A 14-mile hiking elopement in the Colorado mountains, with sunrise vows, alpine views, and their dog as ring bearer.


Kelsey and Brenden’s Colorado mountain elopement was nothing short of epic. With a 3 a.m. start, headlamps glowing, and their pup Balto leading the way, we hiked a 14-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen for their sunrise wedding ceremony at 12,542 feet. The trail gained over 4,000 feet in elevation—and yes, there were fresh bear tracks in the mud.

This wasn't your average "walk down the aisle." It was a true adventure elopement—the kind that requires grit, intention, and a deep love for the outdoors. Their officiant, a trail runner who had just completed a 100-mile ultramarathon, joined us for the climb and the ceremony.


We broke through the clouds just as the sun started to rise. The peaks glowed gold, and the low fog added a cinematic layer to an already breathtaking scene. As an Aspen elopement photographer, moments like these are what I live for—raw, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable.


Balto curled up beside them during the vows, adding the sweetest touch to their dog-friendly elopement. Their ceremony was quiet and faith-filled, with nature as their only witness (plus one very fluffy ring bearer).


This is why I love photographing elopements in Colorado. Whether you're dreaming of a remote summit, alpine lake, or hidden wildflower meadow, there's no better place to celebrate your love than in the Rockies. And if you're the kind of couple who’s not afraid to chase the light (or break a sweat), I’d love to help you document your own intentional, nature-filled elopement experience.

Silhouettes of figures illuminated by red car taillights at dusk.
Alert German Shepherd dog standing in black and white nighttime scene.
Hikers packing gear into backpack on outdoor trail.
Night hiking scene illuminated by headlamps in grassy terrain.
Hiker carrying floral arrangements in backpack against mountain backdrop.
Large muddy footprint impression preserved in wet soil or clay.
Dense evergreen forest landscape with mountains in the background.
Hikers with trekking poles and dog walking through alpine meadow at sunset.
Hikers with backpacks and a dog trek through evergreen forest towards majestic mountain peaks under moody skies.
Towering evergreen trees create a dense forest canopy in dramatic low light conditions.
Hikers navigate through dense forest trail with fallen logs and thick vegetation.
Happy wolf-like dog runs along a dirt trail through wildflower meadow.
Group hiking through alpine meadow filled with yellow wildflowers on mountain slope.
Tiny hikers trek beneath massive gray mountain face in alpine environment.
Dramatic mountain ridge catches evening light against moody sky in alpine landscape.