Long before I owned a Jeep, I was a teenager in Steamboat Springs, driving a Nissan Maxima up roads I had no business being on. Looking back, I have no clue how that car survived but maybe it was my first clue that off roading elopements would always be apart of my story and now sharing with eloping couples.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and now I spend my days taking couples to some of Colorado’s most beautiful backcountry locations and it has become one of my favorite ways for couples to experience adventure on their elopement day.
Colorado Elopements Are Changing
Colorado has become insanely popular, and not just with elopements. There’s no doubting why, but Colorado has become a huge destination for people to get married and vacation which means a lot more crowds. Social media is also playing a huge role and has made formerly hidden gems, not so hidden anymore. Places that were once unknown, now have full parking lots before the sun even rises. Some locations that felt secluded ten years ago, now have an insane amount of visitors, making the place feel like a total tourist attraction.
While this isn’t to steer you away from eloping in Colorado, it is meant to give you a realistic view of what it’s like to elope here and how we shift gears with an ever shifting world we live in.
Why Off-roading is the New Hiking
Don’t get me wrong, I love hiking but not everyone wants to hike or really do any physical activity on their elopement day. Good news, you don’t have to hike to have insane views, but as I mentioned before, Colorado is changing, and the days of private, drive up locations are few and far between. For many of you, privacy is a top priority, which I don’t blame you, but the reality is, we have to put in the work to get that and if hiking isn’t your jam, then off-roading might be for you!
Adventure looks so different for everyone. While there are a ton of you that don’t mind hiking in your wedding dress, there are a lot of you that hiking doesn’t sound like your cup of tea on your elopement day, which is totally fine. The priority for your day is the experience and what the two of you actual enjoy doing, not what everyone else is doing. Lets not forget, some of you have guests and hiking isn’t typically not doable with older guests. I’ve had couples hire a Jeep company to bring their guests to their ceremony site so that everyone could be included. Their big ass husky was even in the Jeep with us! Jeeping is an easy way to include your guests and your dog to secluded spots with mountain views and not to mention give your guests an adventure of their own.
The Benefits of an Off-Roading Elopement
One major benefit of an off-roading elopement is that we escape the crowds. Remote roads that not everyone can drive on = more privacy. While there are a lot of basic dirt roads around Colorado, there are a lot of trails that require a 4×4 vehicle and the guts to drive them. Besides getting privacy, the ride itself really becomes part of the adventure. It’s like the whole saying it’s all about the journey, not the destination. I guess in our case, it’s really both. The ride to these remote locations is a blast. The views on the drive are insane and in this case, there really are “drive up” spots. Along the way there are some really cool spots to pull off and hop out for some photo opportunities. I’m the first to say your elopement is a photo session but I promise you won’t want to miss out on these photo ops. We’ve got waterfalls, overlooks, dense aspen trees, really the works.
Off-roading is more accessible than hiking meaning that it can be for everybody. As mentioned previously, guests can join in on this adventure and you don’t have to miss out on a badass location just because grandma can’t hike. You might be thinking, can grandma really go off-roading? Obviously there are some limits to who would actually enjoy that and some health reasons may hinder that, but generally speaking, anyone can join. Maybe it’s not even grandma that can’t hike, maybe it’s one of the two of you. In my case, my husband has some past injuries that disable us from doing any crazy hiking, but we certainly love to off-road together!
One of the best biggest benefits to an off-roading elopement in Colorado is the locations. Like we already covered, drive up spots bring tons of people and these locations that are only accessible with a 4×4 are worth the hype. Look up places like Lake Como, Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Pass. Just absolutely stunning. Can you imagine saying your vows with a view like that. Shit’s unreal.
There Are Multiple Ways to Off-Road for Your Colorado Elopement
Ride in my Jeep
This is perfect for couples who want a local guide! But I’ll be honest there are some trails that even make me want to pee my pants! I know my limits but I love taking my couples to remote locations and help couples have some adventure without feeling nervous about off-roading.
Hike a Jeep Tour Company
This is great for couples who want the full blown adventure elopement and want it captured. While I love taking my couples in my Jeep, I can’t exactly capture the moment while driving. Plus, as mentioned, I know my limits and these guys are the pros! They can take us anywhere and are so familiar with these trails. It’s such a fun experience and as someone who loves Jeeping, it is also so fun being a passenger and being along for the ride! Jeep tours are also great for couples with guests since they can accommodate larger groups.
Rent a Jeep
If you love to off-road but you’re flying to Colorado, renting a Jeep is a great way to add that adventure into your day. Plus, it’s always fun to get images in the jeep, hang out in the tailgate and eat snacks, drive through big puddles (my husbands favorite), really anything! While you can do this simply for the photo opportunities, I highly recommend you have experience off-roading before renting a Jeep and doing anything crazy. The last thing you want for your elopement day is having to be rescued because you underestimated your ability.
Switzerland of American Jeep Tours is a great company for the Ouray areas! And using Telluride Outside is a great resource for the Telluride areas. Both are so well versed in the area and can craft a tour that fits exactly what you’re looking for
Pro tip: Not all Jeep rentals are created equal and not all 4×4 vehicles are the same. A 4×4 crossover is not capable as the a Jeep Rubicon.
Bring Your Own Rig
I will be the biggest cheerleader of you bringing your own rig. I know that’s hard for some of you traveling far, but talk about including something you love to do on your elopement day. If you have your own 4×4 ride, I know you’re adventurous! Think massive mountain views while the two of you stand up in your Jeep, hands in the air celebrating! This option has so many perks. You get to be in your own vehicle, bring all of your gear and then your photos have another piece of you in it. Us Jeep owners are pretty proud of our Jeeps. I won’t leave out the Broncos and the 4Runners either.
The Reality of Off-Roading : The Bad & Dusty Side
Your dress probably will get dirty and honestly rock it, it’s a badge of honor for eloping and off-roading in Colorado and honestly, what are you doing if your dress isn’t dirty by the end of the day? It’s just the reality of any Colorado elopement, we’re out in the mountains! Off-roading can be a dusty one and if you do a Jeep tour, a lot of times, they have the tops off, which means dust and the sun coming down on you.
Colorado weather is so up and down. It can rain, snow and be sunny all in one day, even in summer months. This can change the experience and conditions for the day. Pro tip: have a back up plan! I am always checking conditions and have a Plan B for my couples! Also, always be prepared with gear for any weather conditions
The roads can be rough and bumpy. If you’re already struggling with the altitude or things like that cause some motion sickness, off-roading might not be in the bag for you. If you or your guests are pregnant, it also might not be the best option, although, I’ve taken a Jeep tour while pregnant, so believe me when I say, it’s doable but that doesn’t mean it’s for you.
Is an Off-Roading Elopement Right for You?
You might love it if:
- You value experiences over perfection
- You don’t mind getting dirty
- You want fewer crowds
- You love adventure
You might prefer something else if:
- Motion sickness is a real thing for you
- You hate dirt
- You want perfect hair and the pristine dress
While I’m a big fan of off-roading elopements, just know, it’s okay if it’s not for you. Adventure is different for everyone! That is the coolest part of your day, you get to make it how you want. So if it is hiking, lets go! But if you’re wanting something adventurous and with out of this world views, lets fucking do this!
Next steps? Lets talk!
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