Ouray, Colorado Adventure Elopement Photo Story Award

Outdoor wedding ceremony image from an Amphitheater in the mountains

Picture from an outdoor wedding ceremony at an Amphitheater in the mountains

The bride and groom choose to have their wedding ceremony at The Amphitheater in the San Juan Mountains, near Ouray, Colorado. They selected this spot not only because it held special meaning for them, but also because they wanted to share the sweeping views of the mountains with their guests.

The San Juan Mountains had long been the preferred hiking destination of this couple, who constantly found themselves captivated by their love for one another against the panoramic mountain vistas. When they decided to get married, they knew that Ouray, Colorado was the perfect destination for them to say their vows and commit themselves to one another in front of their closest family members and friends. While they were familiar with all of the trails — including the perimeter trail — they focused on finding a ceremony location that was accessible for their guests while still featuring breathtaking views of the mountain range.

Soon, they found The Amphitheater and quickly fell in love with its views of Mt. Abrams. It was the perfect setting for their sweet, affectionate and intimate elopement.

Colorado Wedding rings on top of a green aspen leaf

Ouray, Colorado Wedding Detail Image | the rings on top of a Colorado aspen leaf

This picture captures the details of the couple's custom wedding rings. With the rings set on top of a Colorado aspen leaf, this image showcases their love of beauty and the natural world.

Rocky Mountain Region wedding ceremony picture in Colorado of parents and the bride

Rocky Mountain Region wedding ceremony image from Colorado | the mountains towering behind the bride

With the mountains towering behind her offering their unwavering support, the bride takes the hands of both of her parents and begins to traverse the trail toward her groom.

San Juan Mountain Wedding BW picture at outdoor ceremony of bride and father in tender embrace

San Juan Mountain Wedding Photography in BW from an outdoor ceremony | The bride and her father share a tender embrace

The bride and her father share a tender embrace before the mountainside ceremony begins.

Colorado adventure wedding elopement ceremony image of bride and groom looking into eyes

Colorado adventure wedding elopement ceremony picture | The bride and groom look deep into one another's eyes

The bride and groom look deep into one another's eyes during the ceremony, as the two mountains in the background appear to forge together to become one indestructible peak — a fitting symbol of their new union.

CO Adventure San Juan Mountains Wedding Detail Picture of Non traditional ceremony elements

Adventurous San Juan Mountains Wedding Detail Picture in Ouray | Non traditional vows and ceremony elements

Rather than stick with the traditional vows and ceremony elements, this couple chose a simple yet powerful handfasting ceremony.

Colorado Micro Wedding image from the San Juan Mountains of a hug at conclusion of ceremony

Pic from a Colorado Micro Wedding at San Juan Mountains | Hugs at conclusion of the ceremony

Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, the newly-announced husband and wife collapse into one another's arms in a fit of laughter and excitement.

San Juan Colorado Mountain Elopement Portrait with a 360 view

 Wedding Photography from Ouray, Colorado | A couple portrait with a 360-degree view

This innovative portrait offers a 360-degree view of the couple's elopement location in Ouray, Colorado.

Colorado couple image from the San Juan Mountains as groom leads bride down the trail

Colorado Mountain Wedding Photography | the groom takes his new wife by the hand

In the moments following the ceremony, the groom takes his new wife by the hand and begins to lead her down the trail. It's a trail that they have walked before, but never as husband and wife. Today, they begin their never-ending journey together, and all things will seem new and fresh once again.