Snowboarding & Skiing Elopement in Vail Colorado

Kirstyn and Frank came all the way from Florida for their snowboarding and skiing elopement in Vail, Colorado. These two are high school sweethearts and have been together for 13 years. They learned how to ski and snowboard together and it’s something they love doing as a couple. They knew they didn’t want a big traditional wedding- so they decided to elope in Vail and incorporate their shared love of skiing and snowboarding into their day.

Snowboarding & Skiing Elopement in Vail Colorado

On their wedding day, Kirstyn and Frank got ready at their ski-in-ski-out hotel and then hit the slopes. First, they skied and snowboarded two runs together, and then met their family at the top of Vail mountain for their wedding ceremony. 

The views for their Vail ski elopement ceremony were absolutely spectacular! It was a warm sunny day, so between the mountain views and the weather, it couldn’t have been more perfect!

Vail Ski Elopement

After their ceremony, Kirstyn’s dad and stepmother joined her and Frank for their last run of the day! As they skied down into the base area, they were greeted by a small crowd cheering for them. People at the base and at surrounding patios in Vail Village were in awe watching them ski down the mountain in their wedding attire! Next, they popped off their skis and snowboard, and met up with their family for slopeside Après-Ski drinks to celebrate! 

It was so wonderful to be able to capture Kirstyn and Frank’s Vail elopement and spend the afternoon skiing with them! Throughout the day, anytime other skiers saw the bride and groom they cheered and wished them congratulations! It was super sweet!

Hair + Make-up: Taylor Olson | Dress: Lulus

Skiing Colorado Wedding Photographer

I photograph ski elopements in Colorado and across the US. If you’re thinking of incorporating skiing and snowboarding into your wedding day, check out my Colorado Ski Wedding Guide here!

Skiing Elopement in Colorado at Winter Park Resort

One of the highlights of my ski season was photographing this beautiful skiing elopement in Colorado at Winter Park Resort! Originally, Kelcie and Jason planned on having a big wedding in May. They planned to downsize their big wedding even more, but ultimately decided to elope in March!

Kelcie and Jason used to live in Evergreen, CO, and skied as often as possible at Winter Park Resort. At the time of their elopement, they lived in Taos, NM, and made their way back to Colorado to get married. When they decided to elope they knew they had to return to Winter Park!

Skiing Elopement at Winter Park Resort

Kelcie and Jason did a first look at the base of Mary Jane near the Iron Horse Lift. They immediately went into their self-solemnized ceremony and exchanged their personal vows. After they exchanged vows, it was time to hit the slopes as a newly married couple! 

We took the gondola up and got in a few runs. Then we found a beautiful spot in the trees for portraits and cupcakes. Have you ever thought of having a wedding day snowball fight? Kelcie and Jason did! Then they enjoyed vegan cupcakes they had packed along with them (a skiing essential).

I hit a few more runs with Kelcie and Jason, and took photos of them on the ski lift together. Kelcie and Jason love tree skiing, so we ended our time together with a tree run. Once we parted ways, Kelcie and Jason went to the lodge for a celebratory drink and spent the rest of their day skiing together. For a couple who loves to ski together, Kelcie and Jason’s elopement was a dream day!

Vendors 

Ski Resort: Winter Park Resort | Video: Cat Lemus of Studio Lemus| Hair + Makeup: Winter Park Beauty Bar | Dress: Flutter Dress Shop

How to Plan a Ski Elopement in Colorado

For Kelcie and Jason, planning a ski elopement in Colorado felt true to them. Because of their love and familiarity with Winter Park Resort, it easily became the place they wanted to get married. In Colorado, couples can self-solemnize. This means that you can perform your own marriage ceremony without a third party to officiate. It truly allows couples to plan a day that is focused on the two of them. I have an entire post with more information about self-solemnizing in Colorado, so check it out!

Ski Elopement Outfits

Kelcie ordered a Flutter Dress online and it arrived just in time! This flowy dress looked gorgeous on Kelcie and added some movement into action photos of her skiing. Flutter Dress is an online dress shop where you can buy or rent a dress. They have a gorgeous selection of dresses that are affordable too! Jason wore a jacket and a button-down shirt with tiny little skiers on it! I have a whole post dedicated to how to ski in a wedding dress, so you can make your ski wedding dreams a reality!

Looking for a Colorado Ski Elopement Photographer? 

I’m Gabrielle and I’ve been skiing since I was 5! I grew up competitively alpine racing for 10 years, so skiing with my camera gear is no problem. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I get to combine my love for skiing and weddings to help adventurous couples create a wedding day that is true to them! Head over to my contact page with the button below to get in touch about planning your Colorado ski elopement!

For more Winter Park ski and snowboard inspiration, check out Carissa & Aaron’s elopement!