A bride and groom smile at each other on a ski lift. — A Ski or Snowboard celebration might be your perfect way to elope in Colorado!

Skiing is something Negar and Jake connected over, so when they wanted more than just a few phone snapshots of their courthouse wedding, I had an idea to bring that connection into their wedding day.

But I wasn’t just planning to give them photos. I wanted them to have a full experience, creating memories together that they could look back on and say “My wedding day was freaking awesome!!” Before their day, I learned more about their preferences and connection together, so that I could create an itinerary that fit who they are as a couple. No rigid timelines or “nice” venues that didn’t actually mean anything to them. They had incredible mountain views, a fireball shot-ski, freshly-groomed runs, and even untracked POWDER! But most importantly, they had each other, celebrating their marriage in a way that felt true to their story together.

What Does a Full-Day Ski Elopement Look Like?

It looks just like the best powder day you’ve ever experienced, regardless if there’s actually any fresh snow! That’s because you’re marrying the love of your life in a way that isn’t posed or fake. You’re genuinely having a blast experiencing a ski day together and throwing in a few extra celebratory activities! Here’s a quick timeline of their unrushed order of events:

A Relaxing Morning (The Kind You Actually Remember)

Negar and Jake agreed that of the best things about morning is coffee. And while true powder days for skiers and snowboarders usually means pre-dawn awakening, this day was more about the relaxed and present moments. So they woke just after sunrise to enjoy warm coffee and burritos together overlooking distant mountains. Though Colorado had an uncommonly dry winter this season, a blessing of several inches of fresh powder glistened in the trees outside. Excited, they packed their ski bags and drove the 20 minutes from Glenwood Springs up to the quaint and historic Sunlight Ski Resort.

Shot Ski in the Parking Lot (Because Why Not)

Before anything official happened, there was a shot ski to get warmed up and further reiterate that this day isn’t about performance, but about being themselves and having fun. And honestly, it set the tone for the whole day—celebratory, a little chaotic, and completely unfiltered!

Riding the Lift for Fresh Powder Runs!

There’s something you should know about getting married at a ski resort: you will be the center of attention. Like most sports, one of the coolest things about partaking in a ski day is that everyone is generally stoked to be there and are excited to celebrate right along with you! For Jake and Negar, fellow skier and snowboarder’s cheers added to the energy of the day, and they soaked in the celebration. They shared a kiss on their first chair ride together and excitedly took in the fresh powder carves on the mountain.

Vows Amongst Snowy Mountains

At a certain overlook, there’s a wooden archway that perfectly frames the valley’s famous Mount Sopris. Towering in the distance over towns and hills, it gives that iconic Colorado look and provides the perfect backdrop to exchange vows and rings. For the most part, skiers don’t stop here, and the two newlyweds had the whole area to themselves! No decorations or distractions, just blue skies and sparkling snow. And, of course, a champagne pop!!

Celebratory Powder Runs

Their idea of “walking down the aisle” was shredding the slopes!

They sprayed each other with snow, did some tricks, and leisurely coasted through trees. No expectations or multiple stops to get that “perfect pose.” As a snowboarder myself, I followed along beside and behind them, snapping candids of their joy in the moment. On some runs, I put the camera away completely and let them rip down at their own pace!

An Apres-Ski Reset at the Lodge

At the base of the mountain, they rested their skis and turned in for a happy hour drink. Warming on lounge chairs in the afternoon sun, they reminisced on their favorite parts of the day and laughed at some of my favorite shots of them spraying snow all over each other. It was just enough skiing to feel fulfilled without feeling exhausted. And the plan was to keep the unwind going into the evening!

Ending the Day with Hot Springs

Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs is one of my personal favorites in all of Colorado, and it just happens to be a short distance from Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort. What makes this place unique are their limited number of private cabins, where, if rented, you have 24-hour access to their intimate hot spring pools. Their ranch is situated in a snug valley below mountains and brilliant stars, and their warm cabins are like something out of a cozy Christmas movie. It’s the perfect ending to a chilly winter ski day, and Jake and Negar enjoyed cake cutting and a first dance before spending the evening soaking in the springs and resting in the ultimate relax!

Why This Ski Elopement Worked So Well

Negar and Jake didn’t try to create a “cool” wedding, and I didn’t try to create a “photoshoot” for them. Each of our goals was for an experience, and to take the day as one big adventure! Just as with any real-life adventure, nothing is “perfect,” but absolutely everything they hoped for because their expectations were rooted in their love for each other over events of the day. We kept things simple, carefree, and fun, so that no one was uncomfortable and nothing looked forced.

If you’re thinking about a ski elopement in Colorado, this is your reminder:

It doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable.

But there are details and planning that are crucial to having a carefree day in the moment.

Know the Ski Resort, and Choose the Right Photographer

Some elopement photographers—like myself—go beyond pretty photos and a tough draft timeline of the day.

Knowing the ski resort, its runs, and even it’s community can play a key part in having a successful day, so it’s important to choose someone who is familiar with the terrain and area, and who also will go the extra mile to ensure an elopement is even allowed!

Not every ski resort in Colorado is elopement-friendly, and the last thing you want is to plan something epic….and get shut down by permits.

Many of the big-name resorts: Aspen/Snowmass, Vail, and Breckenridge, require permits not only from the Forest Service for the land it sits on, but a subsidary payment for using the resort for commercial purposes. It’s invaluable to have an elopement photographer who knows the ins and outs of each resort and can help navigate these barriers, but can also direct you to other resorts that are more relaxed with permits (and maybe even less touristy!).

A bride and groom kiss on a snowy lookout on a ski resort in Colorado. — Sunlight Mountain Ski Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is one of the best places to elope while skiing or snowboarding!

Thinking About Your Own Ski or Snowboard Elopement?

You’ve got the mountains, the freshly-groomed runs, the hot chocolate (maybe even the fireball), and hopefully a whole lotta powder! But most importantly, you have each other, celebrating your marriage in a way that that tells part of your story together. A large part of my role for your day is gathering your dreams, desires, and preferences and crafting a timeline that fits as much as you love into one epic day. I help take care of the logistics and little details so you don’t have to stress before and especially not during your wedding day. If you’re dreaming about something like this—laid-back, adventurous, and actually fun—Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs is one of those hidden gems that lets you do it your own way. Less crowds. More freedom. And views that absolutely hold their own.

And if you’re already picturing your day playing out like this, I’d love to chat!

A Perfectly Powdery Ski Elopement in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

What Does a Full-Day Ski Elopement Look Like?

A Relaxing Morning (The Kind You Actually Remember)