Photos by Katie Dawn Photo
Brittany and Nathan got married in Crested Butte, Colorado, in July 2026, saying their vows in the rain beside a blue-green alpine lake at the top of a bumpy mountain road. A Crested Butte elopement was the plan from the start: both grew up in Colorado, spent family trips there, and wanted to marry among the wildflowers.
What she wore
Brittany wore a lace gown by Madi Lane from Luv Bridal in Denver, with shoes from DSW and Nordstrom. Their rings are from Sarah O. Jewelry, her bouquet was by Misty Mountain Floral, and Natalie Duke Beauty handled beauty. Bridesmaid dresses came from Amanda’s Bridal & Tux.
Vows in the rain at a Crested Butte elopement
The day started with a drive up a rough mountain road to the lake, where they read their vows under clear umbrellas while it rained. Then they kept going, further up the off-road trails to find mountain views, and spent the rest of the day exploring. That is the best argument for eloping: no schedule except the one you make up as you go. (More reasons to elope, and what to do if the forecast turns on you.)
What if the wildflowers don’t show up?
This past year Crested Butte got little snow, so wildflowers were sparse. They found plenty of fireweed anyway and spent the evening running through pink fields of it. If you’re planning a wildflower elopement, build in the flexibility to chase what’s blooming that week rather than counting on one spot.
The idea worth stealing
Bring clear umbrellas. Brittany and Nathan’s vows happened in the rain, and the clear umbrellas kept them dry without blocking a single face in the photos. For another small mountain wedding in the same town, see this intimate Crested Butte wedding.
Wedding vendors
- Photographer: Katie Dawn Photo
- Dress designer: Madi Lane
- Dress store: Luv Bridal, Denver, CO
- Rings: Sarah O. Jewelry
- Floral design: Misty Mountain Floral
- Beauty: Natalie Duke Beauty
- Bridesmaid dresses: Amanda’s Bridal & Tux
- Shoes: DSW
- Shoes: Nordstrom
