Off Roading Elopement Guide
HOW TO PLAN YOUR OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT
Alright, folks, buckle up for the ultimate guide on how to plan a Jeeping elopement that’s as rugged and adventurous as your favorite off-road journey. If you’re looking to inject some adrenaline into your big day and celebrate your love in true outdoor style, then a Jeep elopement might just be the perfect fit for you and your partner. I’ve been planning and capturing off-roading elopements for the last five years, and they are some of my favorites! Not only can you access super easy spots, but you also get epic views without the sore legs. Looking for a laid-back, but epic experience? Then let’s dive into the world of off-roading elopements!
WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE AN OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT?
There are a lot of reasons why couples might choose to have an off-roading elopement, especially in the best places in Colorado, where altitude is something you have to be cautious of. Some couples just aren’t into big adventure hikes, and that’s totally chill! Adventure is different for everyone, and that’s why Jeeping elopements are so fun and popular. They can fit the mold of your vision while still checking off a ton of boxes for you. Let’s go over some of the main benefits of having a Jeeping elopement.
QUICK ACCESS TO EPIC JEEPING SPOTS
If you aren’t a morning person and waking up at 3 am to hike 4 miles to catch sunrise isn’t your thing, then an off-roading elopement can cut off a lot of time and give you access to some of the same locations in 1/4 of the time. As a photographer, this is also a dream scenario to me as well, since who doesn’t like sleeping in? You get the benefit of a later start time with an off-roading elopement, and you can zip up the mountain pass pretty quickly, leaving you with tons of energy for your big morning!
UNIQUE JEEPING ELOPEMENT PHOTOS
Some of the Jeeping elopement spots are only accessible by off-roading routes, meaning even hikers can’t reach these points. This gives couples the benefit of capturing unique photos from their Jeeping elopement that will stand out from the rest due to the limited access. Want to stand out? Here’s a great way!
JEEPING ELOPEMENTS DON’T REQUIRE ANY HIKING
I do a lot of consultations where couples tell me they aren’t big hikers, and that’s totally fine! You don’t have to go on a big hike to have an awesome wedding day. Off-roading elopements open up a world of possibilities for epic spots without pushing your boundaries. This is also great for couples who might experience altitude sickness or have friends and family joining them for their Jeeping elopement.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO HAVE AN OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT?
Really, you should only plan an off-roading elopement around the summer time when the Jeeping routes are accessible. The snowmelt generally starts to recede by the end of June but can linger until later parts of the year. For example, Black Bear Pass in the San Juan Mountains doesn’t open until August most years because of snowpack. I would always suggest working with a local photographer to go over the best months and routes before choosing your exact date for your off-roading elopement to make sure you can access the spot you have your heart set on!
SHOULD WE HIRE A DRIVER FOR OUR OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT?
I always suggest hiring a private driver if you are going into an area that requires a Class 3 grade or above. Some couples I’ve worked with in the past have used their own Jeeps, but they also have had experience in off-roading and we kept the routes pretty chill. But another benefit of hiring a driver is that you can sit back and relax and focus on fun elopement activities on your Jeeping elopement, versus having to concentrate on the route. The other option is to work with a local company that offers Jeeping tours, but the downside to those is that you are forced to work within their working hours and you are going to have to pay extra for private tours. So, if you want to do a traditional sunrise off-roading elopement, your best bet is to hire a private Jeep driver.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING TO OUR OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT?
I would definitely bring all of the traditional elopement elements like your flowers, vow books, and rings, but you can also add other things to make your day extra fun when you reach the final destination. I’ve seen couples travel with coolers for beer and cake. Other couples have brought their paddleboards. And some couples have brought picnic stuff. The benefit of an off-roading elopement is that you have access to trunk space to bring extra gear that can make your day more fun and memorable than you might not have otherwise.
HOW DO WE DECIDE WHERE TO JEEP FOR OUR ELOPEMENT?
The best area to have an off-roading elopement, in my opinion, is the San Juan Mountains near Telluride. This area is known for its six off-roading Jeeping routes, including 21 in the San Juan National Forest. Breckenridge also has a number of off roading routes that are great for exploring and much more convenient to get to. I would suggest working with a local photographer who is familiar not only with the area but also with the terrain and Jeeping elopements in general. Off-roading elopements tend to be pretty chill, but I’ve encountered things like mudslides and rockslides in the past, where they’ve closed down the trails and forced us to pivot to another spot. Having someone familiar with the off-roading routes will be beneficial in case you need backup plans!
BEST TIME OF DAY TO HAVE OUR JEEPING ELOPEMENT?
I would always suggest aiming for sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds. Jeeping crowds tend to start later than hikers because they set up camp and have breakfast with other off-roaders. It’s part of the culture! But if you linger on your Jeeping elopement too far into the middle of the day, you are going to come across a lot of other Jeepers and might get stuck in the daunting traffic on the mountain passes. This is also an important time to point out that Jeeps coming up have the right of way on off-roading routes. The downside to a sunset Jeeping elopement is that we tend to get monsoon weather in the afternoon, so you always run that risk. Aim for sunrise and enjoy the rest of your time in a local town for some celebration beers!
WHERE DO WE GET READY AT FOR OUR JEEPING ELOPEMENT?
I always suggest getting ready up at the top! These make for some really cool photos near the Jeep, and the backdrop looks super dope. It’s also really easy to pack all of your stuff into the Jeep versus a backpack and hang everything on the top. From there, I can help set you guys up for a first look, and the cool part about Jeeping elopements is that you generally have a bunch of different backdrops for your first look, ceremony, and portrait shots!
WHAT IS THE DOWNSIDE OF A JEEPING ELOPEMENT?
The seasonality of Jeeping elopements is probably the biggest downside. You are really limited to the summer months and certain areas of the US that even have Jeeping routes. So if you are looking to have an off-roading elopement during the winter months, you might have to look in warmer climates such as Moab or Utah, which have different scenery and topography. One of the other downsides is some couples are susceptible to car or altitude sickness, so it’s important to relay that type of information to your driver and your off-roading photographer so they can take the necessary precautions on the day of!
PREPARING FOR YOUR OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT
I would suggest picking out your off-roading route first, and then flying into the closest airport and book your lodging at an Airbnb. If you aren’t hiring a driver or local company, then this is your oppurtunity to rent your jeep. Other things to consider when planning out your off roading elopement:
- What extra clothing are you planning on bringing. Off roading weather can unpredictable as a poker game, so pack layers for warmth and waterproof gear in case she decides to throw a curveball with some snow or rain.
- What drinks and snacks are you planning on bringing? If you are bringing a cooler, then you can add more, and even do an elevated lunch.
- If you get car sickness, I would suggest taking Promethazine or something along those lines to make sure you are feeling good on your big day! Jeeping elopements can be bumpy and windy, so be prepared!
OFF ROADING ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
My name is Sean, and I can’t wait to help choose your awesome jeeping elopement spot! I’ve been capturing off roading elopements for the last 5 years and I’m stoked to help you do the same!
My passion has led me here to off-roading, where I can follow my heart and share my love for the outdoors with others on their jeeping elopement day. It’s truly an awesome experience, and I’m stoked every time I get to document your day.
Sound like the perfect match? Check out my Colorado elopement packages and reach out if you’re ready !
