Loveland Pass Winter Elopement
got ready to music, postholed at Dillon, vows and a snowball fight
Whitney and Brad are the definition of cozy, low key, lets just be together and not overcomplicate it. Cowboy hats, warm hearts, laid back energy. Basically, two people (plus a mini human) who know who they are and wanted their wedding day to feel exactly like them.
Why winter? Why Loveland Pass?
Their whole vision from day one was “snow + mountains + lake, please and thank you”. So when I sent locations over, Loveland Pass and Lake Dillon checked every box. Big winter views, easy pull offs that are still accessible when there are feet of snow on the ground, and the exact kind of peaceful January quiet you can imagine. Winter can be unpredictable, but this day? Chef’s kiss. Full sun. Calm skies. The perfect amount of sparkle.
What the day actually looked like
They got ready together at a cozy little cabin outside of Idaho springs, no timeline panic, no frenzy, just music and vibes. Once everyone was dressed, we chased the sunlight up to Lake Dillon where the snow was very bright, fluffy, and everywhere. Whitney braved the cold like an absolute champion but it was also incredibly warm at lower elevation…until we headed up in elevation to the top of Loveland Pass where it was a bit windier. There they read their vows to each other, had a snowball fight, and took in the mountain views as the sun set.
How to Elope in Colorado in the Winter
AKA the stuff you want to know before attempting January at 11,000 feet.
Layers or perish. Skin tone colored leggings under dresses. Layers of socks. Cute jackets and cutes exist. Use them!
Wind is very much a thing. Mountain passes like Loveland Pass = giant fan machine
Winter sunset is early
Two to four hours of coverage is usually perfect for winter elopements, depending on what all you want to do
Hand warmers will be your best friend
Check out this blog post for more tips on How to Elope in Colorado in the Winter or How to Stay Warm During Your Winter Elopement
Locations we Used (and what they actually felt like)
Lake Dillon
Bright and sunny glittery snow magic. Sunglasses were a must while walking around, postholing through unpacked snow. But because the sun was out in full force and it wasn’t windy at lower elevation, it was quite warm.
Loveland Pass
Dramatic! Windy! Snowy! We used microspikes on our shoes just to be safe because the snow can be packed down enough that it will turn to ice and be slippery, especially around the parking lot and on the trails.
Thinking About a Winter Elopement?
If you want a peaceful, snow covered Colorado elopement day that feels intimate and cozy and a little bit magical, winter might be your soulmate. And Loveland Pass? Shes cold, she’s dramatic, she’s iconic. 10/10 would recommend.
Learn more about how to plan a Colorado winter elopement.
Want to see pricing and what's included? → Colorado elopement pricing
Hi, I'm Kimberly!
I'm a Colorado elopement photographer based in Denver, but I'm usually somewhere in the mountains with a camera and way too many things in my backpack "just in case."
I've been photographing elopements out here for 10 years and 100+ couples, and I eloped in Colorado too, so most of what I write about here comes from actually doing it.
You can learn more about me, or if you're planning your own elopement, start with my pricing & experience page.
A two part elopement day that started with vows at Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder and ended with a hike to a still snowy Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.