Snowy Winter Elopement in the Colorado Mountains | Kahran & Gourav

LGBTQ+ Wedding with Steamy Hot Tub Session | Colorado Mountain Elopement

Two grooms holding hands looking out at the Colorado mountains on their winter elopement day

The Couple and Their Decision to Elope in the Colorado Mountains

This magical winter elopement with Kahran and Gourav was my very last elopement of 2021.

Being from India where gay marriage is illegal, Kahran and Gourav wanted to elope somewhere in the mountains in the United States. They were initially planning on a location in Olympic National Park but due to some personal logistical reasons, they ended up choosing a location in the Colorado mountains instead.

I believe that things in life happen for a reason. Colorado actually holds a very special place in their hearts as they used to live in Colorado together so it ended up being the perfect location for them to exchange their vows!

One thing about the Colorado mountains is that it can get VERY cold in the winter, but nothing was going to stop these two from saying their vows in a place that already meant so much to them.

Learn more about Washington mountain elopements here!

Two grooms dancing in the Colorado Mountains

From Cooking Breakfast Together To a Hot and Steamy Hot Tub Session, this Is How To Elope In the Colorado Mountains Adventurously

I arrived at the couples' cabin in the early morning hours of a cold December day. Right when Kahran and Gourav opened the door, I immediately smelled fresh baked goods because the grooms woke up early to bake blueberry muffins for all of us!

We kicked off the day with a little cooking/baking session in the kitchen complete with matching aprons, followed by breakfast (all homemade by the grooms!)

I'm not gonna lie, this was the most unique "getting ready" photos I have ever captured for a couple. We threw our original timeline out the window and just went with the flow. We spent 5 hours lounging around, cooking together, and simply easing into the day. I've never spent that much time on getting ready photos before but this didn't feel like getting ready photos, it felt like 3 friends hanging out and just simply having the best time.

After breakfast, the grooms got dressed together and it was some of the cutest moments of the day!

Then hiking we went. We hiked to their ceremony location where they exchange private vows surrounded by nothing but the Colorado mountains and a whole lot of love and emotions.

This was also the first time that I ever got to officiate and “pronounce” a couple. Colorado is one of the few states in the U.S. where you can self-solemnize, meaning you don’t need anyone else to sign your marriage certificate. It was an incredibly intimate and special moment and one that I will never forget.

After the ceremony, we popped champagne and headed back to their cabin where we witnessed one of the craziest sunsets ever while enjoying another meal all prepared by both grooms.

We ended the day with a hot and steamy hot tub session!

This Colorado mountain elopement with Kahran and Gourav will forever hold a special place in my heart. On this day I got to learn their stories deeper than any phone calls or email could ever do. We shared our hearts over homemade meals and wine and I got to see the beauty that is not only in their smiles but also in their souls.

Thank you Kahran and Gourav for being vulnerable and for letting me in. Thank you for making me food all day and for allowing me to be there with you celebrating your love. Congratulations again you two : )

Kind words from the couple:

Henry is an absolute genius and having him on our special day was a delight! We had to change our plans multiple times, but Henry patiently helped us replan every single time until we could finalize on the best location and time. We had the most perfect day and Henry beautifully captured it his photos. Each frame feels so true to the happiness that flowed through us that point and to the colours! Very rarely have I seen a photographer capture brown skin tones so well.