A Windy, Snow-Filled Elopement on a Frozen Lake | Amanda & Josh

Some days just laugh at your plans – in the most dramatic, snow-filled way possible. Amanda and Josh’s winter elopement in RMNP was one of those days. The forecast gave us the usual vague winter warning (you know the type: “maybe sun, maybe sideways snow”), but once we got into the mountains, it was clear Mother Nature had her own agenda. What started as a clear and calm morning turned into wild wind gusts and surprise snow showers that forced a total Plan B pivot – and honestly? It couldn’t have worked out better.

We began the day at Amanda and Josh’s cozy Airbnb in Estes Park where they copied their vows into their vow books while trying to hold back tears and slowly got ready for the day. They had that excited-but-calm energy, like they already knew whatever happened, it was going to be meaningful. And they were right.

After a sweet first look on the balcony, we packed up and headed toward Bear Lake, determined to make the most of what the weather would give us. When we arrived, it was full-on winter magic: frozen lake, dramatic skies, wind whipping around like it had somewhere to be. But Amanda and Josh? Totally unfazed. They hiked out onto the lake and said their vows with snow swirling around them and mountains standing tall behind. The moment was raw and emotional, and you could feel just how much it meant to them to be there, together, weather be damned.

After the ceremony, they signed their marriage license and danced their first dance right there on the frozen lake. It was part joyful celebration, part “is this real life?” moment, and it was very, very them.

Now, here’s where things got interesting. We’d originally planned to hike to Dream Lake for more portraits, but the wind had other plans—like threatening to launch us into the trees and while accompanying high avalanche danger. So, we decided to pivot and made our way to Sprague Lake instead. (Slightly) less wind, softer snow, and the kind of mountain views that still made us gasp even after all the chaos. The whole area was blanketed in soft winter light, and we spent the last part of the afternoon exploring, taking lots of warm-up breaks, soaking in the quiet, and snapping photos of Amanda and Josh just being their sweet, goofy, deeply in-love selves.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, they a slice of cake, laughed about the weather, and watched the sky turn to soft pinks and golds. Not what we planned – but exactly what the day needed.

Amanda and Josh’s elopement reminded us why I love this job. It wasn’t just beautiful – it was real. It was proof that a little snow, a lot of wind, and a totally rerouted afternoon can still add up to something unforgettable.

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!