Backcountry Skiing Elopement in Colorado | Megan + Ethan

When you think of eloping, most people may not think of a backcountry skiing elopement in Colorado. But, for Megan and Ethan, it was the absolute perfect way to celebrate their love for each other and spending time outdoors doing something they love.

How They Met

Megan and Ethan first met at a winter running club in Fort Collins, CO. Even though they ran with each other in the group, they went their separate ways afterward. A year later they connected on Coffee Meets Bagel. Their first date at the rock climbing gym turned into 5 hours of climbing together and eventually getting beers.

How They Got Engaged

While living in Seattle for a summer, Ethan asked Megan to go on a hike with their dog, Tuna. Megan was instantly suspicious because Ethan never asks her to go on a hike. Along a beautiful switchback, they pulled off to take in the views as a thunderstorm began to roll in. Ethan fished for the ring in his backpack and after an awkward moment of wrangling Tuna and trying to get down to one knee, Ethan asked Megan to marry him with his great-grandmother’s wedding ring.

Their Backcountry Skiing Elopement in Colorado

Since these two got engaged during COVID, they went through all the possible wedding ideas in their head and every scenario didn’t work out. One day, Megan got the idea to skin up to their favorite location to have a backcountry skiing elopement! As soon as the idea popped into their head, they couldn’t stop thinking that it truly was the best way to celebrate who they are. It allowed Megan and Ethan to focus on the moment in front of them and not worry about all the logistics of a traditional wedding day.

On a cold Monday morning in late December, we met at the trailhead where Megan and Ethan were finishing getting ready in a campervan they borrowed from a friend. We started the skin up at 4:30 am with a magical mixture of an almost full moon and misty clouds from the snow that was soon to come.

With temperatures in the single digits, Megan and Ethan changed into their wedding clothes at the base of a mountain bowl at sunrise. Megan skied down to Ethan for their first look and they shared their personal vows with each other. After, they poured a hot toddy into their custom tin mugs and snuggled up on a blanket to soak in the view.

We explored around the bowl of the mountain and then Ethan and Megan hopped back on their skis and we headed back down the mountain on a fresh coat of snow. As I was taking pictures of these two backcountry skiing, you could see the giant smiles that crossed both their faces. I couldn’t help but think that this is why we do what we do: to support couples in creating a wedding day that without a doubt feels true to who they are. Megan and Ethan 100% did that!

Bride’s Dress | BHLDN

Need a Backcountry Skiing Elopement Photographer?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two Colorado Natives who have photographed 200+ couples in 100+ locations across Colorado, we specialize in creating a different kind of wedding day that is just as adventurous as you are. We use our experience and knowledge to craft a different kind of wedding day that feels completely authentic to you. Want to hike to a high alpine lake? We can give you trail options for that! Want to canoe along the banks of a mountain lake? We can tell you the best lakes to do it on! Want to watch the sunset from the top of the world? We’ll lead you to our favorite spots for sunset! Book your backcountry skiing elopement photographer today!

In the meantime, be sure to check out our list of Best Places to Elope in Colorado, and our guide for How to Plan a Colorado Elopement!