Kirsten & Nate’s Epic Pre-Wedding Adventure in the Rocky Mountains of Silverton, CO

Kirsten and Nate’s pre-wedding adventure in Silverton, Colorado, was nothing short of extraordinary. Amidst the stunning backdrop of the rocky mountains in Colorado, they exchanged heartfelt private vows, setting the stage for a love-filled journey ahead. Their experience captured the spirit of adventure, as they hiked to nearly 13,000 feet. Get all the details below.

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About This Private Vow Adventure

Photography by Shutterfreek

“Their adventure began with an intimate exchange of private vows amongst the rocky mountains of Colorado in a serene spot nestled in nature’s embrace. Here, amidst towering peaks and the tranquil waters of a pristine lake, Kirsten and Nate poured out their hearts in words that resonated with love, promise, and heartfelt emotion.

We highly recommend a pre-wedding adventure experience for every couple. This allows them to get centered and grounded before their wedding day, which often times is stressful and very fast-paced.

Following their heartfelt vows, Kirsten and Nate embarked on a challenging ascent, hiking nearly 1,000 feet to an elevation just below 13,000 feet. This ascent wasn’t just about reaching new heights physically; it symbolized their journey together—full of determination, shared goals, and the willingness to overcome obstacles, both on the trail and in life.

As they ascended, the landscape unfolded in all its glory—lush greenery, colorful butterflies dancing in the breeze, and the soothing sound of natural water flowing. Every step reaffirmed their bond, surrounded by the purity and majesty of nature.

For Kirsten and Nate, this pre-wedding adventure was more than just a photoshoot—it was a profound experience that enriched their journey towards marriage. It allowed them to break free from the confines of tradition and create memories that were uniquely theirs.” [Paul, the photographer]

Permits and LNT

“This particular location required a special use permit, which couples can easily acquire through the local park’s office. It’s essential for couples to plan ahead, as permits can take several weeks to process, depending on the season. Regarding Leave No Trace principles, the couple and I made it a priority to respect the natural surroundings. It’s important for couples to stay on designated paths, pack out all trash, and be mindful of the ecosystem, especially if it’s a high-traffic area. This ensures that the space remains pristine for future couples and visitors.” [Paul, the photographer]

Learn how to leave no trace during your adventure.

Top Tips When Adventuring Here

“First and foremost, plan for changing weather! This location, while breathtaking, can experience rapid shifts in climate, so it’s wise to bring layers and waterproof options. Secondly, consider the time of day for the best lighting. Sunrise or sunset offers the most magical light and time lapse opportunity, and because it’s less crowded during these hours, it can make the elopement feel even more intimate. Lastly, comfortable footwear is a must for navigating the terrain—choose practicality over style for this adventure!” [Paul, the photographer]

Explore more places to elope in Colorado. 

Deciding to Have an Intimate Vow Exchange

“We decided to exchange vows the day before our wedding because we wanted a private, heartfelt, and meaningful moment just between us two. It felt like a special, deep moment that should be just for us. We also wanted to be able to celebrate with friends and family, so a vow exchange Friday and the wedding Saturday was perfect— we truly got the best of both worlds.

For the vow exchange, honestly very little planning was involved (the wedding was a different story, of course). We had to rent a Jeep to get to our vow location, buy our outfits, and coordinate timing with our photographer, but it was all very straightforward because we were already staying in Silverton for our wedding the following day.” [The couple]

Memorable Moments From This Adventure

From the photographer:

“One of the highlights was when Kirsten and Nate exchanged their vows privately at the edge of the lake. There was this serene silence, broken only by the sound of ice fracturing on the edge of the beyond nearby. It felt like the world stood still just for them. Typically you can expect people to always be present here as there are campgrounds at the bases, but in this moment they had it all to themselves.

Another favorite moment was the post-ceremony hike. At this altitude it was extremely challenging, especially in their wedding attire but the pay off once at the top was simply magical.”

From the couple:

“I think probably the most memorable part of the vow exchange was both of us forgetting to bring our physical written vows (hilarious honestly). We’re both spontaneous folks, so we decided to wing it and go with what we remembered off the top of our heads when exchanging vows. Honestly I can’t wait to hear those vows back in the video, because I don’t remember any of what I said.

Another memorable moment was when the strap on my dress broke minutes before the vow exchange. After hunting for safety pins or a sewing kit with no luck, I ended up asking Nate to just tie the strap to the tag in the back. So so funny— and you can even see it in some of the pictures. We also got a tiny bit lost on the direction we were supposed to take to get up to the top, and ended up accidentally walking straight up the mountain— we did end up finding the trail eventually, but I had swapped my cutesy little shoes for my Tevas by then.”

Final Words of Advice

From the photographer:

“One lesson I took away from this vow exchange is the importance of being present in the moment. As much as planning is essential, sometimes the unplanned moments are the ones that stand out the most. My advice to couples would be to embrace the spontaneity that comes with an elopement and to trust in the beauty of the day unfolding naturally.”

Vendors

Photography | Shutterfreek

Venue |Eureka Lodge Silverton
Wedding Coordinator | Peaks and Dreams Events
Assistant | @delaneyroseml
Floral | Flower Moxie
Music |aikoaikosound
Hair/Makeup | @southwest_hair_and_makeup
Caterer | Durangourmet

Photos From This Pre-Wedding Adventure