A Change of Plans: From Hurricane Helene to the Front Range

COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

When Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville, it disrupted countless plans, including Mark and Olivia’s wedding. With Asheville under a 53-day water boil advisory and the state urging people not to strain local resources, they decided to relocate their intimate wedding to Boulder, Colorado - a stunning and perfect location for their wedding adventure. As a micro wedding and adventure elopement photographer with experience in Colorado and other mountainous regions of the US, I was not only extremely excited to travel to Denver again, but to shoot with this laid-back couple in a region that promised big views and lots of cool, very different landscape features than I had been shooting around Asheville, my home.

Their choice was driven by a desire for a safe, beautiful location that would still feel special. What unfolded was a day full of love, adventure, and gorgeous mountain views—exactly what makes Colorado mountain elopements so magical.

Getting Ready and First Look at an Art-Filled Cabin

The day began photographing the day at a charming Airbnb in Nederland, CO that they had rented which accommodated quite a few of their family and friends. It was outside enough to Boulder to pretty affordable with great views, but close enough to the outdoor spots we had chosen to hit for their ceremony and adventures together.

The cabin’s contemporary art and cozy mountain vibes made it a fun backdrop. When I arrived I worked on some dress photos and then bounced between the couple for candids with friends and family and the prep being done.The mood was lighthearted and I immediately felt at home with everyone.

For their first look, we stepped outside to a quiet mountain pond right behind the property. Surrounded by trees, golden grasses, and crisp autumn air, their sweet, emotional moment set the tone for the day.

Intimate Ceremony with Colorado charm at Chautauqua Park

After the first look, their wedding party and a few close family members carpooled into Boulder ahead of the couple to get settled, set out a few refreshments, and relax before Mark and Olivia arrived.

The rentable Halfway House shelter at Chautauqua Park turned out to be the perfect spot for their intimate Colorado micro wedding. Available last minute, it fit their needs beautifully. Despite being a rentable structure—which can sometimes lack character—it had a cool, historic feel and unobstructed views of the Flatirons, which was exactly what the couple had envisioned for their mountain celebration.

When Mark and Olivia arrived, their guests eagerly waited in a meadow, excited to see the couple together for the first time. Walking hand in hand through the scenic landscape, the couple radiated joy as they joined their loved ones.

Framed by the iconic Flatirons, their vows were heartfelt and deeply meaningful. Relocating their wedding to Colorado wasn’t part of their original plan, but this setting brought a sense of calm and beauty to their day, showing why so many couples choose the Rockies for their adventure elopement or micro wedding.

The timing was just right—after the ceremony for everyone have a moment to soak in the views and snap a few group photos. It was the perfect transition before heading to the next destination without the family and friends: a golden hour session surrounded by Colorado’s stunning mountain scenery at Walker Ranch, just a short drive away.

Golden Hour at Walker Ranch

Golden hour is my favorite time to shoot, and Walker Ranch did not disappoint. Mark and Olivia embraced the adventure as we hiked around the park, soaking in the last rays of light for the day.

The soft glow of the sunset illuminated the rolling hills, patches of golden aspens, and their joyful smiles. It was a fun, relaxed session with plenty of laughs, capturing the kind of candid, adventurous moments that make elopement photography so special and endlessly interesting to me.

Finding just the right spot for them was one of the biggest task, but also the most fun. I hadn’t been to Walker Ranch and so visiting it a few days prior made a huge difference in where I thought I would be shooting with them…and where we ended up going. One of the things I love to do for couples is find those less-traveled, unique spots that have as few onlookers and give as much privacy for elopement photos as possible.

Cozy Evening of Dancing and Relaxing Back at the Cabin

After wrapping up at Walker Ranch, we headed back to the cabin for the final festivities. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting—perfect for cake cutting, heartfelt speeches, and a little dancing. The cozy living room, with its lodge-like charm, brought everyone together for the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Mark and Olivia’s story is a beautiful reminder that when plans change, something even more amazing can take shape. Colorado’s diverse landscapes, accessible mountain venues, and relaxed atmosphere make it the ideal location for couples looking to elope or have an intimate wedding.

Tips for Your Colorado Mountain Elopement

Layers are key: Temperatures shift quickly, especially near sunset.
Scout the perfect location: Spots like Walker Ranch and Chautauqua Park are easily accessible and offer incredible backdrops.
Keep it simple: Small elopements are all about meaningful moments and stress-free fun.
Connect with a photographer whose guiding principle is finding the best locations - which means finding gorgeous views, in a relaxing setting, with an approach that meets your needs. I love to put in the work and find the perfect spot for you!

Congratulations to Mark and Olivia on their beautiful day!

Congratulations to Mark and Olivia on a day filled with love, adventure, and unforgettable memories. If you’re dreaming of an elopement or small wedding in the mountains, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels truly yours. Let’s make it happen!