A Snowy Colorado Winter Elopement

Sarah and Hunter’s Colorado winter elopement unfolded like something straight out of a dream—or maybe a movie set. The two celebrated their intimate wedding in an unforgettable winter wonderland as Colorado’s largest November snowstorm in over 30 years blanketed Estes Park.

They wanted a day that felt collaborative, natural, and intimate. Their dreams were realized with snowy mountains, a cozy Airbnb, twinkling holiday lights, and a warm dinner shared with their closest people. It was the kind of vision that reflects not just a wedding day, but a whole love story.

Looking back, it was an intimate wedding made for the big screen. I can still picture the quiet moments, the heartfelt laughter, and the blissful joy of two people wholly present with each other. I’m so excited to share their wedding story—a story of love, intention, and the beauty of simply being together.

Meet Sarah and Hunter

Sarah and Hunter, originally from Florida, knew they wanted to marry in the Colorado mountains long before they even started planning their big day. They got engaged in 2022, and, from the start, it was clear that their Colorado winter elopement needed to reflect their creative, adventurous spirits.

Their love story is full of moments of collaboration, and their wedding planning journey proved no different. Their incredible sense of teamwork was tested and proven a few years before their wedding when their pup flooded their kitchen right before the two left on vacation.  Rather than stress over the damage, Sarah and Hunter returned home and began a four-month-long home renovation. What could’ve been a stressful situation ended up being a powerful bonding experience, showing them just how well they worked as a team. It’s a perfect reminder that when you find your person, even the toughest moments can turn into cherished memories.

As they planned their elopement, they carried that same sense of teamwork and collaboration into every detail, making sure each part of their celebration reflected who they are as a couple. Sarah, a full-time professional working artist, is one of the most creative people I’ve met. Hunter, a professional bass player with a passion for cooking, is equally as inventive. Together, they’re a dynamic duo of creativity, and it was an absolute joy to co-create such a special day for them in the heart of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Planning Their Perfect Colorado Winter Elopement

Sarah and Hunter first reached out to me about seven months before their big day. They found me on Instagram, and, from the moment we first talked, I was so excited to be a part of their wedding story. They were planning a winter elopement in Colorado with just 10 of their nearest and dearest, and they knew they wanted to include Rocky Mountain National Park in their photos.

Airbnb Elopement Considerations

They had already booked a stunning Airbnb in Estes Park and hoped to have their ceremony at the property—if their host allowed it. I shared other incredible wedding ceremony spots around Estes Park with them, so they knew they still had plenty of beautiful options if their Airbnb host didn’t allow their ceremony.

After reaching out, we learned that, unfortunately, their Airbnb couldn’t host their elopement ceremony. But no worries—Sarah and Hunter were flexible and excited about their other Estes Park options. We quickly came up with a new plan, deciding to get ready and exchange their private vows at their Estes Park Airbnb before heading to Rocky Mountain National Park for their ceremony.

When planning an Airbnb elopement or micro wedding, it’s important to ensure that the property host will allow your celebration. Every property is different, so it’s always best to reach out directly to your host. There are a few other key considerations to keep in mind when planning your Airbnb celebration, which I cover them in more detail in my other guide.

Staying Flexible for Their Winter Elopement in Colorado 

I suggested holding their ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park, and they were immediately drawn to the thought of an intimate celebration surrounded by world-renowned nature. Since their elopement fell during the November ‘low season,’ wedding permits were still available, offering them the opportunity to celebrate their elopement in this epic setting.

If you and your partner are dreaming of a specific location for your micro wedding or elopement, choosing a weekday or ‘low season’ date can increase your chances of securing permits for your dream location.

Sarah and Hunter thoughtfully considered the accessibility, guest allowance, car count, and aesthetics of a couple different Rocky Mountain National Park ceremony sites. After reviewing their options, they chose Bear Lake for its scenic beauty, easy access, and intimate atmosphere.

To make the planning process as stress-free as possible for their winter elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park, I completed the permit paperwork, ensuring they could focus on the meaningful details of their day. All they had to do was sign and submit the form.

As an elopement photographer, it’s important to me that your planning journey feel as smooth and empowering as your wedding day itself. By supporting couples with permits and practical logistics, I give them space to stay present and center themselves in the moments that matter most.

This approach—grounded in support and care—helped Sarah and Hunter feel confident and energized for their unforgettable winter elopement in the heart of the Rockies.

Choosing Colorado Elopement Vendors 

The next step for Sarah and Hunter was deciding which wedding vendors to include in their special day.

I have a guide to help couples navigate this part of the planning process, with tips for choosing your elopement vendors, what vendors to consider, and even a list of my preferred Colorado wedding vendors. Be sure to check out my other guide for all the details!

Sarah and Hunter had a clear vision of a minimalistic wedding day centered on what matters most. I was so excited to support their dream of spending their day focused on each other and their journey to “I do.”

The two vendors they wanted were a hair and makeup artist and a venue for their post-ceremony dinner. For hair and makeup, I recommended Brittany from Alchemy Creative. She is amazing—timely, professional, and incredibly skilled. Despite the snow and wet conditions, Sarah’s curls held beautifully throughout the day, which speaks volumes about Brittany’s expertise.

For their post-elopement dinner, they chose The View Restaurant at The Historic Crags Lodge. I reached out to the restaurant manager, Aki, and he was so kind and accommodating from the get go. He responded to me quickly with all the details I needed to share with Sarah and Hunter. He even offered the two use of the restaurant as a back-up ceremony location in the event of inclement weather. His generosity made a lasting impression. It’s always a joy to work with vendors who go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for their couples.

Crafting an Intentional Winter Elopement Timeline

Next, it was time to plan Sarah and Hunter’s elopement timeline. This is a step I include in all of my couples’ planning journeys to ensure we dedicate the time and space needed for each of your dream wedding day experiences. The process helps focus your priorities, creating a wedding day that is intentional and unhurried, with plenty of room to breathe and truly soak it all in. The goal is to create a clear vision of your day, allowing you to be fully present in every moment.

Sarah and Hunter’s timeline planning was smooth due to their strong sense of priorities. By identifying what matters most, they had clear direction and focus for their day. If you want to dive deeper into refining your and your partner’s priorities, check out this dedicated section of my blog ‘10 Essential Tips To Plan Your Stress-Free Micro Wedding.’ 

Sarah and Hunter didn’t want traditional wedding elements like a grand entrance, first dance, parent dances, toasts, or bouquet toss—and I couldn’t have been more supportive of that! They crafted a wedding day that was unapologetically original, free from societal expectations, and focused entirely on their love and what truly matters to them.

They decided to start the day getting ready at their Airbnb, followed by a private vow reading at the cozy property. In line with their creative personalities, they planned to spend the time before their ceremony enjoying coffee and a mural walk in downtown Estes Park. Afterward, we’d meet their 10 guests at Rocky Mountain National Park for their ceremony, followed by a heartfelt post-ceremony dinner at The View. Their Colorado winter elopement was designed to be a stress-free, intentional celebration filled with meaningful moments, tailored entirely to them.

Their Colorado Winter Elopement Day

Winter Elopement Weather in Colorado

As Sarah and Hunter’s elopement day approached, I kept a close eye on the weather forecast. Snow was expected, and I made sure they were prepared for the possibility of weather challenges. I suggested they layer up, purchase microspikes for better traction on snowy park paths, and let them know I’d be bringing two clear umbrellas for their use. I also provided details on where they could purchase additional umbrellas if they wanted matching ones for their guests. It’s important to plan ahead for the snow, especially in the mountains where forecasts can change quickly.

Of course, snow forecasts can be unpredictable. The day before their elopement, things looked promising, with the snow totals dropping to just one to two inches. I thought we might be in the clear!

But, by the morning of their wedding, that forecast had increased to five inches. That’s when I knew we were in for a true winter wonderland—and in need of some quick adjustments. The heaviest snowfall was forecast to hit right during their ceremony, family photos, and portraits in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Being prepared for curveballs like this is part of the job. I reached out to them that morning and suggested a shift in their timeline. Rather than enjoy the early afternoon in downtown Estes Park, I suggested we go straight to Rocky Mountain National Park for their ceremony once they had exchanged their private vows at the Airbnb. This would allow us to enjoy our time at the park before road conditions deteriorated and enjoy the snowy afternoon from downtown Estes Park, with plenty of indoor options.

Sarah and Hunter were completely on board with the changes, and we moved forward with a new plan that worked beautifully.

Getting Ready at The Colorado Airbnb + Thoughtful Winter Elopement Details

The morning of Sarah and Hunter’s winter elopement, I met up with them at their Airbnb—a stunning, dome-shaped house set on a sprawling grassland. Inside, the space was full of charm and creative touches. One of my favorite features was a wall designed to look like the ends of stacked logs, interspersed with striking triangle-shaped windows that let in soft natural light.

At 10:30 AM, I began photographing their wedding details. This part was especially fun because Sarah is an artist, and her creativity was reflected in every facet of their elopement day. So many elements were meaningful, handmade, and uniquely theirs:

The Cake Topper: Sarah hand-crafted their ceramic cake topper—a wolf and a rabbit—representing each of them. She’s the wolf, and Hunter is the rabbit, a sweet and deeply personal nod to their love story.

The Rings: Her engagement ring featured a stunning kite-shaped design, unlike anything I’d seen before. And she made Hunter’s wedding ring herself. When it was time to resize it, they repurposed the extra metal into a tiny charm engraved with their initials—a creative detail I absolutely adored.

The Ring Box: Sarah brought along a gorgeous antique Chinese trinket box as her ring box and thoughtfully added moss for a whimsical, natural touch.

Family Heirlooms & Cultural Accessories: Sarah wore a jade necklace passed down from her grandmother, jade earrings, and beautiful Chinese knotted bracelets that she and Hunter had exchanged.

Handmade Vow Books: Sarah also crafted their vow books by hand, binding them herself and using covers made from pieces of her original paintings.

Polaroid Memories: A friend had gifted them a Polaroid camera for their elopement weekend, and they captured precious moments leading up to their wedding. We included a few sweet Polaroid shots in their detail photos, adding a nostalgic charm to the flat lay.

Florals: Sarah designed and made both her bouquet and Hunter’s boutonniere—perfect moody hues for a Colorado winter elopement.

Sarah’s red wedding dress—a nod to Chinese tradition—was bold, stunning, and striking among the snowy landscape. Hunter’s outfit complemented hers with thoughtful details: a red-and-gold brocade tie, red cufflinks engraved with the Chinese symbol for double happiness, and a modern black suit that tied everything together. Sarah’s intricate gold hairpin added a final touch of elegance.

After photographing their thoughtful details, I captured candid moments of Sarah and Hunter preparing for the day. Sarah finished her hair and makeup, while Hunter got his suit ready. They helped each other with their final touches—adjusting ties, securing buttons, and making sure everything looked just right before heading out. These moments—filled with quiet laughter, tender glances, and honest emotion—made their morning feel intimate and grounded.

After getting ready together, they chose to read their private vows on the stairs of their Airbnb, tucked close together and surrounded by the cozy, light-filled space. It was one of those wildly joyful moments that felt like a deep exhale as they leaned into the start of their elopement day.

Heading to Bear Lake for Their Ceremony

Because we had adjusted their timeline earlier that morning to better accommodate the snowstorm, we went straight to Rocky Mountain National Park from the Airbnb. By then, the snow was really coming down. The park ranger let me know that traction laws had gone into effect on the roads within Rocky Mountain National Park—so I pulled on my snow chains before heading up to Bear Lake. Their group carpooled in all-wheel-drive vehicles, allowing everyone to safely make the drive together.

We hiked up to the Bear Lake ceremony site through snow-covered trails, with snowflakes quietly blanketing the landscape. It was the perfect lead-up to their winter ceremony—wild, intimate, and beautifully unforgettable.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of Estes Park’s most iconic locations to tie the knot. It’s easy to see why this park ranks as America’s most popular national park, with its countless mountain peaks, 147 lakes, and over 300 miles of trails. Additionally, its prime location within 1.5 hours of Denver makes travel easy for you and your guests. For couples like Sarah and Hunter, who want an intimate and awe-inspiring location for their Colorado winter elopement, RMNP offers the perfect backdrop.

The park has 12 designated ceremony sites, each with specific restrictions on the number of people and vehicles allowed. Due to vehicle restrictions, carpooling or using a shuttle is strongly recommended—and may even be required at certain sites. Additionally, all vehicles without a wedding permit must pay regular park entrance fees.

When planning your wedding at RMNP, keep in mind that your wedding group—including guests and vendors—cannot exceed 30 people. Many sites, like Bear Lake, have even smaller capacity limits, so be sure to double-check the details for your chosen location.

Ceremonies are limited to two hours and take place outdoors without protection from the elements, so it’s important to come prepared for whatever your day has in store. Luckily, Sarah, Hunter, and their tribe were ready for the steady snowfall. While a few sites may have picnic tables or benches, expect an authentic outdoor ceremony surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.

Wedding permit applications can be submitted up to a year in advance, beginning on the first of the month. Planning ahead is key, as permits for peak season dates tend to sell out quickly. However, as Sarah and Hunter discovered, an off-season date might be the sweet spot. A non-refundable administrative fee of $300 is required to secure your wedding permit. You can find detailed permit information on the RMNP website, but I’m always happy to assist you while planning your micro wedding or elopement, just like I did for Sarah and Hunter.

Because the park is open to the public, other visitors may be nearby during your ceremony. If you’re hoping for a more private experience, consider holding your ceremony on a weekday or at sunrise to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy beautiful lighting.

If you’d like to include your dog in your ceremony, check out Moraine Park Amphitheater and Timber Creek Campground, the only two locations where dogs are permitted within RMNP. To avoid hiccups, be sure to disclose your pup’s attendance on your wedding permit application if they will be joining you.

Whether you’re exchanging vows by a peaceful meadow, beside an alpine lake, near a rushing stream, or at an overlook, RMNP offers a range of stunning locations. No matter which site you choose, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty that makes Rocky Mountain National Park an unforgettable place to celebrate your micro wedding or elopement.

Bear Lake – Winter Elopement Ceremony Site

Bear Lake is a breathtaking winter-only elopement ceremony site in Colorado, with weddings permitted from the second Monday in October through the Friday before Memorial Day. Weddings and elopements are also restricted to weekdays, with a maximum party size of 20 and a vehicle limit of 5. As one of RMNP’s most popular hikes, Bear Lake offers a 0.7-mile trail around a picturesque mountain lake, showcasing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lower subalpine zone.

In winter, it’s common to see people walking on the lake’s frozen surface, but Sarah and Hunter’s November elopement occurred before the lake was sufficiently solidified for that.

Since Bear Lake is a winter-only site, be aware that accessibility can be challenging. The short trail from the parking lot to the lake can be slippery, so quality shoes and additional traction, such as micro spikes, are highly recommended.

A Short + Sweet Colorado Winter Elopement Ceremony

Their guests arrived promptly, allowing us to dive right into their ceremony. Having already shared their private vows at the Airbnb, Sarah and Hunter’s elopement ceremony at Rocky Mountain National Park was short, sweet, and perfectly intimate. Surrounded by their closest people and with snow quietly falling around them, it felt magical. The privacy and stillness the snow provided made the moment feel even more special—just them, the mountains, and the peaceful silence. It was the kind of ceremony that you can’t help but remember forever.

Family Photos + Winter Elopement Portraits in Colorado

After their ceremony, it was time for family photos. Planning your family portraits might feel a bit overwhelming, but, with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable part of your celebration. For tips and a full family photo shot list template, check out my other blog.

Sarah and Hunter’s family was incredibly on top of things, so we were able to take their family photos quickly and easily. All the prep work we did on their family photo shot list ahead of time paid off, and we captured every important moment with ease.

After family portraits, Sarah and Hunter took a leisurely walk around Bear Lake to enjoy the views and capture some gorgeous winter elopement portraits. The light that day was beyond incredible—softly pouring through the snow clouds above and reflecting off the snow-blanketed ground below. I couldn’t get enough of it! 

Despite the cold and the constant snowfall, Sarah and Hunter were total troopers! They were clearly fully present in the moment, enjoying each other’s company, and their portraits turned out soft, serene, and full of Colorado’s winter magic.

Blissful Moments Exploring Estes Park After a Colorado Winter Elopement

After their winter elopement portraits at Bear Lake, we headed to downtown Estes Park to warm up with some cozy drinks. We stopped by Inkwell & Brew, a charming coffee shop and writer’s haven. With its collection of journals, books, decorative papers, and pens, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Sarah and Hunter cozied in a booth, sipping their hot beverages and soaking in the warmth after their snowy winter elopement ceremony. 

Estes Park was beautifully lit up with Christmas lights, and we took full advantage of the festive atmosphere, snapping photos as they explored the twinkling downtown area. The soft blue hour sky and glowing lights made the scene feel like something straight out of a winter dream. One of the highlights was a big, ornament-like light structure with an opening large enough for them to stand inside. It was such a fun, sweet moment! 

They also window-shopped and enjoyed the quiet charm of the town. The entire day felt so perfect, and it was such a beautiful way to unwind before their post-elopement dinner.

Cozy Post-Elopement Dinner with Loved Ones

After exploring downtown Estes Park, Sarah and Hunter headed to The View Restaurant at The Historic Crags Lodge for their intimate post-elopement dinner. The restaurant is connected to the lodge itself, which makes it super convenient if you or your guests need lodging. It’s also where I stayed for the night, and let me tell you—it was incredibly cozy and welcoming.

Sarah and Hunter enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail hour to relax with their loved ones and soak in the warmth of each other’s company. Dinner was absolutely delicious, and all were fed, warm, and happy. The evening was so heartwarming as their closest loved ones gathered around one long table, sharing good food, great conversation, and a lot of laughter. The atmosphere was sweet and cozy—exactly the kind of celebration you’d want after a day of love and adventure.

After dinner, Sarah and Hunter cut their cake, topped with Sarah’s handmade cake topper. It was such a personal, creative touch, and I couldn’t resist snapping a few extra photos of this perfect moment.

As the evening came to a close, we said our goodbyes, and I made my way up to my hotel room—grateful to have been part of such a warm, joyful day surrounded by love.

Embrace the Unexpected for Your Colorado Winter Elopement

Sarah and Hunter’s Colorado winter elopement was a beautiful reminder of how embracing the unexpected can lead to the most unforgettable moments. From the soft snowfall during their intimate ceremony to the cozy exploration of downtown Estes Park, every part of their elopement felt uniquely theirs.

When wedding planning, some things, like the weather, are outside of your control. However, by being adaptable and maintaining a positive outlook, like Sarah and Hunter, you can always find joy in whatever your day brings. Their ability to remain present, soak in the beauty of the moment, and simply enjoy each other’s company made their elopement truly special. It’s a perfect example of how, no matter what comes your way, the most important thing is the love and connection you share.

If you’re ready to celebrate your love story with an unforgettable, intentional experience, I’d love to help you center your day around what truly matters. Together, we can co-create an intimate wedding day that’s unapologetically original, filled with honest emotion, and entirely true to you.