Two Day Elopement In Ouray
Two day elopements are perfect for couples that want to do multiple activities either just the two of you or with family. Hannah and Cameron planned a two day elopement in Ouray. They spent their first day going to the mountains and celebrated just the two of them. The next day they did an adventure session at a lake close to town that didn’t require much hiking. They got to experience different locations without any rush or stress.
Day 1: Morning Of The Elopement
H + C had a slow morning where they got to cuddle together and hangout before officially getting married. They sipped their morning coffee together and chatted and cuddled for a little while. Then, they spent a little bit of time in the backyard at their Airbnb, they took a short walk and then wrote their vows together. Afterwards, they had some down time to just relax.
Getting Ready Together + Cake Cutting
Afterwards, they got ready and cut their cake before we headed to Yankee Boy Basin. For the couples that want to mix in something traditional on their elopement day, cake cutting, first look or first dance is what I would recommend.
The Airbnb they booked had a gorgeous spot to get ready so we also did some photos there.
Yankee Boy Basin Exploration
We met up with Switzerland Of America Jeeps to take us to Yankee Boy and the other locations we wanted. I recommend getting a driver for couples who are not as experienced or maybe don’t feel comfortable off-roading. Most of the stunning trails in Ouray requires 4×4’s. Yankee Boy is one of the easier trails and it’s the closest to town.
When we got to Yankee Boy, H + C explored the meadows and waterfalls nearby. We got some mountain backdrop photos. H + C have never been to Ouray so it was amazing to see them experience the beauty of the mountains for the first time.
Ceremony + Portraits
After exploring Yankee Boy we went to our second location. H + C exchanged their heartfelt vows in a very intimate location surrounded by all the beauty in nature. Capturing this moment is always my favorite because capturing emotions is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. I loved capturing the joy on both H+C’s face when they were saying their vows. We then took some portraits all around the location before setting up a picnic.
Ouray is called the Switzerland Of America for good reasons, it actually looks similar to Switzerland. Even though most of the photos were taken around the same spot each angle offers a different landscape. So, you get a variety of landscapes without going to multiple spots. These locations also didn’t require much hiking either.
Picnic + Reading Letters
To end the day, they had a small picnic and time to relax. Then, they read letters from loved ones before we headed back to town.
Day 2: Adventure Session
The next day, H+C did an adventure session at one of my favorite spots close to town. It is a lake on the Million Dollar Highway. It is easy to get to and more accessible than most locations in the San Juan Mountains. I would recommend this spot for couples that want to invite more people to their ceremony because there are flat meadow spots. Depending on the season, the lake could be dried up, but the meadows are perfect for fall season.
Planning Your Elopement In Ouray
If you’re dreaming of an adventure(ish) elopement in Ouray, let’s connect! I love helping couples plan their dream elopements in the mountains. The San Juans are my absolute favorite. As an elopement photographer I am here to not just help with location but to help you dream up your dream day. That may include your favorite activities, food, trails etc Your elopement day can be however you want it to be.
