Dogs, lanterns, and stars… OH MY! Randy and Annie’s dog-friendly elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park was absolutely perfect for them (and their 2 pups). This New Jersey couple drove all the way across the country to say “I do” surrounded by breathtaking views in a place that held a lot of meaning for the bride. With a split-coverage day, I was able to spend sunrise and sunset documenting Randy and Annie’s favorite moments. Oh, and did I mention that the Milky Way made a surpise appearance just for us!?
Dog-Friendly Elopement | Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding
When couples choose an elopement destination, they often choose a place from their bucket list or a place that they already know and love. But the reason Randy and Annie chose to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park really tugged at my heartstrings. Growing up, Annie always watched the Rocky Balboa movies alongside her dad — so much so that he nicknamed her “Rocky”. Back in 2020, Annie’s dad began a tough battle with cancer. Through it all, Annie showed up for her dad, and they continued to quote the best lines of Rocky to one another. After the passing of her dad in 2021, she knew she wanted to get married in a place that would honor her dad and allow him to still be apart of her wedding day. And obviously, Randy was 100% on board.
Once Randy and Annie had their location set, it was time to make it all happen. On a bright and early morning in August, I arrived to the couple’s cabin to capture some “getting ready” moments. Parked outside the cabin was the couple’s renovated U-Haul-turned-camper! While Annie got glam inside the cabin alongside the pups, Randy got ready inside the couple’s camper. It was such a fun vibe (and totally had me dreaming about van-life)! As soon as Randy and Annie were finished getting ready, they shared a first look at the cabin’s property before we headed into the park.
Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado Elopements
Even though this was a dog-friendly elopement, the pups stayed behind while we headed to the ceremony space. But don’t worry — we had tons of time with the pups in the afternoon and evening. Randy and Annie chose 3M Curve for their private ceremony. After exchanging heartfelt vows, they chose to do a handfasting ceremony, which was such a beautiful moment to witness. Once their “I do’s” were said, they broke out their incredible picnic basket complete with mimosas, charcuterie, and pastries (Randy was once a chef and had a blast putting together some little treats). As they perched on their picnic blanket on the hillside, they sipped their mimosas and took in the breathtaking views. We wrapped up our morning together in the park up on Trail Ridge Road for some bridal portraits before heading into town for pizza. As a nod to the couple’s very first date, we knew we had to take it back to their New Jersey roots for a pizza dinner. After filling our bellies, we parted ways until the afternoon.
It was time to dedicate the rest of the afternoon to the dogs. Randy and Annie found a dog-friendly park to let the dogs frolic and snap some bridal portraits. But the best part of our time at the park? My favorite reason to elope in Colorado: the dogs ‘signed’ their pawrents’ marriage license! Who wouldn’t want their furry friends to sign their marriage license!? Randy and Annie’s dog-friendly elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park concluded with them frosting their wedding cake, followed by gorgeous lantern bridal portraits and an appearance from the Milky Way! It was the perfect way to end such a beautiful, special day in Colorado.
Colorado Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography
Searching for more mountain love stories? Head over to the blog! New blogs go up each week. But if you can’t wait an entire week, follow along with my adventures as a Montana elopement photographer and planner over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). ’Til next time, are you ready to wander?
Vendor Team –
Photography: Sydney Breann Photography
Hair: Lauren Gibbs (Colorado Bridal Company)
Florist: Bloom Couture
Dress: Park Avenue Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Videographer: White Spruce Films
