officiant or witnesses are required for a fully legal wedding, I basically pooped my pants! My biggest concern in coming to the mainland to start shooting was finding the right officiants to work with. I’m pretty picky! I wouldn’t want some weird, random, leprechaun man who talks our ear off until the sun has set and all the good light is gone before he finally says, ‘kiss the bride.’ (Totally not speaking from any specific past experience😉) I want to make sure whoever we bring along to do the official stuff is super rad, easy going, fun and physically able to do or go on whatever venture we plan for your wedding day!

But in Colorado, you get to actually sign your own marriage license as the officiants- no extra help is needed! You can have a ‘Just Us’ Ceremony that’s a truly personal and intimate experience.

what does a legal, ‘just us’ wedding mean?

It means you can come to Colorado and pick up a $30 marriage license Monday-Friday at a nearby county clerk or DMV office. Then we’ll go on an adventure— just the two of you, me and my camera. During our adventure, we’ll pick the right spot for you two to say your vows, exchange your rings and sign your license. You’ll mail back your license or drop it back off in person after our adventure —and there ya go, that's a LEGIT legal wedding in Colorado.

Since we won’t have to find an officiant who is willing and able to join us in whatever activities you want to do on your wedding day, ‘Just Us’ elopements are awesome for couples who want to get married in cool places that are more remote and might take some effort to get to! For example, if you want to hike hours out to somewhere especially stunning, finding an officiant who’s down to do that might be difficult and you probably would rather spend that time hiking just with your partner anyway!

what’re the most important things to know for planning a ‘just us’ wedding ceremony?

Write Your Own Vows

Since you won’t be following a “repeat after me” script, you’ll need to write your own vows to one another! This is usually my favorite part of the ceremony! In your vows, say whatever means the most to each other. Make each other laugh and cry! Tell stories! You can even read letters from your friends and family who are not in attendance!

Think Outside of the Box

Remember to be creative! Ask yourself, “if I could do ANYTHING on my wedding day, what would I do?” Come up with some wild ideas! Don’t be shy— the wilder the better! They will make for great memories and photos that I’ll get to take and you’ll get to look back on for years!

where are the best locations to elope in colorado?

Like I said earlier, I’ve never been to this state. So I will actually be seeing everything with fresh eyes! However, I have spent oodles of time researching my brains out! Kauai attracts quite a few Colorado transplants who have become my good friends over the years! Over dinners and coffee’s with all of them, phone calls and emails with other Colorado photographers and friends, plus SO MUCH internet research— I think I am really confident in recommending these places (to start!)

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

Great Sand Dunes looks nuts! They are the tallest dunes in North America with a snow capped mountains backdrop. It seriously looks like no place on Earth! You can even set up camp in the middle of them and stargaze!

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes

GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/q5sx8w2UddfWJ7WW6

SAPPHIRE POINT

A beautiful overlook in Summit County that is a perfect spot for an elopement! Sapphire Point overlooks a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, a large lake with a forested coastline surrounded by the Gore Range. It’s about a 3 minute flat walk from the parking area, so it’s great if you have friends and fam joining because you can drive up to the location and rent out two-hour blocks for elopements.

You can make your reservations here.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes

GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/3rEEEGZGDojNBQxCA

ASPEN

When I think of Aspen I think of Dumb and Dumber, Maybe that’s cause I’m 30— but Aspen is of course, one of the crown jewels of Colorado and has all sorts of beautiful scenery and adventure!

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Some Places

GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/zxkyQDav7b51EwDZ9

VAIL

Vail is located right inside the White River National Forest. It’s situated perfectly for couples looking to head out on big hiking adventures for their elopements. If you guys are up for a bigger adventure, this might be the place!