Photographing a summer adventure elopement in Ouray, Colorado is a bucket list thing for me. And Jessie and Steven’s intimate wedding in the heart of the mountains in Ouray, close to Telluride, absolutely did not disappoint. We had so much fun getting out in the midst of the gigantic San Juan mountains, taking in the views, and being the only people around. This area feels epic and untouched. Perfect for a private wedding ceremony and wedding portraits. Below I want to detail a bit about how we made this day happen.
How to Elope in Ouray, Colorado
Whether you live in Colorado or somewhere else (Jessie and Steven traveled from New Mexico!) both Ouray and Telluride are Colorado mountain towns way off the beaten path. We drove over 5 hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and from Denver it is 5.5-6 hours as well. This is because they are old mining towns tucked right in the middle of some of the largest mountains in the United States. You are at the doorstep of so many 4×4 trails, hiking trails, and epic views in every direction. It makes the trouble getting there 100% worth it, and perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement!
When they arrived, Jessie and Steven picked up their marriage license at the Ouray County Court. If you plan to have your wedding or elopement on the other side of the mountain closer to Telluride you would then pick up a license at the San Miguel County Court. Both Ouray and Telluride are amazing towns to stay in, I would even recommend hitting both while you are out there!
With lots of back and forth debating our list of possible locations in both Telluride and Ouray and all the surrounding areas, we settled on a specific pin up a 4×4 road (you’ll have to book with me to get any more specific than that ;)). Many of these roads definitely require a 4×4 and lifted vehicle, and for some of the most sweeping views you might want to prepare for a hike to get there, but there are many locations that wouldn’t require getting that far off grid either. It all depends on what you are up for, what exact views you want, and what other plans you want to make for your wedding day!
Scroll to view the epic photos from Jessie and Steven’s intimate elopement in Ouray, Colorado!
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.
And if you’re into adventure elopements and intimate weddings like this, check out some of these other related posts:
Chama River Elopement in Abiquiu, New Mexico
Albuquerque Elopement at Sandia Crest
White Sands National Park Elopement
Colorado Backcountry Campsite Elopement
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Photographing a summer adventure elopement in Ouray, Colorado is a bucket list thing for me. And Jessie and Steven’s intimate wedding in the heart of the mountains in Ouray, close to Telluride, absolutely did not disappoint. We had so much fun getting out in the midst of the gigantic San Juan mountains, taking in the views, and being the only people around. This area feels epic and untouched. Perfect for a private wedding ceremony and wedding portraits. Below I want to detail a bit about how we made this day happen.
How to Elope in Ouray, Colorado
Whether you live in Colorado or somewhere else (Jessie and Steven traveled from New Mexico!) both Ouray and Telluride are Colorado mountain towns way off the beaten path. We drove over 5 hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and from Denver it is 5.5-6 hours as well. This is because they are old mining towns tucked right in the middle of some of the largest mountains in the United States. You are at the doorstep of so many 4×4 trails, hiking trails, and epic views in every direction. It makes the trouble getting there 100% worth it, and perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement!
When they arrived, Jessie and Steven picked up their marriage license at the Ouray County Court. If you plan to have your wedding or elopement on the other side of the mountain closer to Telluride you would then pick up a license at the San Miguel County Court. Both Ouray and Telluride are amazing towns to stay in, I would even recommend hitting both while you are out there!
With lots of back and forth debating our list of possible locations in both Telluride and Ouray and all the surrounding areas, we settled on a specific pin up a 4×4 road (you’ll have to book with me to get any more specific than that ;)). Many of these roads definitely require a 4×4 and lifted vehicle, and for some of the most sweeping views you might want to prepare for a hike to get there, but there are many locations that wouldn’t require getting that far off grid either. It all depends on what you are up for, what exact views you want, and what other plans you want to make for your wedding day!
Scroll to view the epic photos from Jessie and Steven’s intimate elopement in Ouray, Colorado!
Hey friend! I’m Delia–a wedding photographer who loves adventure just as much as snuggling on the couch with her dog. My photography is fun and colorful and embraces the real you. I’m based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I photograph weddings all throughout New Mexico, Colorado, and the southwest. I love to connect with and help my clients as much as possible. Check out the wedding planning tips section of my blog for more helpful advice.
And if you’re into adventure elopements and intimate weddings like this, check out some of these other related posts:
Chama River Elopement in Abiquiu, New Mexico
Albuquerque Elopement at Sandia Crest
White Sands National Park Elopement
Colorado Backcountry Campsite Elopement