Mat & Jo’s Maroon Bells Sunrise Elopement
Some mornings hit different—and Mat and Jo’s Colorado elopement started with a hike up to Maroon Bells near Aspen. We started with a hiking elopement at sunrise, surrounded by quiet aspens and looming peaks. Jo booked an elopement package with a hiking hair and makeup artist to help her get ready right there in the aspen trees—slow, calm, and exactly how a mountain morning should feel.
As the sun crested the horizon, they shared a first look with sunrise lighting up Maroon Peak behind them. Soft light. Big emotions. One of those moments you don’t rush! We made our way down to the lake where they exchanged vows and shared whiskey from custom-made glasses—intentional, intimate, and fully their own. From there, we explored the wilderness near Aspen, letting the day unfold naturally.
On the hike out, we stopped at Maroon Lake for couples photos in the glowing aspens before heading to some off-the-radar cave tunnels nearby, playing with light as it poured through openings above.
Epic, simple, and unforgettable. Get up early. Go farther. Trust the light. That’s the good stuff!



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