There’s something about a Colorado hiking elopement in the mountains to say your vows that just hits different. Taylor, Chris, Brandon (their officiant), and I met at the Long Lake Trailhead in the Indian Peaks Wilderness on a late July morning. Their plan was simple and so them: hike up with wedding attire strapped to their packs, change at the lake using a pop-up tent, and exchange vows where the landscape felt like home. The trail to Lake Isabelle is about five miles round trip with roughly an hour of hiking to reach the water’s edge. I usually recommend sunrise or evening for ceremonies here because the lake can get seriously windy mid-day, plus you’ll avoid the daytime crowds. Weekdays are your best friend if you want a quieter experience.
When we got to the trailhead, it started to rain. Classic Colorado. But true to form, it cleared within ten minutes and gave us those incredible mountain views while the rain chased most people away. On the way up, we passed two moose just hanging out near the trail. Later on the way back down, we spotted a mom and baby. Nature decided to show up as their wedding guests that day, and we always love to see it.
Getting Ready at the Lake
Taylor and Chris hiked in fully prepared, wedding attire tucked safely in their packs. Once we got to the lake, they changed in their pop-up tent, and I helped with the final touches—zipping the dress, pinning the boutonniere, taming flyaways in the mountain wind. There’s something special about these quiet moments right before a ceremony, when it’s just you and the mountains and everything feels possible.
They exchanged handwritten vows with Lake Isabelle stretched out behind them. Their bouquets and backpacks had small charms with photos of loved ones tucked inside—people who couldn’t be there in person but were absolutely there in spirit. After the ceremony, we shared a whiskey toast before hiking back down under a shifting sunset sky that painted everything gold.
Planning Your Colorado Hiking Elopement
We worked through timing, layers, and gear well before the big day to make sure everything went smoothly. For any Colorado hiking elopement at Lake Isabelle (or really any alpine location), here’s what I recommend: hiking boots that you’re comfortable in, extra layers because mountain weather is moody, headlamps if you’re catching sunset, water, snacks, and bug spray during summer months. You can totally bring different shoes for photos if you want, but make sure you’ve got solid footwear for the hike itself.
Taylor and Chris went with a four-hour package, which gave us time to hike in at a comfortable pace, hold the ceremony, capture portraits around the lake, and hike back down with golden hour light. If you’re thinking about a six-hour package, you’d have room for a slower pace, more portrait spots, maybe a mountaintop picnic, or just time to sit and breathe it all in without any rush.
Important logistics note: this area requires a parking reservation and timed entry through the Brainard Lake Recreation Area system. Book your spot early, especially for summer and fall weekends because they fill up fast. Most couples won’t need a separate wedding permit for a small elopement here, but it’s smart to check current regulations with the local ranger district. And always follow Leave No Trace principles so these places stay beautiful for everyone.
Why Elope in Colorado’s Mountains
When your ceremony happens in the heart of the Rockies, the experience becomes the story. You earn that view with every step. You share the moment with just each other and the landscape holding space around you. You leave with photos and memories that feel real and alive and completely yours.
A Colorado hiking elopement strips away everything that doesn’t actually matter and leaves you with what does: your commitment, the natural beauty that takes your breath away, and the adventure you’re starting together. Whether you’re drawn to alpine lakes, mountain passes, or forest meadows, Colorado has endless possibilities for couples who want their wedding day to feel like the biggest adventure yet.
If hiking into the mountains for your wedding sounds like you, I’d love to help you plan a day that’s authentic, adventurous, and totally your own. Let’s start planning your Colorado hiking elopement.
