L and J elope in the mountains of Patagonia on a stunning fall morning.

L and J’s love story started in the wild and has always in some ways been tinged with magic– fireflies, butterflies, loons, rainbows… They first laid eyes on eachother in the woods at an old farmhouse for the ecology students at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, which they both attended. A little later on, after a multi-day backpacking trip in the Dolly Sods Wilderness of West Virginia, they fell in love. L was entranced by J’s calm and kind spirit; J was captivated by L’s funny, smart, and adventurous nature. One night, after staying up late chatting and giggling, they shared their first kiss amongst a multitude of fireflies, and they have been inseparable ever since.

Although L wasn’t expecting a formal proposal from J (as they had already discussed an elopement and epic trip), he managed to surprise her with one after a sunny, magical hike (with their beloved dog) to Stanton Lake outside Glacier National Park. Upon arriving at the lake, they spotted a lovely pair of loons– an auspicious sighting indeed. The symbolism of seeing these two birds (who mate for life and whom L and J both love) was not lost on them. As they reposed on a log, snacking and admiring the Great Northern, J pulled out a ring– a Montana sapphire– and asked L to marry him. Quite surreally, they were then serenaded by a swarm of butterflies as they toasted eachother with French rose and reveled in their joy.

Never being ones desirous of attention or comfortable in big groups, L and J knew from the beginning that they wanted an elopement in some distant locale. Loving nothing more than getting outside together and exploring the mountains, far from the madding crowds, L and J fittingly chose Patagonia as their “I-do” destination

L and J’s wedding day started with a stunning fall morning in Torres del Paine. A shimmering pink sunrise filled the sky with light as L and J reached the trailhead and did their first look. L looked gorgeous in her tulle sheath dress– her court train waving dramatically in the blustery winds. J looked dashing, too, in his sleek, classic burgundy suit. At some point during the morning, a rainbow arched magnificently over the sky, and followed the pair throughout the rest of their bliss-filled day. Following an exchanging of vows (from little customized wooden books), they toasted their new marriage and then indulged in some warming hot chocolate and delectable chocolate cake. Next, after hiking some more, L and J settled down and cozied up in the sunshine to read the letters from family and friends that had been collected and published into a keepsake tome.

After trekking back down the trail to a dazzling spot by the water, L and J shared their first dance to “I Choose You” by the SteelDrivers and then returned to their lodge where the happy newlyweds rested and reflected on their wondrous day.

Check out my recommended vendors, venues, and BnB’s in my complete

Patagonia Elopement Guide

Getting Married in Chile Guide

…and be sure to see how this location totally transforms when it’s covered in snow:

B + G’s Winter Wedding in Torres del Paine

As the sky turns pink at dawn, the bride walks the trail to her first look in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. She is holding her muted bouquet with pops of light blue as she holds her dress with the other hand, hair blowing in the wind.

Moments before the groom sees his bride, the two stand before the glorious mountains of Torres del Paine. The groom is facing the mountains as the bride stands behind him before tapping his shoulder to turn around.

The groom taking in his beautiful bride in Patagonia as the sun begins to ignite the mountains in the morning light. The bride's train blows in the breeze behind her and she stands in front of him.

Basking in the early moments of the sunrise, the eloping pair stand a foot or so apart, looking at the mountains behind them.

The bride's hair is gracefully blowing in the wind as she happily listens to her fiance read his private vows to her as the sun rises on the mountains behind them.

A wide shot of the private vow ceremony during a Patagonia sunrise elopement by the water.

After the private vows, the couple put on their hiking gear and head onwards through their elopement hike through Torres del Paine. The bride has added a cream-colored coat and blue hat and they each have their hiking backpacks.

The eloping couple hold hands as they hike the trail of Torres del Paine to their next destination.

On their next stop, the couple found a perfect spot on the beach to exchange their rings. Here, the groom is starting to put the ring on her finger as the bride looks up into the eyes of her husband.

The bride putting the ring on her husband on the beach in Patagonia. The bride is sporting her patterned dress, ivory jacket, and cream hat.

Congratulations, L + J!

Dress: AW Bridal

Bride’s Shoes: Danner x Free People

Bride’s Hat: Will and Bear

Suit: Indochino

Groom’s Boots: Nisolo

Flowers: Gracefully Bloomed

Vow Books: Casa Verde Weddings

Letter Books: From A Birdie

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Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Realm Studios)

If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, let’s do it!

You can do that by filling out the form below, emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling or texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!

If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!