Sunrise Ceremony at Copper Lake
In the past, the word 'elopement' used to mean running away and getting married in secret or without parental consent. But the meaning of the word 'elopement' has changed, especially since the pandemic. After so many couples had to reschedule their wedding, a lot of them opted for smaller celebrations with their closest family. Now the term 'elopement' tends to mean any smaller, intimate and untraditional wedding. In the past year, a lot of couples have redefined what their wedding day will look like and questioned "What is most important to me on my wedding day?"
For Angie and Alex, it was an adventure. We started our 5-mile trek up to Copper Lake just outside of Crested Butte around noon. Once we got up there, we set up our tents, ate dinner together, and headed to bed. Angie and Alex woke up before sunrise to get ready, while Holden, Kaylyn (from Backcountry Vows) and I scoped out spots we wanted to use for the ceremony and photos.
Then it was go-time! Angie and Alex said their vows at 11,301 feet during sunrise. It was so beautiful to capture such an important moment in their lives with the sun-kissed mountain tops shining behind them. We spent the rest of the morning exploring around the alpine lake, making coffee and breakfast, and having their first dance among the pine trees. Then we packed up camp and headed back down the mountain.
If you want to elope, you certainly don't have to climb a mountain to do so. Luckily in Colorado, there are dozens of beautiful spots right off the side of the road. Or even if you don't want to elope in nature, let's do it in a place that you and your partner find special. Elopements can truly be whatever you want them to be.
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