Vow of the Wild

View Original

Red Barn Group Picnic Area Elopement

Fall Elopement in Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Talitha + Kelvin

When Talitha and Kelvin first contacted us about their Colorado elopement, they knew a couple of things. They wanted incredible mountain views, and they wanted to go on a hike. The initial plan was to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, but the Cameron Peak Wildfire closed the entire park down shortly before their wedding day. So we replanned their elopement for Garden of the Gods. But less than a week before their wedding day, the county closed for gatherings of more than 10 people. So again, we adjusted their plans. Finally, we ended up in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which is just outside of Golden, Colorado.

We met Talitha and Kelvin at the trailhead just after sunrise. The hike to their first look spot was steep, but we took it slow and spent time admiring the views on the way up. Once we finally reached the top, Talitha and Kelvin changed into their wedding attire separately and then had their first look on the trail. During their first look, they hugged each other tightly and admired the beautiful mountains surrounding them and the warm light.

After hiking back to the trailhead, and a short drive, we arrived at the Red Barn Group Picnic Area where their friends were waiting. They were greeted with hugs, compliments, and lots of questions about their early morning hike. Talitha and Kelvin’s ceremony was held in a small, forested area to the side of the barn. The ground was still snowy from a recent storm. Talitha and Kelvin chose to self-solemnize their marriage, so no officiant was needed. They each read their vows to each other and alternated between tears and laughter. After their ceremony, they popped some champagne and enjoyed lunch with their friends.

While Talitha and Kelvin’s wedding day looked a little bit different than they initially planned (and then re-planned), it was still a perfect morning. And we think their huge grins say it all, it was everything they hoped it would be.

This elopement took place on Ute and Cheyenne Land.

Photographs

Colorado Elopements

See this gallery in the original post

Destination Elopements

See this gallery in the original post