A Rainy Forecast, a Perfect Pause, and the Sweetest Vow Exchange | Rachel & Jeremy

Rachel and Jeremy’s wedding day had all the best elements of a classic fall elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park – vibrant leaves, emotional vows, and that kind of stormy, dramatic weather that makes the mountains feel even more alive. The forecast threatened rain all day, but somehow, like a little wedding-day miracle, the clouds held off just long enough for everything that mattered.

The morning began quietly in Estes Park, with each of them getting ready in separate spaces, surrounded by family. There was an undercurrent of emotion from the start – Rachel copying her vows into her vow book with the kind of shaky hands that mean the words really mean something. Jeremy getting dressed with help from loved ones who’ve known him forever. Everyone felt the weight and beauty of the day before we even stepped outside.

Their first look was sweet and grounding – just a few stolen moments before things officially began. Afterward, we made our way to 3M Curve, where their families gathered, bundled up under cloudy skies and surrounded by some of the best mountain views in the park.

The ceremony was intimate, honest, and full of tears. Their vows had that rare combination of tender and funny, the kind that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. They read letters from friends and family who couldn’t be there in person, and somehow those words made the circle feel even fuller. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.

Right after the ceremony, they signed their marriage license with wind tugging at their clothes and mountains standing tall behind them. We stayed for family portraits and a quick champagne toast, then wandered off for couples portraits along the ridge as the clouds kept swirling dramatically above us. Still no rain. Just the kind of moody skies that made the whole thing feel even more epic.

Next stop: a gorgeous meadow. And in true RMNP fashion, we were greeted by a massive elk. He was doing his own thing (very regal, very unbothered), but it felt like a fitting addition to an already memorable day. We took more portraits with family there, the landscape turning gold and soft as the afternoon stretched on.

To end the day, we made our way to Bear Lake and hiked up to Dream Lake. The trail was quiet, and the light started fading in that dreamy October way where everything glows for a few fleeting moments before dusk. Rachel and Jeremy explored the shoreline, taking it all in—the day, the views, the fact that they were finally, officially married.

By the time we made it back to the trailhead, the storm clouds were starting to regroup, but we’d already had our magic window. No rain. Just mountains, emotion, and a day that felt exactly like them.

Bailey was our elopement photographer and she was nothing short of AMAZING. These ladies are not your average photographers. She was so helpful throughout the entire planning process and on the elopement day. Not to mention she made us feel so comfortable being photographed for our 8 hour day. Lastly, our photos were stunning! I couldn’t imagine our day or our photos turning out any better.

I could go on and on, but just know you won’t regret it if you book these ladies for your elopement or micro wedding.

Rachel & Jeremy

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR Estes Park Elopement?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradans who have photographed 300+ 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 Estes Park elopement photographer today!