Fall Elopement in Colorado's San Juan Mountains | Nicolette and Frank
There’s so much that I just LOVE about Nicolette and Frank’s elopement in the San Juan Mountains, and I think you’re going to love it too! These two are such a fun, goofy, and adventurous couple, and their day was the perfect representation of that!! They initially found me through my Instagram and inquired, and lucky enough I was already going to be in the San Juan Mountains for their date (something you may recall from my 2023 roundup.) Things really couldn’t have worked out more perfectly!!
Getting Ready with Their Friends
Nicolette and Frank had a clear vision of what they wanted for their elopement in the San Juan Mountains to look like. One key focal point of their elopement was that they wanted their friends to be a part of every moment of the day which was SO fun! The two only invited friends as opposed to friends and family, which made for a fantastic dynamic for the entire day. It was important to both Nicolette and Frank that I document moments throughout their day of their friends interacting with one another along with the newlyweds, and with how happy everyone was to be there and celebrating it made my job incredibly simple!! The day IMMEDIATELY started with smiles and laughter as the wedding party members helped to get both Nicolette and Frank ready for their first look and ceremony.
A First Look and Their Elopement Ceremony
Once both Nicolette and Frank were dressed and ready it was time to head to their ceremony space for a first look between the two! Note Nicolette’s pair of white Chacos she wore for the wedding which I am ALL about!! Comfort is key on your wedding day, and Nicolette clearly understood this! Both Nicolette and Frank were immediately emotional upon seeing one another for the first time that day, with happy tears in abundance from both of them. It was honestly SO sweet, and immediately clear just HOW deep the love is between these two.
Accessibility was another aspect of the day that was incredibly important to both Nicolette and Frank. Not all of their friends are from the area, so limiting the hiking we’d have to do in the altitude was crucial. Lucky for us, the San Juan Mountains offer a lot of options in terms of accessible locations for your elopement, something I cover in my location guide as well!! Their first look and ceremony space was just off of the Million Dollar Highway, which gave us a stunning view of the mountains!! The ceremony itself was as beautiful as the location it was in, and as emotional as their first look. Part of their ceremony included the unity ceremony tradition of handfasting which was SO fun. If you’re interested in learning more about unity ceremony ideas be sure to check out this article!
Portraits and Good Times in the San Juan Mountains
After the two had said their vows it was time to pop the champagne! With their friends around them, Nicolette and Frank were able to share a drink with all of their favorite people while surrounded by the stunning views of the mountains. Thanks to Colorado allowing self solemnization, Nicolette and Frank were able to sign their marriage license themselves and have one of their puppers sign as a witness! We had a bit of time for group portraits before Nicolette, Frank, and I headed out for some newlywed portraits. As the sun began to set on our second location, the fall colors of Colorado REALLY started to pop!! There’s a reason this is my favorite season for weddings and elopements!
As night fell Nicolette and Frank met up with their friends to celebrate their elopement in the San Juan Mountains cake, drinks, and a sparkler “exit” of sorts! Their day ended as it started, in the company of those they care about most, laughing and smiling as they reminisce on the incredible day they all had!! A huge congrats to Nicolette and Frank on their elopement!! If you’d like to book me for your own elopement or wedding in Colorado be sure to send me an inquiry through my contact page. I’d love to get your date in the books and start planning with you!
