“Carefree,” “Flexible,” and “Relaxed.” Those words are rarely used in describing a wedding in this day and age, but they came pouring out with wholehearted sincerity from a Denver bride. Mary and Nick chose Elope Telluride to make the BIG DAY enormously special – by going small. Really, really small. 

Like, just the bride and groom small.

No family. No friends. Not even an officiant. Just the two of them under a Colorado-blue sky, barely yellowing aspen and an incredible mountainscape behind them.

The engagement began in December 2019, but by March 2020, the couple knew some difficult decisions lay ahead of them. Both coming from large families, the logistics of a pandemic-time wedding were overwhelming and waiting was off the table – they needed another solution.

As Nick and Mary explored their options, the concept of eloping became more and more appealing. It aligned with their life philosophies – the two had invested in their education and a house and didn’t want to jump into marriage with wedding-related debt. Rolling the wedding and honeymoon into one intimate event and capturing quality images sounded like the perfect solution – and Elope Telluride owner Joe Hendricks’ photography portfolio spoke for itself. Coupling the promise of stunning imagery with planning assistance, the decision to elope became simple for Nick and Mary, particularly after video chatting with the easy-going elopement experts! Elope Telluride can leverage their relationships with local vendors like florists, hair and makeup artists, and videographers, knocking even more off the to-do list for the bride and groom!

Nick and Mary rented a property for the long weekend, arriving a few days before their chosen date in early September. A gorgeous location to tie the knot had been selected by Joe, but the couple soon realized that their cabin would be an ideal site – and a wedding with such a small group meant the unimaginable became possible – flexibility. Joe didn’t bat an eye and adjusted plans accordingly. His decades of experience and knowledge of the region allowed the couple to trust him completely – and the results were spectacular.

As the sun slowly lit the world, Nick sat writing his vows and Mary gazed out at the spectacular view while getting her hair and makeup done. A bear traipsed across the scene, oblivious to the excitement beating in the hearts of the two amazed souls peering out at it. The unexpected guest was just the first delight of the day and an invitation to seek the adventure head of them.

The couple, now ready, turned to Joe. He had arrived early to scout out the property for the best locations to capture the moments of the day, so the transitions throughout were seamless. Nick’s first glimpse of his beautiful bride, candid captures of tiny details, and kisses in the aspen groves shifted effortlessly into the moment. 

The crisp but warming air swirled around them. In the space between the heat of summer and the coolness of autumn, came this moment that bound them together forever. Tiny booklets with handwritten vows, abundant sunshine, and the San Juan Mountains towering behind them – the ingredients for perfection – brought together this man and woman, self-solemnizing their marriage. Officially Mr. and Mrs., the couple popped a bottle of champagne right there!

Telluride offers no shortage of vistas and a journey along Last Dollar Road delivered breathtaking shots of the newlyweds, as Joe expertly guided them through their photoshoot, stopping at the best locations for photos. No rush. No waiting guests. No stress. Just the opportunity to be completely present with one another and capture the day forever, with an expert at the helm. 

And then they were alone, as one. Mary stood and watched her husband joyously dance in the meadow to the songs chosen for their day. They read the words of encouragement and love from their friends and family in letters. They got to be. Together, forever. 

This may not have been the wedding Nick and Mary had dreamed of originally, but Elope Telluride helped them find the “I do’s” they will dream back on for decades to come.