Twin Lakes Spring Elopement | Mariana and Joel | Just the Two Of Us Elopement » Colorado Mountain Elopement and Wedding Photographer

Mariana and Joel | Twin Lakes Elopement

Savannah Chandler Photography | Colorado Elopement Photographer

Mariana and Joel’s Just the Two of Use Elopement at Twin Lakes

Joel and Mariana came out to Colorado, just the two of them, to elope. They didn’t tell anyone (besides myself) of their plan – and came to be amongst the mountains to marry themselves.

When looking at locations, I gave them quite a few places that would be accessible in early May – as May can still be winter in higher elevations. This year in particular, we’re still getting snow in June in much of our higher areas (know that if you want to access passes and higher unpaved areas, July or August are likely to be the times with the least amount of snow).

Twin Lakes is accessible year-round and has stunning views regardless of the season. There are multiple areas along the lake that boast waterfront and mountain backdrops, with sunrise being the time of day that has the least amount of people visiting, fishing, and boating at the lakes.

I met Mariana and Joel at their super cute and modern cabin overlooking the lake just before sunrise so we could drive down together (and be sure that we all ended up at the same spot in the area). We had gotten a layer of fresh snow overnight – refreezing parts of the lake and the beach was covered with a dusting of snow.

Once we got down to the shoreline, I asked if they wanted to take portraits to start or say their vows to one another – another great thing about elopements is that the order in which the day progresses is totally up to you! One thing I didn’t think about when we got down to the lake – was that the fishing area we were at was called Deception Point. Seeing as that’s not the most romantic of places to say your vows, we started with some portraits before heading to a private beaver pond that was near the Praying Angel campgrounds (a MUCH more aptly named area to say words of love and affirmation at).

After vows, we began our venture out to the surrounding areas for portraits.

Mariana and Joel got the true Colorado Experience – nearly all 4 seasons in one morning. We started off with sub-freezing temperatures, then moved into sunshine and calm skies while we made our way into the canyons surrounding Twin Lakes. Once they sat down to eat some food together, the skies darkened and it began actively snowing and misting. Up higher on the road, near the Mount Elbert trailhead, we had winds that whipped at speeds nearly knocking us over. Back at their cabin, the sun came back to warm everyone up. It’s true what they say – if you don’t like the weather here, wait 10 minutes.

Congratulations again, Mariana and Joel! I hope that you enjoyed your time here in Colorado. <3

Cheers –