Backpacking Elopement in Colorado

This backpacking elopement in Colorado was an absolute dream of mine to photograph. Since I photographed my very first elopement I knew that sharing my love for backpacking and camping under the stars with a couple who wanted to get married in a unique way was top of my list of dream elopements.
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Jake and Rachel are two people who never knew if getting married was in the cards for them. They were independent and loved the lives they built – that’s until they met each other. For the first time, after a date at the gym, hanging out at the park, and talking over margaritas, these two saw each other as someone they wanted to spend the rest of their life with.
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These two knew that in order to stay true to themselves, they wanted to get married in a way that was different and personal and celebrated what they loved to do together – so a backpacking elopement in Colorado was in order.
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On that Tuesday morning, we met at the trailhead with our backpacks full of all the gear necessary to get married AND camp the night. We hiked up to an alpine lake, set up camp, and spent the evening exploring the area nearby, writing out their vows, and soaking in the Milky Way.
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We slept under the trees and woke up before dawn as Rachel and Jake got ready in their tent. As the alpenglow lit up the mountain peaks surrounding us, these two shared their private vows and exchanged rings with their pups watching.
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Afterward, they made a mean breakfast, discussed the best backpacking meal brand and ended their day with flyfishing on the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen.
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Rachel and Jake, thank you for making your dream wedding day, my dream wedding day – and thank you for trusting me to hike up the mountain with you and spend a whole night and morning by your side. Now, when you go back for your 10-year anniversary, can I come along too???

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR COLORADO BACKPACKING ELOPEMENT?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradans 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 Colorado backpacking 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!