This Crested Butte elopement in Colorado did not exactly go as planned, but even Plan B was absolutely stunning. Elopements in the mountains always come with a sense of adventure, and Brittany and Paul’s Crested Butte elopement was no exception. What started as a plan for a scenic five-mile hike to exchange vows on a breathtaking ridge turned into a memorable day full of unexpected twists, raw beauty, and a bit of wild weather. Regardless, it still turned out to be the best day!

A Crested Butte Colorado Elopement

The morning started calm, the kind of soft, golden light that makes photographers like me giddy with excitement. Brittany and Paul were glowing as they laced up their hiking boots, backpacks full of everything needed to say “I do” in the great outdoors. We began our hike with the anticipation of reaching a ridge that promised panoramic views of the majestic mountains surrounding Crested Butte.

However, the mountains had a surprise in store for us. Halfway up the trail, the sky began to darken, and the soft breeze transformed into an ominous wind. The first rumble of thunder echoed across the valley, and we knew we had to act fast.

Safety Tips for Mountain Thunderstorms

Just as the storm unleashed its fury, lightning struck alarmingly close. Hail pelted down in a rapid frenzy, and we scrambled to find shelter under the nearest cluster of trees. For 30 minutes, we huddled together, listening to the storm’s symphony and laughing nervously at how unpredictable mountain weather could be.

While we had initially planned to hike all the way to the top, safety came first. The open ridge was too risky without tree coverage, so we pivoted our plan. Instead of the summit, we embraced the halfway point as our stage for the day.

And honestly? It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Brittany and Paul leaned into the unpredictability surrounded by misty rain, dramatic clouds, and the fresh scent of the storm-soaked forest. After the hail subsided, the rain came and went in soft bursts, leaving the mountains glistening. The two of them laughed, danced, and even frolicked through the wet grass, their joy palpable and contagious.

The mountains were moody, the skies dramatic, and the scenery just as breathtaking as it would have been at the ridge. With every snap of my camera, I captured the essence of what makes elopements so special: the focus on love, adventure, and making the most of the moment.

We Always Have a Plan B

Unfortunately, Brittany and Paul’s elopement wasn’t what we planned, but it turned into something even more meaningful. It was a reminder that some of life’s most beautiful memories are born out of the unexpected.

Crested Butte will always hold a piece of their story—a tale of adventure, resilience, and love, set against the backdrop of nature’s raw and untamed beauty. And for me? It was an absolute honor to witness and capture it all. Now we have the perfect excuse to go renew their vows on TOP of the ridge one day.

More about this location for your elopement:

Endless Location Options

If you want to elope in Crested Butte, you have SO many options. There are plenty of locations that are easily accessible with little to no hiking. However, a lot of these spots require 4WD so keep that in mind! There’s also so many opportunities to go on a bigger adventure to hike to the tallest peaks and ridge lines (as long as those storms don’t come through).

Permits Not Needed

As long as you have just a few friends and family, we don’t need a permit! You can go anywhere in the area to say your vows and go on an adventure! However, I do require for you to make a call to the Gunnison National Forest to double check that nothing has changed.

About this Trail

This trail we tried to do is very steep and would be about 5 miles round trip. This elopement was the first time I’d ever been on this trail. But I have since been back to complete the whole thing and let me tell you, the top of the ridge is SO worth the trek! The views were STUNNING and like nothing else I’ve seen in Colorado. Besides the views, there are grassy fields, beautiful groves of trees, and an expansive 360 view of all the peaks. You get so much variety in just one location.

Reach out to book your Crested Butte Colorado Elopement

If you want epic, majestic, and jaw dropping mountain views for your elopement mixed with the perfect amount of alpine lakes, pine trees, meadows, and plenty of boulders to climb around, this location has all the variety! I’ve got all the tea, tips, and advice on how to plan your elopement here. So don’t wait! Plan your Crested Butte Colorado Elopement with me! Reach out and let’s get started.