Stylish, Intimate Family Picnic Wedding: Courtney & Cosmo
Madisyn and Lee’s Intimate Late Summer Elopement in Telluride, Colorado
We fell in love with this beautiful late summer Elopement in Telluride, Colorado, so we talked to Joe & Rhonda Hendricks, co-owners of Elope Telluride, and got from them the story behind the stunning photos…
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
“Madisyn and Lee’s elopement was nothing short of magical. Hailing from Ohio, they journeyed to the charming town of Telluride, CO, to exchange vows in an intimate, picturesque setting. With the expertise of Elope Telluride guiding them, their dream day unfolded seamlessly. Surrounded by the lush beauty of a secluded valley and with only the bride’s parents as witnesses, their ceremony was the epitome of stress-free elegance.”
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
“Afterwards, the couple embarked on a thrilling adventure with their photographer, capturing stunning moments in hidden locales. The day culminated with a celebratory champagne toast atop a mountain, as the peaks glowed with the breathtaking hues of sunset alpenglow—a perfect end to their unforgettable elopement.”
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
Photo by Elope Telluride
The Vendors
Apparel: R. Watson Boots // Shoes:Corral Boots// Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Stetson Hats // Apparel: Bailey Hats// Jewelry:Manly Bands // Ring Designer: Elizabeth Diamond Company // Apparel: Joseph Abboud // Apparel:Ariat Boots // Dress Designer: Allure Bridal // Floral Designer: Alpenglow Flower Farm // Hair Stylist: Wildheart Weddings // Photographer: Elope Telluride //
Why We Love The Idea of a Late Summer Elopement in Telluride, Colorado
There’s something irresistibly enchanting about a late summer elopement in Telluride, Colorado. It’s the kind of place where the mountains seem to whisper secrets to each other, and the air carries a hint of something special—maybe it’s the last traces of summer, or the promise of autumn just around the corner. Either way, Telluride feels like the perfect setting for a love story that’s as wild and free as the landscape itself.
I’ve always believed that the timing of a wedding can add layers of meaning to the event, and a late summer elopement in Telluride, Colorado holds a particular charm. The days are still long, the sun is warm, and yet there’s a subtle shift in the air that signals change. It’s like that sweet spot between the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. When my partner and I visited Telluride in August, I felt this transition deeply. The leaves were just starting to hint at gold, and the mountains, towering and timeless, seemed to embrace us in their serenity. It made me think about how life, like the seasons, is all about embracing change, and what better way to do that than by committing to a lifetime together?
But let’s be honest—there’s more to it than just the poetic appeal. A late summer elopement in Telluride, Colorado is practical too. You get the best of both worlds: the tail end of summer’s warmth without the intensity, and the early signs of autumn’s beauty without the chill. It’s the kind of weather that’s perfect for an outdoor ceremony, where you’re not sweating through your vows or shivering by the time the rings are exchanged. And then there’s the adventure aspect. After the “I dos,” you can explore the hidden trails, toast with champagne on a mountaintop, or simply lose yourselves in the wilderness. It’s romantic in the way that only nature can be—unscripted, raw, and full of surprises.
Sure, you might argue that eloping means missing out on the big wedding experience, the grand party, the dozens of guests. But there’s something liberating about keeping it small, focusing on what truly matters: the two of you. In a place like Telluride, it’s easy to see why that’s more than enough. The mountains, the sky, and the love you share—they create a moment that’s perfectly yours, and that’s something worth cherishing.
