Dreams do come true for destination wedding photographers.

When Ansley and Jared reached inquired about their July 2024 Telluride wedding, my hand immediately covered my mouth. I was thrilled to be chosen as their destination wedding photographer. As soon as we hopped on a video call a few days later, I could feel the love between them radiating through the screen. They have such a gentle, kind way of communicating with both each other as well as those around them. When it came to their wedding photography, I knew I had to capture that vibe as perfectly as possible: sweet, quiet, gentle love.

Being a destination wedding photographer has its perks

Telluride is as scenic as it gets

Fast-forward 9 months to July, and the wedding had finally arrived. Telluride is a very small town nestled in the San Juan Mountains and is pretty removed from surrounding towns. There’s only a tiny airport in Telluride, and doesn’t typically have too many flights coming in and out. The only close, useable airport is in Montrose, so I flew into Grand Junction a couple days beforehand. So, on the morning of the wedding I made the 2.5 hour drive from Grand Junction to Telluride. It was absolutely worth it.

As a destination wedding photographer and avid traveler, I’ve taken many scenic drives and flown into countless jaw-dropping places. The journey from Grand Junction to Telluride, however, felt particularly special. You could swear you’re driving into Switzerland at some points. Telluride is absolutely an idyllic choice for those couples planning a European wedding without the desire to actually travel all the way to Europe.

Cabins and coziness in Telluride

Getting ready cozily

Their getting ready location was a large yet cozy cabin nearby. Most of their friends and families also stayed in the cabin with them since it was spacious enough. Both of their families welcomed me in with open arms and made the day go by so, so smoothly.

Telluride, and especially the ski resort, is filled with these beautiful cabins that provide the coziness you expect from a mountain lodge while also giving you the space you need to prepare for your big day. We could see some of the San Juan Mountains from the windows of the cabin which was amazing. However, nothing could prepare us for the sights we’d see during the wedding.

Nothing beats Telluride wedding views

The most jaw-dropping destination wedding ceremony

It was a small, intimate ceremony consisting of family and a handful of close friends. Their ceremony at the San Sophia Overlook perfectly showcased why Telluride is a dream location for a destination wedding photographer. I had visited Colorado numerous times before, but these views were something else. After making our way over to the resort, we all hopped onto several gondolas to head up the mountain to the Overlook.

There were tears, there was laughter, and there was unending love. The admiration and appreciation absolutely poured out of Ansley and Jared. It may have been influenced at least a little bit by the sight behind them, though.

Relaxing destination weddings

A laid back wedding day

Ansley and Jared both expressed to me during the initial consultation call that they wanted their day to be as relaxed as possible and to just have a few points in the timeline to take portraits, so we took most of their wedding photos post-ceremony. They decided to forego most of the details photos and getting ready photos and skip a first look as well which certainly made their ceremony even more emotional.

After their ceremony was finished, we took care of family photos and subsequently their individual bridal portraits and groom’s portraits while their family and friends headed to the reception location at the Peak’s Crystal Room.

Destination Weddings Have Plenty of Benefits

Telluride weddings are just plain fun

One of the unique perks of being a destination wedding photographer in Telluride is capturing couples as they ride the iconic gondolas. It’s moments like these that make destination weddings so memorable. I grabbed a few candid photos of them as they chatted and reflected on their ceremony and could see every moment of love and gratitude in their eyes. 

Something I love about destination weddings and elopements in particular is the ability to truly do whatever your heart desires. Only want to get married in front of your BFF and not tell anyone else? Easy peasy. Want to ride the gondola back and forth until you can’t stand it anymore? Go for it. Want to bungee jump off a cliff while holding hands? I’m sure you can somewhere around here (though I can’t promise I’ll be joining you).

The weather in Telluride

Telluride weddings have very comfortable weather in summertime

One side note about Telluride: for a wedding in July, this was absolutely the most comfortable weather possible. Windy, mid 60s during the day, and sunny. That was perfect from a photography aspect, though, since nobody was either overheating or freezing to death. Hosting a Telluride wedding certainly has its benefits.

Be prepared for the wind, though!

The most magical Telluride wedding reception

A charming reception for the books

Their reception at the Peaks’ Crystal Room was wonderful to say the least. It was the perfect blend of elegance and mountain charm that every destination wedding photographer and Colorado wedding photographer dreams of capturing. Every detail felt purposeful, intentional, and fitting for Ansley and Jared’s special day.

They saved me a seat for dinner, so I was able to take in the stunning Telluride views. It might possibly have been some of the best wedding food I’ve ever eaten, to be honest. After the amazing dinner and reception, the three of us headed out onto the golf course to take the rest of their newlywed portraits.

Sunset in Telluride

Views straight out of a movie

Golden hour in Telluride offers an unmatched opportunity for wedding photographers. This was the prime time for those quiet, passionate, cinematic, photos I knew I had to capture.

The sun was just on the verge of setting when we got out there which was perfect as it allowed us time for both sunset and blue hour. The glow peeking over the San Juan Mountains just as the sun was beginning to settle gave us the most beautiful, romantic lighting. The aspen trees and wildflowers made for the most incredible setting for their intimate portraits.

They ran, spun around, laughed, kissed, and embraced each other without hesitation. I felt like I was watching the sweetest romance movie ever made. If I needed Jared to pick Ansley up and spin her around 20 times, he would’ve done it (and he did, honestly….sorry, Jared).

As a wedding photographer, these kinds of weddings are the ones that stick with me forever. Seeing the glimmer in their eyes with the stunning Telluride views was nothing short of magical. I’ll forever be grateful for these two lovebirds, their friends and family, and the amazing vendors who made this wedding perfect!

Wedding planning was done by the amazing Kathleen at Telluride Presents; the beautiful wedding florals were done by Hannah at Hosanna Floral; and the gorgeous venue was the San Sophia Overlook and Crystal Room at Telluride Ski / Peaks Resort in scenic Telluride, Colorado.

Planning your own Telluride wedding or destination wedding?

Ready to make Telluride forever a part of your story? It’s an unforgettable destination with tear-inducing views, amazing weather, and a plethora of options for your wedding day. It’s one of the most perfect places to seal your love.

If you’re getting married in Telluride or anywhere in Colorado and are on the hunt for a Colorado wedding photographer, check out my wedding information, or send over an inquiry! My travel to your Colorado wedding is covered with all wedding photography packages, so I’m just a quick flight away. I look forward to meeting you and capturing your stunning day!