When I think about a Colorado sunrise elopement, I think “dayum… that’s early af.” Yet, here I am, at my desk before anyone is awake (of course), thinking about how Colorado sunrise elopements are, hands down, my favorite…especially during the summer!

I know summer sunrise elopements are earlyyyyyyy in Colorado because I’m a morning person, and they are even early for me!

Before I tell you all the benefits of a Colorado sunrise elopement, hear it first from this bride instead:

“The time we spent on the mountain before anyone else was up yet was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced before.”

Mikayla, Bride

And then she went on to say…

“We had this absolutely stunning mountaintop location all to ourselves, which wouldn’t be easy at sunset, and got to slow down and appreciate each other before diving into the “wedding day.”

And if this is your first choice or chose to scale down a big wedding to a more intimate gathering, I promise you: if you’re eloping in Colorado, you won’t have to cut corners on beauty.

In fact, I think having a Colorado sunrise elopement can give you the beauty you never knew you always wanted, without the hassle of a long planning process. Ya know what I’m saying?

So, Diana, what are all the benefits of waking up early for your Colorado sunrise elopement?

I’m so glad you asked… right this way!

1. PRIVATE AND SECLUDED

Colorado can get crowded. Especially the best spots at sunset. This is, hands down, the number one reason to elope in the wee hours of the morning, especially in Colorado. Only the die-hard mountain people are out at sunrise. A sunrise elopement isn’t just the perfect spot for the introvert, but perfect for anyone who doesn’t want an audience at all (unless they aren’t humans, of course… wink).

2. MILD WEATHER CONDITIONS (during summer, at least)

In Colorado, the storms hover over the mountains in the afternoon and the chances of it raining typically happen later in the day. Now, I’m not against weather that seems unfavorable because the pictures are usually stunning, but I also don’t want to dismiss the severity of inclement weather in high altitude places…. or have you ruin your dress or hair! And a thunderstorm or lightening strikes, it’s strikes high, so it’s not safe at all to be in a high altitude location.

3. YOU SEE EACH OTHER RIGHT AWAY

Does the thought of waiting all day to see your future spouse send you spiraling into a pre-wedding jitter frenzy? Yeah, that’s how most of my couples feel after they’ve seen each other— they’re so excited to see each other right away on their elopement day! Day-of wedding emotions are so heightened… can you imagine feeling that way the entire day?

4. YOU GET TO SPEND THE WHOLE DAY BEING MARRIED!

Have you ever been to a wedding where the bride and groom wait all day to see each other (I’m thinking sunset ceremony here). My question is: “why wait until the last few hours of the day?” This is an entire day dedicated to celebrating your marriage. Wouldn’t it be so exciting to be married the entire day, instead?

5. PEACEFUL + ROMANTIC.

Picture this: birds chirping, a slight breeze blowing through your hair… oh, and other than that complete and utter silence and you watch the sun come up. Sunrise is like nature’s noise canceling headphones, ya feel?

6. EPIC MORNING LIGHT

Don’t get me wrong, Colorado sunsets are enjoyable, but sometimes easy to miss if those beautiful Rockies get in the way. Not only does sunrise have magical golden light, but there’s also Alpenglow! Never heard of it? It’s that beautiful pink light that hits the mountains in the morning. I also love that during sunrise you gain light versus losing it!

7. NO ONE ELSE WILL WANT TO JOIN YOU THAT EARLY

Unless we’re talking about a herd of elk your dedicated hiker, you’ll most likely be on your own. If you’re including family in your day and combining a traditional elopement with and an intimate micro-wedding, this is the perfect way to do it. You get time alone together and then your family can join you at a more reasonable time. Feelings are spared and everyone gets to be part of your day. I call that a win-win in my book.

So, Diana, that’s it?

I promise to share more about elopements at sunrise in Colorado, but for now, I think this’ll pique your interest.

Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or an adventure elopement, waking up at sunrise is the perfect option to start slow and enjoy the morning with your favorite person in the world, and include your family in your nuptials.

And guess what? You don’t even have to be a morning person (although that helps) to enjoy all the benefits of this magical day in the most beautiful location: the Colorado Rocky Mountains.