Black Canyon Inn Wedding- Rocky Mountain National Park photos after

A lot of people struggle with the decision whether to have a private elopement or a more traditional wedding. Elopements give you a lot more flexibility on when and where you go. Plus, there’s an undeniable magic about spending the day focused solely on the person you’re committing your life to. But for some people it’s really tough to accept your family won’t be present. I struggled with the same thing. Jaime and Jeremiah found an absolutely perfect compromise between the two. Honestly, if I were to plan my day again, I think it would look a whole lot like this Black Canyon Inn wedding.

Part one: A small ceremony at Black Canyon Inn

Jaime and Jeremiah came from out of state. They invited about a dozen of their closest friends and family from Minnesota and Wisconsin to join them. They made an extended trip out of it, so everyone could fully enjoy the beauty of Colorado. For many of the guests, this was their first trip to our beautiful state!  Jaime got ready in their private cabin with her mom, sister, and best friend.

There was a beautiful bridge on the property that was just begging to be a first look location. Since it was a weekday and the family had rented most of the cabins, there was nobody else around. Well, except for the antlered guests you can expect around Estes Park.

There are a couple different ceremony spots to choose from during a Black Canyon Inn wedding. Jaime and Jeremiah chose, in my opinion, the best one. The small amphitheater provided shade from the summer heat, but also treated guests to a magnificent view of the mountains behind them. It wasn’t an especially long ceremony. The two exchanged vows, signed the license, and took family photos with the guests who had joined them.

Part two: A couple’s adventure through Rocky Mountain National Park

This is where the truly unique part of the day happened. Jaime and Jeremiah wanted time to explore the beauty of Colorado and quietly absorb the fact that they were married. We drove around Rocky Mountain National Park for about three hours. I’ve spent a lot of time in the park, so I have my favorite spots.  But we also had enough time to stop whenever there was a view that caught their eye. We saw snow-capped mountains (in June!), more elk, a waterfall, and wild flowers.

Since the guests had cabins, they were welcome to take a nap, go for a hike, or head into Estes Park to look around. It was truly a pleasure to have such an unhurried break after the ceremony for the two of them to go wherever they wanted.

Back to Estes Park

As the sun began to set, we headed back into Estes Park to meet everyone else for dinner. They chose the Stanley Hotel, which I am mildly obsessed with. If you don’t know, this is what gave Stephen King the inspiration for one of my favorite movies and books, “The Shining”. Sadly, we forgot our tricycles, so had to settle for a few exterior photos before they headed in to meet everyone else. If anyone ever DOES want to truly embrace the full haunted theme of this place, you should definitely get in touch. I would be so, so excited to do it.

Overall, this was one of the most relaxed and fun weddings I’ve ever been part of. Thank you, Jaime and Jeremiah, for showing everyone that it truly is possible to have a wedding exactly how you want it, on your own terms, without having to make any major sacrifices.

Planning your own Black Canyon Inn wedding?

Want help figuring out how to combine both a wedding with family and an adventurous day with just your partner?

I’d love to help.