Elopement in the Grand Junction Desert | Riley & Meredith

Riley & Meredith celebrated their elopement in the Grand Junction desert, followed by a luncheon at the Goat & Clover Tavern. They brought some of their close family along to join in the fun in this beautiful town they love dearly!

We first met up Friday evening to scout the area they selected from my location database for their exact ceremony site. Having guests along that aren’t familiar with the area, we agreed it would be best to know exactly where we’re all heading on the big day! One of the benefits of eloping in the Grand Junction area is that I have the freedom to come with you on this type of scouting mission so we’re all there.

Saturday began mid-morning with getting ready at their vacation rental in the Redlands, with Meredith and her sister helping each other get ready along with her niece and nephew too. It’s so fun to have this ice breaker time where we can all get to know each other and that excitement for the ceremony begins to swell in everyone!

We hiked a little ways to their ceremony site for the elopement in the Grand Junction desert – with red rock cliffs and low juniper bushes offering their beauty as the backdrop to the exchange of vows. Their family witnessed not only their marriage ceremony, but also watched as hummingbirds danced around the couple – perhaps a sign from Meredith’s late mother that she was also in attendance.

Following the ceremony we explored the beautiful area for photographs as Meredith sighed saying, “I just feel more like ME out here.” That’s exactly what I hope for all my couples when they select their perfect elopement location: that you might feel at home, at peace, and more YOU in the space you decide on. 

Once we got some portraits, we met back up with their elopement guests at the Goat & Clover Tavern downtown for a luncheon, where everyone enjoyed a local eatery, good company, and mingling. Take a peek at some of my favorite moments from their elopement in the Grand Junction desert: