with a Wildflower Theme at an Airbnb Ranch in Colorado
This Gunnison elopement included a beautiful relaxed and fun day with a group of 12 family members, including 3 cute kiddos, and 2 rambunctious pups. Jenny and Trey traveled in from out of state for their elopement. Her brother who lived in the Denver area was able to make suggestions and scout out some areas for them as they started planning. They ultimately decided to have the celebration at a private Airbnb ranch property near Gunnison. They wanted a wedding day that was casual and unscripted. And they wanted to be surrounded by the people, and the pups that they loved the most.
Planning a Elopement in Gunnison Colorado
Jenny and Trey originally had their sights set on Crested Butte. They pictured a wildflower meadow with mountains in the background. Crested Butte seemed like the obvious choice. But as they kept planning, they found a property closer to Gunnison instead. It was lower in elevation and had lodging for their small group. It also was a large ranch with a lot of open space on the property. Including fields with the wildflower mountain scenery they were envisioning.
With just twelve guests, there was no wedding party and no need for a big production. Jenny and Trey got ready in separate houses on the property. The whole day carried an easy, unhurried pace from start to finish. Jenny leaned into a few vintage touches while she got ready with a vintage hand mirror, and a strand of pearls, while the kids and dogs ran around the property.
Gunnison Elopement with Dogs
When I arrived early to walk the property and scout locations, their dogs Max and Boone greeted me right away. The dogs brought their own kind of energy which was silly and adventurous! Max and Boone wrestled with each other as Jenny and her dad walked down the aisle. Then later during family photos they popped in and out of the frame. Jenny and Trey just laughed at them. It was exactly the kind of joyful, unpolished energy Jenny and Trey wanted their day to have.
For the ceremony, Jenny and Trey kept the setup simple and beautiful with a couple large rugs laid out in the grass near the main house. They also hung a sheer white fabric in the nearby aspens to frame the space. It didn’t take much to turn this part of the property into a ceremony site that felt intentional and complete.
After the ceremony, I took Jenny and Trey around the property for portraits. We also did a private vow reading with just the two of them after portraits. As the evening wound down, we caught a few quiet moments of them signing their marriage license, popping champagne, and enjoying the start of dinner.
Their day was very much a DIY celebration. They handled the catering and decorations on their own. And Trey tracked down a local florist to put together a small wildflower bouquet. Which was a nice touch for Jenny who was envisioning a wildflower theme. Between the mountain views, the dogs running around, and a small intimate group, their day was a beautiful reminder of how lovely a Colorado elopement can be!
Thank You, Jenny and Trey
Jenny and Trey, thank you for inviting me to be your elopement photographer. I loved sharing in the day and capturing it with photos. Congratulations to you both. Here’s to many more adventures with you and your pups in the years ahead!
The Creative Team
Planning, Catering and Decor – Jenny & Trey
Wedding Dress Designer – Rue De Seine
Wedding Venue – Airbnb Ranch
Florist for Bridal Bouquet – Rocky Mountain Rose
Hair & Makeup – @jayatkenneths
Planning an elopement in Gunnison, Colorado?
Planning a Colorado elopement comes with a lot of decisions, but you don’t have to make them alone. From location scouting to documenting your day in a way that feels true to you, I’m here to help.
