A Colorado Airbnb Elopement in the Mountains

There’s a unique charm to Airbnb elopements, where an intimate, intentional, and personal atmosphere sets the tone for the day. Sam and Ryan’s Colorado Airbnb elopement encapsulated all these elements, creating a truly unforgettable celebration. Unlike larger weddings that can be accompanied by stress, eloping at an Airbnb provides an unsurpassable sense of hominess and comfort.

The Adventurous Couple

Meet Sam and Ryan, the adventurous duo who journeyed from Portland, Oregon, to the breathtaking mountains of Colorado for their intimate elopement. They were drawn to Colorado as a self-solemnizing state, eliminating the need for an officiant or witnesses. In the week before their elopement, they turned their journey from Oregon to Colorado into a road trip, making fun stops along the way. Their sense of adventure didn’t end with the elopement either; they had another week of road trip adventures planned after tying the knot!

Planning an Airbnb Elopement

The elopement planning process with Sam and Ryan was a breeze because of their laid-back approach. Their vision for the wedding day? A super relaxed atmosphere, an impressive snack board, and the freedom to savor every moment. It was, indeed, the perfect vision for an elopement day, if I do say so myself.

Choosing the Perfect Airbnb Wedding Venue

Ryan and Sam strategically chose their Airbnb, conveniently located near Golden Gate Canyon State Park—a mere 45-minute drive from Denver and a short distance to Boulder. This park provided an idyllic backdrop with breathtaking views for their elopement day. Additionally, the proximity to Panorama Point in the park offers the perfect setting for stunning portraits, capturing the beauty of the Continental Divide and the vibrant aspen trees – especially gorgeous in the fall. If you’re considering this picturesque spot for your wedding or elopement, securing a permit from the park is essential. Don’t worry; I’ll handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on celebrating your unique love story.

When searching for the perfect Airbnb for your elopement, the options are limitless. Take a moment to envision what you want your elopement day to include. Do you picture a spacious deck, a relaxing hot tub, or perhaps a roomy outdoor area? It’s crucial to select a home that aligns seamlessly with your wedding aesthetic, minimizing the need for extensive additions. 

In Sam’s case, the vibrant green design accents and the overall atmosphere of the home made it the perfect setting for their special day. The property even featured a towering rock formation with stairs carved into the side, providing an ideal spot for Sam and Ryan’s ceremony. This unique feature added a special and adventurous touch to the property! Opting for a rental property where the design naturally complements your wedding day vision is always immensely beneficial.

Wedding Vendors & Elopement Day Timelines

Sam and Ryan reached out to me early in their elopement planning process, seeking recommendations for wedding vendors including a manicurist and a barber. Drawing from my local Colorado knowledge, I suggested a few excellent options near their Airbnb in both Golden and Boulder.

When it comes to elopement timeline planning, I always begin with a ‘rigid’ time in the day’s plans and build from there. Understanding that Sam and Ryan had a tintype portrait session scheduled for later that evening, followed by dinner reservations in Boulder, we strategically worked backward.

This approach allowed us to create a comprehensive wedding day timeline, ensuring they could enjoy every element of their elopement. We covered everything, from capturing detail photos and their first look to their ceremony, first dance, and cake cutting. Additionally, we made time for heartfelt moments, like reading letters from family and signing their marriage certificate—with their adorable pup, Winnie, as the honored witness.

If you’re eager to dive into the full details of planning your own Airbnb or VRBO elopement, check out my comprehensive guide!

A Beautiful Colorado Elopement

On the day of Sam and Ryan’s Airbnb elopement, we were treated to unexpectedly sunny and warm weather, with temperatures comfortably in the upper 60s. This warmth, especially considering the altitude and time of year, was a delightful surprise, and we were truly grateful for Mother Nature’s gracious gift.

Getting-Ready Moments

As the day began for Sam and Ryan’s Colorado elopement, they chose to get ready separately within the cozy Airbnb. Taking turns sneaking into the kitchen at different times, they indulged in bites from their impressive snack board. Both Sam and Ryan looked stunning for their intimate celebration. And Sam, adorned in a custom-made wedding dress by a designer from Project Runway, was simply radiant.

An Emotional First Look

When the moment arrived for their first look, we ventured behind the Airbnb, surrounded by the serenity of trees and mountain views. Witnessing Ryan’s reaction to Sam was truly priceless. His instant tears were a powerful and emotional moment, making it one of the highlights of their wedding day. Seeing your partner for the first time in their wedding attire is always a special moment, brimming with emotion and anticipation.

The Elopement Ceremony

After the first look, we climbed to the top of the rock formation on the property, setting a beautiful stage for their intimate elopement ceremony. The ceremony was a precious and heartfelt moment, featuring the unity ritual of a handfasting ceremony. This ancient Celtic tradition involves tying the hands together, symbolizing the binding of two lives. Sam and Ryan incorporated this highly personal and authentic touch, adding another layer of meaning to their already special day.

Personal Details That Matter

After the ceremony, the magic continued. They took a moment to sign their marriage certificate, and, to make it even more special, their adorable pup, Winnie, joined in and signed as the honored witness. Winnie, sporting the cutest pink bow, was an absolute ham for the camera the whole day. Including furry best friends in weddings or elopements always adds an extra layer of joy and personalization that I absolutely adore.

Including Family & Friends in the Intimate Celebration

Despite the intimate nature of Sam and Ryan’s elopement, they loved the idea of including their family and friends in a meaningful way. Each of their loved ones had written heartfelt letters for them to open and read on their wedding day. After signing the marriage certificate, Sam and Ryan took a moment to read these treasured letters together. It was a very special experience, highlighting the impact their nearest and dearest had on their elopement day, even from a distance.

Engraved Wedding Rings

Adding even more personal and authentic details to their breathtaking Colorado elopement day, Sam and Ryan shared a beautifully intimate moment with their wedding rings. They had taken the extra step of having each other’s wedding bands engraved on the inside with a personal touch. They took a special moment to share and reflect on what they had each engraved for the other. In every aspect, Sam and Ryan ensured that their day was a true reflection of their personality and authenticity as a couple.

The Hunt for the Perfect Wedding Cake

Sam and Ryan had their hearts set on a vintage-inspired heart-shaped cake for their elopement day. Despite the challenge of finding a heart-shaped cake outside of Valentine’s Day, Button Rock Bakery came through in baking their dream cake. It was a super cute touch and absolutely worth the effort of finding it.

A Cozy First Dance

After slicing into their vintage-inspired wedding cake, the moment transitioned seamlessly to their first dance. Despite not having the traditional “wedding reception,” I wholeheartedly advocate for a first dance. It’s a time to slow down and soak in the magic of the moment. Sam and Ryan, embracing the intimacy of their elopement, chose a Beatles record for their dance. The cozy living room of the Airbnb and the sounds of vinyl set the scene for this beautiful and intimate moment.

Ending the Night With Dinner in Boulder

As the evening drew to a close, Sam and Ryan embarked on the next chapter of their elopement day. They headed for a tintype photo session with dinner plans at a steakhouse in Boulder.

When it comes to elopement dinners, the choices are endless – from hiring a private chef to dining out on the town. And what makes an Airbnb elopement truly special is the freedom it offers to align your celebration with your preferences, budget, and vision. I particularly appreciated the proximity of their Airbnb to endless dinner options available in Boulder.

Tips for Planning an Airbnb Elopement

You can check out the full details of how to plan your Airbnb or VRBO elopement HERE, but for a quick refresher, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Unique Stays

When on the hunt for the perfect Airbnb for your wedding or elopement, pay close attention to the details, lighting, and overall atmosphere. If ample outdoor space is part of your vision, prioritize that in your search. Airbnb even offers a “unique stays” filter, making it easier for you to discover a house as distinctive as you are.

Communicate with the Host

Ensure that you can host your wedding at the Airbnb or VRBO property. While some hosts may not approve, many will, especially if your event is small or if you’re willing to provide a security deposit for any potential damage. Direct communication with the host is key—explain your plans and the number of guests to establish a clear understanding.

Enhancing the Details with Event Rentals

If your chosen Airbnb or VRBO already aligns with your wedding aesthetic, you may have budget flexibility to enhance the details. Consider renting items from a local event rental company to add unique and personalized touches. Whether it’s rugs, ceremony chairs, antique furniture, or dinnerware, rentals can elevate your wedding day, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Have a Rain Plan

It’s crucial to have a backup plan for inclement weather, considering weddings and elopements are often planned months or even a year in advance. Check if your chosen Airbnb or VRBO has provisions and ample space for a rain plan. Can you set up a tent or move the event indoors if the weather turns unfavorable?

Arrive Early if Possible

Since visiting an Airbnb or VRBO property beforehand isn’t always possible, gather as much information as possible from the listing’s photos and reviews. Arriving at the location a day or two early, if possible, allows you to see firsthand how you want things set up for your wedding day and if any tweaks are needed.

Plan Ahead and Make a List

Prepare ahead by making a detailed list of items you’ll need to pack, including extension cords, lights, or a speaker. Small things like extra hangers, additional outfits, or snacks can easily be overlooked in the excitement leading up to your wedding or elopement day.

Plan Your Dream Airbnb Elopement

Sam and Ryan’s Colorado Airbnb elopement has officially joined the ranks of absolutely extraordinary intimate elopement experiences. The day was meticulously crafted with intention, authenticity, and an overflow of pure emotion. 
If you’re in search of a wedding experience that is truly authentic, mindful, and uniquely reflective of you and your partner, an Airbnb or VRBO wedding might be the perfect fit. When you’re ready to ditch the stress of hectic timelines for a cozy, intimate wedding day that authentically mirrors your love, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we will craft a wedding day narrative that tells your unique love story and celebrates your adventurous spirit in a setting as extraordinary as your love itself.