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Your Ultimate Winter Elopement Guide

All Things Winter Elopements

 

Couple kissing during their Winter Elopement

 

Snow angels and hot cocoa. They fill your dreams, right? You might be a winter person.

Admittedly, there is something indescribably magical about when the world turns cold and white. Throw in a wedding dress, mind-blowing vista, and the love of your life, and you may just have the most perfect day possible.

Before you run to the closest snow-covered peak with your partner to get hitched, there are a few things to know. Lucky for you, the title of this little piece says it all—this is your one-stop-shop for all things winter elopements.

So, keep on reading this winter elopement guide for everything you need to know before saying “I Do”.

 

Ice skating during winter elopement

 

The Best Months to Elope in the Winter in Colorado

Winter in Colorado can be unpredictable and vary depending on where in Colorado you choose to elope. To mitigate these factors, it’s important to time your elopement carefully.

The best winter months to elope in Colorado are December, January, and February.

  • December – As the first true month of winter in Colorado, December usually signals when snow begins to accumulate. You can expect it to be chilly and days to be short, so light is at a premium for activities and photos. Depending on the year, there may or may not be enough snow to achieve your dreamy winter wedding aesthetic.
  • January – Snow accumulation is in full effect, giving the landscape that “winter wonderland” look. Locations may become more limited due to weather and accessibility.
  • February – Stellar snow accumulation and a greater percentage of active snowfall. The scenery will undoubtedly be epic, but there are environmental factors that must be taken into account.

 

Couple enjoying a horse drawn carriage ride during their winter elopement

 

The Top Colorado Winter Elopement Locations

Let’s get one thing straight—it is practically impossible to go wrong in Colorado. The entire state is packed with beautiful winter vistas that are perfect for a picturesque elopement.

Narrowing your list of potential winter elopement locations can be challenging simply because there are so many amazing destinations in Colorado.

To help you out, I’ve listed my top Colorado winter elopement locations below. If you have an interest in other areas, that’s great—these are just some of my favorites I had to include in this winter elopement guide!

  • Telluride – Nestled in the iconic San Juan Mountains and located alongside an area known as “The Switzerland of America,” there is no doubt that Telluride has it all—unbelievable landscapes, top-tier dining, and loads of outdoor activities.
  • Breckenridge – This legendary ski town is exceptionally popular, especially in the winter. With easy access to fantastic elopement sites, snowshoe trails, and skiing, there is no end to the possibilities in Breckenridge.
  • Rocky Mountain National Park – Want to experience Rocky Mountain National Park with no crowds and gorgeous snow-capped peaks? Winter is the best time to elope in RMNP, especially if you want a more intimate experience.

 

Couple dances after their winter elopement in Telluride, Colorado

 

What to Expect and What to Wear for Winter Elopements in Colorado

This winter elopement guide wouldn’t be complete without a detailed explanation of staying warm! Eloping in the winter requires a bit more planning than other seasons might demand. The weather in Colorado can be treacherous, especially if you plan on escaping to a remote destination in the winter.

Expect temperatures to range from the 30s to below zero, especially at higher elevations. If you want your winter elopement to be sunny and bright, you may have to be flexible and plan around the weather forecast, as daylight is short and often overcast.

When planning your winter elopement in Colorado, be sure to plan your clothing appropriately. And don’t worry about compromising the dreamy attire you’ve planned out in your head—you can you’re your best elopement clothes while still staying warm. Here’s how!

 

 

Dresses

There are only two key considerations (not including layers, of course!) to make when selecting a dress for your Colorado winter elopement.

Dresses shouldn’t be too long, as they will get soaked in snow. While a dirty wedding dress is something I personally love—it tells the story of your adventurous elopement—a wet dress that accumulates snow can impact your mobility and overall enjoyment of the day.

Speaking of mobility, opting for a dress that you can move freely in is essential if you plan on being active on your elopement day. From hiking to snowshoeing, a dress that limits mobility limits you!

 

Winter elopement wedding dress

 

Suits

Your winter elopement suit should check a couple of boxes to be ideal for Colorado winter weather.

Like the dress, a suit should give you room to move and navigate potentially treacherous terrain without restriction. While there’s nothing wrong with a nicely fitted suit (flaunt it!), be sure you can add base layers and at least one jacket.

 

 

Winter Boots and Microspikes

When it comes to footwear, your winter elopement options are a bit limited. I’d love to tell you that those stylish heels (or sandals, no judgment here) you’ve had your eye on will be perfect, but the reality is that winter severely limits your footwear selection.

I recommend boots, preferably ones with some form of waterproofing and grippy soles. In addition to the boots, you may want to pick up some microspikes. These little wonders can be the difference between a magical winter elopement and a busted tailbone!

 

Staying warm during your winter elopement

 

Accessories

Aside from jewelry, bolo ties, and boot tags (or whatever else you want to spice up your wedding attire with), there are a handful of winter-specific accessories you may want to consider before heading off into the cold.

Items that can be used to retain warmth are key, including layers, coats, leggings, extra socks, gloves, scarves, and so forth. Trust me; you will be glad you accessorized with winter in mind, and these additions can add a bit of flair to your elopement getup.

 

 

Colorado Winter Elopement Ideas Guide

Thanks to Colorado’s world-class outdoor activities and stunning elopement venues, there is a myriad of memorable winter elopement opportunities. This winter elopement guide has some amazing and unique activity ideas!

Classic winter adventures such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and horse-drawn carriage rides can elevate your elopement experience and make it truly magical. There are numerous local businesses that offer these services depending on where in Colorado you plan to elope, giving you ample opportunity to craft the winter elopement of your dreams.

You can also try your hand at ice skating, snowshoeing, or skiing (or snowboarding if you’re really cool). To warm up, consider taking indoor breaks in town, make hot cocoa, huddle around a campfire, or do a combination of everything!

 

Couple goes skiing and snowboarding during their winter elopement in Colorado.

 

Tips and Tricks for Winter Elopement in Colorado

Eloping in Colorado in the winter is an experience that will blow your mind and fill your heart with a lifetime of cherished memories. I hope this guide gave you the insight and inspiration you need to plan your perfect Colorado elopement.

Remember that, despite the best-laid plans, the Colorado winters can be unpredictable, and the weather might not cooperate. Layering is an absolute must, and the right gear can be the difference between a carefree experience and misery. So, plan accordingly!

Unfortunately, I can’t count the times—despite my most well-intentioned insistence—couples have forgotten essential preparedness items like layers, hand warmers, and proper winter gear. 

But sometimes, even if the forecast projects fantastic weather, coming unprepared can take the best elopement experience and turn it upside down.

You want to remember your elopement as pure bliss, not the time you got frostbite.

I’m not here to harp on any particular point or anything, I just want my couples to have the best elopement day ever. That’s why it is absolutely integral to your positive wedding day that I emphasize it as best I can. 

Bring layers!

If there is one thing I want you to remember from this winter elopement guide it’s this!! For a more comprehensive list of winter preparedness items you should consider bringing with you on your Colorado winter elopement, please reach out to me. 

I have loads of experience, with couples and as a solo adventurer, with the unpredictable elements this beautiful state can throw at you.

 

 

Make Your Winter Elopement in Colorado Magical

There’s no doubt that Colorado in the winter is as beautiful as anywhere. It makes for the perfect destination for winter elopements, especially if you take your time and work out all the details. That’s where I come in! Reach out if you’d like even more information than this winter elopement guide includes!

Consider me your go-to resource for all things Colorado winter elopement. Whether it’s general questions or specific scheduling details, I’m happy to help you out as much (or as little) as you want. To get the conversation going (and this show on the road), say hello today!

 

  1. Haneefah Holmes says:

    We are eloping to Aspen from Florida for a Christmas, snowy, mountain/lake aesthetic on December 21st, 2023. Ideally, we will snow mobile to Maroon Bells and marry at Crater Lake. We would love your help.

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Alex, Coastal Elopement

"We loved our experience having Marcela as our elopement day photographer.

What was even more special about our experience was her ability to set us at ease months before our day. Through constant communication leading up to, and during, the day we got eloped. Her personality is that, in just four days time, we felt as if we've known her for years. 

Ah, but you're wondering about her photos. We loved every thing about them especially the raw emotion captured in many of the shots."

Caitlin, Alpine Lake Elopement

"My husband and I have been trying to put into words how simply amazing working with Marcela was.

From the start we could tell she truly cared about us, our relationship, and our story. She asked us so many questions, valued what we wanted, and kept up with the ever changing plans that came along with planning a wedding.

She made us feel so comfortable, made us laugh till we cried, and captured our true wholesome love for each other."

"We loved every moment of the day she helped create. Marcela was the perfect photographer for our adventure elopement! She worked tirelessly to make our adventure into marriage happen after our first options were snowed in! 

She made us comfortable to be ourselves throughout the whole day while making her job look effortless and fun. Our cheeks hurt from smiling, laughing and a few tears. Marcela captured every precious moment! Her photography is absolutely stunning every way! I highly recommend Marcela for your elopement or wedding!"

Lauren, Sand Dunes Elopement

Amy, Forest Elopement

"Instead of telling us how to pose or interact with each other, Marcela gave us prompts that seemed simple but made a huge difference.

We discussed the weirdest things we loved about each other (which made us laugh) and how we could fulfill each other’s love languages. Amy and I played games with each other and Marcela captured the energy that happened naturally between us.

I love this shoot because it perfectly captures the love we share. It’s incredible to see that love and admiration encapsulated in a photo! Thank you for this!"

Chris, Anniversary Session

"The photos we just got back from Marcela are giving me CHILLS!! She did SO MUCH more than just photograph us — she created special moments that I’ll cherish forever. She encouraged Con & I to genuinely interact & share intimate moments together. She prompted us to tell each other things that we love about one other, ways that the other person inspires us, & how being together has positively changed us.

It was more than just a beach shoot. We ended up giving each other precious, heart melting encouragement & that makes these photos all the more treasured to me."

Andrea, Red Rocks Elopement

"We had a pre-meet with her before the big day which definitely helped me feel more relaxed going into the wedding day. She gave us great suggestions and things to think about to be ready with on the wedding. On the day of she showed up early to help scope out the venue. She was creative to try and pull extra joy into our photographs.

When I look at these photos I see more than just beautiful images. I feel the moments that Marcela helped us experience and the connection we had. I can't thank Marcela enough! We will treasure these moments forever!"

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KIND WORDS

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My business is rooted in inclusivity, equality for all, and the inarguable truth that love is love. I am whole-heartedly and endlessly committed to capturing and celebrating your love regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

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I deliver fully-edited images. I never deliver RAW, or unedited, images as they are not a reflection of my work. Every photo has my custom look applied, and is adjust for things like brightness and optimal color. I will remove small blemishes that aren't usually there but I generally don’t retouch images more than that. Your skin is part of you and your beauty and I want to capture it as authentically as I can. 

Do you edit or retouch images?

My travel fees are included in all my packages as long as I can access your location via commercial airline and 2WD. The only time there would an additional fee is if your location is more remote and requires a charter plane or if I need to rent a high clearance 4WD. Other than that, I'll take care of my own travel costs! You don't have to worry about additional travel fees like hotel stays or meal purchases.

Tell me more about travel costs

I know from personal experience that it can seem like ages when you're waiting for images. My photographer took 12 weeks to deliver my images!

That's why I work hard to deliver them within 6 weeks. I also make sure to send over some sneak peeks soon after your elopement day so you can share with family and friends!

When will we receive our images?

Because you receive high-resolution, un-watermarked photos, you are welcome to print them at any shop but printing via me guarantees the best quality. You can order these prints from your personalized gallery.

Along with professional quality prints you can also order calendars, announcements, and frames through our partnered labs. I test the prints and colors to my labs’ printers to make sure your photos print accurately and beautifully.

Where can we buy prints?

In addition to elopements, I also love to capture other wild adventures like a canoe or kayak engagement session, helicopter elopement, camping wedding, desert session, tree-house engagement, beach elopement, trash the dress session, a multi-day adventure, backpacking session and much more!

Do you only photograph elopements?

On average, I provide about 50 images per hour of shooting. This number varies depending on the weather, how your day unfolds, the type of session and time. Elopements range anywhere from 200-400 photos. Couples sessions are typically around 100.

I believe in quality over quantity and aim to deliver the best of the best photos from your day.

How many images can we expect?

Because my travel schedule & pricing structure is constantly evolving, I generally don't book elopements more than 18 months out (with the exception of international destination weddings).

Couples usually book elopements anywhere from 3-12 months out. If you're more spontaneous or just eager to get married and want a last minute elopement, definitely reach out! I might have a space just for you. 

How far in advance should we book?

Couples sessions can be for engagement photos, honeymoon photos, day-after sessions, anniversary photos, vow renewals, or just cause you wanna. I’ll help you plan a session that tells your story, including location suggestions, activities, and assistance with outfit planning. It can be as simple as a cozy morning in a cabin, or as adventurous as climbing a mountain. Couples sessions can’t be used for an elopement (because your wedding day deserves a whole lot more than that) and I have other packages specifically for elopements!

Couples session vs elopement

Absolutely! I want to make it very clear that I support love & marriage for all.

I believe that everyone deserves to have the perfect wedding day and I want to help you make yours just that.

Love is love and it comes in many forms. I'm just thrilled to be able to capture it!

Will you photograph LGBTQ+ ceremonies?

Absolutely. In fact I prioritize these session! Because I am a storyteller at heart, I want to tell the whole story – before & after and in-between. This type of coverage works well if you're camping out with your friends the night before, or traveling to a destination with all of your family, or backpacking to a spot for your adventure elopement. I want to capture it all.

Do you offer full-weekend coverage?