Great Sand Dunes National Park elopement // Ashley + Pat
I’m showcasing one of my all-time favorite elopements in today’s blog post! You already know how much I love the Colorado mountains as an elopement location… but I also love other in-state destinations just as much. For all my couples who want something a little out-of-the-box, this one is for you!
Great Sand Dunes National Park Elopement
First thing’s first: This elopement at the Great Sand Dunes National Park was a styled one! Styled elopements are put together by wedding professionals for the purpose of providing you with unique inspiration for your day. Of course, your elopement will never look the exact same as anything online, but styled shoots are a great first step in visualizing what your day could look like. And it gives us vendors a chance to get familiar with the location and receive hands-on experience to provide you with the absolute best expertise possible!
There is truly something SO special about choosing the Sand Dunes as your Colorado elopement location. The desolate, secluded, expansive views make you feel like you are the only people around for hundreds of miles. At the same time, you feel daring and adventurous with this epic, out-of-this-world landscape surrounding you. Whether you want to spend the day hiking or have an intimate picnic after your vows (or both!), the dunes are just the perfect place to do it.
From an aesthetic perspective, the neutral color palette of the sand allows your wedding attire to stand out more so than it would in other settings. I mean, just look at Ashley and Pat’s photos! The tones of their outfit complement the color of the sand perfectly, giving such soft and dreamy photos.
Sample Sand Dunes elopement timeline
If you’re planning your elopement in the Sand Dunes, let me give you a sample timeline to provide an idea of how your day can be laid out!
3:00pm - Light lunch with lover before festivities begin
4:00pm - Schedule H&MU to start
5:00pm - Coverage starts with getting ready images
5:30pm - Partner in position for first look
5:35pm - First look
6:00pm - Drive to dunes
6:30pm - Hike out to "ceremony spot" meaning, you can choose wherever you want!
6:45pm - MARRIED
6:50pm - Champagne toast
7:00pm - Intimate picnic as the sunsets
8:00pm - Sunset portraits
9:00pm - Coverage ends
I highly recommend starting at a nearby Airbnb to get ready (check out this gorgeous cabin right next to the Dunes!), having a slow morning, and really just soaking it all in. The amazing thing about eloping is that you can do whatever the heck you want!! Think about what (or who) you would include in your dream day. If you have a pup, I’ve got great news for you… Great Sand Dunes National Park is dog-friendly! So, take a road trip, bring your dog, and let’s have a rad elopement experience.
Check out these epic Sand Dunes elopement vendors!
The team of wedding creatives who put together this styled elopement deserves all the praise! Be sure to check them out when planning your own ;)
Photography: Jessica Luann Photo
Styled by: Devoted and Wild & Baylee Shae Photo
Florals: Palmer Flower Weddings
Dress: A&BE Bridal Denver // Rue De Seine
Jewelry: Untamed Petals
Hair & Makeup Artist: Your Look by Tori
Bride: Ashley Pouya
Groom: Pat Fava
Let’s get you married!
When you’re ready to book me as your Sand Dunes elopement photographer, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll hit ya back asap! I can’t wait to create your dream elopement together.
