Trout Lake Telluride Elopement
When it comes to planning a Trout Lake Telluride elopement, we get it—the tug-of-war between wanting something intimate and private but also not being able to imagine your closest loved ones missing out on the day. It’s a tricky balance! We love helping couples find creative, meaningful ways to have the best of both worlds. There are many ways to make your elopement feel uniquely you, including just a handful of people in your adventure or finding unique ways to honor loved ones from afar.
Will & Amanda’s Intimate Telluride Elopement
Amanda and Will’s intimate elopement in Telluride, Colorado, was a celebration of love, family, and adventure. The couple met in college (although Will doesn’t remember their first meeting) in Houston, Texas. Their shared love of the outdoors and jobs in sports media drew them to Colorado, where they wanted to share their vows.
This couple kept their wedding day intimate, inviting only immediate family and one close friend to officiate. They rented a gorgeous and spacious home for the week and filled their days with hiking, exploring the area, and soaking up the beauty of Telluride.
The morning of their wedding day was slow and peaceful. Amanda chose not to hire anyone to do her makeup or hair and let her sister take on the task instead. It was a sweet, personal touch to their day. Her sister even handmade Amanda’s veil!
The couple found many ways to include their loved ones throughout the day. Amanda is of Venezuelan descent, so she was able to incorporate a few things here and there, making it so special for her mom. During their getting ready photos, Amanda took pictures wearing her mom’s white gloves from her wedding day. Will’s morning was just as heartfelt, with a tie-tying lesson from his dad before loading up the cars with adventure gear.
The plan was to head to Alta Lakes for the ceremony, but with fresh snow, the roads were unpredictable. We decided to make our way there and see how things were. We made it to a quaint ghost town where the family was excited to take portraits and explore. The family members weren’t sure about the off-roading initially, but they warmed up to it and were grateful for such a fun experience. It’s a perfect example of how plans can constantly shift, but the day still turns out incredible. As photographers, we’ve learned to take a breath and trust the process over the years.
While at the ghost town, we asked the couple if they wanted to continue to our location, do the ceremony there in the ghost town, or go to our backup plan. Since the bride was set on having mountain views near the lake, we opted for the backup plan at Trout Lake in Telluride, Colorado. We admired how tenacious she was about what she wanted and how she voiced those desires all day!
Once at Trout Lake, the family sprang into action, setting up for the ceremony by the water with the San Juan Mountains as the backdrop. Trout Lake is an easily accessible lake, so getting there with guests was no issue. Amanda’s father had always talked about walking her down the aisle, but he passed away several years ago. Her mother walked her down the aisle in his honor, and her brother led a prayer to begin the ceremony. Their officiant and close friend, Ben, shared a beautiful story about Amanda and Will’s relationship before they exchanged vows and rings. They had a lovely moment where they exchanged Venezuelan coins during a prayer - a nod to their roots and a touching family tradition.
After the ceremony, there was a picnic with charcuterie, champagne, and plenty of laughter. The couple had their first dance right there on the water’s edge. We stood back and gave them space, but the moment was beautiful, even from afar. The family packed up the cars and headed back to the rental to get ready for dinner while we stayed behind with Will and Amanda so they could exchange private vows and take their portraits. These moments are always so special to capture. It’s just the couple, the stunning scenery, and us quietly documenting their connection. They get to dance, reminisce on the day, and be present with one another, often forgetting we are even there.
The evening wrapped up in true Telluride style. Amanda and Will had dinner with their families at The National, a historic restaurant in town. Before heading in, we snuck in some iconic shots of them in the streets of Telluride, the mountains rising dramatically behind them. After dinner, the celebration continued at the rental with a cake cutting and a piñata. It was such a playful and unique twist to end the night. It only took about three swings before candy was flying everywhere.
Looking back, what stood out most about Amanda and Will’s day was how they stayed true to themselves. They chose what felt right for them, even when things didn’t go as planned. From scrapping the original ceremony spot to creating private moments amidst the group celebration, they struck a perfect balance. Their families’ support, whether navigating rocky off-road trails or embracing every change of plan, made it all the more special.
For us, this day was a reminder of why we do what we do. It’s not just about taking beautiful photos (though that’s part of it); it’s about building trust and friendships with our couples so that when the unexpected happens, they can lean on us. Amanda and Will’s day wasn’t what anyone initially envisioned; it was better.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Telluride
Honestly, the best time of year to elope in Telluride, Colorado, is any time of year. Each season offers so many beautiful backdrops. Pick your favorite, and the area's nature does the rest of the work.
The area is very green in spring, and you may see a few flowers blooming. There’s a chance the mountains are still capped with snow as well.
In summer, your special day will be surrounded by wildflowers. The pops of color in the photos are a pleasant addition to the images.
During the fall months, the aspen trees will provide a yellow and orange glow to your wedding day. There will also be a light dusting of snow on the mountaintops!
Eloping in Telluride in the winter is something out of a storybook with snowcapped mountains and the occasional snowfall.
Since Trout Lake is an easily accessible lake, it’s a great option as you consider where to get married in Colorado. You get mountain views, a little snow in the colder months, wildflowers when it’s warmer, and amazing waterfront shots!
How to include your family during an elopement experience?
When choosing to include family members, there are ways to make it enjoyable for everyone without adding stress. Here are just a few suggestions:
House everyone under one roof if possible. Everyone will get where they need to go on time. People can carpool and hold one another accountable. Communication is much easier, and you’ll find that everyone will be “team couple” to get things done.
Stay for an extended amount of time. This allows the family to explore and do things on their bucket list throughout the week and focus on the couple on the wedding day.
Have a planned dinner for the family. Reserve a dinner or meal that everyone can attend to feel welcome, even if it means you go on some excursions as a couple.
How to create time for just the two of you when guests are present?
Share private vows. Amanda and Will made public vows but then took the time to share their thoughts with no one around.
Take time for couples portraits. Provide family and friends with snacks and drinks while you take more intimate photos in another location or off to the side.
Get ready alone. Consider getting ready without the audience and invite family and friends to arrive after you have done the first look or put on your wedding attire.
Do the ceremony with guests, but spend the rest of the day alone. Don’t feel obligated to entertain the family all day. Do what matters to you as a couple.
The key to an intimate elopement with guests is checking everything off your bucket list and balancing time with your guests.
If you want an elopment in Colorado, but aren’t sure about a Trout Lake Telluride Elopement, consider some of these other options.
