Ridgway State Park Elopement

Josh and Emma wanted an elopement day that felt like an adventure, but they also wanted their family there for the part that mattered most. So instead of spending the entire day in one place, we split their elopement in the San Juan mountains into two two parts.

We started with just the two of them. Josh and Emma off-roaded up to a private alpine lake outside of Ouray for private vows and a first look. From there, we explored the basin, and stopped whenever we found a view worth pulling over for. You don’t have to pick one pretty spot and spend the whole day there. We can actually explore!

After spending some time around the lake, we continued through the basin and eventually found a hidden waterfall tucked away in the mountains. There was no rushing from one photo location to the next. We explored, hung out, took photos, and let the day unfold.

Eventually, we headed back down to Ridgway State Park 45 min outside of Telluride, where their family was waiting. What had been a private mountain adventure became a family wedding. Josh and Emma exchanged vows surrounded by the people closest to them before taking care of their marriage license and making everything official.

And honestly, this is one of my favorite ways to structure an elopement. You don’t have to choose between having a private adventure together and having your family there. You can do both!

Josh and Emma got their quiet first look, an epic alpine lake, a hidden waterfall, and then a family ceremony back at Ridgway State Park. It wasn’t a traditional wedding day, and that was the whole point. It was a day that actually felt like them!