A Winter Elopement at Sapphire Point Overlook

Jessica and Josh embarked on a 1500-mile journey to celebrate their elopement at Colorado’s Sapphire Point Overlook near Breckenridge.

Their elopement wasn’t just about saying “I do.” It was a celebration of love, authenticity, and intentional moments. The duo traded rushed wedding day timelines for mindful moments of anticipation and excitement, from handwriting their vows to a sunset trip to Lake Dillon.

I love revisiting the delightful details of Jessica and Josh’s stress-free and deeply meaningful elopement, where laughter, love, and genuine experiences took center stage against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. By prioritizing authentic experiences over fleeting trends, the two celebrated their union with an intentional and memorable day. I felt honored to be a part of this meaningful celebration and I can’t wait to tell you about it.

A Decade-Long Love Story

Jessica and Josh’s elopement at Colorado’s Sapphire Point Overlook marked a significant milestone in their love story. After a decade-long journey together, they decided to exchange vows in a place that perfectly fit their vision.

The couple’s choice to elope in Colorado was driven not only by the stunning scenery but also by their desire for a fresh start. Having previously celebrated with large traditional weddings, Jessica and Josh wanted to embrace the unconventional with an intimate, stress-free elopement day. If you’re in search of non-traditional ideas for your own second wedding, check out my blog post below!

But, for Jessica, her elopement was also an opportunity to securely capture her wedding memories after her photographer lost her photos from her prior wedding. Determined not to repeat the past, she sought out a photographer who thoughtfully incorporated technology to prioritize the safety and preservation of clients’ wedding photos.

Your photos deserve to be cherished for a lifetime. That’s why I implement a multi-layered backup system to safeguard all of my couples’ precious memories against unforeseen mishaps.

Jessica and Josh’s elopement was a beautiful display of love, resilience, and the power of new beginnings. As their photographer, I was privileged to witness their love story unfold against the Rocky Mountains, with the stunning Sapphire Point serving as the perfect setting for their intimate celebration.

A Bit About Sapphire Point

Sapphire Point Overlook, nestled between Keystone and Breckenridge and just under 1.5 hours from Denver, captivates couples with its breathtaking scenery and serene ambiance. Situated at an elevation of 9,500 feet, this well-known gem offers sweeping views of the Gore and Tenmile mountains, set against the tranquil backdrop of Lake Dillon.

Jessica’s interest in Sapphire Point for her elopement speaks volumes about the draw to this picturesque location. Its ADA accessibility, coupled with its gorgeous vistas, makes it a sought-after destination for micro weddings and elopements. While the overlook may not guarantee complete privacy due to its popularity and nearby trails, couples can reserve this stunning spot for their special day with a permit and reservation. With a capacity of up to 35 guests, Sapphire Point provides a scenic and budget-friendly setting for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience in the Colorado mountains.

Reservations for Sapphire Point open at 8:00 AM MT, exactly six months in advance and can be secured online at recreation.gov. Due to the limited availability of reservations each day, I recommend consulting your photographer to determine what time slot will give you the best lighting for your ceremony.

When it comes to winter elopements at Sapphire Point, it’s essential to come prepared with appropriate footwear for navigating the snow-covered terrain. Jessica’s choice of super cute snow boots was the perfect example of this– she looked fabulous and could easily walk through the snow.

Because Sapphire Point is so popular, it is often regarded as a more ideal micro wedding and elopement venue for off-season or weekday celebrations. Regardless of when you choose to celebrate, Sapphire Point’s timeless beauty, versatility, and accessibility make it a top choice for couples seeking an epic mountainous backdrop for their love story.

The Sapphire Point Elopement Day

Elopement Day Details & Hand-Written Wedding Vows

Jessica and Josh were all about blazing their own trail. Instead of getting ready separately, they spent a leisurely morning getting ready together, enjoying each other’s company, and soaking in the anticipation of the day. As they prepared for their ceremony, I had the privilege of photographing their wedding details, each one infused with a personal touch. One particularly heartwarming touch was the leather wrap that Jessica’s stepson crafted for her bouquet—serving as a beautiful symbol of family unity.  I also couldn’t help but admire Jessica’s dried floral arrangement from Etsy. Those rich colors – *chef’s kiss*.

After capturing their details, I documented the special moments as Jessica and Josh penned their wedding vows in their vow books. Handwritten vows hold incredible power and offer a deeply personal touch to any wedding ceremony. There’s something truly special about exchanging words of affection, promise, and commitment that are uniquely yours.

Of course, I couldn’t miss capturing the final moments of Jessica and Josh getting ready as they excitedly donned their wedding attire. Once ready, it was time to go to Sapphire Point for their ceremony.

A Sapphire Point Overlook Elopement Ceremony

Before their ceremony, we took advantage of the stunning surroundings to capture some breathtaking portraits at Sapphire Point. The cloudy skies ahead of an impending winter storm created soft, flattering light for the moment.

Their touching elopement ceremony showcased their love and connection with hand-written vows and an exchange of rings. Following their ceremony, they played music from a portable speaker to celebrate the occasion with a first dance. It was a perfect scene played out among the towering Rocky Mountains.

Sunset Portraits to Close the Night

With the ceremony location still at our disposal, we seized the moment to capture more wedding photos before heading to the Blue River Arm Trailhead for some gorgeous sunset portraits. Jessica and Josh’s vision for their wedding portraits leaned toward a less-posed aesthetic, which I was more than happy to provide. So, as we took wedding portraits, we went with a more ‘prompt-based’ approach that allowed for natural movement and authenticity to shine through in their photos.

After a perfect elopement day in the snowy Colorado mountains, Jessica and Josh decided to end the night with an amazing steak dinner. Taking the time to sit down with each other and enjoy an intimate meal allowed them to reflect on the beautiful moments of their day and savor the beginning of their journey as a married couple. It was the perfect conclusion to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Let’s Plan Your Stress-Free Elopement

Amidst the snowy peaks and serene views of Colorado’s Sapphire Point Overlook, Jessica and Josh’s elopement epitomized love in its truest form. Their decision to trade conventional wedding customs for a deeply personal elopement spoke volumes about their desire for authenticity, intentional moments, and meaningful connections. From their shared moments of anticipation as they got ready together, to their sunset portraits that evening, their elopement was a celebration of their decade-long bond and unwavering commitment to each other.

It was abundantly clear that their 10-year journey together so far is just the beginning of their shared joy. In choosing Sapphire Point, Jessica and Josh found not only a breathtaking setting for their elopement but also the perfect launchpad for their next adventure together. If you are ready to start planning your own intimate elopement day, click the button below to begin your journey.