Jun 22, 2022
This modern, documentary elopement in Great Sand Dunes National Park was full of intention and detail. Yes, even for an elopement! Lidia + Dalton originally saw photos of the Glamis Sand Dunes in California and they loved it. Dalton has lived in Colorado for some time now, so when he shared with Lidia that they could have their dream elopement at the Great Sand Dunes, she was sold. For tips, tricks, and inspiration on how to have your own Great Sand Dunes National Park elopement in Colorado, keep reading, friend!
To have a wedding or your official ceremony at Great Sand Dunes National Park you’ll need a wedding permit for the park. For more info on how to get one check out the park’s website.
If you aren’t planning on having your official ceremony (meaning that you simply want to take photos) at the sand dunes, then you’ll need a photographer who has the permit for sessions. Typically this permit should come at no further cost to you since it’s on the photographer to have this permit. Speaking of, I am permitted all through 2023. If you’re looking for a photographer who can walk you through hidden gem locations or how to elope, reach out and we can work out the finer details!
If you want cooler temperatures with more privacy, then late April through May is the perfect time for you. If wildflowers are important to you, your best time would be July, but that also comes with extreme heat. For milder weather and gorgeous views, fall is best! Think late August through late September. By the time October hits, there’s a chance for snow. Keep all of this in mind when trying to figure out the best time to elope in Colorado.
I am so glad you asked! I have a whole blog with education on how to get a Colorado marriage license. Head over here to read more! (And yes, it’s true you don’t need an officiant for your ceremony.)
Yeah! If you want to stay in or near the park after your big day, you can find Great Sand Dunes Lodge and Great Sand Dunes Oasis for RV spots and cabins in the park. Though, they can be hard to snag a spot unless you plan super in advance. There are lots of little towns along US-160 that have lodging options for you to choose from too. The most common town to find accommodations in is Alamosa, Colorado.
If you are looking for inspiration for your perfect modern, documentary Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado elopement, look no further. Lidia + Dalton had so many aspects of their day that you could pull all the inspiration from!
Lidia and Dalton made their cake themselves and Lidia flew with it across the country. I had a bite of it, and I have to say it was the best cake I’ve ever had!
There are more than just dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park. There is a meadow of sagebrush (one of my favorite bushes in the Colorado and desert landscape) that is totally a hidden gem. We had the place entirely to ourselves. If you want to do more of a hike to get to the top of the world, you can check out High Dune. Most of these photos were taken with a short walk from a parking lot.
There are so many ways you personalize your elopement day to be reflective of your relationship, the things you enjoy together, and the things that matter most to you. Lidia + Dalton chose for their day to just be the two of them and it was beautiful. Your elopement can be personalized however you wish. If you’re looking for more, check out my blog for 20+ elopement ideas or the top 10 small wedding ideas for an intimate wedding. This Great Sand Dunes elopement was also featured on Wandering Weddings, so check it out for more of their story and planning details!
VENDORS:
Location: @greatsanddunesnps
Florals: @emmaleafloral
Hat: @lackofcoloraus
Accessories: @leletny
Custom tapestry: @couriercollectiveco
Table runner: @notperfectlinen
Photography: @clairehuntphotography
Moments are constantly fleeting. That sounds depressing at first, but I don't mean it that way. More so, this reality gives me an incredible importance as a wedding photographer to capture the future memory within that moment as it truly happened. Isn't that a beautiful thing?
I'm not interested in photographing fabricated version of you or your day. I want to photograph the real stuff. The tears, laughs, and stolen glances... Your guests dressed to the nines and bringing the party on the dance floor. And mostly, the unplanned, undeniably-you moments during one of the biggest celebrations of your life.
If you're looking for a documentary-style photographer who appreciates all of the big and small moments, who will make your guests feel seen and known, and who truly cares about storytelling every moment that makes your day yours, you've found your match.
Here's the deal - I couldn't be more honored that you have seen something here that resonates with your soul. Are you wanting to take photos in the mountains? Your new home? The coast? I am available in Colorado and worldwide, no matter where your love takes you! I cannot wait to create undeniably-you photos together.
Most of my couples spend an average of $800-$1000 on sessions, whether that be for an engagement, just-because, bridal, or anniversary session. My goal is to be more than someone who shows up to snap photos. I'm there for you in every step of the planning process being more than just a photographer. Everything I do, I do with serving you in mind.
I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LOVE.
pricing:
I am always adding to my travels for the year! Feel free to reach out and join me on one of my adventures or invite me on yours.
TRAVEL:
