A Boulder Elopement at Artist Point

A Boulder, Colorado Elopement Day

Ryleigh and Laura’s love story is as sweet as it gets—full of unwavering support from their loved ones, who came from near and far to celebrate their beautiful elopement in Boulder, Colorado. With family and friends by their side, their day was filled with endless smiles, happy tears, and heartfelt moments that reflected their deep connection.

Their intimate celebration effortlessly blended a chic city aesthetic with the natural beauty of Flagstaff Mountain. Personal, intentional, and full of meaning, they incorporated thoughtful cultural touches that honored their backgrounds and made the day even more special. It was a celebration that felt completely authentic to who they are, capturing both the elegance of the city and the raw beauty of the mountains.

Meet Ryleigh and Laura

Ryleigh and Laura’s love story began in Kansas, where they first met. When they met, Ryleigh was finishing up her rotation as a physical therapist, while Laura was completing her master’s in data analytics. Their connection quickly grew strong, though Ryleigh had only a few weeks left before her rotation ended, leading them into a long-distance relationship.

After conquering the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the two reunited in Denver, CO where they decided to commit to each other fully. This commitment was beautifully highlighted when Ryleigh proposed to Laura in Cheesman Park. The following day, Laura, who had her own proposal planned, surprised Ryleigh with a counter-proposal! It was a touching reflection of their deep connection and the way they were perfectly aligned in their love.

Ryleigh and Laura’s love story exemplifies their enduring bond and the thoughtful approach they bring to their relationship. Their choice to celebrate their elopement in such a meaningful and personalized way beautifully captured their one-of-a-kind journey together.

Planning Their Boulder Elopement Day

Ryleigh and Laura’s elopement planning journey was a blend of thoughtful decisions and meaningful choices. They initially found me through a Google search while looking for an Airbnb micro wedding venue. However, the Airbnb they had in mind was booked well into the future, prompting them to pursue a different plan.

Throughout planning, their focus remained on crafting a day that was deeply personal and reflective of their unique bond. After discussing their shared priorities and vision, we decided on a day that incorporated several special locations. We began with their first looks and portraits at the Moxy Hotel in Boulder followed by their ceremony and cake cutting at Artist Point on Flagstaff Mountain.

Originally, Ryleigh and Laura had booked a four-hour package, but they wisely chose to add an extra hour to ensure ample time for capturing all their special details. This adjustment proved to be a fantastic decision, allowing for a relaxed photography experience that perfectly captured their day.

Their thoughtful planning and excitement ensured that every moment of their elopement was tailored to their vision and priorities. If you need help figuring out how to narrow down your own wedding day priorities, check out my blog post below.

Meaningful Wedding Details

Since they had a shorter photography package, we decided not to photograph their getting ready moments. When I arrived, Ryleigh and Laura had already completed their hair and makeup, so I dove straight into capturing their wedding details. And what special details they were!

Laura’s wedding attire was full of unique touches. She wore custom-embroidered gloves with their names and wedding date that added a chic charm to her look. Their jewelry was equally meaningful, incorporating elements of Laura’s Colombian heritage. Colombia is renowned for its emeralds, so they decided to feature these beautiful stones in their wedding bands. I absolutely loved how the emeralds added a touch of elegance and cultural significance. Additionally, the night before their elopement, Laura’s family gifted her a stunning necklace with an antique lamp-shaped pendant featuring a Colombian emerald. 

Adding to these personal touches, Laura’s parents brought a set of five gold coins from Colombia, intended for a special ritual during the ceremony. Their personalized wedding vow books further highlighted their commitment, beautifully holding their promises to each other. Their save-the-date cards were another delightful detail! They used photos from a vintage photo booth session taken during a date night at Sputnik in Denver. 

Laura’s vintage-style veil and short dress paired with gorgeous heels created a stylish and refined look, which of course, I made sure to highlight in their detail photos. Ryleigh’s sophisticated outfit, complete with a pearl necklace and a beautiful updo, was equally stunning. Both looked absolutely fabulous!

The bouquet they crafted together was another detail that got me right in the feels, showcasing their collaborative spirit. I truly love when both partners are involved in the planning process; it makes every detail feel even more intentional. 

For more ideas on how to include your partner in wedding planning, be sure to check out my blog for some great tips.

First Looks & Lavender Lemon Drops

After I finished capturing their details, we moved into a very sweet part of the day—Ryleigh and Laura’s first looks with their dads. Ryleigh’s dad was up first, and the moment he saw her, you could see the pride and emotion all over his face. When it was Laura’s turn to share her first look with her dad, it was equally heartwarming. These moments are always so special, and both dads were clearly overjoyed to see their daughters entering this exciting new chapter.

Next, Ryleigh and Laura had their first look together. After discussing a few ideas, they decided on a back-to-back setup. Holding hands, they took a deep breath before turning around to see each other. It was perfect. The anticipation was clear, and, when they finally turned, their reactions were absolutely priceless—huge smiles and pure happiness filled the room.

With the weather starting to look a bit ominous, their loved ones headed up to Flagstaff Mountain’s Artist Point to check the conditions and get a few things set up for their elopement. Meanwhile, Ryleigh, Laura, and I stayed behind to take some portraits. Their hotel, the Moxy Hotel in downtown Boulder had so many great places for portraits

They loved the idea of using flash photography in the chic, trendy setting of the hotel. So, we headed to the bar where they ordered lavender lemon drop martinis. It was a perfect moment for them to enjoy some quality time together before their ceremony. The bartender was so sweet and even carved a little heart into their garnish—such a thoughtful touch.

We made sure to capture some shots in the hotel’s elevator and a few other stylish spots around the Moxy. It was fun, laid-back, and felt like a perfect fit for Ryleigh and Laura’s vibe. After wrapping up at the hotel, we made our way to Artist Point to join the rest of their crew for their ceremony.

Artist Point on Flagstaff Mountain 

Artist Point, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Boulder, has incredible westward views of the Rockies and Boulder’s foothills, making it a beautiful setting for intimate elopements. The short, easy hike to the lookout (about 0.1 miles) makes it an accessible location for you and your guests to gather for a small ceremony. The spot has several picnic tables that add a nice touch if you would like to include a laid-back celebration – perhaps a picnic, snacks, or a small wedding cake. 

While the area can’t be reserved, its serene quiet and sweeping views make it a perfect option for a small group, like Ryleigh and Laura’s. You do need an OSMP photography permit for this location, but, no worries, because when we work together, I’ve got you covered—I always have this permit on hand!

Despite being a public space, Artist Point feels secluded enough to create a private, intimate atmosphere, especially during quieter times of the day.

The Elopement Ceremony at Artist Point in Boulder

Ryleigh and Laura’s elopement ceremony was a beautiful, intimate celebration, surrounded by their closest loved ones. With just their immediate families and a dear friend officiating, the ceremony was both personal and heartfelt. Laura’s parents traveled all the way from Colombia, and Ryleigh’s family, including her parents, sister, and brother-in-law, were there to share in the joy of their special day.

The weather in the mountains that day was foggy and moody, adding a unique and atmospheric backdrop to their ceremony at Artist Point. Despite the chill and mist, the scene was charged with emotion. As someone who attends many wedding ceremonies, I can say this one truly touched my heart—it brought a tear to even my own eyes.

Laura’s friend from undergrad and grad school officiated the ceremony, adding a layer of personal connection. A special highlight was the Las Arras money ceremony, where Laura and Ryleigh shook gold Colombian coins in a small pouch, a meaningful tradition that Laura’s parents had gifted them.

Their self-written vows were beautifully crafted, reflecting their deep love as well as their past, present, and future commitments. A joint reading by Ryleigh’s mother and sister, along with a touching reading by Laura’s mom in Spanish, further deepened the emotions of their ceremony. The loving and supportive words shared by both families moved everyone present.

Witnessing the genuine love and support from both families was truly heartwarming. Laura had expressed how she wasn’t just marrying Ryleigh but also joining a new family, and Ryleigh’s family welcomed her with open arms. The way their families embraced one another was incredibly special, and it was a privilege to witness such a heartfelt and loving union.

Post-Elopement Treats: Cake, Champagne, and Rainbow Marriage Licenses

After their heartfelt ceremony, Ryleigh and Laura signed their marriage license, and I was thrilled to see they chose a rainbow marriage license option available in Colorado—how wonderful is that? It added a colorful and fun element to their forever documents.

Next up was their cake cutting, and oh, was it a treat! Their red velvet cake from The Makery was nothing short of spectacular. I have to give a shoutout to The Makery—my own wedding cake was from there, and I can’t rave about them enough. Their cake was playful but timeless, adorned with little red hearts and inscribed with “Happy Us Day.” It was adorable.

They set up a picnic table for their cake cutting, complete with greenery, a white tablecloth, and champagne. The table looked stunning against the natural backdrop. The cake was as delicious as it was beautiful, making for a perfect post-ceremony indulgence.

The champagne toast that followed was heartwarming, with Ryleigh’s dad sharing sweet and memorable well wishes. Although we had planned to take more photos on Flagstaff Mountain, the weather started to take a rainy turn, and we decided to head back to the Moxy Hotel in downtown Boulder.

A Perfect Close to Their Boulder Elopement Day

Once we arrived at the Moxy Hotel, we captured some cherished family photos and took more portraits of Ryleigh and Laura in various spots around the hotel. With the rain still drizzling, we used my clear umbrellas I always have on hand to go outside for a short walk. It was a beautiful way for them to wind down this part of their day—holding hands and savoring the moments of their incredible celebration.

As we wrapped up our time together, I wished them well and expressed my excitement for their future. Ryleigh and Laura then met up with a few friends and headed to Flagstaff House for a cozy dinner. It was the perfect way to conclude their intimate elopement day, enjoying a special meal with loved ones in a warm and inviting setting.

Ready To Plan Your Boulder, Colorado Elopement?

Ryleigh and Laura’s Boulder elopement beautifully showcased their deep commitment to love and the unity of their families. From their heartfelt vows and cultural touches to the warm support from their loved ones, their day was truly inspiring. They blended personal touches with Boulder’s stunning backdrops, creating a celebration that was both downtown chic and Colorado true.

Their dedication to each other and thoughtful planning made their elopement a perfect reflection of the unique journey they took to get here. It was an honor to capture such a significant day and see their families come together in celebration.

If you’re envisioning a Colorado elopement or micro wedding that reflects your unique love story, values, and priorities, I’d be thrilled to help. Let’s plan a wedding that you can relive for decades to come. Get in touch, and together, we’ll create an unforgettable intimate celebration.