2-Day Crested Butte Micro Wedding at Peanut Lake
Discover how a 2-day micro wedding let this adventurous couple have it all: a meaningful ceremony with 30 loved ones at Peanut Lake, followed by an epic day of wildflowers, jeep adventures, and golden hour photos across Crested Butte's stunning alpine landscapes.
Nicole and Matt first approached us in the Fall of 2024 to plan their adventurous elopement for May of 2025. Originally, they had planned a big wedding back in Texas, where they live, for Memorial Day weekend of 2025, but as they started putting down deposits and making all of the arrangements for this large event, they quickly realized that it wasn’t resonating with who they both are and their priorities for their wedding experience.
These two are born adventurers who love being outside together exploring! They quickly realized that the big wedding scene wasn’t for them, and that’s when they reached out to us!
On our first consultation call, we became fast friends as we discussed their hopes & dreams for this intimate experience with their close friends and family members tucked away in the mountains of Crested Butte. We decided that summer, July specifically, was going to be the best time of year for wildflowers, and all of the things they wanted.
We all left that call feeling super excited and aligned with the vision of an adventurous day full of stunning vistas, sweet family moments, and time for the two of them to truly soak in the entire experience!
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to have a unique and adventurous experience without burdening your guests or leaving them out all together, Nicole and Matt’s story is a perfect one for you! Keep reading to hear more about their 2-Day experience in Crested Butte during peak wildflower season!
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If you’re planning a micro wedding in Colorado and need inspiration, we also recommend checking out these guides & stories!
Their priorities for their Crested Butte wedding experience
Since they decided to pivot their plans from a big wedding, Nicole and Matt were very clear on their priorities for this smaller, elopement experience. Here are some things that were really important to incorporate:
Epic mountain views & a new place – Both Nicole and Matt were interested in Crested Butte for their elopement because it was a new place for both of them! Matt grew up in Colorado and had explored much of the state, so it was important that they found a place, like Crested Butte, that was new and exciting.
Wildflowers - Nicole was sooo excited about wildflowers. She knew that Crested Butte was known for wildflowers and wanted to incorporate these stunning blooms into as much of the day as possible. Her bouquet was even made of local wildflowers, and it turned out absolutely gorgeous!
Adventure - They also knew that they were up to an adventure! They love fly fishing, camping, and hiking. One of their goals as a couple is to hike all the hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, so it made sense to them to include adventurous activities into their elopement days. Crested Butte ended up being a great spot for them because there were tons of hiking options, and 4x4 trails for amazing adventures. They also extended their trip so they could have a honeymoon adventure too with lots of hiking, camping, and fly fishing!
Why a 2-Day Experience worked for them
As we chatted more about their priorities, we quickly realized that a 2-Day experience would be a perfect fit for their vision and overall vibes. Although they wanted to elope and get epic photos in the mountains together on a hike or more rugged adventure, both Nicole and Matt couldn’t imagine their wedding without including some really close friends and family members.
A two-day experience allowed them to have both experiences without making any sacrifices.
Day 1 - was all about getting married and embracing time with their loved ones. The location was still epic and beautiful, but we kept it close to town so it was easier for guests to access, and we didn’t require any of their guests to hike or take a sketchy 4x4 road to get to their ceremony site.
Day 2 - was all about exploring epic spots, adventuring, and beautiful photos with incredible sunset lighting. We spent the whole afternoon and evening exploring epic locations around Crested Butte, giving them ample time together as just the two of them to soak in their first day as a married couple.
Both Nicole and Matt loved this 2-day setup because they valued the photography side of this experience and wanted to maximize the golden hour lighting as much as possible. By spreading the event across two days, they also didn’t feel rushed or pressured in the slightest because they had plenty of time to connect with their people, prepare for the days, and live in the moment. It was truly the best of both worlds for them, and the exact opposite vibes of what they had originally planned in Texas with their big wedding.
How we helped and pivoted their experience one-week before
We were involved in helping plan their elopement from the very beginning, offering location recommendations in Crested Butte and local vendors, but the true defining moment of the planning process was when their guest count doubled in size the week before their elopement.
Originally, they had envisioned about 15 people coming, and so we had planned the ceremony on public lands. One week before their elopement, Matt called me to say that all 30 people they had invited as a courtesy ended up RSVPing “yes” without them realizing it! So, we needed to pivot fast. Here’s what we had to figure out:
Ceremony site: The biggest concern was where to have the ceremony. Because there were far too many people for public lands, we needed to find something that was still available, reservable, reasonably priced, and could accommodate the group size. This proved to be quite tricky.
After a lot of hunting and weighing the few options I found for them, Nicole and Matt ended up settling on Peanut Lake for their ceremony site. This site is a reservable piece of land through Crested Butte Land Trust that allows events up to 100 people. The spot was thankfully still available for their date, and was super easy to book and confirm, even at the last minute. It ended up being perfect for them, and a great pivot that allowed for them to spend even more quality time with their guests that day than we had originally planned.Timeline Adjustments: We also had to make some major changes to their timeline due to the ceremony site changes, and group size increase. Instead of opting for more portraits after the ceremony as originally planned, we decided it made more sense for Matt and Nicole to stay with their guests, and lengthened the amount of time we adventured the next day. This change ensured that we had ample time to get all of the sunset, adventurous portraits that Nicole and Matt wanted for their final gallery.
Highlights of their 2-days in Crested Butte
There were so many great moments during Nicole and Matt’s 2 days in Crested Butte, but some of my favorites were:
Their emotional first look: These two love each other so much, and it showed when Matt first saw Nicole in her wedding attire. I was tearing up, it was so sweet and special!
Private, Lakeside Vows: Although their family and friends were present for the ceremony, Nicole and Matt wanted to ensure they had private time on their wedding day to share their vows together. Peanut Lake was a beautiful backdrop for this after everyone headed to their reception site.
An epic jeep ride to a stunning sunset location: Day 2 was all about the adventure, so Nicole, Matt and I loaded into their rented jeep and explored Crested Butte stopping at multiple locations along the way. The sunset we experienced was magical, and we barely saw anyone during our time in the high alpine. It was truly surreal, and so fun!
Blue Hour Lantern Photos: To end their 2-Day experience, we stayed out past sunset for blue hour photos with lanterns. This was something Nicole had dreamed about since she started planning their elopement, and it did not disappoint. Between their cowboy hats, the lanterns, and the stunning moon, we were all giddy with excitement and gratitude about the experience and how perfect it turned out.
Conclusion
Nicole and Matt’s 2-day experience in Crested Butte was amazing and full of adventure. Although there were some last minute pivots, it all worked out in the best way possible, and still kept their original vision intact. I’ll never forget how happy we all were on top of that mountain at the end of their second day, and I feel so lucky to call these two friends, not just past clients.
Hopefully you found the story of their elopement experience both helpful and inspiring! If you're looking for help to plan your own small wedding in Crested Butte, we'd love to chat with you to see how we can support you!
Crested Butte Micro Wedding Photos
Keep scrolling to see Nicole and Matt's micro wedding gallery at Peanut Lake and around Crested Butte!
Vendors:
Photo/Planning Help: Trail Magic Elopements
Ceremony Site: Peanut Lake, Crested Butte Land Trust
Florals: Sundrop Floral Design
Cake: Cake Crumbs Bakery
Reception Site: José Crested Butte
Planning your own Crested Butte Micro Wedding and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado wedding Photographer and Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Granby Ranch Small Wedding in the Summer
Looking for small wedding inspiration in Colorado? See how Paige and Britt planned their dream micro wedding for 30 guests at Granby Ranch with full-service planning, 8-hour photography coverage, and unique touches like lawn games and a ski lift entrance—all while keeping the process completely stress-free
Paige and Britt approached us in January with a dream to get married with incredible mountain views in Colorado in July. They have the sweetest love story, and fond memories of exploring Colorado together and the Grand Canyon early in their relationship. From our first consultation call, we clicked immediately due to our shared love of national parks, hiking and beautiful views, and board games. I knew this was going to be a really fun and special day.
Flash forward to July – their wedding day was so sentimental and memorable. Nestled in the mountains of Granby, near the Grand Lake side of Rocky Mountain National Park, they shared their vows with stunning views of the national forest, and got to celebrate with about 30 guest in total, a cluster of their families and closest friends. It was exactly what they had envisioned back in January on our first call!
If you're looking for inspiration for your own small wedding in Colorado, Paige and Britt's day is a perfect example of mixing time as a couple, and intentional time with family. Keep reading to learn more about their priorities, and how we helped take all the planning logistics off their plate for a stress-free experience!
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If you’re planning a micro wedding in Colorado and need inspiration, we recommend checking out these guides & stories!
Priorities for their small wedding
All of Paige and Britt's priorities for their small wedding were related to the overall experience of the day. They wanted to keep things simple and beautiful, so that their guests could relax, but also have a cool travel experience in a new place!
A small guest list: Neither of them were looking for an extravagant day, so they knew they wanted to keep the guest list to less than 30 people. It ended up being the perfect size to keep the experience intimate, without missing out on inviting any of their most important friends and family.
Very relaxed flow: They wanted to keep things sentimental and casual so the pressure wasn't placed on them to perform. Instead of a traditional DJ and dance floor, they loved the idea of playing lawn games with their friends and kids, and board games later into the night. It was important to them that the food was quality, because they both enjoy eating at new restaurants and cooking yummy meals together at home.
A low-stress planning process: Finally, as super busy professionals, both Paige and Britt wanted to keep the vibe of the event and the planning process as stress-free and intentional as possible. They didn't have excess time to plan and work through logistics, so they leaned on us to do most of the heavy lifting, which is exactly what we're here for!
How we helped them with their priorities
Full-Service Planning:
Since they are both so busy raising kids, and live in different cities, they opted for a full-service planning experience with Becca, the planner on our team so they could step back and keep the planning process super simple. She took their vision from our first kick-off call and ran with it to find them the perfect venue and vendor options that fit within their priorities.
Because they were so busy, Becca didn't need to have many planning calls with them, but utilized questionnaires and guides with personalized recommendations and links to ensure that the process was seamless on their end.
Day of Coordination:
They also included day-of-coordination services from Becca to keep everything streamlined the day of the wedding. Granby Ranch, their venue, does require a day-of-coordinator, however, our package had already included this from the beginning because we knew the best way to keep their priorities in place while also respecting their busy schedules, was to have a coordinator around to manage all of the logistics on the day.
Having Becca present day-of also kept Paige, Britt, or any of their close loved ones from having to manage any of the setup/takedown, or liaise with the venue coordinator.
8 hrs Photography Coverage:
From their initial inquiry, it was clear that photography was a service that both Paige and Britt were looking to invest in, because they knew that it was the best way to ensure all of their memories from the day were captured. They were excited about their wedding gallery telling the full story of both of their days from getting ready moments, all the way through their reception with candids of them and their guests playing board games.
We settled on an 8hr package for them, because it allowed time for the full story of their day to be captured, AND also gave them a small chunk of time before the ceremony for some private time alone to do a first look and private vows.
It was the perfect amount of time for them, and definitely a popular package that we tend to recommend for micro weddings!
Highlights from their Small Wedding at Granby Ranch
There were so many tear-jerking moments during this incredibly sweet wedding day, but we did want to mention a few highlights of the day to help get you inspired by their story!
Private vows at the top of a mountain:
Paige and Britt were so excited to have epic mountain views for their ceremony, but they also wanted to have time together, just the two of them, to acknowledge this huge milestone in their lives, and share their private vows with each other.
The time they set aside for themselves at the top of the mountain was absolute perfection. It was the perfect way to ground them both before the ceremony, and connect as a couple before they promised each other forever.
Family moments with their kids:
Both Paige and Britt are parents and one of our favorite parts of their wedding day was the different ways they celebrated their children through little gifts, hugs, and a unity ceremony during the wedding ceremony to symbolize the joining of their two families.
Entering Cocktail Hour from the Ski Lift:
Granby Ranch is a ski resort, so one of the coolest parts about getting married there is that after the ceremony, the couple and all of their guests get to ride down to the reception on the ski lift! Paige, Britt, Becca and I all had the best time riding the lift down and taking pictures of everyone with the "Just Married" sign! Their guests ran to greet them as they approached the lawn, and it was such a moment of pure joy that couldn't be replicated.
Corn hole Tournament & Board Games:
One last highlight was Paige and Britt battling together in a game of corn hole with their kids during cocktail hour. They love playing games together and as a family, and getting to see them both in their element on the best day of their lives was absolutely priceless!
Real 8 hr Small Wedding Timeline
Here is what Paige and Britt's 8hr timeline looked like for photography coverage:
1:00pm Riding up the ski lift to get final getting ready touches in the yurt
2:00pm First look and Private vows/portraits
3:00pm Group Portraits and candids with close family & friends pre-ceremony
4:00pm Ceremony
5:00pm Cocktail Hour and lawn games
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Desserts & toasts
8:00pm Dances & Board Games
9:00pm Coverage ends
Conclusion
Paige and Britt's day was truly one for the books, because it was full of intention and fun! We loved how much they wanted to incorporate their families and games - it made it such a unique and meaningful day for them and us as witnesses.
Hopefully you found the story of their small wedding both helpful and inspiring, and if you're looking for help to plan your own small wedding in Colorado, we'd love to chat with you to see how we can support you!
Granby Ranch Small Wedding Photos
Keep scrolling to see Paige and Britt's small wedding gallery at Granby Ranch!
Vendors:
Venue: Granby Ranch
Flowers: Fallen Leaf Floral Co
Officiant: Kelly Robbins Weddings
Planning your own Colorado Micro Wedding and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado wedding Photographer and Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Roan Mountain State Park Elopement Guide
Discover why Roan Mountain is the perfect spot for your North Carolina or Tennessee elopement. From permit requirements and parking logistics to the best times of year and crowd-avoiding tips, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable mountain elopement on the Appalachian Trail.
Roan Mountain is one of our favorite places to recommend for couples looking to elope in North Carolina and Tennssee! It lies on the North Carolina and Tennessee border in Cherokee National Forest, right on the edge of Tennessee's Roan Mountain State Park. It's a popular location for backpacking and hiking, and a highlight of the NC/TN portion of the Appalachian Trail.
A place close to our hearts: Roan Mountain is also where Becca and I originally fell in love with the Appalachian Trail, and where Becca decided she was going to make the full trek from Georgia to Maine! You could say it's the start of this whole Trail Magic Journey :)
It's no secret that Roan Mountain is absolutely beautiful, with its open balds, grassy meadows, and meandering trails. The views are truly 360 degrees, and it's an incredibly accessible location for couples looking to get married with a few guests out in nature or as an adventure with just the two of you!
Keep reading to learn more tips on how to plan your elopement at Roan Mountain State Park!
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Check out these North Carolina elopements and other guides!
Are you thinking about eloping in Tennessee or North Carolina but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
Logistics to Consider for Your Roan Mountain Elopement
Best Time of Year to Elope at Roan Mountain
The short answer: There truly isn't a bad time to elope at a place as beautiful as Roan Mountain. However, as local experts, we know this place like the back of our hand and would definitely recommend either spring or fall as your best options for consistent, pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds:
Spring
Spring is incredible on Roan Mountain! The flowers are in bloom—mountain laurels, rhododendrons, and all other types of native species come alive and speckle the landscape.
Spring is a great time for those lush greens in the grass and is much more pleasant temperature-wise than the summer humidity!
If Spring sounds like your vibe, we’d recommend choosing either late May or the first week of June!
Fall
Fall is a surreal time of year in the highlands because the flowers are different than in spring and have darker tones to them. The grasses change, and the landscape is quiet as the season transitions.
It's a great shoulder season for the area, with crisp, incredible weather and very romantic fall vibes.
If Fall sounds like your vibe, we’d recommend choosing early to mid October!
Roan Mountain Wedding Permits
Good news: You don't need a permit to elope on the trail on Roan Mountain when starting from Carver’s Gap, because it is not technically in the state park, which makes planning your elopement significantly easier.
The catch: Although the National Forest doesn't require permits for groups up to 75 in this area, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy only allows groups of up to 10 people in total to have ceremonies along the trail—and this area is protected through this conservancy.
Additionally, if you want to get married in the actual state park, you will need to get permission and a permit. We also recommend that if you have more than 8 guests, to reserve one of their venues in the State Park, through Tennessee State Park’s website.
Pro Tip: Permits are an important aspect to keep in mind, and if you have any questions about this process, it's best to consult a local elopement photographer and planner to make sure you're following the correct regulations, as they can be conflicting (and confusing!) at times.
Parking Logistics at Carver's Gap
Know before you go: Carver's Gap is the trailhead where this area is most accessible to the public, and because of this, it can get incredibly crowded at times. There is limited parking available, and you should only park in designated areas and adhere to all no-parking signs and restrictions!
Parking is strictly enforced by rangers and law enforcement officers in the area, so we absolutely recommend planning ahead for parking and carpooling if you're bringing a group of people to your elopement.
Trail Considerations and Crowds
Because the area is so popular, we have some tips for how you can beat the crowds and have an overall positive elopement experience that is safe, beautiful, and makes minimal impact on this incredible spot:
Always Follow Leave No Trace Principles- Leave No Trace is near and dear to our hearts here at Trail Magic, and it's something we champion with our eloping couples. In an area like Roan Mountain, it's important to stay on trail at all times and to remember not to pick wildflowers or remove any natural items from their environment. This area is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out type of place, and if you see trash along the way, be a great neighbor and pick it up if you have the resources!
Elope on a Weekday - Our tried-and-true method: the best way to avoid crowds is to go when they aren't around, which is on weekdays!
Elope at Sunrise or Sunset - This tip benefits your photos as well. Many hikers tend to enjoy the trail only in the middle of the day, so a great way to beat the crowds is to elope at sunrise or sunset.
These are also the best times of day for incredible photos, so it's truly a win-win recommendation!Hike Farther, or Start at a Different Trailhead - The farther you're willing to hike, the more privacy you'll get, because many people who start at Carver's Gap don't make it past the first or second bald (we're not going to lie—it can be quite a trek, so do keep that in mind!). There are also different trailhead options nearby for those willing to hike that offer a variety of scenery in addition to the grassy balds!
Roan Mountain Elopement Cost
Although this can differ greatly due to vendor costs, guest count, and your priorities, here at Trail Magic, our couples tend to spend between $12,000 - $20,000 for their entire elopement experience at Roan Mountain.
That total includes the cost of our packages, their activities, accommodations, food, and all other vendors.
Sample Roan Mountain Elopement Timeline
8-Hour Elopement Day Experience
To give you a sense of what an elopement experience could look like at Roan Mountain, here is a sample timeline from one of our real elopements in the Spring!
2:00 PM - Photographer arrives at your Airbnb to capture getting ready photos and cozy vow-writing photos
3:30 PM - First look with your partner & photos around Airbnb
4:00 PM - Head out to Carver's Gap Trailhead
5:00 PM - Hike out to ceremony spot in the Roan Highlands
6:00 PM - You're married!! Celebrate with a delicious charcuterie picnic packed by your elopement planner!
7:00 PM - Couple portraits out on the bald for sunset
8:00 PM - Hike back to car, taking photos with lanterns as the sun leaves the horizon
9:00 PM - Have a private dinner back at the Airbnb from a private chef & toast your new marriage!
9:30 PM - FaceTime and read letters from family members & cut cake
10:00 PM - Coverage wraps up!
Want to see a sample of a real Roan Mountain Elopement? Check out Kayla and Ethan’s full elopement day {COMING SOON!}
Packages for your Roan Mountain Elopement Day
These tips will definitely help you get ahead on your elopement planning, but if you find yourself wanting extra help, we've got you covered!
Roan Mountain elopements are our specialty here at Trail Magic, and we've put together custom elopement packages that make planning them incredibly easy and stress-free. Some things our packages can include to make your experience amazing are:
6-hour to multi-day photography options to capture the full story of your day and trip
Full-service planning from a certified wedding planner who specializes in elopement experiences and knows the best timelines, tips, and vendors for your perfect day
Day-of coordination so your day flows seamlessly without you (or any of your guests) having to worry about anything
Aesthetic picnic setups based on your preferences for an unforgettable (& yummy) elopement activity!
Conclusion
Hopefully this post has you inspired and informed about the logistics behind planning an elopement at Roan Mountain. It is truly a stunning spot for getting married, and if you love the Appalachian Trail like we do, it's a great place to pay tribute to the trail.
If you're interested in learning more about how we can help you plan your Roan Mountain elopement, we'd love to chat with you!
Planning your own Roan Mountain State Park Elopement?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A North Carolina Photographer and Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Elopement planning and documenting is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Green Mountain Falls Wedding
M&W’s intimate wedding in Green Mountain Falls was a day full of laughter, intentional family time, and climbing on boulders! If you’re curious about how to fill a day with fun activities, and include your family, we definitely recommend reading the full story of their day here for inspiration!
Megan and Will had their small wedding at an Airbnb in Green Mountain Falls this past March. Colorado is a special place for both of them - Will grew up in the area, and his family is still nearby, so it made sense for them to plan their intimate gathering in a place both accessible, and meaningful to their relationship. They decided to keep things simple by only inviting their immediate families to the wedding, and it turned out to be exactly what they were looking for; a beautiful, laid back day, surrounded by their favorite people and nature.
In this post I’ll be sharing all of the information about their small wedding in Green Mountain Falls, so you can determine if Green Mountain Falls is the perfect area for your wedding!
Are you thinking about having a micro wedding in Colorado but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
Including Family in Your Green Mountain Falls Small Wedding
Megan & Will’s Approach
Megan and Will made a conscious decision to keep their guest list small. They included only immediate family members, creating space for intentional time with everyone. Since they live far from their loved ones, this time together was non-negotiable.
Their approach was beautifully simple yet meaningful. They played board games together, cooked lasagna as a family, and Will's mom even did Megan's hair. They had an intimate creekside ceremony with readings from both of their siblings, and even had s’mores around the fire afterwards.
This intentional family focus transformed their wedding from a performance into a celebration. Guests weren't just observers but active participants in every moment. The smaller group allowed for deeper connections and created life-long memories for everyone involved.
If you’re thinking about ways to include your family in your Green Mountain Falls small wedding, consider planning activities that bring everyone together such as:
Board games, yard games, or video games
Group cooking
Sentimental activities such as sharing letters, old photograph albums, or telling stories
A family hike or excursion in nature
Activities like this inspire deep connections and conversations, while also keeping your people engaged. The most important thing to remember when planning things to do is to choose activities that reflect your personalities and values as a couple. If you plan the day around those things, you’ll ensure that your wedding feels uniquely yours, and not forced!
Where to Have Your Green Mountain Falls Wedding Ceremony
While Megan and Will chose their Airbnb property for their ceremony, Green Mountain Falls offers lots of options for ceremony locations in nature, so you get to decide what type of scenery and environment is best for you. Here are some of your options if you’re choosing to get married in Green Mountain Falls:
Garden of the Gods - Its dramatic red rock formations create a unique backdrop for vows. The park offers multiple ceremony spots that are first come, first serve, and free. Many couples choose this location for its accessibility and iconic Colorado beauty.
North Cheyenne Canyon Park - The park features meadows, forests, and mountain views that capture Colorado's diverse landscapes. Several ceremony sites accommodate small groups while maintaining privacy and natural beauty.
Pikes Peak - Whether you drive to the summit or choose a lower elevation spot, the mountain provides stunning views for adventure-seeking couples.
Colorado Springs - The town has lots of small wedding venues. These range from historic buildings to modern event spaces, giving couples options beyond outdoor ceremonies. Many venues specialize in intimate gatherings and can accommodate your specific vision.
Outdoor Activity Ideas for Your Green Mountain Falls Wedding
Megan and Will both agreed that nature was an integral part of their relationship, and so, they wanted to be sure to include it as a major part of their wedding day. They chose their Airbnb intentionally because it was immersed in the mountains, and had a beautiful spot on site for their intimate ceremony. As a bonus, the property was connected to miles of hiking trails, and also had lots of nooks to explore. We had a blast climbing over all of the boulders on the property during their couple portraits. They both love rock climbing together, so it felt completely natural to them to climb around in their wedding attire, finding the best views and standing on the most impressive rocks together. Megan even ditched her shoes for most of the photos, so she could have a better grip on the rocks, and feel more comfortable!
While climbing might not be your thing, Green Mountain Falls is tucked into the mountains, with access to all kinds of amazing outdoor recreation activities. Although Megan and Will stayed on their Airbnb property, there are so many ways to fill your special day with outdoor activities off-site of any venue or vacation rental property to further expand your wedding experience. Here are some outdoor activity options for your Green Mountain Falls wedding:
Hiking - There are so many places to hike in and around Green Mountain Falls! Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, accommodating all fitness levels. If this is up your alley, consider incorporating a sunrise hike or sunset walk into your wedding timeline if you’re looking for incredible photo opportunities and fewer crowds. The Seven Bridges Trail offers a particularly beautiful option with creek crossings and forest views.
Water activities (kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing) - Green Mountain Falls has access to multiple reservoirs that provide opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing with incredible mountain views. These activities work perfectly for bachelor or bachelorette parties or post-wedding relaxation with family.
Pikes Peak - Pike’s Peak is one of Colorado’s most famous 14,000ft mountain peaks. You can hike, drive, or even take a Cog train up to the summit. The views are absolutely incredible, and there are lots of stops you can take along the way to fill up a whole day together in the mountains. This would be a cool activity for couple portraits or private vows with just the two of you, or an activity to share with some of your guests!
Garden of the Gods - even if you’re not getting married here, Garden of the Gods is worth a visit. The park's unique geological formations provide incredible photo opportunities and accessible hiking options.
Local waterfalls - there are lots of different waterfalls in the area that create romantic settings for photos or quiet moments together. Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls are easily accessible and provide stunning natural backdrops. These locations work beautifully for engagement photos or post-ceremony portraits.
Green Mountain Falls Wedding Photos
Megan and Will had the best time during their Green Mountain Falls wedding, because they intentionally built the day around spending quality time with their closest people. They planned a wedding that was so them; full of laughter, simplicity, climbing rocks in their wedding attire, being goofy with their siblings, and creating life-long memories without having to perform for a huge crowd of people. It was such an honor to be welcomed so whole-heartedly into their family for the day, I know that it’s a wedding I will never forget!
Green Mountain Falls was the perfect setting for them, because it was close to their people, beautiful, and accessible. I hope this post all about their day has inspired you to check out Green Mountain Falls for your own wedding! Keep scrolling to see a glimpse into their gallery!
Airbnb Venue: Cabin at Pike’s Peak Falls
Photography: Trail Magic Elopements
Inspired to plan your own Colorado elopement or micro wedding?!
Planning your own Colorado Micro Wedding and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado wedding Photographer and Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Brainard Lake Engagement Photos in the Fall
Check out Karryn & Rob’s engagement session at Brainard Lake Recreation area! Learn about what activities they chose, and all the tips for planning an amazing engagement session at one of the most stunning spots in the front range!
Nestled in the mountains just behind Boulder, Brainard Lake Recreation Area provided an amazing backdrop for Karryn and Rob's adventurous fall engagement session, full of yummy food, a gorgeous sunrise, and their favorite game to play as a couple. It was such an authentic and laid back session, I hope it inspires you to plan something similar for your engagement photos!
Keep reading to hear the story of their day and how you can plan an amazing Engagement Session at Brainard Lake in Colorado!
Looking for more Colorado engagement inspiration? We got you!
Navigating Brainard Lake Timed Entry Reservations
Brainard Lake is a stunning and accessible location near the Denver Metro area, which means it is popular for photographers and hiking enthusiasts alike! In recent years the park service has started a timed entry reservation system to help manage crowd levels and keep the area protected for future enjoyment!
The Timed Entry system can be a bit confusing and can change year to year, so here are the basic things you need to know for 2025:
Timed entry reservations operate from June through mid-October. In 2024 the main Brainard Lake gate closed for the season on October 13th.
Entry times are available in interval time frames from 5am - 8pm, 7 days per week.
Reservations are for a particular parking lot in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Reservations are available to purchase for $16 on recreation.gov (America the Beautiful and Interagency Passes can be applied to the reservation to lower the fee)
If you’re planning an engagement session for Brainard Lake Recreation Area during the summer or fall months, I’d suggest reserving your timed entry ticket sooner rather than later because they do sell out quickly, especially on weekends. In addition to booking our entry tickets early, Karryn, Rob, and I opted to arrive at the gate by 6am to enjoy sunrise and avoid the mid-morning crowds.
Arriving before sunrise at Brainard Lake Recreation Area
After a 4am wake up call, Karryn and Rob arrived at Brainard Lake with camping chairs, a portable stove, and all the fixings for their traditional breakfast ritual. The decision to begin their session before sunrise gave us lots of time to enjoy the area without crowds and allowed us to witness a beautiful sunrise while eating warm breakfast burritos and chocolate chip muffins!
The morning didn’t go without a couple amusing mishaps. One of Karryn and Rob’s favorite things to do together is make their morning coffee and Karryn made sure to bring their favorite brand with them for the session. Unfortunately, when she was about to pour it into their cups, the kettle toppled over onto the rocks and we lost the whole pot! She ended up saving a little, but it made for a big laugh & a promise to visit their favorite coffee shop in Nederland after the session.
Cooking breakfast, skipping rocks, and playing some Cribbage
My favorite part of Karryn & Rob’s engagement session was their decision to incorporate activities that genuinely reflected their relationship. Instead of solely focusing on posed portraits, I got to capture the story of their morning engaging in their favorite pastimes. It allowed for incredible images full of sweet, candid moments.
One thing Rob insisted we do was set up the Cribbage board. It’s a tradition they've maintained on their camping adventures together, so he wanted to capture that. Their cribbage game became some of my favorite photos of the session because it was full of laughter and playful banter that perfectly captured their dynamic relationship and shared value of having fun together.
Essential Tips for Your Brainard Lake Engagement Session
If you’re looking to have your own engagement session at Brainard Lake, here are my top tips for a memorable experience like Karryn & Rob:
Best time of Day
The optimal timing for engagement photos at Brainard Lake typically falls within the golden hours – either just after sunrise or before sunset – for a beautiful, soft light across the lake and mountains.
*Pro tip: My personal favorite time of day is sunrise because of the direction of the light and mountains. You get that dreamy pinkish alpine glow on the peaks behind you!
Best Season
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is open year-round, and there truly isn’t a bad time to visit.
Summer season ranges from June - mid October
Summer season is best for hiking all of the different trails in the area and parking closest to the lake. Bring your kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard for a truly memorable experience!Winter season is from Mid October - June.
If you visit in the winter, you have to park at Gateway Trailhead and walk 2 miles into the park to reach the lake. Don’t let this discourage you though, it’s a spectacular place to snowshoe!!
Weather & Climate
Brainard Lake is tucked deep in the mountains at 10,000+ ft above sea level. This means that weather conditions can change rapidly at this elevation, so bringing appropriate layers and weather-proof gear ensures comfort throughout your session regardless of unexpected weather shifts.
Always come prepared and if you’re unsure, hire a local engagement photographer that knows the area and can help you with all the preparation & advice!
Multiple Locations for all types of adventurous couples
While Brainard Lake offers accessible shooting locations directly from the parking area with no hiking required, numerous trails provide opportunities for more adventurous couples seeking varied backdrops, from dense pine forests to pristine alpine lakes like Mitchell Lake and Lake Isabelle.
Tips for candid, beautiful photos
Incorporating meaningful activities that reflect your relationship, as Karryn and Rob did with their breakfast preparation and cribbage game, can help create natural, relaxed moments that translate beautifully in photographs.
Karryn and Rob's engagement session at Brainard Lake exemplifies how incorporating genuine interests and activities can transform a photo session from a potentially awkward experience into a fun, goofy, and natural celebration of your relationship. The success of their engagement photos stems from their willingness to be truly themselves – making breakfast burritos at altitude, playing their favorite game, and simply enjoying each other's company in one of my favorite spots in Colorado. I hope their story serves as inspiration for you and your mountain engagement session!
Looking for a Colorado Engagement Photographer to help you plan an amazing session?
Looking for your own Brainard Lake Engagement Photos?
Hi, I’m Hannah!
I’m a Colorado Elopement photographer specializing in meaningful adventure sessions and elopements. I’m all about documenting moments, emotions, and experiences and care about the process and feeling of our time together just as much as the final images!
If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your love, let’s chat! Reach out here to schedule your free consultation with me!
Intimate Vineyard Micro Wedding in Elkin NC
Although B&L’s micro wedding wasn’t what they originally planned, it turned out to be the perfect day! They celebrated at Dobbins Creek Vineyard in Elkin, NC with their immediate families. It was a day filled with beautiful views, tasty treats, and fun games!
Brook and Luke celebrated their micro wedding in October of 2024 in Elkin, North Carolina! It was not their originally planned day, but Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina a week before, so their plans shifted dramatically. Although it was not what they had originally envisioned, they were able to celebrate exactly how they wanted with gorgeous views, incredible weather, and fun activities with their closest people! Keep reading to hear more about the planning process and story of their day!
Are you thinking about having a micro wedding in North Carolina but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
Their original vision in Western, NC
Brook and Luke reached out to us wanting an incredibly intimate day. They knew that they wanted to include their immediate families, and most importantly, their 1 year old son. Brook had always envisioned her wedding to be romantic, with a spot for her and her father to share the classic “walking down the aisle” moment. They eventually decided on having their ceremony in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for stunning fall views of the mountains and then having their reception at a cidery in Hendersonville.
Pivoting plans after Hurricane Helene
A week before their big day, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, including roads into and around Great Smoky Mountains National park and Maggie Valley where they had planned to stay. There was no clear plan on how the state would recover, so we decided to pivot plans for the wedding to be in Elkin, North Carolina instead of the Appalachian mountains. After many hours on the phone and checking emails, Becca was able to secure Dobbin’s Creek Vineyard for Brook and Luke’s intimate celebration. Thanks to Leslie’s kindness, we were able to host the entire event on the property. Brook and Luke could not have had a more perfect day!
Inspired to plan your own North Carolina Micro Wedding?!
Planning your own North Carolina Micro Wedding and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A North Carolina wedding Photographer and Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Colorado Springs Micro Wedding
B&C’s micro wedding in Colorado Springs was such a warm, intentional, and beautiful celebration. They chose to get married in Garden of the Gods and celebrate with their closest friends and family at multiple venues around downtown in the Springs.
Breanna and Chase celebrated their micro wedding in July of 2024 in Colorado Springs! It was an incredibly laid back day full of candid moments with their closest family and friends. They were so intentional in the activities, experiences, and people they chose for their day, and it showed in how the day flowed from start to finish. I’m so excited to share the images and story of their day below!
Are you thinking about having a micro wedding in Colorado but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
A laid back timeline and style
The aspect of B & C’s day that stands out to me was their laid back timeline and style. Nothing about the day from getting ready, to an intimate cocktail hour, to their ceremony, felt rushed or stressed. They owned their day and kept their guests close so that there was never a reason to push on to the next activity. Everyone was included from start to finish, and with all of this time, it was easy to capture the sweet in between moments that unfolded as everyone interacted.
Blending traditional and unconventional
B & C didn’t ignore all aspects of a traditional wedding, but really found a harmonious blend of tradition and modernization. Here are some examples of how they shook up the wedding traditions to make them their own!
Instead of getting ready separately, they were together during these moments of the day. C was in and out of the bridal suite as B was getting dressed and it let them both soak in the time with their close people!
They had a sit-down cocktail hour with their guests before the ceremony. Instead of using this as a time to run away and do photos, they built in more time to spend with their guests at a local brewery, Phantom Canyon. It was a great time for conversation and snacks!
Instead of having speeches, they allowed every guest to say a few words. Towards the end of the night, B & C opened the mic up to all of their guests to speak. They went around the table sharing memories, words of wisdom, and excitement for the newlyweds!
Multiple Locations & Transportation
B & C’s day included multiple locations for all of the guests, so they decided to charter a bus to take the group from place to place. This proved to be really handy because no one had to worry about parking, or waiting on someone who hadn’t arrived. When the bus arrived, we knew everyone was there and ready!
Having multiple locations helped the day feel unique and exciting. From getting ready, to cocktail hour, to the ceremony and finally the reception space, the day truly felt like a story, and everyone on the bus had an amazing time!
Here are the spots they used for their Micro Wedding in the Springs!
Getting Ready: Mining Exchange Hotel
Cocktail Hour: Phantom Canyon Brewing
Ceremony: Garden of the Gods
Reception: Mining Exchange Hotel
Inspired to plan your own Colorado Micro Wedding?!
Planning your own Colorado Micro Wedding and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado wedding Photographer and Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Garden of the Gods Elopement
Looking to elope in Garden of the Gods? G&G's Colorado Elopement story has all the inspiration you could possibly need from local pizza and beer, to hidden gem locations, and gorgeous scenery! And the best part? It was planned in less than a month!
Gabby & Grant’s Colorado Springs Elopement
Gabby and Grant eloped in June of 2024 in Colorado Springs! We had the BEST day together, and I can’t wait to share all the details and images from this special memory.
Are you thinking about eloping in Colorado but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
Planning an Elopement in 30 Days
Gabby and Grant reached out about a month before their desired Elopement date with very few plans besides wanting to share their vows somewhere in this beautiful state where they first met and currently live.
Lucky for them, I had some great ideas up my sleeve, so we immediately got started with the planning process. Since they didn’t have any other vendors, the quick turnaround time was absolutely doable, and they ended up having the best, stress-free experience ever!
Why Garden of the Gods?
After sending multiple location recommendations, we ultimately decided on Garden of the Gods because of it’s accessibility, raw and unique beauty, and ease for permitting. The park does not charge for weddings, and they can all occur on a first come, first serve basis as long as they are within the designated ceremony spots that you can learn more about here.
Garden of the Gods was also somewhere new for Gabby, so they thought it would be a fun for her to see it on their elopement day, while also getting epic views of Pike’s Peak in the distance!
The biggest concern with Garden of the Gods was privacy, because it does get quite busy on weekends and during summer months, but I made sure to schedule the ceremony later in the evening, around sunset, to help us avoid those bustling tourist crowds.
The timing DEFINITELY paid off, we were found ourselves completely alone for most of the time in the park, which was AMAZING!
Colorado Springs Hidden Gem Location
Since we didn’t want to spend their whole elopement day in one spot, I recommended a great local spot in Colorado Springs for them to use for getting ready, a picnic dinner, and writing out their vows.
This overlook was a perfect for them because it gave them the privacy they wanted during the day, while still having stunning mountain views AND all that without having to hike at all!
In the hours that we stayed at this overlook, we didn’t have to share it with anyone else!
Elopement Day Activities
When planning their day, as part of our Trail Magic Client Experience , we talked a lot about their favorite things to do together and one of the things that came up was how much they love pizza and going to local Colorado breweries.
So we decided that pizza and local beer HAD to be part of their day, and I honestly don’t think it could have worked out better. We picked up fresh, local pizza from Bambino’s Urban Pizzeria and local Colorado beers from Odell’s Brewing.
It was the perfect way for them to hang out, relax, and spend time together writing vows, sharing letters from their long-distance phase, and getting ready for their ceremony later that evening.
Nothing was overly fancy, but it felt special because it was a day full of activities that were built around their relationship.
Inspired to plan your own Colorado Elopement?!
Planning your own Colorado Elopement and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado Elopement Photographer and Elopement Planner!
We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.
We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!
Elopement planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free elopement consultation with us!
Sweet Elopement at a Unique Airbnb in Pittsboro, NC
K+A’s elopement in Pittsboro, NC was a day full of intention, sentimental moments, and pure joy. If you’re looking for inspiration for your unique elopement day, check out this blog post with images that tell the story of their day!
Kaitlin & Adam’s Elopement Story
This is one of my favorite elopement stories to date! Kaitlin and Adam had been planning a wedding in 2019 before plans completely shifted in early 2020. Originally they had intended to wait and have their wedding as planned, but as time continued, they realized, as many other couples did at that time, that an elopement might be a better fit! Kaitlin reached out to me and told me the whole plan, which I immediately fell in love with! We then went to work crafting the best timeline for their 4-person elopement day at an eclectic Airbnb Kaitlin found nestled in the woods in Pittsboro, North Carolina.
Looking to plan your own Elopement or Small wedding?
Their day
Kaitlin and Adam’s day started off at the courthouse in downtown Pittsboro. They had a private ceremony with their two closest friends as witnesses outside, with a large tree as their backdrop. After the ceremony, they headed to their Airbnb on the outskirts of town to meet me and partake in the rest of the celebratory activities!
I think the BEST part of Kaitlin and Adam’s day was how free and calm it was. We were never in a rush, we had plenty of time to get everything done, and it just felt entirely intentional around them, their preferences, what felt meaningful, and what felt FUN in the moment. I loved how laid back they were when getting ready- just giddy to finally be married!
Together, we explored the Airbnb property taking couple portraits and getting eaten alive by North Carolina’s infamous mosquitos. Then, Kaitlin went inside to change into her wedding dress, which was a customized dress made from her mother’s vintage dress and was absolutely stunning! Her and Adam shared an intimate first look before having a sweet little private vow sharing outside before the rain started.
After vows and portraits, we all settled in for the night. They had their first dance while their best friend sang and played guitar, we popped champagne, exchanged gifts, and perused her parent’s photo album from their wedding as a way to celebrate the core people in their lives that weren’t able to physically be present that day.
It was a day full of intention, love, and pure joy. I was so thankful to be a part of it and get to capture the story of that day for them to relive for years to come. That’s the best part about this job, and Kaitlin and Adam are no exception!
If you’re looking for inspiration for your unique elopement story, keep scrolling to see how Kaitlin and Adam’s day looked!
Looking to plan your own unique North Carolina elopement?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! As your North Carolina and Colorado elopement planning & photography team, we’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! Elopement planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free elopement consultation with us!
Two-Day Spring Elopement in North Carolina
Looking for inspiration for your two-day elopement? Kassie and Jake's multi-day elopement experience in Western North Carolina is the best place to start! It was a never-ending adventure with waterfall hikes, a sunrise ceremony on the Appalachian Trail, and a vineyard visit! It was the perfect, spring elopement experience!
What Does a Two-day Elopement Look Like?
Kassie and Jake’s multi-day elopement in Western North Carolina is one that we will never forget! It was two days full of adventure, back up plans, freezing cold temperatures, and unique activities that made for the perfect wedding experience for them. This is also a GREAT example of what a true adventure elopement can look like, and why having vendors who know how to pivot your day and create backup plans is so important. If you’re looking for inspiration about what a two-day elopement could look like, keep reading!
Looking to plan your own elopement or micro-wedding?
Why a two-day elopement
When we first chatted with Kassie and Jake about this day, we knew that we had to include lots of hiking, and quality time to slow down. They live in New York City and both have incredibly busy jobs, so they don’t get the opportunity to take it easy often. A two-day elopement worked well for them, because they would have time to soak up all of the best parts of Western North Carolina, travel to different areas, and not feel rushed about going back to the city after the day.
Planning an North Carolina elopement? Check out our blog post all about How to Elope in NC for our best tips and tricks!
Day 1
Waterfall hike near Blowing Rock
During the planning process, when prompted with the question of their favorite activities to do together, they both immediately exclaimed “hiking and backpacking!” Kassie and Jake originally met in North Carolina and took trips together to the mountains before moving to New York City. The plan for the first day of their elopement was to inspire some nostalgia about Southern Appalachia to remind them of their first adventures together as a couple.
Becca and I met up with the couple at a quaint little coffee shop in downtown Blowing Rock, and we all shared some laughs and travel stories over lattes and tea as we prepped for our hike. Becca had scouted the perfect spot not far off of Main Street with a short 2 mile trail and two different waterfalls! It was an idyllic Spring day, filled with sunshine and early blooms. They took their time exploring the falls and soaking in each other’s company before their sunrise elopement the next morning.
Day 2
Sunrise elopement ceremony at Carver’s Gap
Even though they had lived in NC for a long period of time, neither of them had ever been to Carver’s Gap, Tennessee. Becca and I knew that would be the perfect spot for them at sunrise, and wasn’t too far of a pre-dawn drive from everyone’s accommodations in Banner Elk. Unfortunately, as we watched the weather reports in the days leading up to it, we knew that it wouldn’t be quite the sunny, blue sky adventure we were hoping for. However, both Kassie and Jake felt it would still be worth it to check it out!
All four of us got a very early start on the morning of their ceremony, meeting at the trailhead around 6:30am. We knew the weather would be cold, but it was truly a winter wonderland!! As Becca and I made our way up the winding road to the trailhead, I watched as our car drove into the frost-covered cloud bank, with no normal, sprawling blue-ridge mountain views in sight.
After consulting with both Jake and Kassie, we decided to move forward with the first look and ceremony right on the Appalachian Trail, while keeping in mind the cold and everyone’s safety. Becca had come prepared with handwarmers, extra gloves, and multiple backpacking quilts and blankets to help keep the couple warm as they walked, side by side, up towards the grassy balds. It was still important for them to get married at the start of the day, so they could spend the rest of it reveling in each other’s company- so we did not want to alter that part of the timeline!
I’m honestly so glad we opted to stay at Carver’s Gap, even in the freezing cold. The soft dusting of snow and ice covered pine forest added to the romantic nature of the moment, setting a serene and peaceful backdrop. It was a beautiful experience watching these two share their first look and vows together with not another human in sight. Not a typical experience you get at this trailhead!
Warm afternoon at the vineyard
We had already planned to take a mid-day break after the sunrise ceremony, so everyone could relax, change their clothes and refresh for the afternoon activities. After the chilly sunrise adventure, the time to nap and warm up was well-deserved! We met up with Kassie and Jake again at Grandfather Vineyard to finish up their elopement experience with a wine tasting and charcuterie board designed by Becca. It was the perfect end to the experience for them, and we had so much fun exploring the vineyard, playing games and chatting before heading back down the mountain!
