September in Colorado is just the loveliest of months. It’s no wonder R and S picked this time of year to elope.

R + S chose a perfect spot for their wedding: Brainard Lake– an area resplendent with dramatic peaks, subalpine forests, and crisp, sparkling lakes. It provided a sublime backdrop to R and S’s wedding day, which started with a first look along the lake’s shores. R looked stunning in her flowy, long-sleeve cape wedding dress, with its lace detail and plunging neckline. She carried flowers in shades of peach, sage, cream, and crimson, and they seemed to cascade from her hands. R beamed brightly as she walked towards S at the water’s side.

Standing on the rocky shore, with the mountains looming majestically in the distance, R and S recited their hand-written vows from leatherbound personalized books and then exchanged their rings. The skies became a little gloomy and dark, but bursts of sunshine dramatically popped through at times, creating a gorgeous background for the happy newlyweds.

Although their hearts were set on sunset and twilight pictures in Rocky Mountain National Park, nothing dampened the couple’s spirits when a thunderstorm erupted and thwarted those plans. They gamely shifted gears and embraced the new plan to return to Brainard Lake. There, the rest of their wedding day unfolded.

As twilight began to fade to darkness, R and S donned headlamps and we captured some stunning images– R and S framed by the myriad stars, their lights shining like beacons up into the heavenly night sky.

The evening struck a celebratory tone, with dancing under the shining, innumerable stars by lantern and fairy light. The love, the romance, the delight– it was all palpable.

My very best wishes to R and S!

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

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide

…and be sure to see how this venue totally transforms in different seasons:

D+J’s Early October Micro-Wedding Near RMNP

On the shore Brainard Lake, the eloping couple hold hands under a clear umbrella that is being held by the groom. As he kisses the bride's forehead, she looks towards the camera with a gentle smile.

On the rocky lake shore, the bride rests her hands on her groom's chest as they look deeply into each other's eyes.

All stood still as the two said I do and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The bride's gossamer sleeves are lightly blowing in the wind and it's a beautiful moment.

A portrait of the bride looking to the left, as she stands before the stunning lake and mountain combination.

The bride and groom's custom leather vow books with their names and date stamped into the bottom right, their rings on top of each book.

During a joyful moment, the bride uses her right hand to gently hold her partner's beard and they smile at each other. The mountains and evening sky fill the background as the colors turn cool and even more romantic.

A vertical image of the newlyweds closing their eyes and soaking in the moment amongst the mountains on this epic day. The bride is holding her husband from behind, both hands on this chest/stomach, as he leans back towards her with her bouquet.

Congratulations, R + S!

Wedding Gown: Pronovias

Hair Stylist: Divine Beauty Artists, LLC (Manet Palma)

Suit: Suitsupply

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Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?

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!