Three Day Hiking & Off-Roading Elopement in Remote Colorado

Christen and Michael took the meaning of “adventure elopement” to a whole new level during their three day hiking, camping, and off-roading elopement with their closest friends and family.

The couple chose a sentimental and incredibly remote spot in Colorado for three days of exploring the wilderness with their loved ones. This Colorado elopement was an unforgettable and totally unique adventure!

Getting Way Out in Nature

Christen and Michael may be the only couple to get married exactly where and how they did – that’s how remote and adventurous their hiking and off-roading elopement was!

The couple chose to elope in a part of the Rocky Mountains where they’d worked together over the summers, so the location was super meaningful to them. The spot was on private property, but the property owner let them bring a handful of their closest friends and family – and me! – to camp for their elopement weekend.

Christen and Michael had originally planned for everyone to backpack in to the campsite. But, I offered that everyone could load up their gear into my 4Runner so the guests could just hike in without having to haul all their stuff, and we’d be able to save energy for the big hike on their wedding day!

Wedding Basecamp

We reached the campsite in a beautiful meadow and set up camp for the fun weekend ahead!

Everyone set up their tents, and took in the beauty around us. We spent most of the first day just hanging out and catching up, and the group took a short hike to a nearby waterfall before dinner.

At one point during the afternoon, the couple split up to write their vows, and Christen chatted with some friends about what she wanted to include in hers.

It was super sweet to see them excitedly discussing the ceremony the next day and their obvious love and support for the couple.

Getting Ready for a Hiking Elopement

Everyone woke up bright and early the next morning to get ready for an intense hike to Christen and Michael’s ceremony spot. Christen and her maid of honor were able to use the outlet in the back of my 4Runner to curl their hair.

We set off on our hike, which was a sentimental trail for the couple and over 10 miles long with thousands of feet of elevation gain. Even though it was challenging, I was impressed by how all of Christen and Michael’s friends were totally game and kept their excited energy up all day!

Remote Ceremony Location

When we finally reached the lake, I could see why the intense hike was worth it – this stunning, remote location was truly like no other.

Christen and Michael’s guests changed in to their formal attire, which was such a fun detail! Often during hiking elopements, only the bride and groom are in wedding attire while the guests stay in their hiking clothes, but this was a cool way to create a “wedding” feel even in the middle of nowhere.

High-Elevation Ceremony

The couple’s hiking elopement ceremony was officiated by one of their friends in front of the unreal alpine backdrop.

After the ceremony, everyone hung out and took in the scenery. Dark rain clouds rolled in overhead, and we all hid under a tree with umbrellas for a few minutes while the storm passed.

Camping Reception

Once the rain cleared up, we took some more couple’s portraits in front of the lake.

It started getting hot out (Colorado’s weather is constantly changing), so the group changed back into hiking clothes, splashed their faces with water from the lake, and started the hike back down.

The group shared dinner back at the campsite, and then Christen and Michael put on their wedding attire for some sunset and blue hour portraits.

The next morning, we started the day by hiking to some nearby beaver ponds. Then we packed up the cars, and the party hiked and off-roaded back to the trailhead to wrap up this truly epic Colorado elopement weekend.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Elopement

I felt like I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph an elopement that included hiking, off-roading, and camping in a place so remote that it’s just not accessible to most couples – which made Christen and Michael’s day all the more special.

There are hundreds of incredible, off-the-beaten-path spots for adventurous elopements all over Colorado. I’d love to help you find one that’s perfect for you!

Backpacking Engagements

Want to see more of this couple’s adventures? For their engagement photos we went backpacking in RMNP. Check it out!

Ready to plan your own Colorado Adventure Elopement?

Reach out to me and let’s start chatting about the perfect elopement day for you and your partner—with the views of your dreams and the adventure of a lifetime. No matter what you’re picturing for your wedding day, I’m here to help you execute every last detail.