This secret cabin elopement in Breckenridge, Colorado is one for the books. It has it all – tradition thrown out the window, secrecy, family, connection, board games, hiking, snow in June… Okay, it has a lot more than that, just read forward!

At the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range lies the Colorado town of Breckenridge, where 5,078 full-time residents call home. In its high-alpine climate, Breckenridge was founded in November 1859 and named for prospector Thomas Breckenridge, the town has a total area of 6,047 square miles, chiefly noted is the ski areas total 2,880 of those acres. View the aesthetic of this former mining town, now a resort/ski town, in the Breckenridge Historic District. The streets showcase Victorian-age buildings from the late 1800’s housing shops, galleries, restaurants, and The Summit County Clerk & Recorder’s Office.

The morning of their elopement, Hannah and Randy walked up the steps of the County Clerk office to obtain their wedding license. Colorado is one of the only states that allows you to marry yourself – or self solemnize your wedding. No officiant or witnesses required. They sat beneath shady trees at a picnic table outside of the office to fill out their marriage license before returning it inside to be filed same day, and signed their names on the official register.

Running away to the mountains

Hannah and Randy live on a tiny farm in rural Oklahoma. For their wedding, it was important for the focus to be their unique love story and what is means to them, in their own words, on their own time, and in front of their most important people. Their first trip together was to Colorado, making it so meaningful for their ceremony.

Yet they also envisioned a grand party in Oklahoma City celebrating with their community of family and friends. So the perfect plan became: run away to secretly have an elopement in Breckenridge, Colorado with six of their favorite people before their wedding day at home in Oklahoma. At the Oklahoma wedding, their elopement film by Vow of the Wild would premiere as a surprise to their guests.

Two-and-a-half days together

I got to spend two-and-a-half days in Breckenridge with Hannah, Randy, their six guests, and their videographers Lisa and Alex. They rented a modern A-frame cabin on airbnb, especially spacious enough to have plenty of rooms for all of us, deep in the woods with astonishing views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet in elevation

The drive leading to the cabin winds through quintessential mountain roads, particularly leveling up my anticipation even higher. The day we arrived, a handful of us drove into the city to grab groceries from a small store. At the time, I marveled at how instantly I felt included in the family in conversation and sharing.

All food was made in the well-stocked kitchen, which was a particular joy for us vegetarians/vegans of the group. A large collection of board games were brought, as well as a Wii, keeping everyone entertained during our wedding-less moments of time. This day also goes down in my history as my first grilled pizza. And now that’s about the only way I make my own pizzas! Perfection.

Anticipation of the elopement in Breckenridge

The day of their ceremony, Hannah and Randy got ready in separate rooms with their best friends helping as needed. They each wrote a letter to the other, to be read after their ceremony in private. The small but well laid-out cabin, is filled with windows and sits mostly above the tree-line. It made for a perfect location for all of their wedding moments. From the quiet getting ready, to the breathtaking ceremony and the intimate reception as well.

Vows with a view

The A frame cabin’s patio balcony became the perfect setting for exchanging their vows in front of their loved ones. Needing no officiant, they presently met at the front and exchanged vows, tears, laughter, and a few more tears. Randy wore a sharp gray suit he custom designed himself along with Q Clothier. Hannah wore a strapless gown from Bella Rose Bridal, with a delicate lace cape from BHLDN. After exchanging their vows and sharing a kiss, Hannah and Randy quickly realized they forgot the rings. Alex ran back inside finding the rings, and the ceremony finished with laughter and applause from all in attendance.

Wedding cake and champagne toasts

Guests shared a sweet two-tiered cake, along with champagne and toasts. Meanwhile, hugs and laughter were shared as well. I have a feeling that cake was the best part of the day for the youngest guest in attendance.

Letters at Loveland Pass

After their elopement in Breckenridge, the videographers and I packed into a vehicle along with the newlyweds to drive to Loveland Pass. Hannah and Randy began by reading the letters from earlier in the day and opening thoughtfully chosen gifts.

Loveland Pass sits at 11,990 feet in elevation, and even during the bright June sunshine the wind was cold yet the snow adds a beautiful dimension to their portraits. As Denver residents, Lisa and Alex know a ton of great spots around Loveland Pass. I captured Hannah and Randy’s genuine connection and love, while the videographers shot video footage both from the ground and with their drone. Seriously, the wedding video they created from these three days is incredible and you can view it on instagram.

As the sun began to touch the mountains below, we loaded back up and soon drove to Lake Dillon for portraits. Hannah and Randy enjoyed their first married sunset from atop a picnic table with some seriously stellar views.

I can in no way put into words all of my feelings about photographing Hannah and Randy’s elopement in Breckenridge. But trust me when I say calling it a major highlight is just a major understatement. Feeling like members of their family to such a degree gives me all the warm fuzzies every time I reminisce.

Thank you, sweet Hannah and Randy for bringing me along to photograph your elopement in Breckenridge. It is my highest honor to be a small part of such an incredible chapter of your story.

dreamboat vendors:

coordinator: Angie, Borrowed Charm

videographer: Lisa and Alex, Vow of the Wild

bridal gown: Bella Rose Bridal

wedding cape: BHLDN

groom’s suit: Q Clothier

photographer: Robyn, Gathering Sunshine

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Gathering Sunshine creates authentic wedding, elopement and portrait photography for genuine spirits, celebrating the power of connection. Based in Oklahoma, I am passionate about telling your story as it authentically unfolds. What excites me most about photography after nearly two decades are the endlessly creative, imaginative and remarkably kind people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with. As you’re in the process of looking for the Oklahoma wedding and portrait photographer who will capture your vision, I would love to connect and hear your story.