Molly and Brian’s Telluride hiking elopement combined idyllic lighting, huge mountain views, and so many authentic moments. We planned the most epic, perfect elopement day for these adventurers. It was incredible to document.
Planning a hiking elopement
One cool thing about not having a large traditional wedding is that you can plan an elopement on almost any timeline. Molly and Brian reached out to me only a month or two before their elopement date, but that was plenty of time to brainstorm everything we’d need for a perfect Telluride hiking elopement.
In their initial questionnaire M + B said that if they had a free day with unlimited money, they’d teleport to a beautiful place in nature where they could take in the gorgeous sights together in complete isolation. I think that we hit the nail on the head with their wedding day!
Molly & Brian said that their biggest priorities for their elopement were insane, close-up mountain views, and privacy—a day for just the two of them (and me capturing the day, of course).
We knew from the start that Telluride would be the perfect home-base, but we spent a lot of time discussing all of the cool trails nearby. This was one we just kept coming back to: the beautiful rocky lake with big mountain views and stunning views along literally the whole trail. I really thought it would be perfect for Molly and Brian’s priorities, and oh my gosh it was perfect. We decided on a sunrise hike to maximize the amazing light over the mountains.
Early Morning Hike
We met up at the trailhead in the dark to start our hike. As soon as it started to get light enough, Molly and Brian changed into their wedding attire and helped each other get ready right on the trail, since there was not another soul around.
We came around a corner to see the amazing, huge mountain views the couple was hoping for starting to be lit up by sunbeams. Some of my favorite photos from the day are of Molly and Brian soaking in the first bit of daylight on their wedding day.
During the hike, we passed an old mining shack, and I found out that Molly & Brian love old mining history. This was just one of many things during the day that made us sure we had 100% picked the right spot for their Telluride hiking elopement.
Jaw-dropping “Venue”
When we reached the end of the hike, I was able to capture the moment that Molly and Brian saw the lake and its gorgeous, bright turquoise waters for the first time. I had them face each other and reminded them that that was the place they were about to get married. I loved their genuine, excited reactions as they took in this fact and the beautiful place we were so lucky to be sharing.
Intimate Vows & First dance
We were literally the only people at the lake, so Molly and Brian were able to have the completely isolated, intimate moment to share their vows that they’d been dreaming of. I popped in a pair of headphones so they could have absolute privacy to say whatever they want and be completely vulnerable with each other.
During hiking elopements, I encourage couples to just take in the moment for as long as they want after they’re done sharing their vows, before they let me know they’re ready to move on to the next part of the day. That way it’s truly their moment, I am just there to capture it and they don’t need to rush it.
Molly and Brian shared their first dance on the lake shore, and we took some portraits as the couple explored the lake and climbed around the rocks.
On our hike out, we took our time to get some cool hiking shots and just enjoy the couple’s wedding day.
The Waterfall
To wrap up the day, we stopped by one of my favorite Telluride spots. It’s a huge waterfall you can climb to the bottom of! M + B chose to sign their marriage license here, and then we grabbed my clear umbrellas and headed off to explore.
the couple taking selfies together throughout the day
Brian helping Molly put her earrings in because her hands were too cold
the couple taking tequila shots together after their first dance
Molly finding the patch her seamstress had secretly sewn into her dress as her “something blue”
Molly tossing her bouquet up to Brian after he climbed a boulder
all the times throughout the day that I caught Brian just admiring his now-wife
Capturing real moments
One of the sweetest things that stands out to me about this Telluride hiking elopement is all the little authentic moments I was able to capture between Molly and Brian. Even though the couple had a professional photographer following them around all day, they were just focused on being themselves and having fun together. The laidback, intimate vibe of a hiking elopement is so perfect for allowing these moments to happen naturally!
Molly & Brian’s Review
It’s hard to put into words what Sam was for us not only on our wedding day, but every step of the way throughout the process.
She was our planner, our hype girl, our coordinator, our lighting expert, our director and our photographer. But so much more than that is who she is as a person. She made us feel comfortable in a way we didn’t think we could, she believed in us when we weren’t so sure, she was our friend more than our photographer. Her warmth, kindness and genuine excitement for what she does radiates through her and the pictures that she takes.
She has the best eye for unique, unbelievable shots. She captured the vastness of the mountains and landscape in a way we didn’t think was possible. Our pictures bring us to tears each time that we look at them. Sam was able to capture the entire day, but more than that, capture the most important moments. She sees how the little moments are the biggest moments, and is able to encompass all of the love, emotion and joy we felt on that day in a single image.
We’re blown away by our end product! When we show friends and family our pictures, they get to feel as if they were there, which is the greatest gift. She was the best choice we made in our elopement journey. You absolutely can’t go wrong with Sam! She completely made our day everything that it was, and we are beyond grateful and blessed to share in this incredible experience with her!
Ready to plan your own hiking Elopement?
Reach out to me and let’s start chatting about the perfect elopement day for your partner—with the views of your dreams and the adventure of a lifetime. No matter what you’re picturing for your elopement day, I’m here to help you execute every last detail.
Hey there, the name’s Sam! I cannot wait to chat with you.
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