When Ashley and Mattea decided to elope, they didn’t just want a day—they wanted an adventure. And what better way to celebrate a love that can weather anything than by heading from sunny Grand Junction straight into a snowstorm in the Colorado high country?
Yes, you read that right: a winter hiking elopement in the heart of a snowstorm. And it was pure magic.
Chasing Winter: Eloping Into the Storm
When we saw the weather report showing snow sweeping into the high country, we knew we had a choice to make. But Ashley and Mattea? They were all in. With clear skies in Grand Junction and snow on the radar, the two of them packed up and hit the road toward the mountains—ready for whatever Mother Nature had in store.
Once we got to the trailhead, the air was crisp, and the snow had already started to fall lightly. The hike in was filled with laughter, a bit of slipping and sliding, and a whole lot of anticipation. We watched the clouds roll in, knowing we’d get caught in the snowfall—but we also knew it was safe, and that this couple had the kind of energy you can’t dampen.
Vows in a Snow Squall
Just as Ashley and Mattea stood together to exchange their vows, the first snow squall hit. It was like something out of a movie—huge flakes swirling around them as they spoke the most intimate words, totally immersed in the moment. No one flinched. No one hesitated. They just embraced it, snow and all.
It was raw. It was real. It was unforgettable.
They were joined by a close friend for the ring exchange, making the moment even more personal and meaningful. Between the gusts of wind and the sudden stillness between squalls, the whole experience felt otherworldly.
Stars, Snow, and NASA
Now, you might be wondering—did we stop there? Not a chance.
Because when Ashley works for NASA, you have to get star photos. The weather didn’t make it easy—cloud cover, snow, and a general uncooperative “sky”—but we pushed through, and the shots we got under the night sky were 100% worth it.
With snow-covered trees, frosty breath in the air, and just the faintest glow of stars behind the clouds, those night shots are some of the most special we’ve taken all season.
At the end of the night, Ashley handed me something I’ll never forget—a commemorative NASA challenge coin. It now sits on my desk as a reminder of this brave, joyful, incredibly fun couple who didn’t let weather, terrain, or temperature stop them from celebrating love their way.
Why Winter Hiking Elopements are the Ultimate Adventure
If you’re considering eloping and want something that feels more you than tradition ever could—this is your sign.
Winter hiking elopements aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re for the bold, the adventurous, the kind of people who laugh in the face of a snow squall and hold hands tighter when the trail gets steep.
Ashley and Mattea’s story is a testament to what happens when you let go of perfection and lean into the experience. The results? Breathtaking. Emotional. Unique.
