August 29, 2018

Road-tripping to the Great Sand Dunes For Olivia & Justin’s Elopement

In this post

Olivia and Justin love traveling together in their vintage camper so a road trip elopement was the perfect fit for them. They traveled up from Florida for a Great Sand Dunes National Park elopement, located in southern Colorado near Alamosa and Crestone, and parked the camper outside a rented cabin. From start to finish, everything about Olivia and Justin’s day was intentional, thought out, and beautifully focused on them. This elopement might have had the most amazing details of any elopement I’ve photographed with Olivia’s stunning dried wildflower bouquet, which she made herself, her two-piece wedding dress, with a fur vest from a thrift store, and, of course, the inclusion of their adorable camper.

We hiked into Zapata Falls, a beautiful quarter-mile each direction hike. Being January, the falls were frozen but it made for a gorgeous natural ice castle and stunning scenery for photos. Zapata Falls has a completely different vibe than the Great Sand Dunes National Park, so we got two sceneries in one day and endless opportunities for gorgeous photos. We stopped by the side of the road on our way from Zapata Falls to Great Sand Dunes for more photos of Olivia and Justin inside their camper. Their story is about their love of travel and being together, about exploring and having adventures together, and the camper features heavily into the story.

As we made our way into the dunes themselves, Olivia and Justin hadn’t picked a spot for where they were going to say their vows. I asked them to feel it out and find the spot that felt right. That’s the great thing about being an adventure elopement photographer – there’s no one spot where couples have to say vows because there’s no ceremony spot, no waiting guests. It’s about you as a couple and finding the spot that feels right to you. Eventually, Olivia and Justin settled on a spot in the east end of the dune field, where there are more untouched dunes with stunning mountain views. I mark the GPS coordinates for each couple where they decide to say their vows, so they have the memory of their spot. Olivia and Justin loved knowing the exact coordinates so much, they got matching tattoos of them the next day.

They said their personal, handwritten, and very heartfelt vows to each other in a beautiful and emotional ceremony. Everyone cried, including me. After their ceremony, I always give couples ten minutes to themselves to just enjoy the fact that they got married. We don’t take photos; I just let them be. Then they popped some champagne and we watched the sunset across the dunes before heading back to the cabin.

Olivia and Justin parked their camper outside the cabin and built an enormous bonfire. When it was time for their first dance, they played their first song on a vintage record player. With gifted jars of green chile they had picked up in New Mexico in hand, we left Olivia and Justin to dance by the light of the bonfire.

A pickup truck is parked beside a small wooden cabin in a barren, grassy landscape near Great Sand Dunes National Park. The truck is towing a white camping trailer. The cabin has a metal roof and a chimney. The scene appears calm under a lightly clouded sky.
A Great Sand Dunes National Park poster featuring mountains and sand dunes sits next to a marriage license document on a fluffy white rug, which rests on a wooden floor.
A collage image shows three scenes: top row, two pairs of shoes side by side on a fluffy surface; middle row, a rustic wood stove topped with dried flowers in a wooden room; bottom row, a white dress and brown fur shawl hang above a white sink vanity against wooden walls, evoking memories of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
On the left, a woman with long wavy hair gets makeup applied by another woman. On the right, a man wearing a beanie and plaid shirt stands in a cozy room reminiscent of Great Sand Dunes National Park, fastening his shirt. The room has a bed with colorful quilts and a woven basket on the floor.
A two-image collage shows a man in a black beanie and dark clothing outside a beige camper van at Great Sand Dunes National Park. In the left image, he is sitting on a step with a coat hanging on the door. In the right image, he is standing and adjusting items inside the camper’s storage compartment.
A young woman with long, wavy hair sits with her eyes closed as another person sprays her hair with hairspray. The scene, reminiscent of the serene beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park, is set indoors with soft, natural lighting.
Two images show a woman in a white lace top and flowing skirt inside a cozy, wood-paneled room. In the first image, she adjusts her skirt. In the second, she sits on a white rug, putting on a pair of white boots. Shelves with books and a window with curtains are in the background, evoking memories of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
A split image shows a woman in a white dress with a fur vest on the left, standing indoors by a wood stove. On the right, a man in a dark coat and black beanie stands outside next to a vintage trailer at Great Sand Dunes National Park, adjusting his coat.
Two side-by-side photos: On the left, a man in a black beanie and brown coat knocks on the door of a small vintage trailer. On the right, the door opens to reveal a smiling woman in a white dress and fur vest stepping out to greet him, with pickup trucks and Great Sand Dunes National Park in the background.
A person wearing a white dress and brown vest is standing in the doorway of a trailer at Great Sand Dunes National Park, leaning out to kiss another person who is standing on the ground. The second person is wearing a dark jacket, pants, and a beanie. Vehicles are visible in the background.
A couple, warmly clad, shares a kiss in front of a log cabin reminiscent of the rustic charm found at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The man, in a dark outfit and beanie, embraces the woman adorned in a white dress and fur vest, with the cabin's wooden wall and window with white curtains as their backdrop.
A couple walks hand-in-hand on a snowy path through a forest. The person on the left holds a bouquet of flowers, and they both wear warm clothing. Tall rocky cliffs and trees surround them, reminiscent of the rugged beauty found in Great Sand Dunes National Park, creating a peaceful winter scene.
A couple sits on a log over a frozen creek in winter, their faces close together. Both are dressed warmly; the woman in a white dress with a shawl and holding a bouquet of flowers. They look at each other lovingly amidst the rocky, snowy landscape reminiscent of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
A couple embraces intimately in front of a rocky backdrop and partially frozen waterfall. The woman, wearing a white dress, holds a bouquet of flowers, while the man, dressed in dark clothing, wraps his arms around her. The scene is blurred, creating a dreamy effect reminiscent of Great Sand Dunes National Park's ethereal beauty.
A couple stands close together in an embrace beside a partially frozen waterfall. The man, dressed in dark clothing, looks down at the woman, who is wearing a white dress and brown shawl. The rocky surfaces and icy backdrop evoke the rugged beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Two photos show a couple standing on ice in front of large rock formations at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman wears a white dress and holds a bouquet, while the man wears a dark coat. They look at each other lovingly. In one image, he leans down to kiss her as she smiles up at him.
A couple stands embraced on the rocky terrain of Great Sand Dunes National Park. The man, dressed in dark clothing, gazes down lovingly at the woman, who wears a long white dress and a maroon shawl. They are surrounded by towering, rugged rock formations.
A couple stands in a dimly lit rocky cave at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with one person in a white dress and the other in darker clothing. Light filters through an opening above, casting a soft glow on the rugged stone walls and icy ground beneath their feet.
A couple stands close together in a rocky, ice-filled canyon. The person on the left gazes upward, while the person on the right leans back slightly, looking up as well. Both are bundled in winter clothing. Icicles and frozen waterfalls cover the canyon walls, reminiscent of Great Sand Dunes National Park's serene beauty in winter.
Two images showing a couple in a cozy RV near Great Sand Dunes National Park. In both images, they are sitting on a bed, embracing and smiling at each other. The RV is decorated with colorful, patterned curtains and cushions. The woman wears a white dress and the man is in dark attire.
A couple sits closely, lovingly touching each other's faces. The woman, in a lace top, leans into the man, who has a wrapped hand. A patterned, bohemian-style curtain serves as the backdrop, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere reminiscent of Great Sand Dunes National Park's natural beauty.
A couple sits closely on a bed inside a cozy room with patterned curtains behind them. The woman, wearing a white outfit, lovingly cradles the man's face as they smile at each other, sharing memories of their trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. The man, in a dark plaid shirt, has his arm around her waist.
A couple lies on a bed inside a cozy, camper-like space near Great Sand Dunes National Park. The man, in a plaid shirt, embraces the woman in a white dress with her eyes closed. The bed is draped with a brown blanket and colorful pillows, while patterned curtains hang behind them.
Two-panel image featuring a couple with a vintage trailer. In the left panel, the couple stands next to the trailer on a roadside with mountains in the background, possibly near Great Sand Dunes National Park. In the right panel, they embrace and smile while standing by the open door of the trailer.
A couple stands next to a vintage camper labeled "Fiber Stream," hitched to a gray pickup truck. The scene is set on a deserted road near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, with a vast, dry landscape and mountains in the background. The overcast sky adds a muted tone to the surroundings.
A couple holds hands while running down an empty road in a desert landscape. Behind them, a pickup truck and a small travel trailer are parked by the roadside at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Mountains are visible in the distance under a clear sky.
The entrance sign for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is supported by two beige pillars with a wooden log on top. Mountains rise majestically in the background, enhancing the setting. The text proudly displays "National Park Service" and "Department of the Interior.
A vast desert landscape with wind-swept sand dunes under a clear blue sky. The surface of the sand shows rippling patterns created by the wind. The dunes in the background rise gently, creating a mixture of light and shadow, reminiscent of the stunning vistas found in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
A couple runs hand in hand through a sandy landscape with mountains in the background at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman, in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, and the man, in dark casual attire holding a hat, are both smiling. The scene exudes joy and freedom.
A couple holding hands runs excitedly across the dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman, wearing a white dress and holding a bouquet of flowers, smiles as she looks back at the man who is dressed in dark clothing. The desert landscape with rolling sand dunes stretches out behind them.
A couple stands together in Great Sand Dunes National Park, holding hands and gazing at each other lovingly. The woman, in a white dress holding a bouquet, contrasts with the man’s dark attire. The serene expanse of sand dunes under a clear sky serves as their breathtaking backdrop.
A couple stands embracing on a sand dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman, dressed in a long white dress and holding a bouquet, looks up at the man, who is dressed in dark clothing. Mountains can be seen in the background under a clear sky.
A couple stands on the stunning sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park with mountainous landscapes in the background. The woman in a white dress and flower crown holds a bouquet, while the man in dark attire embraces her. Warm, soft light casts long shadows, creating a serene, romantic scene.
A couple holding hands and running on a sand dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman is wearing a white dress and the man is in dark clothing. Large, rugged mountains loom in the background, illuminated by soft, natural light.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across the Great Sand Dunes National Park at sunset. The bride is wearing a long white dress and holding a bouquet of flowers, while the groom is dressed in a black suit. Their shadows stretch across the sand, and footprints trail behind them.
A couple holding hands runs through the vast sandy expanse of Great Sand Dunes National Park with mountains in the background. The woman wears a white dress and boots, holding a bouquet of flowers, while the man wears dark clothing. The sky is clear, emphasizing the expansive landscape.
A couple, with the woman in a flowing white dress and the man in dark clothing, walk hand in hand on a sandy dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The landscape is vast and barren, with soft lighting and gentle shadows. The woman holds a bouquet of flowers, trailing behind her.
A couple runs hand-in-hand across the sandy landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park. The man, dressed in dark clothing and holding a bouquet, leads the woman, who is wearing a flowing white dress. The background features expansive sand dunes under a clear sky.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in dark attire stand facing each other on a sand dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with footprints visible in the sand and a mountainous backdrop under a clear sky. A small flower arrangement is placed in front of them.
A couple stands in the Great Sand Dunes National Park desert landscape with sand dunes. The woman, wearing a white dress and fur vest, smiles at the man, who has a ponytail and wears a brown jacket. A bouquet and bottle of champagne rest on the sand at their feet.
A black and white photo shows a person with long hair and a light-colored sleeve holding an open notebook. The notebook pages contain handwritten text, though the specific words are difficult to read. Another person in a dark outfit stands nearby and out of focus. The scene evokes memories as vast as Great Sand Dunes National Park.
A black and white photo shows two individuals standing outdoors with a mountainous landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park in the background. One person, with long hair tied back, smiles at the other, who is wiping a tear from their face, wearing a cozy sweater over a dress.
Two photos of a couple in a desert setting, likely at Great Sand Dunes National Park. They stand with mountains in the background. The woman wears a white dress and vest, the man a dark coat. In the first photo, she reads from a paper. In the second, both appear emotional. A bottle and flowers rest on the sand.
A woman with long brown hair wearing a white lace dress and fur vest holds hands with a man with a brown ponytail, wearing a brown jacket. They are standing outdoors at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the majestic mountains in the background. The woman appears emotional.
A couple stands in the Great Sand Dunes National Park with rolling sand dunes and mountains in the background. The woman wears a white dress with a brown knit shawl, and the man wears a dark jacket and pants. A bouquet and a champagne bottle are placed on the sand near them.
A couple stands in a desert landscape at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with sand dunes in the background. The woman wears a white dress and a fur vest, while the man sports a brown coat and pants. A bouquet and a bottle of wine rest on the sand near their feet. Both appear to be smiling.
Two side-by-side images show a couple standing in the desert landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park. In the left image, they share a kiss; in the right image, they embrace each other. The woman wears a white dress and brown shawl; the man wears a dark jacket and brown pants. A bouquet and champagne bottle are at their feet.
A couple embraces on a sandy landscape under a blue sky in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman wears a white dress and fur shawl, while the man is dressed in a dark jacket and trousers. A bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers rest on the sand near their feet.
Two images side by side capturing close-up moments of a wedding ring exchange. One person, wearing a light sweater, is placing a ring on the other's finger. The other's hands are visible, wearing a darker garment in the scenic backdrop of Great Sand Dunes National Park, and both rings are visible in the second image.
A couple stands on a sandy dune with mountains in the background at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman wears a white dress and a beige sweater, while the man is in brown attire with a long coat. They smile and laugh; in the first image, the man holds a bottle, and in the second, he adjusts his sleeve.
A couple stands on the majestic Great Sand Dunes National Park celebrating their wedding. In the first two frames, the man pops a champagne bottle, spraying the woman in joyful surprise. In the third frame, they share a kiss, holding the bottle, with a bouquet of flowers on the ground.
A couple, dressed in formal attire, walks hand in hand up a sandy dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The scene captures the vast expanse of sand with a mountainous backdrop under a clear sky.
A couple walks hand in hand across the vast, undulating sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sky above is overcast, casting a muted light over the expansive, unspoiled landscape. Their distant figures add a sense of scale and solitude to the serene desert scene.
A couple wearing formal attire, with the woman in a wedding dress, run hand-in-hand up a large sand dune in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Their footprints create a trail behind them, and the dunes stretch infinitely into the background under an overcast sky.
Two images of a couple walking up large sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park. In both images, the couple is seen from behind, leaving footprints as they ascend. The sand dunes stretch out into the distance, creating an expansive and serene desert landscape.
Collage of three images showing a couple sitting on a sandy beach at Great Sand Dunes National Park. They are dressed warmly, with the woman in a white dress and the man in dark clothing. They cuddle affectionately, with mountains visible in the background.
Two women are shown together at Great Sand Dunes National Park. In the top image, they sit closely on the sandy beach, leaning into each other with eyes closed, looking cozy and affectionate. In the bottom image, a close-up of their feet shows one wearing a white dress and sneakers, and the other in dark pants and shoes.
A couple stands in a vast desert, likely Great Sand Dunes National Park. The person on the left, dressed in dark clothes, holds a bouquet. The person on the right, wearing a white dress and fur stole, appears to be dancing or twirling as the flowy dress billows around them. Sand dunes rise in the background.
A silhouetted couple holding hands stands on a large sand dune during sunset at Great Sand Dunes National Park, with a vast landscape stretching into the horizon and a sky filled with wispy clouds.
A black and white photo of a vintage travel trailer driving down an empty, straight desert road near Great Sand Dunes National Park. The horizon is visible in the distance, and sparse desert vegetation lines both sides of the road. The sky above is clear with faint clouds.
A small, dark cabin in Great Sand Dunes National Park is softly lit from within, creating a warm glow. White string lights outline the roof, adding a touch of charm to the rustic setting. The surrounding sky is in twilight, with a gradient from light to dark, hinting at the end of the day.
A person tends to a campfire, adding or adjusting logs, in a stone fire pit at dusk in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The surrounding area is dimly lit, with tree stumps acting as seats around the fire. The sky is transitioning from twilight to night.
A rustic wooden table set outdoors at night, reminiscent of the serene beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park, features a vintage record player, lit candles, champagne in an ice bucket, two champagne flutes, stacked macarons, fresh strawberries, a cake with a floral topper, and a cake cutting knife.
A cozy evening setting with a round wooden table holding a chocolate cake topped with strawberries and intricate white cake toppers. Nearby, two lit candles, a vintage record player, and a tray of various desserts evoke the charm of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Blurred colorful lights twinkle in the background.
A couple sits close together on log stools by a large campfire at night in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman wears a white dress, and the man is dressed warmly in a beanie and dark jacket. The flames of the fire provide a warm glow against the dark sky.
A couple huddles close together in front of a campfire at night in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman, wearing a white dress, rests her head against the man, who is sporting a beanie and jacket. The background is dark with a soft bokeh effect from the fire's light.
A couple cuddles by a campfire at night in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The person on the right wears a black beanie and jacket, while the one on the left has long hair and a flowing dress. Bright embers from the fire create a bokeh effect in the foreground, contrasting with the dark sky.
A couple, sitting by a bonfire at Great Sand Dunes National Park, shares an intimate moment. The woman in a white dress with long sleeves is nestled against the man wearing a dark jacket and beanie. The firelight illuminates their faces in this cozy outdoor setting.
A couple embraces in front of a bonfire at night within Great Sand Dunes National Park. The woman, wearing a white dress, and the man, dressed in dark clothing and a beanie, share an intimate moment surrounded by glowing embers and the dark backdrop of towering dunes.
A couple embraces warmly by a campfire at night, next to a retro trailer and a parked truck in Great Sand Dunes National Park. The sky is dark, and logs are arranged in a circle around the fire, providing a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Two side-by-side images show a couple embracing in front of a campfire at night in Great Sand Dunes National Park. In the background, there's a vintage camper. The left image is a wider shot, while the right image is a closer view of their embrace. The campfire glows brightly in both images.
A couple shares an intimate embrace near a campfire at night. Behind them, there's a small vintage trailer and a pickup truck. The scene is softly illuminated by the firelight, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere, reminiscent of nights spent under the vast skies of Great Sand Dunes National Park.
A couple embraces in front of a campfire at night. Behind them is a small trailer, and to the right, a pickup truck. The scene is dimly lit by the fire, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere at Great Sand Dunes National Park. A small table with items is positioned to the left.
A couple stands in front of a trailer at night at Great Sand Dunes National Park, both dressed elegantly. The man, wearing a black jacket and beanie, helps the woman in a white lace dress as they prepare to cut a small cake. The scene is softly lit by candles on a table beside them.
A nighttime scene with a starry sky unfolds at Great Sand Dunes National Park. A pickup truck is parked beside a small camper van. People stand near a campfire, which casts a warm glow. The silhouettes of mountains are faintly visible in the background.

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.

Related Articles

Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes: