Maroon Bells Elopement in Aspen, Colorado
Maroon Bells Elopement
Hailey + Mitch
After matching on Tinder, Hailey and Mitch hit it off just about immediately. Hailey loved that Mitch was thoughtful and made her feel safe and comfortable but Mitch officially won her heart when he shoulder shimmied across the dance floor on their first date. They got engaged during the height of the pandemic, which created some obstacles for Mitch. He ended up deciding to recreate their first date at their apartment, complete with takeout, handmade menus, a disco ball, and we can only imagine some of Mitch’s famous shoulder shimmy.
The thoughtfulness and intention that Mitch put toward their engagement carried on to their elopement day. Hailey and Mitch put great thought and purpose into planning every single part of their elopement day, and that effort was absolutely worth it! They knew that they wanted their immediate families there, they wanted time to truly soak in the day, they wanted delicious food, and of course a dance party.
Hailey and Mitch decided to keep their options open to the entire state of Colorado, and we shared many of our favorite locations with them. But it didn’t take long for them to fall in love with the Maroon Bells Amphitheater in Aspen, Colorado. They rented a gorgeous home that could accommodate their entire group and we started working together to bring the day to life.
On the morning of their elopement, we met Hailey and Mitch for sunrise hot chocolate at a lake near their accommodation. They snuggled on the beach together and watched the sky turn orange and purple while they looked through photos from their relationship. It was the perfect, slow start to their elopement day and gave them some time to pause and reflect on the day ahead of them.
Hailey and Mitch valued including their families and their dog on their elopement day. It was clear to us how close they are with their families. And in order to get the tears flowing early, Hailey and Mitch both wrote letters to their families to read before heading to the ceremony. It was a simple yet special way for them to put into words how much their families mean to them.
Finally, it was time Hailey and Mitch’s first look. They were both equal parts nervous and excited. Their families watched from afar as Hailey carefully made her way down the trail to where Mitch was standing. They hugged, laughed, and maybe even shed a couple of tears. They walked back to the cars together and we headed to the Maroon Bells.
This was Hailey and Mitch’s first time visiting the Maroon Bells, and it was so much fun seeing their reactions to it. They had their ceremony in the amphitheater, with their dog, Remi, on the train of Hailey’s dress and their families gathered around them. Hailey and Mitch self-solemnized their own ceremony, but at the end of the ceremony, right before their first kiss, they asked their families to pronounce them married together. It was such a fun moment!
The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring in the mountains, and hiking on high-elevation trails. Hailey and Mitch returned to their accommodation and chose to have a somewhat traditional reception. They performed their beautifully choreographed first dance, complete with a dip kiss. They gathered around for speeches and a champagne toast. They ate a delicious meal prepared by a private chef, and they ended the evening with a dance party. And we can only assume that Mitch’s famous shoulder shimmy made an appearance.
Hailey and Mitch’s elopement day was carefully and intentionally planned. It was the perfect reflection of who they are as a couple and a great kick-off to their new, big family.
This elopement took place on Ute Land.
Ouray, Colorado Elopement Photography + Trailer Film