Hoosier Pass and Collective Retreats Elopement in Vail, CO

Vail, Colorado Elopement / Intimate Wedding Photographer

Tom and Torey decided to elope in July after COVID-19 hit. Tom reached out to me explaining that he would be moving for pilot training in the Air Force and they wanted to have an epic summer elopement before the big life transition. We immediately started planning a beautiful wedding day true to them with Silver Thistle Events, thinking about every detail along the way. I woke up around 3 AM to hike Hoosier Pass with them, picking the perfect spot out for their elopement ceremony. I had the privilege of officiating the ceremony and sharing a few tearful words. I’m ordained in Colorado and Texas and can officiate in many states like Utah, which I’ve found makes things easier for my clients when figuring out the logistics of eloping. After the elopement ceremony, we went to Lake Dillon for a beautiful brunch picnic arranged and planned by Silver Thistle Events. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, including the handwritten name tags. The day ended with Torey and Tom doing their first dance, cutting their cake, and most importantly, reading letters from friends and family that couldn't be there. 

I’m always an advocate for my couples incorporating their personality and family into their elopement. My job is so much more than being a wedding photographer. I want to be an advocate for each of my couple’s personalities, values, and vision on their wedding day. 

For those who are thinking about or planning an elopement or small wedding in the Vail area, I have some recommended elopement and wedding planning locations below, depending on your vision! 

Vail Elopement and Small Wedding Locations

Collective Retreats

This is a hidden gem! Collective Retreats has many locations across the US, but the one in Vail sits nestled in hills, surrounded by mountains. You can eat and stay on-site, along with enjoying activities like horseback riding and hiking onsite and a short car ride away. It would be a great option for someone wanting to have a small intimate wedding of 30-40 people all in one place, with the majority staying on-site or close-by! Definitely a luxurious experience!

Shrine Pass

For those that want epic views without hiking, Shrine Pass is the place! The dirt road starts near Frisco and ends in Redcliff. The road is about 43 miles and has a river. It’s passable by all with the exception of a low passenger car, July until October. You can access “Julia’s Deck” which is a perfect ceremony spot, overlooking the mountains. 

Vail Pass

Another great area with amazing mountain views that are easily accessible. This is a scenic highway with views all around. There are pull-offs along the drive that offer amazing views. This is an ideal location for the cold months when hiking is limited to snowshoeing but you want stunning views all around. With any amazing wedding location that is easily accessible, there will be people around. Just a word of forewarning!

Julia’s Deck

As mentioned above, this trail is about .4 miles near Red Cliff, best used June until September. This is a great fit for anyone wanting to reserve a ceremony spot with breathtaking mountain views. The area can hold about 30 people and the parking area can hold up to 10 vehicles. There are 3 benches for seating as well. You have to get in touch with Holy Cross Ranger District to reserve time during the summer! 

Hopefully, Tom and Torey’s elopement day will give you some ideas and inspiration for planning your day!

Talented Vendors that made this Vail, CO Elopement perfect:

Florals: Silver Thistle Events

Bride’s Dress: Laura McDonald

Bride’s Earrings: Revolve

Bride’s Shoes: Dolce Vita

Check out the Super 8mm elopement video I made for Tom and Torey below…

Plan Your Breckenridge Elopement or Small Wedding with a Professional Guide and Photographer

Thinking about planning an elopement or intimate wedding in Breckenridge, CO? I’m an adventure guide and photographer, dedicated to helping my couples plan a unique experience and wedding day, stateside and abroad! I work with vendors like Hereafter Films and Blushing Blooms Creative, offering an entire experience with like-minded vendors, putting the couple and their experience first. Contact me so we can start planning your dream celebration!