Alex and Jared met in Advanced Accounting class during their master’s year of college. They officially started dating shortly before graduation and ended up moving in together by the end of that summer. And after almost 6 years together, they decided to elope in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with their parents and siblings.

For their elopement, they rented a gorgeous house in Steamboat Springs and decided to host the entire weekend there. The house was large enough for everyone to stay together, there was a grassy backyard that was perfect for their self-solemnized ceremony, there was a large deck for dances and speeches, and a large table for everyone to gather around for dinner.

One of the things we really appreciated about our glimpse into Alex and Jared’s relationship, was just how vulnerable they were willing to be with one another. On the morning of their elopement, they got ready separately, with help from their parents. But then, just before the ceremony, they had a first look on the second-story patio. I’m pretty sure there were at least six people crying by the time it was over, and there were only six people even around for it!

We then joined their families for a pre-ceremony champagne toast. Alex and Jared elected to lead their own ceremony. As they read their vows to each other, there were more tears as well as laughs, and when it was finally time for their first kiss, their families erupted in applause.

After the ceremony, we hopped in our cars and drove to a nearby lake for a short hike. As we hiked, we talked about their travels and their future honeymoon plans. We weaved our way along the shore of the lake until we made it to a small beach that was surrounded by trees and wildflowers. Along the way, we heard excited chatter from folks on paddleboards out in the water, as they excitedly pointed in Alex and Jared’s direction and swung themselves around for a better look.

Once we had fully explored the lake, we headed back to the rental house in Steamboat Springs. Their families were waiting and we all gathered on the back deck of the house for Alex and Jared’s first dance. It was so incredible to see how much love these two were surrounded by. Once again, there was not a dry eye to be seen! And the emotional dances continued with Alex’s dance with her dad and Jared’s dance with his mom. At the end of Jared's dance with his mom, they invited his dad and sisters to join, and it was one of our favorite moments from the day! Next, they toasted with champagne and cut one of their two cakes. We’re dessert people in this household, so we appreciated the extra dedication! They ended the evening by gathering around the dinner table to eat what else on your wedding night, tacos! It was such an incredible elopement day, full of emotion, family, and a healthy dose of adventure.

This elopement took place on Ute and Eastern Shoshone Land.

Photographs

Colorado Elopements

Destination Elopements