Colorado Mountain Elopement, Lake Isabelle

Colorado Mountain Elopements are always such an adventure. Elyse and Jeremy live in Atlanta Georgia, so traveling out to Colorado made it an official destination wedding for them. They both like camping, hiking and exploring new places, but especially love the Rocky mountains, so what better place to Elope than in Colorado?

Elyse + Jeremy got engaged in Hawaii and contacted me shortly after, ready to plan their adventurous elopement in Colorado. Throughout the planning process there were many emails, texts and phone calls as we discussed different options for wedding venues in Colorado; as in finding the best Alpine Lake surrounded by jagged Mountain Peaks. Elyse + Jeremy considered Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, but decided against it due to wanting a more secluded, less travelled place still in the Rockies, just not in RMNP. There are lots of Alpine Lakes, some require more hiking than others or are closed seasonally, but I had hiked and scouted this location a few times and had a gut feeling it was the best ‘wedding venue.’

We made a joint decision to pick Lake Isabelle, in the IndianWilderness Peaks area, as the first choice and had a backup location planned just in case mother nature decided to bring too much bad weather and it didn’t clear up enough to do the hike. And sure enough, the snow came early this year with freezing temps, so we had to move the day back a bit but thankfully Elyse + Jeremy had flexible schedules and the sun did its magic on the snow.

Since we moved the day back, Jeremy + Elyse were able to explore Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado and try my favorite dinner place (shameless plug) but Eureka has amazing burgers and fries. Also a little side note, Jeremy’s suit was delayed arriving to Colorado, so the date change would have happened anyway, it’s crazy how plans can change for the better!

The wedding day started out a bit chilly, it was windy but the sun shown bright and strong in the cloudless sky… totally warming the day up. Bless you, Colorado and your amazing sunshine. Before we began the ascend, we lucked out with the kindest Park Ranger (Anna) that let Elyse warm up in the Ranger Station and even helped button up the back of her Wedding Dress.

The ascend to Lake Isabelle is a moderate hike, just a little over two miles with heaps of incredible views. There was still snow on the ground and a light dusting on the mountains (I alway say this looks like powder sugar) but it made the hike up so peaceful. I got to know Elyse + Jeremy better and hear more about how they met, their career goals and the awesome wedding after party they are planning with friends and family.

We stopped along the hike for some photos, to drink lots of water and take in all the views. Once we reached Lake Isabelle, Elyse + Jeremy picked the spot where they wanted to have their first look and exchange vows. Their vow exchange was beautiful and intimate, filled with lots of joy. It was the absolute perfect moment, just the two of them standing out on the mini cliff over looking Lake Isabelle, it was secluded, peaceful and adventurous, just how they wanted.

The next few hours were spent hiking and exploring around the lake for photos and to just take it all in. We took a break for some Cliff Bars and Jerky then started making the trek back down to the trail head. Along the way Elyse + Jeremy stopped in a beautiful meadow to have their first dance as a married couple. The day was filled with so much emotion and meaning… Elyse + Jeremy’s parents gave each of them a letter to read in celebration; everything was just perfect.

We ended the day with fresh hot coffee that I brought in my trusty Stanley Thermos (10/10 would recommend this)

Elyse + Jeremy, I so appreciate you both! Coming all the way out to Colorado to Elope, being so flexible and trusting me to help coordinate your Elopement; one heck of an adventure!