Waterfalls & Wildflowers: Colorful San Juan Mountains Elopement

San Juan Mountains Elopement 

This San Juan Mountains elopement highlights some of the beauty and grandeur of this absolutely spectacular area, which spans from southwestern Colorado through northwestern New Mexico. The San Juan Mountain range is home to some of the most majestic peaks in Colorado. Uncompahgre Peak is the tallest at 14,321 feet. Other 14ers (mountains that are 14,000 feet and taller) include Mount Wilson, Mount Sneffels, Mount Eolus, Handies Peak, and San Luis Peak. This land is also highly mineralized and was a major attraction for gold and silver miners. 

Sunrise First Look

We met Alyson & Matt at dawn near an overlook above the lake where they would soon get married. As the sun started to rise, the puffy clouds glowed a bright orange hue with highlights of violet and gold. It was truly captivating to watch these brilliant colors subtly come to life while Alyson and Matt shared their first look. 

We made our way down a path aligned with freshly bloomed wildflowers as the sun rose over the mountains. The sun rays made a grand entrance into the morning and immediately began heating the land. Alyson and Matt paused to share a moment to simply enjoy the warmth on their skin and take it all in. It’s moments like these that really make elopements so special!

Shoreline Ceremony 

Soon, we made our way down to the shoreline for Alyson and Matt to exchange vows. Plumes of smoke from campfires arose and dissipated in the distance while the nearby campground slowly awakened. A long and narrow scull swished through the surface of the water toward the other side of the lake. Alyson and Matt enjoyed the fresh mountain air and found their footing for their vow ceremony. 

It was important for Alyson and Matt to connect with the earth. They removed their shoes and softened their bare feet into the shore to ground down. While this life we live is a marathon, our feet are critical to navigating the journey. The simple act of touching bare skin against natural dirt, water, and sunshine can foster a more profound relationship and provide a deeper understanding of how we belong. This natural connection can sincerely help to slow down and to simply be present.

Lush Waterfall Cove 

Afterward, we drove to a waterfall to explore a romantic and enchanting waterfall cove! There were two areas that formed waterfalls along a short hike near a tree-covered stream. Red, gold, and turquoise rocks aligned the riverbed, and the water was so transparent that you could see every rich detail! 

At the first waterfall, we rolled up our pants, forged the shallow pool, and waded to the other side. Alyson and Matt played on a rock near the center and also discovered a fallen tree surrounded by patches of wildflowers. This colorful cove of natural beauty was just so spectacular! 

Foot Washing Ceremony & First Dance 

Finally, Alyson and Matt dipped their toes in the water once more for their foot-washing ceremony. They were truly immersed in the elements throughout their sweet day. Elopements are about connecting with our planet in order to form a deeper connection with yourself and your partner. Splashing barefoot in the water is a simple yet profound act. 

Their subsequent first dance also led them to two-step into the water. It was a wonderful finish to a breathtaking and incredible morning! If you want more ideas for unity ceremonies like this feet washing, check out more here.

San Juan Mountains Elopement Photographer Team 

Ready to turn your San Juan Mountains elopement dreams into reality? As your San Juan Mountains elopement photographers, we specialize in capturing the raw beauty, genuine emotions, and intimate moments that make your love story unique. 

Alyson and Matt’s journey through this breathtaking landscape is just a glimpse of the extraordinary experience we can craft for you. Whether it’s the ethereal sunrise first look, the heartfelt shoreline vows, or the romantic waterfall cove exploration, we’re dedicated to telling your story with passion and artistry.  If you’re seeking photographers who understand the magic of connecting with nature and each other, reach out to us! 

Client Love

“Meg + Kevin – the most amazingly kind, thoughtful, and talented photographers we have ever encountered! Literally our dream photographers! We cannot say enough kind words about them. It was such a blessing to find and work with them! 

From the beginning, we knew there was something unique and different about them. They truly love what they do and you are not just another client to them. They took the time to get to know us and listen to us. In return, we got to know them better on a personal level so that when we met up it wouldn’t feel awkward. 

They were basically our wedding planners as well. Going above and beyond what most photographers do. They crafted a detailed list of recommended elopement locations tailored to our wants. The entire process was a breeze without any stress added on us. Once we chose our location they continued to stay in touch communicating and sent us a recommended timeline of how our day could potentially flow. A few days before we eloped they got on the ground at our locations and sent us some photos along with their thoughts. 

Honestly, we felt as if we had known them for years! They made us feel completely comfortable. We knew we could trust them with our day. Our day flowed naturally and we were completely relaxed the entire time. We were just hanging out with good friends who just so happened to be taking our photos. They authentically and organically captured our day and brought to life what we had envisioned – except even better than we could have imagined! 

We are so in LOVE with ALL of our photos!! We keep looking through them reminiscing, trying to choose our favorites then realizing we are basically adding hearts to all of them!! Our friends and family are completely blown away! We are told our photos look like something straight from a professional magazine! We even had a friend tell us she loved them so much she would hang them in her home like works of art! What a compliment! 

We can’t thank them both enough for all of their hard work from the beginning to the end! They both exceeded our expectations! It was such a delight to meet and work with them! So great to have had an amazing experience and come out with such good, kind friends in the process! If you can’t tell, we highly recommend Meg & Kevin!!” – Alyson & Matt