When I tell you this Cripple Creek elopement had my whole heart wrapped around it… I mean it. From the moment I met Savana and Anthony at Kinship Landing in Colorado Springs, I just knew this day was going to be something truly special. And not just because Kinship is one of my favorite places (my husband and I stayed there the first time we visited the Springs, and he proposed to me on that very trip at the top of Pikes Peak… I KNOW. Full circle moment).
Savana and Anthony came to Colorado with a clear vision: something private, beautiful, and totally them. They wanted the feel of a Colorado elopement without giving up the convenience of being near a city. That’s the magic of the Springs, you’re close to nature, but you’ve still got all the vendor access and cozy creature comforts of a city at your fingertips. And when it came to choosing their ceremony spot, they knew they wanted to avoid crowded places like Garden of the Gods and the main stretch of Pikes Peak Highway. Lucky for them, I’m a seasoned off-roader with a few secret mountain gems up my sleeve!
The morning felt calm and cozy. Savana slipped into the most elegant off-the-shoulder gown while Anthony helped button her in, just the two of them in their hotel suite with soft light spilling in and the city humming quietly outside. Their flatlays were full of thoughtful details, from bright wildflowers to sentimental heirlooms and personalized vow books. Every detail felt intentional, joyful, and true to them.
It was impossible not to feel the weight of the day, especially knowing that Savana’s mom had passed not long before their elopement. Her mom had been so supportive of them eloping and was really looking forward to seeing their photos. That knowledge settled right into my heart. From that moment on, I made it my personal mission to make sure these two had the most beautiful photos imaginable. Ones that would feel like magic frozen in time!
When we arrived in Cripple Creek, golden light wrapped itself around the trees like a warm hug. The spot we found? Completely private. A hidden clearing with the mountains in the background and pine trees swaying just enough to feel like nature was celebrating with us. Savana and Anthony exchanged personal vows in the golden hour glow, just the two of them, surrounded by wildflowers and fresh mountain air. There were tears, laughter, and a whole lot of deep breaths soaked in gratitude. Their ceremony wasn’t about the performance. It was about presence. This is what I love about elopements. You can feel everything. There’s no rushing, no pressure, no performance. Just two people promising forever in a place that feels sacred because it’s theirs and theirs alone.
After they sealed it with a kiss, we wandered through the hills for golden-hour portraits that were equal parts romantic and so them. Savana’s flowy gown danced in the breeze, Anthony looked dapper in his bold blue suit, and they both radiated that glowy just-married energy that you honestly can’t fake. They danced, giggled, kissed, ran, and even signed their marriage license on the hood of their Jeep. Iconic behavior. Every photo felt like a tribute, to their love, to the journey they’ve walked through together, and to the mama who was absolutely watching from above, cheering them on!
Here’s the thing: if you’re dreaming of a wedding day that’s a little more you and a little less everyone else… This is your sign to elope. A Cripple Creek elopement (or anywhere in the Colorado backcountry!) lets you breathe. It lets you feel everything. And you can still have every dreamy, jaw-dropping, floral-filled, tear-inducing moment, just without the crowd. If you want a photographer who knows the hidden gems, can off-road like a pro, and will go above and beyond to make your day feel like magic, I’m your girl! Head to my contact page so we can chat about all the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
Hotel – Kinship Landing Colorado Springs
Dress + Suit – Anthropologie Weddings & Indochino
Hair + Makeup – Captivate Beauty, Shauna Oterson
Florist – Amber Mustain Design