4×4 Adventure Elopement in Ouray, Colorado

Looking for an incredible adventure to have on your elopement day, but aren’t sure if you want to hike? Well, my friend, let this 4×4 Adventure Elopement in Ouray, Colorado be your inspiration. I truly can not imagine a more thrilling, breathtaking, or memorable way to start your marriage together. The views are like something out of a fairytale and allows you to be completely immersed in the most magical way.

Why Elope in the San Juan Mountains

Of all the elopement destinations in Colorado, the San Juan Mountain region is hands down my favorite. The mountains here are simply on another level, there’s a reason Ouray is known as “The Switzerland of America.” If you are looking for an elopement destination that feels out of this world, but don’t want to travel internationally, you should definitely look into this incredible corner of Colorado. 

This region is home to some historic old western towns that are perfect for both an intimate wedding or elopement. Telluride is always a crowd pleasing place with the free gondola, lively atmosphere, and amazing restaurants. However, it doesn’t have the best access to the 4×4 mountain passes if you are wanting to jeep. Ouray is still lively, but a little more laid back. I love all the options you have for 4×4 trails and hikes in this area. My favorite place to stay in Ouray is The Western and is potentially a great place to host a post wedding dinner if you are bringing guests. Silverton also has access to some incredible 4×4 passes and hikes. It is smaller than Ouray, but it’s also not that far from Durango which has plenty of restaurants and amenities. The Wyman Hotel is a great place to stay and host an intimate reception. 

For more details on these towns and the type of elopement locations you can access, reach out to me and we can talk about which one would be best for your elopement!

Jeeping Elopement in Ouray

Claire and Mitch wanted to explore by having a 4×4 adventure elopement in Ouray and it did not disappoint. We were able to get to these fairytale-like and still doing something to capture their adventurous spirit, without having to hike for miles. I absolutely love this option for eloping couples because the drive becomes part of your story of the day. A shared experience. I love that they used the Jeep to get ready before heading to exchange their vows.

Private Wedding Vows

Having privacy on your elopement day is a huge reason many couples choose to elope in the first place. This is why I’m so selective with my location recommendations. The last thing you should be thinking about as you are exchanging vows is who is watching you. It makes such a huge difference to be somewhere remote with the freedom to yourselves. Not to mention the magical setting. 

These two had the most romantic spot surrounded by wildflowers and views of the mountains all around. Being immersed in nature and the moment. This is what an adventure elopement is truly about. Being together, fully present, doing something that speaks to your soul. 

Elopement Dinner

I’m not going to lie, this part of elopements is one of my favorite parts of the day. There is no better feeling than getting to eat good food after you’ve shared one of the biggest moments of your life. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Claire and Mitch wanted to have pizza and beer and it was perfect. Honestly, such a fun way to refuel, slow down, and spend time together without having to go back to town.

Romantic Sunset in Ouray

What’s a 4×4 adventure elopement in Ouray, Colorado without taking the time to watch an incredible sunset? I’ll never get over this view…or Claire’s unbelievably gorgeous Daci gown that played so well with the wind. If you are really wanting to uplevel your elopement style, it’s worth it to invest in a gown that pairs well with the elements. That’s a whole other blog post for another time but dresses like this that flow with the wind help to tell the story of your day and make your photos come alive.

When couples carve out time to watch the sunset it makes my heart so happy. It’s like a private display of art for you to take in together. Not to mention, the light is amazing and these will be some of your favorite photos to cherish forever. 

4×4 Jeep Rentals for Elopements in Ouray, Colorado

Knowing that you need a jeep to get to a location like this, here is some information to make this happen. No, you don’t need to rent a jeep for your entire trip. The great thing about Ouray is that off-roading is a big deal here and there are companies in town to rent the right type of high clearance 4×4 to get you up those rugged mountain passes. We went with Switzerland of America Jeeps and they were great to work with. Colorado West is another popular option.  

I don’t recommend taking an SUV up these roads. Trust me, I’ve tried in my Subaru Ascent. It’s worth it to rent the Jeep. 

If you don’t have experience driving these kind of roads or if the thought of navigating these roads doesn’t sound enjoyable for your wedding day, you also have the option to hire an experienced driver. It truly takes the stress out of it and allows you both to enjoy the views along the way. 

Why Ouray Colorado is the Ultimate Destination for your Adventure Elopement

Trust me, you will not regret having an adventure elopement in Ouray. There is so much to do right in town. Waterfalls, hot springs, Jeeping, scenic drives, iconic hikes, a cute western town as your basecamp…need I go on? One of the best things about Ouray is its proximity to all of the out of this world 4×4 mountain passes and the other San Juan Mountain Region towns. It’s only an hour away from Telluride and Silverton so you can explore so much in one trip. 

The views here are simply awe-inspiring. Even as someone who grew up in Colorado and is used to mountain views, I am blown away by the mountains here. They are so unique, colorful, and jagged. Add that to the bright blue lakes, waterfalls, and tall wildflowers and it’s seriously like you are in a fairytale. This place just speaks to my soul and I love bringing couples here who feel the same way. 

Meet Your Photographer for Your Elopement in Ouray, Colorado