Jen & Dan’s Southern Colorado Fall Elopement

In this post

Jen & Dan were traveling from out of state and knew they wanted the type of beauty that only Colorado can bring.

The end result? An elopement in the San Juans that captures every season that Colorado has to offer all in one frame.

Why They Eloped

When Jen & Dan first reached out to me, they were actually still thinking about doing an intimate wedding. I met them many years ago when I did more of both kinds of weddings, and I was game to help them with whatever their vision was!

They already knew that a huge, massive production was never going to be right for them, but were still interested in having people there. But as they continued to plan, stressors from loved ones became too much and they switched to having an elopement.

I see these kinds of decisions all the time, and not only do I support it… I deeply understand it. Somewhere along the way, there’s a choice all elopers make that moves to center themselves and their own happiness on their wedding day over what pleases everyone else. I love seeing couples realize there’s space to say, “Hey. I love you. But I’m going to do my wedding my own way.”

A couple embraces in front of a scenic mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks. The groom wears a suit, and the bride is in a white dress. A bouquet of flowers lies on the ground, with a clear blue sky above.

What They Wanted – Their Vision

Jen & Dan weren’t particularly set on any one part of Colorado or any specific timing. For their initial vision, it didn’t really matter to them what sort of scenery was around them or how many people were there—they just loved the idea of saying their vows on an epic mountain pass!

Luckily for them, Colorado excels at just that.

They hit a few roadblocks when it came to deciding on a month to have their elopement. Coming in from out of state, they found that the month they were initially thinking of—May—could still have less-than-ideal weather when it comes to the mountains.

That’s where I come in!

A scenic view of a mountainside covered in dense autumn foliage. Vibrant yellow, orange, and green trees blanket the landscape under a partly cloudy blue sky. Rugged cliffs rise prominently in the background.

How I Designed Their Experience

I grew up in Colorado and can’t imagine living anywhere else—and it brings me so much joy when I get to help folks find the best elopement spots in the state and time them perfectly based on my decades of experience here.

When we first started talking about June, I relayed to them that they’d be rolling the dice with the weather and would likely still hit snow—not the green valleys and wildflowers they were initially thinking of, which are timed more around June and July.

After that they started thinking about eloping in October, before the snow starts… which is also not a safe bet at high altitude! But I coached them through what was going to be possible based on that date and encouraged them to move up their date from late October to an opening I had in early October instead. It may not seem like much, but 30 days is a lifetime in an alpine landscape.

I showed them the fall foliage map for the year—my fellow Coloradans will know it well—which showed the regions of the state and approximately when they were predicted to change that year and combined it with my historical knowledge of the state to tell them exactly what part of the mountains we should head to based on their date.

I angled them towards the southwest corner of the state so that they could still have Aspen colors and get that magical combination of fall foliage and snowcapped peaks. The truth is, Colorado fall moves fast, and you don’t get it at its peak on accident!

We wound up with perfect autumn colors with only yellow leaves left on the trees, which gave everything the exact vibe they were hoping for.

For their vendors, I gave them recommendations for a great private chef at their request and a fantastic florist, both of which they were super happy with. They were both businesses I’d worked with and seen great results from before, so I felt great about leaving them in capable hands.

Jen & Dan also started out with just ½ a day of coverage but wound up increasing that to a full day after realizing how much they had planned and everything they wanted photos of! (Like that private chef I just mentioned!)

A cozy dinner setting with two plates of salad on a wooden table. A person is holding a fork over one of the plates. Blue candles are lit in the background, creating a warm ambiance. A glass vase with flowers is visible on the left.

Their Elopement Story

Jen & Dan started their elopement at their rental cabin in Ouray, where they got ready for the day and Jen prepped her details—including her beautiful bouquet, cozy socks, and colorful patterned tights. They made sure that they were prepared to stay warm and take on the terrain while still looking and feeling their best!

A scenic road leads through a valley lined with autumn trees, with a snow-capped mountain in the background under a cloudy sky.

A woman with long brown hair arranges a sequined dress hanging on a wooden hanger against a plain wall. She wears a plaid shirt, and the room is softly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere.

A shimmering, long-sleeved gown with intricate beadwork on the bodice and a flowing skirt hangs on a padded hanger against a softly lit wall, illuminated by sunlight streaming through blinds.

A wooden table with two vow booklets labeled "his" and "her" for Daniel and Jennifer's wedding on October 8, 2017. A small bouquet rests on the "his" booklet, and three silver rings are on the "her" booklet.

A pair of brown lace-up boots and a pair of tan lace-up boots are displayed on a wooden table. A bouquet of flowers in a glass vase is in the background on a brown sofa.

A woman in a sequined dress smiles while adjusting her earring. She has long, wavy hair with small flowers and stands against a softly lit, neutral background. Light falls gently on her face.

A man with a beard is wearing a dark suit and adjusting a pocket square. He is looking down and standing in a softly lit room with wooden blinds in the background.

A pair of elegant beige high-heeled shoes are placed on a wooden table in front of a bouquet of mixed flowers, including white roses and various greenery, creating a romantic and sophisticated arrangement.

After they were ready they headed outside for their first look, getting into position in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain with an evergreen and yellow aspens in the background. The tears were already starting to flow and it wound up being a really emotional and intimate moment. Their excitement was so palpable and you could feel all the love they were bringing with them into their wedding day!

A bride and groom stand in a field with tall trees and a mountain in the background. The bride wears a long white dress and brown boots, while the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is outdoors with dramatic mountain scenery.

A bride and groom stand in a field with a scenic mountain in the background. The bride wears a long white dress with lace sleeves, and the groom is in a dark suit. Trees with autumn foliage surround them.

A couple stands in an open field, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage. The woman in a long white dress faces the man in a dark suit. The background features a towering mountain with a dusting of snow on its peak under a cloudy sky.

A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors. The man wipes his eye with his hand while facing the woman in a white dress with long hair. They are surrounded by trees and mountains, creating a serene and natural backdrop.

After that it was time to head out and they made their way into Yankee Boy Basin, which is a stunning mountain pass not far from where they were staying and one of my all-time favorites in this corner of Colorado. They hiked up to a waterfall and did some exploring, climbing up rocks and enjoying the wild tumble of the falls.

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with rugged peaks in the background. The hillsides are covered in a mix of evergreen trees and vibrant autumn foliage, displaying shades of yellow and orange under a partly cloudy sky.

A couple walks hand in hand along a dirt path, surrounded by tall evergreen trees, with a majestic mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand on a rocky path beside a cascading waterfall. The groom holds a bouquet, dressed in a suit, while the bride wears a flowing gown. The backdrop features rugged cliffs and flowing water.

A man with a beard smiles while wearing a navy blue suit and light gray tie. He stands outdoors in front of a waterfall and rocks, with greenery in the background.

A woman in a long-sleeved, floral-embellished wedding dress holds a bouquet of white and yellow flowers. She stands outdoors, looking downwards, with a rocky background. Her hair is styled with flowers.

A couple lovingly embraces outdoors. The man, dressed in a navy suit, gently holds the woman's head. She wears a dress with floral patterns and has flowers in her hair. A blurred waterfall is visible in the background.

A couple embraces lovingly in front of a waterfall. The woman wears a long-sleeved, light-colored dress with floral details, and the man is in a dark suit with a boutonniere. The rocky landscape enhances the romantic atmosphere.

A couple embracing in front of a waterfall. The man wears a dark suit, and the woman is in a flowing white dress with floral details. Her hair is adorned with a small flower crown. The scene is natural and romantic, with rocky terrain surrounding them.

A couple embraces closely in front of a waterfall. The man is wearing a navy suit, and the woman is in a long-sleeved white dress with intricate floral details. They are gazing at each other with smiles, surrounded by natural scenery.

A couple embracing in front of a blurred natural waterfall backdrop. The woman, wearing a floral lace dress, gently holds the man, who is in a blue suit, as they share an intimate moment outdoors.

A bride in a flowing dress holds a bouquet and walks hand in hand with a groom in a suit. They are smiling at each other, with a waterfall and rocky terrain in the background, creating a scenic, romantic setting.

Because of how terraced the rocks were here, they were able to climb straight up to the top and find a space right above the waterfall to say their vows. It had an absolutely breathtaking view of the snowcapped mountain and evergreens! They read their vows to each other in a quiet, heartfelt ceremony that even had me in tears. Everything about them as a couple is so powerful, passionate, and intentional—and you could feel all of that in their ceremony.

A couple stands together in wedding attire amidst a mountainous landscape. The man in a dark suit holds a small object while the woman, in a white dress, has windblown hair. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the background.

A woman in a detailed lace dress wipes her tears with a tissue while standing outside. She faces a man wearing a suit, whose back is to the camera. The background is a blurred outdoor setting, possibly a wedding scene.

A bride in a long-sleeved, lace wedding dress wipes her tears with a tissue while holding a vow book. The groom, in a blue suit with a tie, stands beside her, gently touching her arm, with a scenic mountain background.

A bride in a detailed dress gently touches the groom's face with a scenic outdoor background. The groom wears a suit and holds paper, possibly vows. The setting suggests a wedding ceremony amidst nature.

A couple stands facing each other, holding papers. The woman wears a sparkling, long-sleeved dress, and the man is in a suit. They appear to be outside, exchanging vows or reading notes.

A couple stands outdoors against a mountainous backdrop. The man, wearing a dark suit, holds a small book and reads. The woman, in a lace dress, smiles broadly, holding a similar book. Both appear joyful, surrounded by natural scenery.

A groom, in a dark suit, smiles while exchanging vows with a bride in a beaded dress. They are outdoors, with trees and mountains in the blurred background, creating a romantic and natural setting.

A couple stands in elegant attire on a mountain landscape. The man holds a drink up, while the woman, in a long, flowing dress, reads from a book. Snow-capped peaks and lush greenery form the backdrop, with a bouquet of flowers at their feet.

A woman in a wedding dress playfully rides piggyback on a man in a suit. Both are laughing and outdoors, with a blurred mountain landscape in the background, suggesting a joyful and adventurous moment.

A bride joyfully piggybacks on her groom in an outdoor setting. She is wearing a long-sleeved lace wedding dress, and he is in a suit. They are surrounded by a scenic landscape of mountains, trees, and grassy fields.

Once they were married they spent some time exploring the mountains in the area, taking in the sights together and breathing it all in. When they were ready to stop for a break, they sought out a perfect aspen grove, still totally yellow, and had a picnic of some trail snacks that was prepared by their private chef for the day earlier on.

A couple embraces joyfully on a rocky hill, surrounded by a mountainous landscape with scattered trees. One person is lifted in the air, their dress swirling. Snow-dusted peaks rise in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

A couple in wedding attire joyfully runs through a mountainous landscape. The bride, holding a bouquet, wears a dress with a fur shawl, while the groom, in a suit, smiles at her. Snow-capped peaks and pine trees are visible in the background.

A couple walks along a narrow path through a vast, dry grassland, surrounded by evergreen trees, with a backdrop of rugged mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

A couple embraces outdoors, with the woman wearing a flower in her long hair and a lace-sleeved dress. The man is in a blue suit. They are surrounded by a blurred natural landscape.

A close-up of a couple embracing, with the man gently holding the woman's head. Both have eyes closed, sharing a tender moment outdoors. The background shows blurred natural scenery.

Close-up of a couple tenderly leaning in for a kiss. The man, with a beard, gently holds the woman's face with both hands. Both have closed eyes, conveying an intimate and affectionate moment. They are dressed in formal attire.

A couple embraces joyfully in a mountain landscape. The woman wears a flowing gown and a fur shawl, while the man is in a suit. They stand on grass with rocky terrain and trees around, under a clear sky.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge with snow-covered mountains in the background. The bride is in a long white dress, holding a bouquet, while the groom wears a dark suit. A strong breeze lifts the bride's dress and hair.

A couple stands on a rocky ledge, embraced under a snowy mountain backdrop. The bride wears a long dress with a fur shawl and holds a bouquet. The groom is in a suit. They gaze at each other, surrounded by natural beauty.

A couple embraces in front of a snowy mountain landscape. The man wears a dark suit, and the woman is wrapped in a brown shawl, holding a bouquet of flowers. They gaze at each other, smiling.

A person in a flowing dress with lace sleeves, wearing brown boots and colorful socks, walks on a gravel path. They hold a bouquet of flowers, and a second person, partially visible, accompanies them.

A couple is sitting on the ground having a picnic. The woman is wearing a white dress and a shawl, and the man is in a dark suit. Both appear to be talking and laughing, surrounded by grass and leaves. A wicker basket is open beside them.

Unique Elopement Idea: Private Chef

In addition to their picnic basket, Jen & Dan had their private chef meet them at their rental cabin, where he prepared a beautiful multi-course dinner for them to enjoy, including a cake. I love when couples do this for themselves so much. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is think about cooking! This is something that is so special and out of the ordinary that keeps you and your new spouse in that private bubble of your elopement day.

In between courses, they took time to do their first dance, enjoy a toast together, and of course, have some dessert.

Two chefs in red coats prepare a dish with dry ice, creating smoky effects, while a couple in formal attire, seated at a wooden table, looks on with anticipation. The setting is cozy with warm lighting and wooden blinds.

A couple sits at a table with a decorative plate holding pastries and sliced strawberries. Two glasses of brown liquid are on the table. The couple appears relaxed and engaged in conversation.

A couple sits at a wooden table, sharing a charcuterie board with various cheeses, meats, and grapes. The table is warmly lit by glowing teal candles. The woman is smiling as the man reaches for some food.

A small round cake topped with lavender sits on a white plate, surrounded by colorful flowers. A decorative topper reads "Let the Adventure Begin." A knife and patterned napkin are placed beside the plate on a wooden table.

A couple embraces warmly in front of a stone fireplace, decorated with candles. They are in formal attire, with the woman wearing a long, white dress with lace, and the man in a dark suit. The setting is cozy and intimate.

Jen & Dan also chose to do something that you can only do in a handful of states and self-solemnize, meaning they signed their own certificate with no witnesses. Just the two of them that night at their cabin. I love how meaningful this can be. It let Jen & Dan take control of their wedding day entirely, saying that the only people that count in this union are the two of them.

A couple in formal attire cuts a small cake together. The cake topper reads "Let the Adventure Begin." A bouquet and lit candle are on the table. The setting is a cozy room with wooden chairs and soft lighting.

All in all, they ended with a perfect day full of details that were meaningful to them and views that matched the magnitude of the day.

Jen & Dan’s Reflections – In Their Own Words

“Thank you for all the photos! You truly captured the day perfectly. We’ve been viewing the photos non-stop and can’t wait to show family.” – Dan

“These photos really helped us to share the news, which everyone found exciting. These are stunning” – Jen

“Thanks again for such an awesome elopement. It was such a great experience.” – Jen

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

About Maddie Mae Elopement
Packages & Pricing Contact Me