When Amanda and Jim reached out to me about their Boulder, Colorado hiking elopement, I was beyond stoked to photograph their wedding. Amanda and Jim are the type of people who, when you meet them for the first time, make you feel like you’ve been best friends forever! From our very first conversation, I knew that their elopement was going to be epic.

The Experience

I met them at the trailhead in the early afternoon and the weather could not have been more perfect! The sun was shining and Colorado blessed us with perfect bluebird skies. As we breathed in the pine trees and felt the sun kiss our faces, we set off to the alpine lake where they were to exchange vows. The hike itself is one of my all-time favorite hikes in Boulder. It is a moderate hike with insane mountain views the entire way. You can usually spot moose in the area, too! I’ve literally never been here where we didn’t see a moose or two! It really is an incredible sight if you have never seen one before!

We exchanged laughs, talked about all of the incredible adventures Amanda and Jim have gone on (which was a lot! Phew I’ve got some catching up to do!), and just enjoyed each other’s company in one of the most beautiful places in Colorado. One of my favorite things about being a Colorado elopement photographer (and boy there are many!) is getting the opportunity to meet the most incredible couple’s in the world! A Boulder, Colorado hiking elopement is for everyone!

The Hike

This hike is really incredible because you kinda come up over a hill and descend down to the alpine lake. It really does take your breath away when you see the lake and the mountains for the first time. When we got to the lake, we all just paused to take it all in. We slowed down. We set an intention to be present, to keep this day 100% focused on Amanda and Jim.

Amanda touched up her makeup and changed her shoes while Jim put on his tie. Right here with the insane Colorado mountains as their backdrop. We heard fellow hikers say that you couldn’t beat that backdrop for a wedding, and we couldn’t agree more! When they were ready, they stood hand in hand and exchanged the sweetest vows, and sealed it with their first kiss as husband and wife. To celebrate their marriage, they popped some champagne and took in the views one more time before heading back.

We passed lots of hikers on our way down and everyone was so stoked for Amanda and Jim, So many people couldn’t believe that they just got married! The idea of eloping is still fairly new, but the definition has definitely changed. It now means to have an intentionally small wedding that keeps the focus on you and your partner. Allowing you to have an experience that reflects your relationship. That is exactly what Amanda and Jim chose to do. Their Boulder, Colorado elopement was so them! Every time I look back at their pictures I can’t wipe the smile off my face!

Here’s What Amanda and Jim had to Say About Their Colorado Elopement

“The day started with nerves – Will we be horrible awkward in front of the camera? What will people think seeing a couple hiking in wedding attire? All of that vanished the moment we met Bailee in the parking lot where we started our hike! Her love for what she does and excitement for such a special day for us was just the start of the most incredible day of our lives!

Between our wonderful conversations with Bailee, cheers, and congratulations from fellow hikers, saying our vows, and dancing in front of the mountain peaks and high alpine lake, the day was perfectly us and completely stress-free. Our elopement was perfect for us in every way! And ending the day having become fast friends with Bailee was just the icing on the cake!”

Let’s Get You Eloped!

I am forever grateful to Amanda and Jim for trusting me to photograph such an incredible part of their story. Their Colorado hiking elopement was definitely one for the books and one I will never forget! If you and your partner are looking for a wildly different wedding experience, one that is solely focused on you and your love for each other, contact us to start planning your Colorado elopement!

Happy adventuring,
Bailee + Jake