Snowboarding & Skiing Elopement in Vail Colorado

Kirstyn and Frank came all the way from Florida for their snowboarding and skiing elopement in Vail, Colorado. These two are high school sweethearts and have been together for 13 years. They learned how to ski and snowboard together and it’s something they love doing as a couple. They knew they didn’t want a big traditional wedding- so they decided to elope in Vail and incorporate their shared love of skiing and snowboarding into their day.

Snowboarding & Skiing Elopement in Vail Colorado

On their wedding day, Kirstyn and Frank got ready at their ski-in-ski-out hotel and then hit the slopes. First, they skied and snowboarded two runs together, and then met their family at the top of Vail mountain for their wedding ceremony. 

The views for their Vail ski elopement ceremony were absolutely spectacular! It was a warm sunny day, so between the mountain views and the weather, it couldn’t have been more perfect!

Vail Ski Elopement

After their ceremony, Kirstyn’s dad and stepmother joined her and Frank for their last run of the day! As they skied down into the base area, they were greeted by a small crowd cheering for them. People at the base and at surrounding patios in Vail Village were in awe watching them ski down the mountain in their wedding attire! Next, they popped off their skis and snowboard, and met up with their family for slopeside Après-Ski drinks to celebrate! 

It was so wonderful to be able to capture Kirstyn and Frank’s Vail elopement and spend the afternoon skiing with them! Throughout the day, anytime other skiers saw the bride and groom they cheered and wished them congratulations! It was super sweet!

Hair + Make-up: Taylor Olson | Dress: Lulus

Skiing Colorado Wedding Photographer

I photograph ski elopements in Colorado and across the US. If you’re thinking of incorporating skiing and snowboarding into your wedding day, check out my Colorado Ski Wedding Guide here!

Snowboarding and Skiing Proposal at Keystone Resort

This skiing and snowboarding proposal at Keystone Resort was a total surprise. Ever since Mollie proposed to Alex in Austin last summer, Alex wanted to counter-propose! She thought nothing could be better than to propose doing one of Mollie’s favorite activities- snowboarding!

Snowboarding and Skiing Proposal at Keystone Resort

Mollie grew up snowboarding at Keystone Resort every year, and it was the location of their first trip together. Naturally, it was the perfect place for Alex to propose! Alex had been working hard on her ski skills to make sure she could pull off the proposal, and she sure did! 

Mollie had no idea that Alex would use this trip to present her with her own engagement ring. It was so much fun capturing the surprise and the joy! Their smiles say it all! I photographed Alex and Mollie skiing and snowboarding on several different runs. Of course, we stopped so they could pop a celebration bottle of champagne too. Then we made our way down to River Run Village. I had an awesome time skiing and snowboarding at Keystone with these two!

Tips for Proposing at Keystone Ski Resort

With a good plan in place, it’s completely possible to propose to your partner while skiing at Keystone Resort. These are a few of my top tips for planning a successful ski proposal:

• Plan to propose early in the day! The earlier you hit the mountain at Keystone, the higher the chance you’ll have more privacy on the slopes.  

• Propose on a weekday. Going off the previous point, weekdays at Keystone Ski Resort are typically quieter than weekend dates (with the exception of the holidays). 

• Head to the backside of Keystone Resort. If both you and your partner are comfortable and confident skiers then I highly recommend heading towards the backside. You’ll find some of the most breathtaking views (and some of the best runs)!

Client Review

Alex left me such a thoughtful review about her experience working with me to pull off this proposal to Mollie:

"HIRE HER. Gabrielle is an EXPERT skier that will help craft the perfect proposal!

From start to finish I felt so reassured by her experienced professionalism, whether it was advising the most picturesque locations to propose on the mountain, to her confirming every last detail to pull off the surprise element. Above and beyond, the hours she spent after the proposal documenting us on the gondola, skiing, and even popping champagne together were so special. We are so thankful for the gorgeous photos that she captured. You will not regret hiring her!"

Ski Proposal at Keystone Resort

Thinking of proposing while skiing at Keystone Ski Resort? I’ll help you plan the logistics such as the best place to propose on the mountain and the best time. Check out my skiing proposal guide and get in touch with me below to start planning!

Ski and Snowboard Wedding at Steamboat Ski Resort

An Instagram Reel of this wedding actually went viral, with 91 million views and counting!

Courtney and Pat’s long-awaited dream of a Ski and Snowboard Wedding at Steamboat Ski Resort came true on 2/22/22! They got engaged while skiing together in March 2020 and had to postpone their wedding due to the pandemic. Courtney and Pat live in New Hampshire, but considered Switzerland and Colorado for their ski wedding. They decided on Steamboat Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and booked an awesome ski chalet right by the mountain. 

On the day of their wedding, the weather forecast predicted a snowstorm and I totally expected a complete whiteout. However, they lucked out with the best ski weather: a beautiful sunny day with a fresh layer of powder! 

Courtney and Pat met while on separate trips to Sunday River in Maine (where Pat eventually proposed), but weren’t able to ski together then. When they finally got a chance to ski and snowboard together a few months after dating, Courtney described it as a “make it or break it” moment. Courtney grew up ski racing and her parents are even part of a New Hampshire Ski Club, so skiing has always been a big part of her life. Evidently, she and Pat skied and boarded very well together!

Ski and Snowboard Wedding at Steamboat Ski Resort

After getting ready at their slope-side chalet, Pat, Courtney, and Courtney’s family skied a run all dressed in their wedding attire. For the ceremony, Pat snowboarded down to the mountain top ceremony where friends and family waited below. In ski wedding style, Courtney and her father skied down together taking synchronized turns. It was perfect! They had a sweet ceremony with epic views overlooking the valley. 

Afterward, Courtney and Pat hit up the lodge with their guest for celebratory drinks. Then they skied a run with their “ski squad” who were all dressed to the nines in their wedding clothes! It was EPIC to see the best-dressed people on the mountain, skiing and snowboarding together!

Ski Wedding in Colorado

They ended their night back at their chalet with a delicious dinner, toasts, and special dances. Courtney, Pat, and their friends and family were so much fun to spend the day with! They kept me smiling and laughing all day long! Courtney and Pat’s ski wedding in Colorado couldn’t have been more perfect!

Curious about how a ski and snowboard couple spends their honeymoon? Courtney and Pat went heliskiing in Jackson Hole, WY! They had their honeymoon booked prior to their wedding date, so they went heliskiing before their wedding. Courtney and Pat are an incredible example of creating a wedding day that feels true to who they are!

Vendors 

Hair: Salon Monet | Make-up: Caroline Lalive Beauty | Video: Silk and Sage Films | Chalet: Edelweiss Chalet | Ceremony: Steamboat Ski Resort

Colorado Ski Wedding Photographer

I photograph ski weddings in Colorado and across the U.S. Check out my Colorado ski wedding guide here!

Snowboard Elopement at Loveland's Annual Mountaintop Matrimony

Sarah & Kyle’s snowboard elopement at Loveland’s Annual Mountaintop Matrimony on February 14, 2022 was incredible to be a part of! Alongside 78 other couples, Sarah and Kyle tied the knot! Most of the couples were renewing their vows, but 14 couples actually got married. After the ceremony in Forest Meadow, Sarah and Kyle boarded their first runs together as husband and wife. They met up with friends at the bar for drinks too! 

This Valentine’s Day was Sarah & Kyle’s 7th anniversary of being together and now it’s their wedding date! Kyle has always snowboarded, and Sarah started when they moved to Denver from Wisconsin 5 years ago. They love snowboarding together, so eloping on their anniversary at Loveland’s 31st Mountaintop Matrimony was perfect for them.

Snowboard Elopement at Loveland’s Annual Mountaintop Matrimony

The Mountaintop Matrimony is a popular Loveland Ski Area annual tradition. Every year on February 14th, couples can participate in the mass wedding event in the Forest Meadow at 11,215 feet. Most couples renew their vows, but there is always a handful of couples who actually get married. 

Couples who pre-register are able to get a 2-for-1 lift ticket special. Their slogan for the event is “Marry me and ski free!” After the ceremony, Loveland hosts a “Honeymooner’s Apres Party” down at the Loveland Basin. The after-party features music, wedding cupcakes, and sparkling apple cider.

To get all the details about how the mass wedding event works and registration info, head to Loveland’s wedding website here.

Snowboarding at Keystone

Our next stop was down the road at Keystone Ski Resort. Sarah changed into her wedding dress paired with a majestic cloak, and they hit the mountain together. Everyone couldn’t help but watch as they boarded down in their wedding attire!

Next, they warmed up by a fire pit in Keystone’s River Run Village before heading out for more photos. We drove to the top of Loveland Pass for a few windy wedding portraits. It was worth it! Then Sarah and Kyle joined their friends for an evening of celebrating! 

Sarah and Kyle are self-described “goobers” and are absolutely hilarious. Their elopement day was SO fun and laid back, which is exactly how they wanted it. I love that Sarah and Kyle planned an elopement that is authentic to them and their relationship. I had such a great time with these two capturing their snowboard elopement!

Loveland Ski Area Wedding Photographer

Planning to say “I do” at Loveland’s Annual Mountaintop Matrimony? Get in touch through my contact page!

Ski & Snowboard Proposal Steamboat Colorado

A ski trip turned into an engagement trip for this couple in Steamboat, Colorado. Remy and Sara came to all the way to Colorado from Columbus, Ohio. These two come out west to ski several times a year. This year was their first time in Steamboat Springs and skiing at Steamboat Resort!

For the proposal, Remy lead Sarah over to a gorgeous spot overlooking the mountains. Right before they got to this spot a huge cloud had come by and was blocking the mountain view that we had chosen the spot for. By the time they arrived, the clouds parted and the mountain view opened up! Remy popped the question and of course, Sara said yes! They both were so thrilled and had the best smiles on their faces!

Ski & Snowboard Proposal Steamboat Colorado

After Sara said yes, I skied along with them for a few runs. In a span of a few hours, the weather went from cloudy to snowy, to sunny, so we experienced it all during our time together! To end their ski and snowboard proposal session, Remy and Sarah nestled up in some trees and popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate! 

After he proposed Sara said, "Steamboat is my new favorite mountain!" Steamboat will be a memorable place for Remy and Sarah from now on! It was so much fun to photograph this Steamboat ski proposal with an adventurous and upbeat couple!

How to Propose while Skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat is one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado with a wide variety of trails for beginners to experts. Being tucked in the northwest corner of Colorado, Steamboat Springs is about a 3 hour drive from Denver. It’s a slightly longer drive than other popular Colorado ski resorts, but it’s beyond worth it! Skiing at Steamboat is always an amazing experience! And If you love tree runs, Steamboat is known for it’s amazing powder-filled tree skiing!

With all of my clients planning to propose, I usually recommend: 

1. Propose on a weekday. Ski resorts are typically less busy on weekdays with the exception of any holidays (like Christmas, New Years, and Spring Break). 

2. Propose in the morning. There will be less people to work around in your ski photos if you pop the question earlier in the day!

You can find out more about the Ski Proposal Experience here!

Steamboat Springs Ski Engagement Photos

Thinking of proposing while skiing, but aren’t sure how to plan the rest?? That’s where I come in! I’ve photographed ski and snowboard proposals across numerous ski resorts in Colorado and beyond. The first step is to get in touch with me below! 

Skiing & Snowboarding Proposal in Vail

We couldn’t have asked for a better bluebird day for this skiing and snowboarding proposal in Vail!

Vail Proposal Photographer

Francisco and Valeria came all the way from Guatemala for a ski vacation in Colorado. Valeria has been skiing with her family in the Rockies since she was a child, and Francisco just learned to snowboard during this trip! He took some snowboard lessons and when he proposed, it was only on his fourth day ever on the mountain. Thankfully, Francisco’s surf-boarding skills definitely transferred over! I was so impressed!

How to Propose While Skiing & Snowboarding in Vail

When Francisco started planning his Vail proposal to Valeria, he reached out to me about photographing it. I worked with him to nail down the time and gave him recommendations on where to propose on Vail mountain. I LOVE the spot he ended up proposing because it has the most incredible mountain views and an intimate feel. 

When Francisco and Valeria got to “the spot”, Francisco set up his Go Pro. They had been using it to take photos and videos their entire trip, so Valeria just thought he was taking a photo of them. Valeria turned her back to take off her helmet and when she turned around, Francisco was down on one knee! She was so surprised and had the biggest smile on her face!

Right after the proposal, Francisco and Valeria ran into her family who was coming up the lift nearby. They were ecstatic and so excited for the newly engaged couple! After the initial celebration, I headed off with Francisco and Valeria to capture photos of just the two of them skiing and snowboarding. After hitting a few runs together, they met back up with their family for group photos and to continue celebrating.

These two were super fun to ski with and they couldn’t keep from smiling! I had such an awesome time capturing their engagement and skiing with them!

Client REview

Francisco left me the best review!

"I don´t have words to describe how happy I am that I hired Gabrielle. In the beginning, I thought it would be enough to propose at the mountain and just take some pics with the Gopro and the phone. But hiring her made everything EASIER and made for a magical proposal- the best proposal ever!! From the planning to the execution, it was PERFECT. My girl had no clue that she was there to take pictures of the proposal because she did everything perfectly and camouflaged in with the crowd. I love the result of the pictures, we can’t stop looking at them and sharing our magical moments with friends and family. Once more, MANY MANY THANKS!" -Francisco

Colorado Ski Proposal Photographer

Thinking of planning to propose while skiing in Colorado? I’ll help you plan the logistics such as where to propose on the mountain and what time is best. Check out my proposal tips and get in touch with me below to start planning!

Colorado Snowboard Elopement at Keystone Ski Resort

Chris and Amy had their Snowboard Elopement at Keystone Ski Resort in April. This adventurous couple learned how to snowboard together within the past year, and both fell in love with the sport! When Chris proposed in March, Amy suggested incorporating snowboarding into their wedding day. Chris responded, “That’s batshit crazy, but I can’t think of a reason not to do it”. So they did! Instead of waiting for next year, they planned their wedding for 4/3/21, two weeks after their engagement!

Colorado Snowboard Elopement at Keystone Ski Resort

Chris and Amy exchanged vows at 11,660’ on Keystone’s North Peak, surrounded by Amy’s four daughters and Chris’ two sons. They propped up their snowboards to make an arch looking down the Anticipation run. About halfway through the ceremony Chris’s board fell and slid ALL. THE. WAY. DOWN. THE. HILL. Chris ran after it in his dress shoes, but after he could no longer see where it went, he came back up. Since it was afternoon, the run was closed as well as the lift at the bottom. After they finished their ceremony we checked in with Ski Patrol, who couldn’t help until the next day. Amy’s oldest daughter Bri volunteered to walk down the mountain to go find it. She called Chris dejected and said she couldn’t find it anywhere, so we waited for her to climb back up the hill.

I started to get worried that Bri was taking too long to come back, when I saw her little sisters jumping up and down cheering. Bri was headed back up WITH THE BOARD! Not only did she walk all the way up and down the mountain in a dress, she went in waist-deep snow to retrieve the board. Chris was so excited when he saw Bri walking up with his board, he couldn’t stop smiling. He ran down the hill to help her bring the board back up, where she was hugged and cheered on by her sisters and mother and high-fived by her new stepbrothers. Thanks to Bri, Amy and Chris got to snowboard for the first time as husband and wife in their wedding attire! 

After the ceremony they snowboarded down. At one point Amy fell and was laughing hysterically. The photo of that moment was actually featured as one of Fearless Photographers' photos of the week! You’ll know it when you see it in the photos below! Also, I loved the dress Amy wore. She actually found her dress using my guide on How to Ski in Your Wedding Dress! Check it out if you’re on the hunt for a wedding dress or you’re dreaming of a ski wedding, but are not sure how to ski in your dress.

Once we reached the base, we took the shuttle back to Keystone Village where Chris and Amy joined their family at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner. I absolutely love that they decided to include their brand new love for snowboarding into such an important day!

Vendors

Mountain: Keystone Resort | Dress: Lulus

Review

Amy left me the sweetest review I have to share: 

"I am sooooo thankful we invested in photography with Gabrielle at Ski The Day! We did a small elopement with just our kids, a pastor, and Gabrielle. It was totally worth the investment! I get so many compliments about the photos, they capture the day so well. Looking at them brings me great joy and helps me connect with the moment. If you do a skiing or snowboarding elopement, proposal, wedding etc, choose Ski the Day, you won’t regret it!!"

Colorado Snowboard Elopement Photographer

I’m Gabrielle and I’ve been skiing since I was 5! I grew up competitively alpine racing for 10 years, so skiing with my camera gear is no problem. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I get to combine my love for skiing and weddings to help adventurous couples create a wedding day that is true to them! Head over to my contact page with the button below to get in touch about planning your Colorado ski or snowboard elopement!

For more Colorado snowboard wedding inspiration, check out this Snowboard Elopement at Keystone!

Ski Wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Lea & Sterling’s ski wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort Colorado was a dream wedding day for a couple who loves to ski and snowboard! They were both presidents of their respective skiing and snowboarding clubs in college, so hitting the slopes is truly a big part of their lives. Lea and Sterling visit Beaver Creek every year to ski and snowboard, so it made sense to have their wedding here!

Ski Wedding at Beaver Creek Ski Resort

This April wedding day started with Lea and Sterling getting ready at Grand Hyatt at the base of the mountain. For the first look, we took Sterling up in the Centennial Express Gondola to wait at the top of the mountain. Lea and her Mom rode up in a separate gondola shortly after. When Lea’s gondola arrived, Sterling turned around just as the gondola doors were opening. Out walked his gorgeous winter bride ready to ski!

After their first look, we took another lift up to the top of Beaver Creek, and took their couple’s portraits and a few family photos. Then Lea & Sterling hit a run down the mountain followed by their friends and family skiing along. Lea was in a beautiful ballgown and Sterling wore a classic tux. They got a lot of cheers of congratulations from onlookers as they were skiing and snowboarding down. After enjoying a run with their friends and family, Lea and Sterling did a run with just the two of them. Later we hopped in a gondola and headed down for their ceremony in the village!

Lea and Sterling exchanged their vows at the base of Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek Ski Resort. They had an emotional ceremony filled with lots of laughter and a few tears. Lea’s stepdad officiated the ceremony and it was a full-circle moment because he was the one who taught her how to ski!

Next, Lea & Sterling celebrated their nuptials with a shot ski! Their shot ski was custom-made by friends for their wedding day. Lea & Sterling were also super competitive about their “cake smash”- they were determined to smash cake in each other’s faces and they made it happen! I loved getting to ski alongside Lea & Sterling on their wedding day. Ski and snowboard weddings are my jam and I love helping couples plan a day that fits them!

Vendors

Photography: Ski the Day | Video: Cat Lemus of Studio Lemus | Hair + Make-up: Tiffani at Park Hyatt Spa | Dress: Something New Boutique | Venue: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek | Ski Resort Mountain: Beaver Creek | Cake: Mountain Flour

Looking for a skiing Colorado Wedding Photographer?

I’m Gabrielle and I’ve been skiing since I was 5! I grew up competitively alpine racing for 10 years, so skiing with my camera gear is no problem. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I get to combine my love for skiing and weddings to help adventurous couples create a wedding day that is true to them! Head over to my contact page with the button below to get in touch about planning your Colorado ski elopement!

Interested in seeing more ski wedding inspiration? Check out this Winter Park Skiing Elopement!