Brainard Lake Recreation Area Elopement in the Fall
Ah, fall. When Colorado decides to throw on its fanciest outfit of red and orange and yellow and all the tourists rush in but you can still find an easily accessible lake all to yourselves at sunrise on a weekday. Sunrise here is the secret (that, and the timed entry permit), so you get the lake all to yourselves.
Getting Ready In The Dark (Literally)
5:30 am. Opposite car doors. Stars overhead. Quiet. Zippers being zipper. Boots being laced. Wedding day outfits underneath puffy jackets underneath backpacks. Getting dressed on site is a pro-tip. Show up to the trailhead in your sweatpants. You’ll thank yourself for the extra sleep in time and the photos are always worth it.
Headlamp Hike to the First Look
Still dark. Stars twinkling overhead. Headlamps on because tripping on the trail would kill the mood. These two shared a first look with each other on an old wooden bridge on the trail out to where they wanted to share their vows. While alpenglow happened in the background. No big deal.
Saying the "I Do’s" with a Moose for Company
Edge of the lake, peaks turning pink, vows whispered. Cue the wildlife photobomber! Moose! The one place I will always recommend if you want to see a moose in Colorado, this guy straight up interrupted their vows (rude!) so we stepped back and let him do his thing as he climbed into the water and swam across the shore.
Family Time and Foliage Fizzes
Family arrives! Champagne pops! Hugs, laughs, first dances together and with family. Toasts and puppy dogs (my favorite!). Crisp mountain air with your favorite people (becaus yes, they’re also invited if you want!). Perfection.
Brunchin' at Their AirBnB A-Frame
Next chapter! Cozy cabin vibes. Morning sun spillin’ in, coffee in hand, pups snoozing nearby. Brunch spread, cake (yes I will take a slice). She changed into her moms wedding dress as a surprise for an incredibly sentimental moment. Slow, calm, perfectly real.
The end!
So there you have it! An early morning, wild laughter, a moose as a witness, fall color confetti. Just these two weaving their story into the Colorado wilderness.
For couples who want adventure, raw emotion, and maybe a moose cameo: get in touch to make your own Brainard Lake memories. And remember, love takes the scenic route.
