Ice Lakes Elopement

Ben and Taylor’s elopement day started at one of the best places to elope in Colorado, right before sunrise, hiking up to Ice Lakes near Telluride in the San Juan Mountains. Headlamps on, nerves buzzing, they split to get ready separately and shared their first look right as the sun lit up the peaks—quiet, emotional, and completely unreal.

From there, we wandered around Ice Lake, weaving through wildflowers and soaking in those impossible turquoise views. No rushing. No pressure. Just letting the day unfold. After crossing a stream, we hiked up to Island Lake where Ben and Taylor exchanged vows surrounded by towering peaks, then popped champagne, sprayed it into the alpine air, and celebrated with cupcakes at elevation.

The hike out felt lighter—married, glowing, and fully present. A sunrise first look, mountain vows, and a day that proved eloping in the San Juans is about slowing down, choosing intention, and letting the mountains do what they do best.