Why You Should Have Your Elopement in Crested Butte

Tucked deep in the mountains of Colorado, you will find the cozy mountain town of Crested Butte. Mainly known for it’s winter ski season, Crested Butte is home to endless outdoor activities. From hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowshoeing, Crested Butte offers endless opportunities for those seeking an outdoor adventure. Crested Butte is home to forests of aspens as well as some of the most beautiful fields of wildflowers in the spring and summer months. Making Crested Butte the ultimate destination for an elopement or small wedding.

Getting Ready

I had been anticipating Cassondra & Robert’s Crested Butte elopement for months. We had planned all the details and carefully picked out each location they wanted to explore. The two loved hiking and wanted to include that shared hobby together on their wedding day. We spent weeks researching different locations and the best time to have a Crested Butte elopement. Everything was coming together and there was so much anticipation leading up to this day.

I met Cassondra and Robert at the Nordic Inn, just on the outskirts of Crested Butte. They were both getting ready and putting final touches on their wedding vows. Cassondra sent Robert outside to pack a few final things in their truck while she slipped into her dress. We had found a spot just outside, beneath the trees to do their first look. It was the sweetest moment shared between the two. They laughed away some nerves and shared a few kisses. Then we loaded up the truck to go off roading deep into the mountains (another thing these two loved to do together).

A Private Ceremony

We drove the truck out to where the pavement met the dirt road that led off into the mountains. The truck was kicking up dust as we wheeled around tight bends in the road. Each sweeping turn bringing us deep into the untouched wilderness. After about 40 minuets of 4 wheeling, we arrived at a small parking pull off. We unloaded the truck and got ready for their intimate ceremony.

Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and fields of wildflowers, Robert and Cassondra read their personal vows to each other. With only a trickling stream and the wind as their witness, Robert and Cassondra were married. They sealed the ceremony with a ring exchange and kissed for the first time as husband and wife. After the ceremony they signed their marriage license and had their own cake cutting ceremony. They had the sweetest little cake from Tin Cup Ice Cream & Bakery. After enjoying a few slices of cake, Cassondra & Robert explored the area, ran through the fields and enjoyed the first few moments as newly weds.

A Picnic For Two

After the ceremony, we continued our journey down the dirt road to an even more remote location. We found a stunning alpine lake surrounded by rolling hills. Cassondra had prepared a picnic for their Crested Butte elopement; so the two of them enjoyed a beautiful picnic lunch down by the water. They indulged on a homemade charcuterie board complete with cheese, meat, and crackers. After the picnic, we explored the lake and walked around until we found a spot where Robert wanted to do a champagne toast! Champagne sprayed up in the air and Robert said that was “definitely one of my favorite parts of the day” (aside from marrying Cassondra of course)! After celebrating with some drinks, we loading into the car and made our way further down the dirt road.

Hiking To a Remote Waterfall

The drive was bumpy and technical navigating some of the obstacles in the road, but Robert was skilled in off roading. We eventually arrived at the end of the 4×4 road. We then gathered our things and hiked along a remote trail until we found the most BEAUTIFUL cascading waterfall. The water was a stunning aqua color and so clear you could see straight to the bottom. Cassondra and Robert continued hiking through the thick forest until we found a stream with a more shallow series of waterfalls. The shore was covered in lush moss and made you feel like you stepped into the Pacific Northwest. We played around near the stream and admired the sound of the water before hiking back to the truck.

Sunset Wedding Portraits

By this time, the sun was beginning to set so we began making our way back towards their air bnb. We drove along making hairpin turns around corners and enjoying the softer light of the setting sun. About halfway back to the air bnb, we stopped to enjoy the sunset and explore a wide open field. Cassondra and Robert snuggled up on a blanket to watch the last few moments of sunset and reminisce on all their adventure from their Crested Butte elopement.

Planning a Crested Butte Elopement

Are you convinced that you want a Crested Butte elopement? Or maybe you are set on a Colorado elopement. If so, check out the list of the Best Places to Elope in Colorado. Or if you are already starting to plan your elopement, this Step-By-Step Guide To Planning An Elopement will help you plan the elopement of your dreams. Otherwise, feel free to contact me, I am happy to help answer any questions and help you celebrate your wedding day, your way!!

Crested Butte Elopement Vendors

Photography: Alexa Jade Photography

Planning: Alexa Jade Photography

Lodging: Nordic Inn

Cake: Tin Cup Ice Cream & Bakery