San Juan Elopements
Documentary Elopements, Intimate Weddings & Adventure Sessions in Southwest Colorado
Stop planning a wedding for everyone else, and start planning your elopement in Colorado - You’re not just looking for photos—you’re looking for a place that feels like you.
The San Juan Mountains aren’t subtle. They’re rugged, dramatic, a little unpredictable—and wildly beautiful in a way that asks you to be present.
If you’re drawn to this part of Colorado, there’s a good chance you’re not planning a traditional wedding day. You want something more intentional. More grounded. More you.
That’s where I come in.
I’m a San Juan Mountain photographer documenting elopements, intimate weddings, and sessions with a storytelling approach—so your photos don’t just show what it looked like, but what it felt like to be there.
Why Choose the San Juan Mountains for Your Elopement?
The San Juans are one of the most underrated places in Colorado for couples who want an experience—not just a venue.
What makes this region different:
Jagged, alpine peaks that feel more like the Alps than Colorado
Remote access for true privacy (think: no crowds, just mountains)
Seasonal variety from wildflowers to golden aspens to snow-covered passes
Endless location options near Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and beyond
Whether you’re exchanging vows on a high alpine pass or wandering through wildflowers at sunrise, this landscape creates space for something slower, more meaningful.
In Colorado, elopements offer something traditional venues can’t:
privacy, adventure, and unreal mountain views.
Inclusive & LGBTQ+ All love is celebrated 🏳️🌈
Leave No Trace 🌲
Meet your San Juan Mountains adventure elopement photographer!
I’m Natalie. I’m your best new adventure buddy and biggest fan. You’re here because you want to elope in Colorado!
There are so many amazing locations to choose from in this state. Whether you’re looking to drive miles along a 4x4 road into the backcountry or celebrate in Ouray at a luxury AirBnb, I’m ready for the adventure!
What’s Included in my Colorado Elopement Packages
LOCATION SCOUTING: I’ll be your guide to all of Colorado’s most stunning elopement locations.
PERMIT RESEARCH & GUIDANCE: Some locations require permits, but don’t worry, I’ll help you navigate everything!
COMPLIMENTARY OFFICIANT SIGNATURE: While Colorado allows couples to self-solemnize your elopement, I am always here to offer officiant signatures and guidance on the legal part.
TRAVEL: Throughout Colorado, some areas of Wyoming, Utah, and northern New Mexico are included!
UNLIMITED PLANNING CALLS
VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS: All of my vendor recommendations are vetted so you’ll have the very best team for your elopement day.
CUSTOM TIMELINES: We’ll create a timeline together so your day is exactly how you envision it.
SNEAK PEEKS within 72 hours
ELOPEMENT GUIDE: I wrote a 40 page guide to eloping so you always have help right at your fingertips.
CLIENT PORTAL: Once you book me as your elopement photographer you will always have access to my client portal which is full of planning resources and questionnaires designed to make your day unique and special!
HATE HAS NO PLACE HERE
PET FRIENDLY: I can’t wait to meet your furry kids and truly hope they are there for the day!
PRINTING RIGHTS: While I have an amazing printer you will have access to always, you are always welcome to use the printing lab of your choice.
SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING RIGHTS: And truly I hope you post as many photos as your heart desires!
20% OFF ADVENTURE SESSIONS: Not just one time, you get this perk for life!
Colorado adventure elopement package pricing
Elopements starting at $2,000
Weddings starting at $3,600
Best Locations for San Juan Elopements
Eloping in the San Juans means your day can look however you want it to.
No timelines built around a venue.
No pressure to perform.
Just space to actually experience your wedding day.
What your day could look like:
A sunrise hike to a quiet overlook
Reading private vows above tree line
Celebrating with a small group in a mountain town
Ending the day with golden hour portraits and a slow dinner
As your San Juan elopement photographer, I help guide location ideas, timelines, permits, and logistics—so you can focus on being present.
Some of my favorite areas for sessions and elopements include:
Telluride – Iconic peaks, waterfalls, and easy access to epic views
Ouray – Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden alpine basins
Silverton – Remote, rugged, and perfect for off-the-grid experiences
Ridgway – Sweeping views with a quieter feel
I’ll help you choose a location based on season, accessibility, and how you want your day to feel.
When to Plan Your San Juan Mountain Elopement
Each season offers something completely different:
Summer (July–September): Wildflowers, accessible alpine roads, golden sunsets
Fall (Late September–Early October): Aspens turning gold—short but stunning
Winter: Snow-covered peaks and intimate, quiet landscapes
Spring: Waterfalls and fewer crowds (with some access limitations)
San Juan elopement photographer, Telluride elopement photographer, Ouray wedding photographer, Silverton Colorado elopement, San Juan Mountains wedding
Real Colorado Elopements & Planning Guides…
Featured
Colorado Elopement Timeline Examples
Half Day Sunset Adventure Elopement
4:30pm Get ready at the cabin
5:15pm First Look
5:45pm Travel to trailhead
6:00pm Drive the OHV road approximately 5 miles to elopement location
6:30pm Ceremony
7:00pm Backcountry ski portraits
7:30pm Golden hour portraits
8:15pm Drive back to trailhead as the sun disappears behind the mountains
8:30-9:00pm Arrive back at the trailhead
Colorado & San Juan Mountains Adventure Elopements
Colorado Elopement FAQ
Let me answer some of those burning questions!
-
Eloping in Colorado has only one requirement legally speaking, a $30 marriage license. Beyond that most of my couples spend anywhere from $4,000-$12,000 on their elopements on average.
-
Year round! No matter when you visit Colorado for your elopement it is beautiful. Spring brings cooler, but pleasant weather and some snowstorms in the Rockies. Summer is for wildflowers and the best sunsets. Fall is when the aspens turn golden and Colorado comes alive in color. Winter is pure magic and not to be missed. Colorado enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year!
-
You can bring up to 30 guests for your Colorado elopement! Beyond that I call it an adventure wedding!
-
Absolutely! There is a $300 permit to elope in the park which requires a little planning. You can also elope in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
-
I take safety very seriously and will always help you come up with a solid backup plan in case of bad weather.
-
I have planned and photographed elopements with only 72 hours notice, but most of my couples book their elopements 6-12 months out to allow for advance planning and permitting.
-
The first step to booking your Colorado elopement is to reach out and tell me about your elopement plans. From there we set up a meeting to get to know each other better. After our meeting I’ll send you a contract with your date on it and a 30% retainer fee which is due at contract signing. After that you are in my books!
-
After booking I send you my location questionnaire to fill out. After I receive your answers I create a custom location guide to help you choose the best location in Colorado to elope in!
Planning a Lost Gulch Overlook elopement or engagement session in Boulder, Colorado? Discover the best time to go, permit info, and expert tips from a Colorado elopement photographer.