Morgan & Ryan | Winter Elopement on the Colorado National Monument

With a bustle of giddiness and nerves, Morgan and Ryan followed me to the spot I’d chosen for them to exchange vows for their winter elopement on the Colorado National Monument. We stopped on the path, one of my favorite vistas in the park spanning to the horizon, and set up their intimate wedding ceremony. Morgan and Ryan stood together while their parents and daughter watched as they each took out whatever paper they could find in the moment to write their vows down on. “This is very special paper” Ryan laughed as he pointed out the sunglasses-clad girl displayed on the back, followed by Morgan’s written on her boarding pass. When you’ve got a week to plan a wedding, anything will do!

That’s one of the things I love most about documenting elopements. They are such intimate, whimsical, cherished events — not that full day weddings aren’t! But something about elopements allows couples to really focus on the most important part of a wedding – the beginning of a marriage. Committing yourself to another forever. No concern for the paper you wrote the vows on, only the meaning and promises contained within them. It’s actually super romantic!

Morgan and Ryan have been together over two years, though Morgan admits she knew he was “the one” after the first date! The way he knew just exactly how to make her laugh and guided her along the trail for every photo made it so easy to see how much they care for one another. I asked them what one of their favorite memories together was so far, and though they couldn’t pick just one, they agreed that their travels new adventures together have been some of their most cherished moments!

After sharing vows overlooking the canyon of the Colorado National Monument, their daughter delivered them their rings to exchange. They shared their first kiss and then it was time for photos! We explored around the snowy desert as the sunset lit up Mt. Garfield and the Mesa beautifully. Check out some of my favorite moments from their Winter Elopement on the Colorado National Monument:

Elopement Vendors:

Bouquet: Saint Charles Bloomin’ Brushes

Dress: Lulu’s