San Juan 4×4 Elopement | Linda and Shawn | Corkscrew Gulch » Colorado Mountain Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Linda and Shawn | Corkscrew Gulch Elopement

Savannah Chandler Photography | San Juan Mountains Elopement Photographer

I met Linda and Shawn through another couple that I photographed in the San Juan Mountains last year (check the bottom of the post for a link to their photos!). When we all first chatted, we went through all the amazing places in Southwest Colorado to host a 4×4 elopement with their closest family members and friends.

After some talking, and Linda and Shawn taking a trip down towards Silverton to check out the drive, we settled on Corkscrew Gulch. This road provides a great 4×4 experience without a crazy road or a lot of rock crawling – which was the perfect experience for their guests in attendance. Particularly for the kiddos who were joining on our journey up the mountain.

If you’ve ever been to Silverton, Colorado – you know it’s a town that you can walk quite easily. The streets and buildings are all pretty close and the entire town is just a few blocks long. All of their guests stayed in town, meeting up at Linda and Shawn’s amazing AirBnB to play lawn games and just relax before the wedding. All that needs to be said is BUBBLES. And a large bubble maker at that. I’ve said it before – but give adults bubbles and it’s like a kid in a candy shop. Pure happiness.

When Linda and Shawn visited Silverton and Corkscrew Gulch a few weeks prior to their elopement, they found the PERFECT nook to host their ceremony, toasts, and some snackies. It was just as we were starting to exit the forest, had a large legal parking lot (which is always something to consider on 4×4 roads – make sure to stay the trail!), and the views were simply spectacular.

During their ceremony, all family and friends joined in a circle surrounding Linda and Shawn. They said their own written vows, and had a parent’s blessing from all their parents. To conclude the incredibly personal and heartfelt ceremony, everyone came in close to place their hands on Linda and Shawn – or place their hands on those in front of them to connect everyone. The energy brought forth by family and friends, as well as the forest and mountain, was enough to get lots of tears flowing. I know I had some goosebumps to say the least.

Once they were Mr. and Mrs. officially, a charcuterie board (handmade by family and friends at that) was brought out along with some champagne to celebrate and toast. As family members were making their toasts to the newlyweds, we were graced with some glorious sunshine popping through the distant storm clouds.

For their couple’s portraits, Linda and Shawn hopped in the Jeep with me and my second (and partner in all things mountains) Natalie to head further up the pass. We made a few stops – doing the HOP OUT, click click click, GET BACK TO THE CAR mode in an attempt to try and stay warm. It gets pretty chilly up at 12,700 feet ;).

Congratulations again, Linda and Shawn. I had such a blast celebrating your San Juan Mountain elopement with you and meeting all your lovely friends and family. I wish you many bubble blowing days as husband and wife.

Cheers –