The Secret to Having a Hot Spring Elopement
Elopements have become extremely popular and if you're looking for something original, a hot springs elopement destination wedding is the perfect choice!
If you're looking to get married but don't want to deal with all the hassle of planning a big wedding, then a hot spring elopement in Colorado might just be what you're looking for. Hot springs are natural pools of water with high concentrations of minerals, like sulfur and calcium, which give them their name. They're also known for their healing properties—and now they can help you get hitched!
Hot springs have been used by humans for thousands of years because they are perfect places to relax, unwind, and take in nature. They've also been used as sacred spaces where people have practiced rituals and ceremonies since ancient times. Many cultures believe that these geothermal pools hold spiritual power or healing properties—and they may just be right! So why not combine your love of nature with your love of each other on your special day?
TIPS FOR YOUR HOT SPRING ELOPEMENT
When you think of Colorado, you probably think of mountains, snow and cold weather. But did you know that there are warm springs all over the state?
The warm springs in Colorado are perfect for elopements or weddings. They’re beautiful, secluded, and there are usually no crowds. I love photographing at the hot springs because they really showcase the beauty of nature and Colorado.
I’m going to share some tips on how to have an amazing elopement at a hot spring in Colorado with you!
Embrace the fact that you want something different.
Choose a season and location to elope in.
Find a hot spring near where you plan on getting married.
Think outside of the box.
Have a backup plan and prepare for something to go wrong (because it likely will) and have patience.
Embrace the fact that you want something different
You want something more unique, more adventurous, and more intimate than a traditional wedding - and that’s great! If you’ve even thought about eloping, if you’re neck deep into planning a wedding and feel like it’s too late to switch gears - it’s not! Eloping will always be unique to you and your love story, even if it’s not completely spontaneous!
Choose a season and location to elope in
Colorado is known for its pristine nature, but it's also famous for being a hotbed of elopement activity.
The first thing you should do is choose an amazing location that speaks to you and your partner. If there's something that stands out in particular—maybe it's the way the water looks or feels, or maybe it's something about the surroundings—that's where you should start.
If you're considering a destination wedding, Colorado is an ideal choice. With an abundance of stunning landscapes and striking natural beauty, you'll be able to capture photos that will make your family and friends consider eloping themselves!
And if you're planning an elopement in the dead of winter, you'll definitely want to think about the weather. A winter elopement will be cozy and romantic—the perfect setting for your intimate ceremony. And who knows? Maybe you'll even see some snowflakes falling outside while you exchange vows!
Spring, Summer, and Fall are also all good seasons to elope at a hot spring.
Find a hot spring near where you plan on getting married.
There are so many options! From large resorts with beautiful grounds and luxurious accommodations to smaller private spas, there's something out there for everyone. A great place to start looking for hot springs:
Vacation rentals and VRBO’s
Natural (undeveloped) hot springs
Hotels with hot springs
Developed hot springs (always inquire about after hours opportunities)
If you decide you want to elope and include a hot spring in your wedding day, then I’ll help you find that perfect location.
Think outside of the box.
Sometimes, the best way to make a splash at your hot spring elopement is to think outside the box.
Then, think about the kinds of activities that make up a typical day for you: maybe you love paddleboarding, or maybe one of you is always Instagramming pictures of food at brunch spots. This is where you can get creative with what happens during your ceremony! Maybe rather than saying vows, each person tells their partner about a time in their life when they were really happy together—that way they'll have something special from their relationship close at hand during their ceremony.
You can also consider getting creative with food options: maybe even take some photos before or after dinner so that guests can see what they're missing out
Go off-season: Hot springs are great all year round, but if you go when it's not peak season, chances are good that you'll be able to get a room at a smaller hotel and save money on your trip.
Take advantage of the scenery: If there's something about nature that makes you feel connected with your partner (or even just makes you feel happy), take pictures! You can do this by hiking around the area or simply sitting on a bench together and enjoying the view.
Prepare and Have a Backup Plan
We all know that Colorado is a winter wonderland, and the best part about it is the hot springs! There are so many to choose from, but sometimes things don't go according to plan. Maybe you forgot your jacket. Maybe your partner forgot their bathing suit. Maybe a bear ate your car.
Whatever the reason, there's always a way around it—or at least a way to make sure you're prepared for when things go awry. Here are some tips for your hot spring winter elopement in Colorado:
Research the traction laws in the mountains and make sure your rental car has legal tread.
Bring layers and know how to keep warm during your winter elopement.
Check weather reports before leaving your house so you know what to expect when you get there.
Have a location backup plan incase it’s unsafe, the roads are closed, or there’s a fire (hey, it’s Colorado, it could happen). Here is a list of some cool roads to elope at in western Colorado.
Hot springs aren't just for couples - if heading to an undeveloped hot spring, there’s a chance you’ll find people there. As your photographer, we’ll chat about what times of day are best, as well as more private options.
Finally, remember that safety should always come first. If there's any doubt about whether or not something is safe for either party involved in your wedding ceremony (for example: if there's a chance of falling rocks), then don't do it!
So whether it's you and your two besties, or you and your loved one who want to tie the knot surrounded by bears and car-eating wildlife – I can help!
The snowy hot springs of Colorado can offer many fun wintertime options for elopement backdrops.
So whether you want to share a quiet space with your beloved, or you want to explore these natural wonders with friends, there's plenty of opportunity to have a meaningful and memorable experience in hot springs. So get packing, protect yourself against the elements, and go enjoy some of nature's finest gifts.
And if you're not into the whole "getting married" thing, then do what you want! Get married again and again and again—and then divorce each time and start over with someone new. That's how I roll!
Looking to have an elopement experience that you can look back on and know you wouldn’t change a single thing about?
Howdy, I’m Kimberly!
I’m s Colorado elopement and wedding photographer that’s committed countless hours chasing sunrises and making dinner in the back of my car while perfecting my craft (while getting some lenses really dusty and wet along the way), and capturing images that make people feel something.
