A Sunrise San Juan Mountain Elopement in September

Eloping couple standing on a rock on the edge of a lake that mirrors that mountain behind it. The bride is holding her groom's face as her flowy dress blows in the wind.
 

Two Hearts, Two Dogs, and the Mountains: V+ G's Adventurous Elopement Through the San Juan Mountains

 

As the sun began to paint the San Juan Mountains in shades of gold and kissed the world awake, V +G prepared for their epic wedding day adventure. The anticipation was palpable as they changed into their wedding attire outside of the Jeep. Her dress, a stunning creation by Watters Miles, was the perfect choice for her whimsical goddess look, and the draped wedding cape from All About Romance cascaded behind her like a dream. With his dark blue suit and matching boutonniere, the groom and his ethereal bride were ready to meet at their aquatic altar.

In the serenity of these mystical mountains with their two fluffy dogs, Keppler and Duke, these hiking enthusiasts shared a first look that would forever remain etched in their hearts. The setting was a picturesque alpine lake, its crystal-clear waters mirroring the grandeur of the mountains. It was a moment of pure magic, where time stood still, and their love blossomed like the wildflowers that graced the meadows.

Standing on a solitary rock, just big enough for the two of them and their beloved dogs, they exchanged vows that were as unshakable as the towering peaks around them. With their "I dos" hanging in the air like the soft breath of the morning dew, G brought out the kayaks and prepared for their matrimonial ride together. As they glided across the glassy waters, their love found its reflection in the beauty that enveloped them. The mountains, the lake, and the love that bound them created a masterpiece that Mother Nature herself would have applauded.

After their intimate ceremony, the two explored the area until they found a secluded sanctuary to serve as their next backdrop. Nestled next to a turquoise lake, they signed their marriage certificates, opened some brewskis, and enjoyed their cake on a cozy blanket.

The sunset soon approached, casting another warm, golden glow over the land, and the newlyweds wandered through the hills with lanterns in hand and their faithful fur babies close behind. The moon rose to grant its blessings, and the lovebirds ventured forth into the evening, hearts alight with the promise of a lifetime together.

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

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

Ghea + Justin’s Majestic Spring Mountain Elopement and Picnic in Telluride

A jeep parked in front of an alpine lake where a couple stand on either side finishing the final touches of their wedding outfits.
A closeup shot of the bride before her first look, holding her white and green botanical bouquet in one hand and her white vow book in the other.
The groom smiling admiring his soon-to-be wife as he turns around for their first look.
A sunrise vow exchange on a lake in the San Juan Mountain Range, featuring the couples dog testing the water to the right.
Another angle of the vow reading, showcasing the clear the lake they are getting married on and the towering slopes behind them.
The bride and groom laughing together while the bride reads her vows from her little white book.
The bride putting her groom's ring on as they finish their ceremony and make it official.
The newlyweds' first kiss with their dogs at the side and the glorious sun lighting up the mountains behind them.
Husband and wife walking on a rock path as they celebrate their nuptials. The groom is clicking his heels as he holds extra fabric from his wife's dress in an impressive maneuver.
A moment of pure joy as the groom picks up his new wife as she smiles at the sun, dress flowing in the wind.
The new husband smiling and gazing into the distance as he holds his wife from behind. She has her arms crossed and smiles joyously with the rusty mountain in the background.
This adventurous couple holding their two large dogs for a wholesome family portrait in front of the pristine lake and fall-colored mountains.
Man and wife celebrate their union with a kayak ride around this alpine lake. They're standing on the edge, ready to step into their white kayaks.
A photo of the majestic San Juan Mountains behind the glistening lake that the couple are kayaking on.

Congratulations, V + G!

Wedding Dress: Watters Designs from Anthropologie

Draped Wedding Cape: All About Romance

Shoes: Blundstone

Florals: Hidden Botanics

Kayak: Oru Kayak

Lodging: VRBO

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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!

Colorado Elopement Guide

Elopement Planning Toolkit (free download)

More Photo Galleries:

 
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