Ouray off roading elopement

Why consider Ouray for an off roading elopement?

If you’ve ever imagined including off-roading in your elopement, then Ouray is the perfect place for you! Off roading is an amazing choice for people who want epic views but don’t want to hike and/or who want to see a lot in one day. Ouray is known for its views and it’s plethora of off-roading trails. As a bonus, the tiny town is full of historical charm. In the summer, wildflowers are rampant and in the fall, the mountain sides are flushed with golden aspen leaves.

The elopement day!

Off roading (in their car, Appa) is a big part of Kelsey and Kyle’s story. And since they were also looking for big views and aspen trees, it only made sense for us to travel up into a mountain basin for their day! The afternoon kicked off with getting ready at an adorable boutique hotel, full of whimsical charm. The details they chose were so special. Kelsey’s incorporated florals into both her dress and her custom embroidered shoes. Florals in an autumnal pallet were reflected in Kyle’s tie and pocket square.

Kelsey and Kyle wanted to do a first look at the hotel before we headed off on our adventure. They opted to make it even more special by making it a double first look. They stood back to back in the courtyard, both getting to react and see the other all dressed up for the first time. It was extra special because they both got to feel appreciated.

With the emotional first look done, and adventure ahead, we jumped into Appa and started heading into the mountains. It felt like there was something new and beautiful around every turn and it was so hard not to stop every ten feet! There were huge and golden aspens, cliff edges, and waterfalls- it was incredible.

As we climbed higher and higher, Kelsey and Kyle picked a spot they felt would be perfect for their ceremony. We did a quick creek crossing and headed up onto a cliffside where the couple shared their vows and celebrated the actual marriage part of their day. Directly after the ceremony, they went into their first dance. The golden hour lit up the mountainside and the splashing of waterfalls only added to the music in the background. We frolicked around the fields and took in the general splendor before heading back down the mountain as the sun continued to set. We wrapped up the day in the best way possible- with gluten-free Oreos and champagne. Proof that a day can be simple but full of wonderful adventures.