Planning a Twin Lakes Wedding?
here’s everything you need to know from a colorado elopement photographer
Getting married at Twin Lakes, Colorado? Having a Twin Lakes wedding or elopement is iconic. Seriously, as a Colorado elopement photographer, it’s one of my favorite places to visit. With its towering mountains, vast expanse, and secluded ceremony spots, Twin Lakes Colorado offers the perfect setting for your special day.
Situated between Leadville and Buena Vista, just a stone’s throw from Independence Pass, Twin Lakes Colorado beckons nature lovers and adventurers alike. The iconic view of Mt. Elbert, the breathtaking golden aspens in fall, and the mesmerizing twin lakes are instantly recognizable, and the landscape is even more surreal during the early morning alpenglow before sunrise, and sparkling night skies.
Who am I?
i’m kelly! a colorado elopement photographer
Hi! I’m Kelly, (that’s me at Twin Lakes! >>>). I have been working full time as an adventure elopement photographer in Colorado and Utah for about 4 years now. I’ve helped over 100 couples just like you have the elopement of their dreams.
I usually am pretty involved with my couples and their planning for their big day. I suggest vendors you can work with, will create a timeline for your big day, nail down permits, help you get your Colorado marriage license, and just make sure you have the best damn day.
Why? Because when your elopement day, location, and timing are planned just right, your pictures will turn out incredible.
With me as your Twin Lakes Wedding Photographer, you can spend more time loving and adventuring and less time planning your Twin Lakes wedding.
How to have a Twin Lakes Wedding
step 1: pick your season for your twin lakes wedding
Fire place ashes or sprinkler splashes? (Where my Swifties at?!) No but really, the first step in having a Twin Lakes wedding is deciding your season, and deciding what type of environment you want to be surrounded with on your big day. In winter seasons you can expect snow and frozen lakes. Spring is Colorado is unpredictable, you can have snow, or rain, or sunshine. Summer you’ll have warm days, boat rentals, and green mountainsides. In the fall you’ll have a sprawling mountainside of golden aspens. The beauty about having a Twin Lakes wedding is most of the locations are accessible year round because the roads surrounding the lakes get plowed and maintained.
step 2: book your lodging
If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll want to rent a space to stay at! The Freight Cabins in Leadville offer really cute and modern cabins. There are a few really great Airbnb options, as well as Vrbo’s. There’s also a few quaint gingerbread-style Bed & Breakfasts like The Majestic, The Colorado Trail House, and The Governor’s Mansion. If you’re wanting to stay right in the heart of Twin Lakes, look at The Twin Lakes Inn, which was once a stagecoach stop! If you’re looking for a space for a few guests, consider looking into Inn the Clouds.
step 3: hire any vendors
Consider hiring a few Colorado elopement vendors to make your day extra special! If you’re planning to have guests and need help with day of coordination, consider hiring a day of coordinator. If you’re wanting your day to be photographed so you have memories to look back on forever, you’ll want to hire a Twin Lakes Wedding Photographer, like me! You could even hire a videographer for your big day, someone like Bryce Thomas with Bryce Thomas Media is a great pick! Hair and Make up Artist, like Wild Brides Backcountry, A Vow to Artistry, I Do Crew Bridal Beauty, or Kim J Beauty are all great picks! My favorite florists in Leadville is Blue Vessel Florista (ask for Destiny, and tell her Kelly sent you!)
step 4: Plan out your attire for your twin lakes wedding
Depending on what you chose for Step 1: Pick your season, you’ll want to choose your wedding attire so you’re comfortable for your Twin Lakes wedding! Remember that you’ll be outside, so don’t stress too much about getting your attire dirty. Also remember that your Colorado elopement photographer will probably ask you to move around, stand on rocks, walk over rocks, skip, jump, or even dance around a bit to get those best shots. You’ll want to be comfortable all day long, so if you’re choosing a Colorado winter wedding, be sure to bring layers or a jacket you’ll be stoked to get your picture taken in!
step 5: have the best damn twin lakes wedding day ever!
You’ve come so far, you’re finally here! Now it’s time to sit back and relax and let the pieces fall together. Enjoy your Twin Lakes wedding day!
Do you need a permit for a Twin Lakes wedding?
getting legit for your twin lakes wedding
The last i’ve heard, as long as you’re not bringing in any structures, don’t plan to have more than 15 guests, and promise to follow the 7 Leave No Trace ethics, you should be okay without a permit.
It’s best to always double check the regulations with the parks office, and make sure your photographer gets any special use permits as well. This information is always changing, and please don’t take my word for it! Be sure to call and double check! And always get it in writing!
In Love and Adventure Twin Lakes Wedding Packages
The Ultimate Twin Lakes Wedding Package
$10,000
12 hours of photography coverage
FOR THE COUPLE WHO WANTS IT ALL, THE Ultimate Twin Lakes Wedding PACKAGE INCLUDES 12 HOURS OF PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE WITH ONE COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER (ME!). this PACKAGE COMES WITH THE OPTION TO SPLIT YOUR PHOTO COVERAGE BETWEEN TWO DAYS, OR A MID DAY BREAK WITHIN ONE DAY. HOWEVER WE SLICE AND DICE, YOU GET 12 HOURS of photography COVERAGE.
THIS PACKAGE IS PERFECT FOR COUPLES WHO WANT TO HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS – TIME SPENT WITH THEIR GUESTS ONE DAY, AND A SECOND DAY FOR A “JUST THEM” SOLO ADVENTURE. OR THE COUPLES WHO WANT An ultimate experience ALL TO THEMSELVES.
Full Day Twin Lakes Wedding Package
$7,200
8 hours of photography coverage
*most popular*
THE MOST POPULAR Twin Lakes Wedding PACKAGE GIVES YOU 8 HOURS OF PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE — with an optional midday break. for the couples who can’t decide between sunrise, or sunset, this is the package for you!
Half Day Twin Lakes Wedding Package
$6,000
6 hours of photography coverage
*most popular*
THE MOST POPULAR Twin Lakes Wedding PACKAGE GIVES YOU 6 HOURS OF PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE — ENOUGH TIME TO DOCUMENT THE TWO OF YOU GETTING READY, THE ADVENTURE OF TREKKING TO YOUR CEREMONY LOCATION, ANY WEDDING DAY ELEMENTS YOU WANT TO ADD TO YOUR BIG DAY, AND THE CEREMONY + CELEBRATIONS.
Quick ‘n Easy Twin Lakes Wedding Package
$4,800
4 hours of photography coverage
WHEN YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED, HAVE GORGEOUS PHOTOS, AND THEN THE DAY TO YOURSELF, THE QUICK N’ EASY Twin Lakes Wedding PACKAGE IS FOR YOU. IT INCLUDES 4 HOURS OF PHOTOGRAPHY COVERAGE
Choose Your Adventure
or reach out for your free elopement planning session
All travel expenses are included in the cost!
Ready to start planning your Twin Lakes wedding?
reach out to me by filling out the form below! i’ll be in touch within 24 hours
