Southern Colorado Mountain Hiking Elopement

A West Spanish Peak Elopement With Dogs

It was an honor to photograph this southern Colorado mountain hiking elopement. Eloping at West Spanish Peak in Colorado was no brainer for these two. This mountain and hike held a lot of special memories for A and A. They decided to hike this thirteener the day prior to their elopement day with their dogs, and spent the night in a cabin nearby. For the non-Colorado people, a “thirteener” references a mountain peak that is above thirteen thousand feet in elevation. There are also a number of fourteeners in the state, and both are challenging hikes. West Spanish Peak is one that A and A had done many times before, so it was a hike that was both familiar and meaningful to them.

The next afternoon, we met back at the trailhead to hike to an overlook with West Spanish Peak in the background. And yes, of course they brought the dogs again! They make the best witnesses for Colorado elopements. Did you know dogs can sign your marriage license in most counties in Colorado? After a few final touches at the car to get ready for the hike to the spot they’d say their wedding vows, we set off on the trail. Two dogs, their humans, and a delicious looking cake!

It rained a bit before we got to the trailhead, but by the time it we started the hike, it had stopped. We did get rained on a little more during our hike, but thankfully it wasn’t a full downpour! And it gave us a rainbow during their vows. We meandered through trees until the views opened up into a beautiful overlook. An endless view of mountains to one side, and a mountain peak over us on the other. It was an early September day, and despite the afternoon rain, the sun came out while they said their vows, and we were rewarded with a beautiful early fall sunset.

This area of Colorado is a little less traveled than others. It’s further away from the main touristy areas, and that was just perfect. We saw a few people at the trailhead (mostly mushroom hunting), but not another soul on the trail. Well, human souls that is. We saw some cute cows on our way back down!

They said their vows in the sunlight with their dogs at their side. After they took in the views for a bit and felt the emotions of the day, it was time to sign their marriage license to make it official. A paw print from each pup sealed the deal! A and A shared their first dance at the overlook (after the dogs got a little energy out).

Then it was time for a champagne toast, and cutting into that yummy cake. It may not be the most practical snack to bring on a hike, but it was so worth it. They found a little log to sit on and enjoy their cake with the pups eyeing it very closely. The dogs worked hard too!

If you are wondering what it would be like to include your family and friends on your elopement day without them physically there, please take a note from A & A. They had their loved ones write letters to them. So they took some time to open that box of letters and read them together. Let me tell you, it was SO sweet! Those letters had them laughing AND crying.

We spent the rest of the time exploring and taking some portraits around the overlook before the sun fully set. The dogs were of course part of this! As blue hour set in, we packed things up to head back down the trail, lanterns in hand. This was when the cows came out.

We got back to the cars just as it was fully dark. A and A’s elopement day was a beautiful celebration in a place that held so much meaning to them. I hope these photos remind them of the emotions and excitement they felt on their elopement day for years to come.

If you want an adventurous elopement day in the Colorado mountains documented in a way that authentically captures who you are as a couple, please check out more information here.

*All love is celebrated here. This small business believes that everyone deserves their unique love story to be told, documented, and celebrated regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, etc.

** Please follow Leave No Trace principles and recreate in the outdoors responsibly. Colorado is a beautiful state. Let’s keep it that way so that many generations to come can continue to enjoy the unique landscape.