San Juan Mountains Adventurous Elopement
Meeting Harlee (and Currie) has been the best thing that could’ve happened to me since moving to Colorado. If you’re new here, my husband (the other half of Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film) and I moved to Colorado Springs from the Midwest at the tail end of 2023. Throughout our time in Colorado, we have had the honor of meeting so many beautiful couples who have trusted us to document their best day ever. And Harlee and Currie have been no exception! Capturing their San Juan Mountains adventurous elopement was a dream come true that will forever live rent-free in my mind.
Adventurous Summer elopement in the San Juan Mountains
Harlee dropped a comment on her elopement film on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh) when we posted it a couple months that perfectly summarizes things. “Got gorgeous wedding photo and film AND A BEST FRIEND...” Harlee and Currie discovered our work on Google, and the rest is truly history. We immediately clicked, bonding over our love of dogs, adventuring, coffee shops, good books… gosh, the list could go on and on. Her friendship is invaluable. But enough gushing over my best friend (for now.)
Harlee and Currie met at a local ski hill in North Carolina while attending Appalachian State University. Immediately, Harlee was smitten with Currie, thinking he was the cutest ski instructor. As their friendship grew, their love blossomed. After they both graduated, they set their sights on Colorado. They dreamed of spending the Winter months skiing and snowboarding, with summers filled with camping and hiking galore. And let me tell you — they are such a rad couple. After Currie proposed among the breathtaking golden Aspens, they got the ball rolling in the wedding planning department.
Eloping in the San Juan Mountains | Planning a Colorado Elopement
With a deep, mutual love for the San Juan Mountains, Harlee and Currie decided to elope with just the two of them (and their darling pup, Ford.) Their requests for their San Juan Mountains adventurous elopement were two-fold. First, they wanted to drink ice-cold Coors Banquets among the sprawling views of the Yankee Boy Basin. And secondly, they wanted to end their day by jumping into an alpine lake. Yep, talk about a dream. Sharing in the excitement with my dear friend(s) was so exciting as we (im)patiently waited for the day to arrive.
On a perfect Summer’s day in late July, Harlee, Currie, and Ford arrived to the mountainside. The morning was spent making finishing touches to Harlee’s wildflower bouquet before parting ways from Currie to get ready. We rented an ATV to cruise around the area, and it made for the perfect space for Currie to get ready. While he fixed his tie and buttoned his cuffs, Harlee snuck away to the privacy of the towering pines to slip into her gorgeous gown.
Once they were both ready, Harlee floated down the dirt trail to meet her groom beneath a deep blue sky overhead. The big smiles on both of their faces when they saw each other in their elopement attire were contagious. Before making our way up to the ceremony spot, we snapped some romantics in the forest — with ‘best man’, Ford and ‘flower girl’, Hoka making a couple appearances.
Ouray, Colorado Elopement | Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film
Overlooking the vast Yankee Boy Basin near Ouray, Colorado, Harlee and Currie exchanged heartfelt vows. Ford remained steadfast as his pawrents said, “I do”, in the most magical setting. Knowing how ‘at peace’ Harlee and Currie feel in the mountains, it was so beautiful to witness their happiness as their day came together exactly how they imagined. We spent some time after their ceremony taking newlywed portraits.
The rolling hills were such a brilliant shade of green, effortlessly complimenting Harlee’s whimsical, romantic wedding dress. Currie slipped on his Ray Bans for some rad groom portraits — which I’m still convinced the photos could be part of a Ray Bans campaign. After traveling a little ways in the ATV, the newlyweds sipped on champagne before Ford signed their marriage license. I have to admit, one of the best parts of being a Colorado wedding photographer is getting to see dogs act as a witness.
Following the marriage license signing, we made our way down to the alpine lake for some ‘traditional’ wedding day classics. Currie sprayed champagne before cutting the cake with his beautiful bride. What wedding day would complete without some cake in your faces?! You can 100% tell that these two are soulmates. They washed their cake down with ice-cold Coors Banquets before racing into the alpine lake, Ford hightailing it right behind them. The energy was everything as Harlee, Currie, and Ford splashed around the cold lake. Our sweet Hoka obviously couldn’t be left out, and quickly made her way into the water, too. It was the perfect way to conclude this incredible Colorado mountain elopement.
Colorado Elopement Inspiration and Free Resources
Searching for more Colorado elopement inspiration, planning tips, or couples to swoon over? I’ll drop some of my fave blogs down below! Until next time, friend. I’m so grateful to have ya here.
Getting Married in the San Juan Mountains: Unique Elopement Destinations
Emotional Intimate Wedding in Lake Tahoe
Choosing the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Colorado
Loveland Pass, Colorado Sunrise Elopement
How To Legally Elope In Colorado
Northern Colorado Adventurous Horseback Elopement
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Estes Park
