Ridgway State Park Wedding in the Spring
Emily and Kimbles elopement was one of those “how is this real life’ days. They got ready in a cozy cabin in the San Juans, seperate rooms, their people around them zero stress. Flower crowns, Redwing boots, handwritten vows, very them. They did a first look on the porch of their Airbnb before we loaded up into their familys red 80’s Land Cruiser (I die) to head to Ridgway State Park.
Once there, they had a super small ceremony with their loved ones. Chill, beautiful, no fuss. And after that we headed to the lake that was the backdrop to their ceremony so they could canoe on the lake. Storm clouds were rolling in in the background and it was the moodiest movie scene.
We split for a few hours before meeting up again for sunset where we some of the incredible spots around Ouray. We ended with waterfalls, epic views of the San Juans, and of course the classic “Switzerland of America” sign. Because I’m gonna tell you that you didn’t get married in Ouray, Colorado if you didn’t get a picture with the sign.
Adventurous in a way that was completely them, and that didn’t involve a crazy hike. Intimate, romantic, and yes I did steal their Redwing boot idea for my own elopement :)
How to Get Married at Ridgway State Park
Here's the lowdown:
Permits and Reservations: Before you start popping champagne, you gotta secure your spot. Reach out to the park office or check their website for info on permits and reservations. Whether you're planning a small gathering or a full blown fiesta, you'll need to make sure you're good to go with the park authorities.
Location, Location, Location: Ridgway State Park is like a treasure trove of stunning spots to say "I do." Whether you're dreaming of lakeside vows or mountain views for days, there's something for every couple. Scope out the different areas within the park and find the perfect spot that speaks to your vibe.
Vendor Vibes: Once you've nailed down the where and when, it's time to start thinking about the who. You know, the vendors who'll make your day extra special. From photographers to florists to caterers, you'll wanna lock down the dream team to bring your vision to life.
Logistics and Legwork: Okay, so you've got the venue, the vendors, and the vision. Now it's time to get down to the nitty gritty. Think about stuff like parking, permits, and any rules or regulations you need to abide by. You don't wanna be caught off guard on your big day, so do your due diligence and dot those i's and cross those t's.
Backup Plan: Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable, especially in the Colorado Rockies. So it's always a good idea to have a Plan B in case of rain, snow, wind, who knows what else. Whether it's a cozy cabin or a nearby open field, make sure you've got a backup plan that's as rad as your original setup.
Rock and Roll: Alright, it's showtime. The big day has arrived, and it's time to party like there's no tomorrow. Soak in every moment, from the "I do's" to the cake cutting to the epic dance floor shenanigans. This is your day, so make it count!
And there you have it, folks, your step-by-step guide to getting hitched at Ridgway State Park.
