Adventurous Off-Roading Elopement in Ouray, Colorado
Amber and Matthew’s off-roading elopement in Ouray, Colorado completely embodied why I love supporting couples and being part of elopement experiences! When working with eloping couples, one of the questions I love to ask to understand them is why they decided to elope over having a traditional wedding. Time and time again, I hear the same similar things from couples that Amber and Matthew expressed – that a traditional wedding “doesn’t feel like us,” and they would rather put their money into an experience they can cherish together.
So how do we make the experience feel true-to-you? Usually incorporating hobbies you naturally love to do together! From hiking, to rockhounding, to camping, I’ll be there to document the adventure and help plan the experience! When I first talked to Amber and Matthew, they mentioned their love for off-roading and I just knew it’d be perfect to incorporate into their elopement (and also that Ouray, Colorado was THE perfect destination for them to do it)!
Amber and Matthew’s day started at the iconic Imogene Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Ouray. Their friends Shelby and Steve came to Colorado to celebrate with them and were part of the experience to make it all the more special. Amber and Shelby got their hair and makeup done by Rachel Maier Makeup, while Steve and Matthew got the vehicle ready, grab some snacks, and helped each other with their suits and ties. Shelby then helped Amber into her stunning lace top wedding dress, followed by her blue socks with a tiny embroidered daisy and the cutest boots! Matthew and Amber had their intimate first look on the back patio of the Imogene Hotel before we departed from Ouray for their off-roading elopement adventure.
Matthew and Amber brought their decked-out Toyota to Colorado for their elopement day. Steve and Shebly opted for the guided tour by Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals so that they could tag along for the adventures with the help of a pro!
Note: For couples who aren’t experienced in off-roading but LOVE the sound of this adventure, tours like Cliffhanger Jeep Rentals are an excellent option! That way you can sit back and relax (as much as you can over this terrain) on your elopement day with help from a local pro!
Amber and (and admittedly me too) had to conquer our fear of heights and cliff drops as we ventured up the second-highest drivable mountain pass in Colorado – talk about steep rocky roads! During our journey, we gained over 3,500 feet of elevation before arriving at the most breathtaking turquoise lake at the top of the mountain. Matthew and Amber exchanged their vows with Steve as their officiant, Shelby, the pristine water, and the rocky peaks as witnesses. After capturing some epic celebratory photos, we ventured down the pass to a forested area where Matthew and Amber popped some champagne then had their first dance in an open field surrounded by rocky peaks. Their Ouray elopement was definitely one for the books and about as epic as it gets as far as Colorado elopements go!
If you’re planning to visit Colorado for your elopement, don’t miss out on my Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Colorado and my post on Where to Elope in Colorado! These posts are packed with helpful information that can give you a glimpse into the expertise that you get when working with me as your Colorado elopement photographer. Please reach out through my contact page and peek at my packages and pricing page!
