A Colorado Sunrise elopement tips + tricks

A Colorado sunrise elopement

While that 3 AM or earlier wakeup for your elopement call can be brutal, it is always worth it. If you’re anything like me and anticipate greatly, odds are you won’t be getting much sleep the night before anyway so I always set my coffee to be a bit stronger. But when that alarm finally does go off and it’s game day, there is nothing but excitement and joy.

How to make the most of your sunrise elopement in Colorado

What to bring for a Colorado sunrise:

Colorado is technically a desert, which means that when the sun goes down the temperatures do drop. If you are heading up the mountain, then this is a guarantee. So what does that mean? When you first step out of the car and it’s dark outside, it will likely be chilly so I always recommend grabbing an extra layer or blanket to bundle up in. Gloves can be a good idea too if those get cold, Don’t worry, odds are you won’t be needing it for long but you’ll be glad you have it!

I also always carry a headlamp, which the more time I spend camping I don’t know how people do without. Headlamps allow for hands free travel, (or more photos) and are a great way to make sure you don’t miss a step along the way.

Comfort is always key, so be sure to pack shoes that you are confident walking in. If heels are you jam, I’d suggest carrying them until we are at our destination instead of risking life itself to walk in them in the dark.

Miscellaneous items like tissues, coffee, extra hair spray and sunglasses are also suggested as you just never know when you might need them for a sunrise elopement!

What to expect:

In a word: Alpine-glow. This is essentially that soft warm orangey bloom of color that erupts after the sun peaks over the horizon. This is a photographers dream moment, as the colors are both inviting but not too harsh. When you opt for an elopement at sunrise, this is the moment you are seeking.

Sunrise is also the hour when less people are awake- so that means less crowds. If privacy is a priority then you’ll absolutely want to opt for this option. This is especially true if you are interested in a high volume area, like this photo above in Boulder. If you were to choose a sunset here, it would be swarming with people.

Colorado is famous for our afternoon thunder showers, so morning is actually when the weather is the most predictable and calm. This is another reason why sunrise wins as far as weather, and why even though the alarm clock is brutal the payoff is way worth it!

Colorado Sunrise Elopement Timeline

Part of my job as an elopement photographer is creating a custom timeline for each couple – so your day will be custom tailored just for you! To give you an idea of what your unique day can look like when you elope in Colorado, here’s a sample timeline.

3:00 AM wake up call, immediately make coffee

3:30 AM hair and makeup – if you are doing this yourself be sure to give yourself extra time!

4:15 AM depart for ceremony location

5 AM Put on elopement attire on site at ceremony location

5:30 AM Private vow ceremony as the sun rises

6 AM Champagne toast and photos during that beautiful golden hour!

7:30 AM Head to breakfast- sustenance is key! Picnics for breakfast are always a great idea. I encourage this if you prefer to maintain privacy and that feeling of seclusion on location.

9:30 AM Head back to Airbnb-Nap time!

If you opt for a larger booking, I LOVE meeting up with my couples are their naps for more adventuring. Some ideas for that include a – taking a boat ride out to a beach, hiring a private chef to come make you dinner at the airbnb, having a second ceremony with friends and family, head to a brewery, star photos in the desert with a sweet 4×4 – the list is endless!

Sunrise in Colorado: Elopement Packages

If you think nature’s pretty neat, you want your wedding day to be about you, and you want to plan a day that’s one of a kind and customized just for the two of you, my Colorado elopement packages have everything you need! 

As a photographer, my job is to tell your story – to make sure that when you look back on your photos, you can see the entire day unfold, and feel every moment all over again. As your guide to all things Colorado, I will help you through planning your elopement, adventure with you on the day of, being a fly on the wall when you need me to, helping you tie a tie or button up a dress or figure out the right way to pack a bouquet for a hike.

Ready for your adventure? Contact me!