Planning Your Colorado Springs Elopement

Your elopement is so much more than pretty photos in a pretty location. It's your wedding day! The day you'll look back on for the rest of your lives and the day that will mark your anniversary each year. I encourage you to think of your elopement as your chance to create an entire day doing absolutely everything you want and nothing you don't. Sit down together and talk about what your dream day would look like.

While every elopement is different (and photo coverage time varies), most couples typically choose to start with getting ready photos and a first look, followed by a ceremony and some portraits, and ending with some sort of activity or celebration. You can decide which parts of the day are most important for you to have documented (my opinion is all of it lol, but that's just me). If you're struggling to decide how to fill your day, I've put together this step-by-step guide for planning your Colorado Springs elopement timeline.

You can either choose to get ready together or separately. You can even do a combination of both. If you want to spend as much time together as possible and don't plan on doing a first look, you can help each other get ready. Zip up the back of her dress, help him with his tie, clasp her necklace, clip on his boutonniere. There are many ways to be intentional about each step of the getting ready process when you're doing it together. On the other hand; if you'd prefer to keep the reveal a surprise until your first look, you can get ready separately in different rooms or by taking turns. If you want this part of the day captured, I typically start photographing after hair and makeup is complete and you are ready to get dressed in your wedding attire.

A first look refers to the moment you and your partner see each other for the first time all dressed up in your wedding attire. This is usually an emotional, intimate moment for both of you as it may be the first time it hits you that this is all really happening. The day you've been waiting for is finally here. I encourage couples to take their time here and not to rush through it. Check your partner out, compliment how good they look, and remind them how much you love them. Hold each other and breathe. Remember what this day is all about and promise to stay present and appreciate each moment.

The first look is typically followed by the ceremony. Whether you are self-solemnizing (marrying yourselves) or you have someone officiating your ceremony, this is probably the most important and significant part of the day. If you have an officiant, they will take the lead here. However, couples who choose to self-solemnize can do things however they want. In my experience most couples will read their personal vows to each other, stating how they feel and any promises they want to share for the future, then exchange wedding rings, and seal the deal with their first kiss as a married couple. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.

Once the formalities are out of the way, it's time for some fun adventurous portraits. If you have guests, I typically knock out the group portraits first since everyone is still in the same place right after the ceremony. Then once those are done, your guests are free to head out and don't have to feel like they need to wait around for you while you finish up your couple portraits. Personally, this my favorite part of any wedding day. It's the first moments after you've committed your lives to each other and can officially say "we're married"! You'll likely be so busy relishing in that feeling that you'll barely notice my camera and your overwhelming joy will shine through the photos.

You did it! You've gotten married, you've taken your portraits, and now you deserve to celebrate and have some fun! Here are some ways you can celebrate this special occasion.

POP SOME BUBBLY

What better way to toast your marriage than with a bottle of bubbly?! Whether it's champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling water, this is almost an essential part of your wedding day celebration in my opinion!

PACK A PICNIC

If you want to take full advantage of your chosen outdoor location, a picnic is a perfect option. Click here for tips on packing the perfect picnic.

GRAB A BITE TO EAT

Choose a favorite local restaurant or somewhere new you've been wanting to try. Click here for where to eat after your Colorado Springs elopement.

BOOK AN EVENT SPACE

If you have guests, it may be a good idea to rent a private event space to host your gathering. Click here for 5 event spaces for your Colorado Springs small wedding or elopement.

DO AN ACTIVITY YOU LOVE

Why not incorporate a hobby or activity that the two of enjoy doing together? Click here for activities for your Colorado Springs elopement.

Hopefully this inspires you and gives you some ideas for how you can spend your elopement day. I have many more ideas and guidance for booked clients. Whatever you decide to do, remember to stay focused on your partner, enjoy yourselves, and have fun! The day will be over in a flash - I'll take care of capturing every detail so you can be fully present to soak in each moment.