Small weddings, elopements & adventure sessions in Ouray, Colorado
Hey, I'm Carissa! Ouray Elopement Photographer
I’m so excited that you are dreaming up an elopement in Ouray, Colorado. Ouray is one of my favorite places in the world. With hundreds of miles of off-roading trails, epic mountains, and tons of adventure, the San Juans are truly the perfect place to elope.
Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but that’s what I’m here for! Think of me as your guide - I’ll help you find the incredible secret spot to say your vows, awesome local vendors to bring your dreams to life, and provide assistance with all the logistics and details that go into planning an unforgettable experience. I’ve helped plan elopements all over the world, and have a lot of experience crafting meaning, intentional elopement days.
Planning an elopement in Ouray
Want to elope in an epic, remote location in the mountains of Colorado? Ouray is the perfect place for you then. With hundreds of miles of Jeeping trails, it's easy to access spectacular scenery, and find lots of seclusion.
Not only is Ouray a stunning place to say your vows, but there is also SO much to do. It's the perfect place to start your lives together with an adventure. A few of my favorite local activities include the Ouray Hot Springs, the Via Ferrata, world class hiking, the local breweries, and taking day trips to explore Telluride and Silverton. You really could never get bored in Ouray!
Best time of year to elope in Ouray
Now this is a tough one, because Ouray has some absolutely incredible seasons - it's so hard to choose a favorite.
Mid July - Mid August is the absolute best part of summer to explore the San Juans! This is peak wildflower season, meaning that you will find meadows full of wildflowers that are waist high (not kidding!). Everything will be lush and green this time of year, and you'll find waterfalls speckling the mountainside.
The end of September is the best time of year to see the peak fall colors. The weather will be a little chilly this time of year, and the aspen trees will be vibrant yellow. The mountains might even be dusted in snow, which is always a treat.
January - March is an excellent time of year to enjoy the snow in Ouray! Although it's winter, the sun is still typically shining! This makes Ouray the perfect location for a winter elopement.
Where to elope in Ouray
If you thought it was hard to choose a season to elope in Ouray, just wait until you have to choose a location! There are seriously so many incredible spots, it is so hard to pick! Here are a few of my favorite options to help you get started:
Yankee Boy Basin
Yankee Boy Basin is a jeeping trail, located just outside of Ouray! It's one of the easiest trails in the area, and also one of the most beautiful! During the summer months, the meadows are filled to the brim with spectacular wildflowers. There are multiple waterfalls to explore, and gorgeous views in all directions.
Governor's Basin:
Governor's Basin is another jeeping trail in the area. This trail reaches a much higher altitude than Yankee Boy Basin, and provides some pretty drastically different scenery. Governor's Basin is known for epic views looking down the valley, and the jagged mountain peaks all around.
Best places to stay for your Ouray elopement
Ouray might be a small little mountain town, but there are still some great lodging options in the area. Here are a few of my favorite options:
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Ouray Elopement Packages
Half Day Coverage - $4,800
Up to 4 hours of photography coverage - enough time for a ceremony, and exploring around the area
+ Custom location scouting
+ Timeline creation
+ Permit assistance
+ Vendor recommendations
+ Online gallery of high resolution images
FULL DAY COVERAGE - $6,500
Up to 8 hours of photography coverage - a day full of adventure and exploring multiple locations
+ Custom location scouting
+ Timeline creation
+ Permit assistance
+ Vendor recommendations
+ Online gallery of high resolution images
View more PLANNING RESOURCES
Ready to start planning your Ouray elopement?
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CARISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Intimate wedding & elopement photographer, for adventurous couples that want to ditch traditions and do things their way.
Based in the San Juan mountains of Colorado, and traveling worldwide.