Imagine starting your wedding day before the sun even rises, with only the soft whispers of the morning breeze and the majestic Rocky Mountains as your witnesses. That’s exactly what Jared and Brittany did for their Colorado hiking elopement—and wow, what a way to start a new chapter together!

Prepping for Their Colorado Hiking Elopement

Jared and Brittany met us at the trailhead bright and early—5 am to be exact. It’s safe to say these two were 100% committed to their dream elopement. They were all about making this day uniquely theirs, and that included a first look in the wilds of Colorado. They decided to get ready separately before their big moment.

And talk about making it work with nature as your vanity! Brittany touched up her makeup using the car mirror (resourceful, right?), while Jared meticulously tied his tie under the glow of a headlamp. It was like the ultimate outdoor wedding prep—and everything felt so real, so raw, and so “them.”

Once they were ready, we set the stage for their first look, and let me tell you, it was magical. Jared’s eyes locked onto Brittany’s, and not far off in the distance, two moose decided to make a surprise appearance. Talk about an unexpected guest at the wedding! Those moose sure know how to photobomb, but in that moment, it only added to the wonder of their Colorado hiking elopement.

Hiking to the Perfect Ceremony Spot

After their unforgettable first look, it was time to hit the trail. The adventure continued as we embarked on a 2-mile hike to their ceremony site. And when we arrived? The entire alpine lake was all theirs. No crowds, no distractions—just breathtaking scenery and the two of them in the middle of it all. It was a moment that could only be described as “picture-perfect.”

Here’s a pro tip for anyone planning a Colorado hiking elopement: one of the best perks of getting married at sunrise on a weekday is that you get an almost private experience. Most people are still snoozing in bed, which means fewer crowds and more intimacy. Plus, you get to enjoy that glorious sunrise alpenglow that transforms the mountains into a glowing masterpiece. So, if you’re thinking about eloping, a sunrise ceremony on a weekday might just be the way to go! Not sure when’s the best time to elope in Colorado? Don’t worry, we’ve got a blog just for that!

Back to Jared and Brittany’s epic sunrise adventure! After a little exploration around the lake, they found the most perfect spot to say their vows. Standing hand-in-hand, the Rocky Mountains towering in the distance, they shared their promises to one another. And let me tell you, there was not a dry eye around. Their ceremony was simple, heartfelt, and filled with the kind of joy that only happens when you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Fun fact: Jared and Brittany are huge music festival fans. One of their favorite things to do is join in on the massive hammock hangs at festivals. So, naturally, they had to celebrate their new marriage with a post-ceremony hammock session! I mean, how perfect is that? Just the two of them, wrapped in love and hammocks, soaking in that “just married” vibe.

The Perfect Ending to an Epic Elopement Day

After their hammock hangout, we packed up and headed back down the trail, but the adventure wasn’t quite over yet. Just before reaching the cars, we stumbled upon another alpine lake—cue the dramatic music! Jared and Brittany decided to share their first dance right there. Again, total privacy. It felt like the world was holding its breath, giving them this intimate moment to dance to their own rhythm.

Once the first dance was done, it was time to officially seal the deal. We made our way back to the car, where they signed their marriage license. And yep, you guessed it—we did it on a rock. Out in the wild. I mean, is there a more Colorado way to make it official?

Their Colorado hiking elopement was everything they’d dreamed of: adventure, beauty, nature, and a whole lot of love. These two had their own rules for their wedding day, and they absolutely nailed it. From hiking to their ceremony spot to exchanging vows with the Rockies as their backdrop, it was a day that honored who they are as a couple—and we were beyond honored to capture it all.

What Brittany and Jared Had to Say About Their Colorado Elopement

Want to know what it felt like for them? Well, here’s what Brittany had to say about their Colorado hiking elopement experience:

“We chose to elope because we wanted the focus to be solely on each other on our day. We love traveling and hiking together, so when we found out we could elope in the beautiful mountains of Colorado with just the two of us (+ our amazing photographer & videographer), we jumped at the opportunity. And I’m SO glad we did. Our day was beyond perfect. The two of us were completely free of stress and just engulfed in the nature surrounding us. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like saying your vows to the love of your life with the views we had after our sunrise hike, whew! And we got to see some moose for the first time ever as we did our first look! There’s nothing at all we’d change about our day and we’re so grateful for Bailee & Jake for capturing it so beautifully.”

Ready to Plan Your Own Colorado Hiking Elopement?

We love when couples decide to make their wedding day truly their own. If you’re the type of couple who craves adventure, nature, and a stress-free day, then a Colorado hiking elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. At Alpine Vows, we specialize in helping couples plan the elopement of their dreams—one that perfectly reflects their unique love story. Want to know our favorite Colorado elopement spots? Check out this blog!

Eloping in the great outdoors means less stress, more fun, and a wedding experience that’s all about you and your partner. If that sounds like your kind of celebration, get in touch with us to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.