Governor Basin Elopement
When Vee and Joe said they wanted to off-road somewhere for their Colorado elopement, I knew exactly where to take them: Governor Basin, outside Ouray! It’s one of my favorite spots in the San Juan Mountains!
I sent over a few route options in the months leading up to their elopement before we landed on Governor Basin. It’s more remote than the nearby Yankee Boy Basin most couples ask about, with jagged peaks close enough to touch. We left before sunrise, worked our way up the basin, and got there in time for soft alpenglow to hit right as they said their vows. That kind of light doesn’t wait around, and it sure doesn’t repeat itself!
Governor Basin has more old mining roads than most people realize, but this route was the one for Vee and Joe. We wound through the basin in the Jeep, stopped at an old abandoned mine, then popped champagne and drank it standing on the roof of the jeep before pealing out on the dirt!
This one landed near the top of my favorite elopements of the summer. Thanks to Vee and Joe for trusting me with the route and the whole day. It was one for the books!
Sean Oblizalo is a Colorado elopement photographer and planner based in Denver. He founded Vows & Peaks in 2018 and doesn’t just show up with a camera. He plans your day, scouts the spot, handles the permits, and helps create epic mountain adventures for couples