January 25, 2018

Self-Solemnizing Elopement in Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray Colorado

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Elopements have changed a lot in the past few years — and in the absolute best way possible. No longer do the majority of people see elopements as last-minute, unapproved, tacky events in Vegas. Couples all over the world are intentionally choosing to have incredibly meaningful, thoughtful, intimate wedding days that truly reflect who they are. 

From the first conversation I had with Jen & Dan, I knew they would have the most incredible elopement day — both of them are such passionate & intentional people — and it was so natural for their elopement to be the same. After getting to know them, I sent my favorite spots in Colorado that would fit the vision for exactly what they were imagining for their elopement — and they settled on the gorgeous are of Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, CO. The San Juan mountains are my absolute favorite in the whole state — towering high above the little mountain towns — much like the Alps. Ouray is actually called “The Switzerland of America” and having been to the Swiss Alps earlier this year, I can attest that it has a similarly epic vibe. 

We hiked up to a waterfall they found and scrambled up its rocky face so they could get married directly above it — with the stunning mountain peaks in the background. Only the sounds of the waterfall cascading below, they tearfully said their vows to each other during their self-solemnizing ceremony. Colorado is just one of 4 places in the country that a couple can get legally married without an officiant or any witnesses. Read more about self-solemnizing elopements here.

After their incredibly emotional ceremony which left us all in tears — we explored around the basin, enjoying the fall colors and an incredible picnic basket created by a private gourmet Chef who I connected Jen & Dan with to make their elopement absolutely epic in the food department. Afterward, we headed back to their AirBnB, where Chef L Kent created the most spectacular meal and food experience I have ever encountered as a photographer. There was fire, liquid nitrogen (sometimes at the same time) — ingredients from all over the world — specifically picked for Jen & Dan’s pallets & needs. 

It’s super important to stay fueled & sustained during your wedding — especially if there’s hiking involved — but this experience was SO many million miles better than the normal granola bars & trail mix I’m used to as an adventure elopement photographer. It was almost like watching a magic show — that you got to eat at the end.  I love when couples go all-out for their elopement day, and choose to make it truly unforgettable. If there are any foodies out there, wondering how to make your elopement day incredible — hire an incredible private world-class chef like L Kent.

The scenery, the emotion, the mind-blowing food — Jen & Dan’s elopement will go down as one of my favorites. Elopements are the best way to get married and deserve to be made unforgettable — and honored as the important day that they are. 

Get in touch with me if you’d like to chat about your own dream elopement. I’d love to help you make something awesome. 

Private Chef: L Kent with ZCatering

Flat lay of bride and groom's vow books, with rings and floral hair clip.
Groom getting ready on his elopement day in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride putting on her wedding dress on her elopement day in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride getting ready on her elopement day in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom share a first look on their elopement day in Ouray, Colorado. There are snow-capped mountains in the background.
Bride and groom share a first look on their elopement day in Ouray, Colorado. There are snow-capped mountains in the background.
Landscape of Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom hike up trail on their elopement day at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom hiking on trail on their elopement day at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Landscape of mountains at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom embrace during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Close-up of bride's bouquet. There are white, yellow, and peach colored flowers and greenery in the bouquet.
Groom standing in front of a waterfall at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Landscape of forest and mountains at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom hold hands and hike on trail in front of waterfall at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom at self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado. there are snowcapped mountains in the background.
Close-up of bride placing silver ring on groom's ring finger during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom read their vows during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom share a kiss during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom embrace during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Groom picks up bride at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado. There are mountains and trees in the background.
Groom gives bride a piggyback ride at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom during self-solemnizing intimate elopement ceremony at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom holding hands and hiking on trail on their elopement day at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
bride and groom kiss on their elopement day at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom share a picnic underneath a golden aspen tree at Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado.
Chef prepared meal at bride and groom's Airbnb in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom cut cake on their elopement day.
Bride and groom enjoy chef prepared charcuterie board on their elopement day.
Bride and groom's chef prepared meal at Airbnb in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom's chef prepared meal at Airbnb in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom's chef prepared meal at Airbnb in Ouray, Colorado.
Bride and groom's chef prepared meal at Airbnb in Ouray, Colorado.

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.

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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:

Reach out to start planning your dream destination elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
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A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started