Maryevalyn + Jake’s Downtown Denver + Boulder Flatirons Elopement

Maryevalyn + Jake’s downtown Denver + Boulder Flatirons elopement was quite the day. Click here to see their feature in Rocky Mountain Bride!

Okay, this blog has been a loooooong time coming. Maryevalyn + Jake eloped back in November and since that point, I’ve wanted to blog about their day but it’s become my white whale. I don’t have the verbiage to explain how incredible this day was, how wonderful these two humans are, or how much fun we all had during their elopement day…so hopefully scrolling through the photos will convey a bit of all of that.

Maryevalyn inquired with me not even four months before their elopement with a plan…they were going to a friend’s wedding somewhere else in Colorado, and then they were going to drive back to Denver, rent a swanky hotel room, and elope the following Tuesday at the courthouse.

We texted and Facetimed about locations, the pros + cons of each spot, and what they wanted their photos to feel like…we finally decided on a beautiful overlook spot so that the Flatirons could be in the background.

AllTrails: Every Photographers Dream Location Scouting Tool
If you live in a state that offers countless beautiful trails, overlooks, pullovers, etc. you need to use AllTrails. AllTrails is a free (there is a paid version) app + website where you can look up specific trails or look for trails in general areas. This is an incredible resource for anyone looking to stay on the beaten path (we don’t go off the trail here, that’s dangerous for you and is harmful to the surrounding ecosystem). You can see photos that other hikers have uploaded, see the distance of the hike, what type of hike it is (loop, out and back), see the estimated time it would take to complete the hike, see elevation gain, and of course, they provide the coordinates for the trailhead! AllTrails even offers a short description of the hike, the current weather at the location, and (sometimes) the current conditions. You can even track your progress while on the trail and if you won’t have service, you can download the trail beforehand.

Long story short, AllTrails is ze best. Click here for more info.

Okay but back to Maryevalyn + Jake…here’s a bit more about the happy couple:

partner one: what do you love most about your partner? Jake is driven, smart, selfless, hardworking, and creative. He makes me laugh more than anyone I’ve ever known. I’m pretty high-strung, but the peace I feel when I’m around him is intoxicating. I’m able to be unapologetically myself with him. His love for me is steady, tender, unshaken, and fierce.
partner two: what do you love most about your partner? I like how Maryevalyn treats and cares for people, and sees the best in people. She always seeks the best in me and makes me a better person. I love that what we have is uncomplicated and effortless. I love her smile and long legs. She’s caring, hardworking, intelligent, creative, stylish, and she knows her way around a color wheel.

Buckle up folks, this is going to be a long blog post 🤩

Elopement Getting Ready + First Look at the Ramble Hotel

The Ramble Hotel is insanely beautiful. The only downside is they only let you take photos in one specific spot (their outside deck) unless you’re getting married on the premise.

Eloping at Denver City Courthouse

The Denver City Courthouse is beautiful on the inside + out! Photogs, pro tip, don’t leave your flash in the car as I did…the inside is DARK.

How do we elope at a Denver County Courthouse?
Glad you asked! The different courthouse websites aren’t super user-friendly (shocker) and it can be a headache to navigate through. Here’s all you have to do:

1. Get a marriage license! You can do this online if you’re from out of town/state (or if you’re local but don’t want to deal with the in-person hassle), or you can go in person. If you go in person you’ll have to schedule your appointment at least seven days in advance.
2. After you have your license, you can take at this handy list of magistrates who are available to officiate your wedding at any Denver County Courthouse. You’ll be able to see the date + time availability of the magistrates and go from there. If you have questions about the process, definitely reach out to your chosen magistrate(s), because there really isn’t any info on the courthouse websites.
3. Lastly, you’ll want to finalize the time, courthouse, and specific spot within the courthouse for your ceremony with the magistrate. Make sure to ask if you can bring your own flowers or any other decorations because sometimes this isn’t allowed. You’ll want to also make sure if you’re ceremony is inside a courtroom that your photographer will be allowed. If you’re wanting to have your ceremony outside but still on the courthouse grounds, make sure to check that this is allowed. Finalize the time, location, and courthouse with the magistrate. Finally, make sure you know how your magistrate needs to be paid and when…and feel free to offer them a tip!

Ramble Hotel Elopement Photos

These two did such a smart thing…they planned a bit of down time into their day. Heck yes. It wasn’t *really* downtime, but it was a chunk of time that didn’t have any set plans except for Maryevalyn to change dresses before we headed to our final destination at the Flatirons. Of course, though, we took more photos because as I said, these two humans are perfect. The deck shown is the only space the Ramble offers for photos…and luckily since it was off-season the deck + bar were closed so we had the run of the place. The hotel room isn’t off limits though, and the photos we took inside their room…I am all kinds of obsessed with them.

While Jake was grabbing something from the room, we took some photos of Maryevalyn and her veil in the breeze.

While all but the deck are off-limits for photos, the hotel room isn’t, and the photos we took inside their room…I am all kinds of obsessed with them.

The Boulder Flatirons

How to obtain a permit to photograph in and around Boulder
If you’re looking to do photography in the Boulder area you’ll need to apply for a permit. You can expect to spend $50 if you’re looking for a one-off permit or plan on having fewer than 16 shoots in the area*. If you’re wanting an annual pass with unlimited access, you’ll be spending $300.

*the $50 permit allows 50 visitors per year, and you + your clients each count as a person…so depending on how much you’ll be shooting in Boulder, it could be worth it to full send it and just buy the annual permit. Click here to learn more.

Buy Maryevalyns veil here (it’s only $18 RUNNN)