Lorea and Kelly | Mini Elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park
Savannah Chandler Photography | Estes Park Wedding Photographer
Lorea and Kelly knew exactly what they wanted for their Mini Colorado Elopement. They wanted a few good friends to join them in Allenspark while they said their vows with great views of the mountains and a few select songs being played over violin.
A few years prior, I had photographed a friend of Lorea’s elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park (you can check out Amanda and Mark’s winter elopement HERE). When Lorea and Kelly made the decision to do the same – leave the South and head to Colorado for their wedding – she reached out to see if we could start the planning process together.
Early Spring can always be a bit of a crap-shoot in Colorado. We can get the best weather, or it could be a blizzard. They knew that they’d be staying in a super cute AirBnB with a wonderful deck and great views, and if the weather took a turn for the worst we’d have our elopement location. While searching for those perfect views, Lorea had come across the Church on the Rocks. If you’ve seen photos of a stone church lifted up above a pond with mountain views – that’s St. Malo. She contacted the church staff and asked if hosting an elopement on the property – but not inside the church – would be possible. We were granted permission to have 30 minutes on the lawn for their elopement and photos – it’s always worth asking if there’s a view that you love!
On the afternoon of their elopement, I headed to meet them at their AirBnB for some detail and getting ready photos. The property was indeed stunning. We stepped out onto the front lawn for their first look and a few portraits. Lorea and Kelly had both made very intentional decisions to be with one another and in planning their mini wedding – making for an emotional day.
After an intimate ceremony presided over by one of their close friends, we took advantage of beautiful spring weather and photographed until the light dipped behind the mountain. St. Malo is very close to Rocky Mountain National Park, meaning getting some of those iconic Estes Park views was a must for their couple’s portraits.
At the end of the evening, we headed back to their AirBnB for a little champagne spray to send Lorea and Kelly off. Having booked everything so close, our drive time was never overwhelming throughout the entire day, and they were able to spend their day enjoying mountainous views instead of sitting in the car.
Permits and Regulations
•St Malo’s Church: Permission required to host an intimate ceremony on the grounds 303-747-2786
•Rocky Mountain National Park: no permit needed for portraits (permit IS needed if you say your vows in the park). Timed entry is needed from May – October
Congratulations again, Lorea and Kelly!
