Plan an Intentional and Intimate Wedding in Colorado

There’s something incredibly powerful about choosing an intimate wedding. When the guest list is small, the emotions get bigger. The day slows down. And suddenly, you’re not just planning a wedding, you’re creating space to breathe, connect, and fully soak in the magic of your love story.

Bride wraps her arms around the groom from behind, standing together by a serene lake during their intimate wedding.

Bride and groom share a sweet kiss while sitting close, the bride holding her dried bouquet from their intimate wedding.

Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand across a wooden bridge over a lake, smiling during their intimate wedding celebration.

Allison and Josh did exactly that. Their Colorado wedding was heartfelt, laid-back, and full of intentional details that reflected their personality as a couple. And it was perfect. As a Denver elopement photographer, I get to witness these quiet, beautiful moments all the time. And honestly, intimate weddings might just be my favorite.

A wide scenic view of the wedding ceremony taking place on a dock, surrounded by pine trees and mountain reflections.

Close-up of the bride’s bouquet with dried florals and soft pastels, resting beside tree branches and wedding rings.

A painted yellow rock reading “KPK” rests in a field of grass and yellow wildflowers—a personal detail from the intimate wedding.

Bride smiles while standing alone on a winding path through the mountains, holding her bouquet before the ceremony.

What Makes an Intimate Wedding So Special?

Guests gather casually at the edge of a mountain lake, waiting for the ceremony to begin at this intimate wedding.

Bride approaches her groom and their small wedding party on a rustic dock by a quiet lake, surrounded by forested mountains.

At its core, an intimate wedding is about connection. With 50 or fewer guests (sometimes as few as 10–20), couples have the freedom to be fully present. There’s less pressure to perform, fewer distractions, and far more space to focus on what really matters: your love, your people, and the moments you’ll remember forever.

Three women and a baby stand near a quiet lakeshore in soft pastel and earthy-toned dresses, smiling before the ceremony.

The beauty of an intimate wedding lies in its flexibility and simplicity. Want to exchange vows lakeside, barefoot, with your pup sitting nearby? Do it. Want to share a quiet dinner with your closest friends under twinkle lights instead of a full reception? That’s the magic of keeping things small.

Couple exchanges vows on a dock, surrounded by loved ones and pine trees during their intimate wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other, framed by soft, romantic blur during their intimate wedding.

Close-up of the bride and groom holding hands and exchanging vows on a wooden dock surrounded by water and trees.

It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about crafting a day that feels personal, meaningful, and aligned with your values. Whether you’re eloping with just your parents or inviting your tight-knit crew, the goal is to create a celebration that’s big on heart, even if it’s small on scale.

Wide-angle view of the couple standing on the dock, holding hands during their intimate wedding ceremony with cloudy skies above.

A Colorado Love Story: Allison + Josh’s Laid-Back Lakeside Wedding

Just married couple celebrates with loved ones after saying “I do,” during their joyful and emotional intimate wedding.

Bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple, standing on a rustic wooden dock at the edge of the lake.

Bride and groom proudly hold their signed marriage license on the dock with pine trees and still water behind them.

Allison and Josh crafted a wedding day that felt as relaxed and grounded as they are. They chose a tucked-away lakeside spot in Colorado, surrounded by tall pines, calm water, and sweeping mountain views that set the stage without stealing the show. With their closest friends and family present, the atmosphere was warm, personal, and effortlessly authentic.

Bride and groom smile with their baby girl and bouquet in hand after their heartfelt intimate wedding ceremony.

Allison wore an embroidered wedding gown that moved beautifully in the breeze, topped with a leather “Til Death” jacket that brought her personality center stage. It was the kind of look that turns heads and tells a story without saying a word. Every choice they made was layered with meaning, from the intimate guest list to the unhurried timeline to the deep belly laughs during their ceremony.

Family portrait with the bride, groom, their baby daughter, and teenage son on the dock, all beaming after the ceremony.

Groom lifts baby girl into the air while the bride smiles up at her, capturing a joyful moment from their intimate wedding.

This wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about sharing their love in a way that felt entirely their own, and letting that be more than enough.

Bride and groom pose with their wedding party in front of a serene mountain lake, surrounded by loved ones and cloudy skies.

Full family portrait of the wedding couple and their guests, gathered together outdoors beneath tall pines.

More Heart, Less Hype: Tips for a Meaningful Intimate Wedding

Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand across the dock, smiling at each other with laughter and love after their intimate wedding ceremony.

Couple shares a kiss while looking out over a still lake, celebrating their intimate wedding with a quiet moment alone.

More Meaning, Less Stress

Start with what matters most. Is it the location? The people? The quiet morning before your vows? Let those priorities shape every other decision.

More Intention, Less Obligation

Skip traditions that don’t resonate. Write your own vows. Walk down the aisle together. Share a first look (or don’t). Do it your way.

Bride and groom embrace while gazing at the lake together, soaking in the peaceful beauty of their intimate wedding day.

More Experience, Less Stuff

Instead of spending on decor, invest in what creates memories: a private chef, an acoustic musician, a photographer who captures the real moments.

More Freedom, Less Formality

With a smaller group, you can get creative: a backyard dinner party, a mountaintop picnic, a lakeside gathering with cozy blankets and your pup by your side.

Bride stands smiling by the lake with her bouquet in hand, framed by trees and the soft reflection of mountain peaks.

Bride kisses the groom on the temple as they sit close together on a rustic bench during their lakeside wedding celebration.

Best Colorado Locations for Intimate Weddings

Bride twirls slightly in her gown while standing on the dock, surrounded by calm water and towering evergreens.

Colorado offers endless possibilities for small, breathtaking weddings. Some of my favorite options include:

Lakefront spots near Breckenridge
Wooded trails in Evergreen or Golden
Scenic overlooks in Boulder or Rocky Mountain National Park
Private Airbnb venues with outdoor space and mountain views

Bride and groom pose beside a twisted tree trunk under dramatic skies, taking in the mountain scenery on their intimate wedding day.

Bride sits on groom’s lap as they share a quiet moment in a rocky mountain clearing surrounded by tall pines.

These locations give you the space to host a ceremony and celebration all in one place, no big venue needed. As a Denver elopement photographer, I’m always scouting quiet, scenic locations that allow you to feel grounded and truly in the moment. Check out my blog, How to Choose the Best Colorado Elopement Locations for Your Big Day for tips!

Couple shares a kiss while seated, framed by towering trees and dramatic skies during their intimate wedding celebration.

Why Photography Matters Even More at an Intimate Wedding

Bride and groom hold hands in a pine forest, her leather jacket adding a cozy touch to their adventurous Colorado elopement.

Groom kisses the bride’s cheek as they embrace beside a rustic wooden fence with alpine trees in the background

Fewer guests means more time for moments. Quiet ones. Loud ones. Unscripted ones. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I love the emotional intimacy that smaller weddings allow. I get to document the way your dad tears up when he sees you, or the way your best friend squeezes your hand during your vows.

Couple sits close with their backs to the camera, bride wearing a “Til Death” jacket—one of many meaningful touches in their intimate wedding.

My approach is storytelling-first. That means less posing, more playing. Less pressure, more presence. And a gallery full of memories that feel exactly like you. If you’re looking for a Denver elopement photographer who values authenticity and connection over posed perfection, I’d love to help!

Why You’ll Love an Intimate Wedding in Colorado

Bride and groom kiss at the edge of the dock, surrounded by evergreens and dramatic skies on their lakeside intimate wedding day.

Bride and groom strike a relaxed pose beside a gnarled tree trunk, bringing a sense of natural beauty and adventure to their wedding portraits.

There’s something about Colorado that just gets it when it comes to intimate weddings. Maybe it’s the way the golden light trickles through the tall trees, or how the mountains make everything feel more grounded and real. Maybe it’s the quiet lakeside mornings, the private first looks in a quiet meadow, or the quiet magic of saying your vows while nature shows off.

An intimate wedding here means you can trade ballrooms for wildflower meadows, crowds for connection, and stress for endless space. You don’t need a grand wedding to have a grand experience, Colorado offers all the drama and beauty you could want, without any of the overwhelm.

Bride stands in the foreground smiling confidently while the groom gazes off behind her, both dressed in unique wedding attire.

Plus, with four true seasons, you can craft a celebration that feels like you. Whether that’s a snowy winter elopement with cozy blankets and boots, or a golden-hour ceremony on a summer trail, Colorado gives you the freedom to dream a little differently.

FAQs About Planning an Intimate Wedding in Colorado

Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand down a hillside trail surrounded by wild grasses and towering pines during their intimate wedding.

How many people is “intimate” for a wedding?

Most intimate weddings include 10 to 50 guests, but there are no rules! Some couples invite just their parents, others include a close-knit group of friends. The key is creating a guest list that feels manageable, meaningful, and truly “you.”

Can we still have a first dance or cake cutting at a small wedding?

Absolutely! Intimate weddings are all about choosing the traditions that matter to you. Whether it’s a first dance in a clearing or cutting cake on a cabin deck, you can include anything that feels special.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Welcome to Colorado, where the forecast keeps us on our toes! I always recommend having a flexible mindset and a solid backup plan. Think covered decks, nearby shelters, or even embracing a little rain. It’s all part of the adventure.

How far in advance should we book our photographer?

For Colorado elopements and intimate weddings, I recommend booking 6 to 12 months out, especially for popular dates. But I also occasionally have last-minute availability, so always reach out!

Close-up of the couple’s shoes and dried bouquet on a wooden dock, highlighting details from their intimate wedding day.

Bride’s dried bouquet of neutral and pastel florals rests gently on pine branches in the forest.

Bride and groom share a kiss while seated on a rustic bench in a mountain clearing, surrounded by evergreens.

Your Intimate Wedding, Your Way With Me as Your Denver Elopement Photographer

Intimate close-up of the couple sharing a kiss, the bride’s hand resting on the groom’s chest with wedding bands in focus.

Bride and groom smile while seated together, relaxed and joyful in the quiet beauty of their intimate wedding in Colorado.

Here’s what really matters when planning an intimate wedding:

Choose what feels true to you
Don’t stress about tradition
Keep the focus on connection
Surround yourself with people who love you
Trust your photographer to capture the magic

Couple walks away across a wooden bridge hand-in-hand, the lush forest surrounding them on their intimate wedding day.

Bride and groom kiss while seated, both wearing matching "Til Death" jackets with the bouquet placed nearby.

If that sounds like your kind of wedding day, let’s make it happen. I’d be honored to help you bring it to life, whether that means climbing a mountain, cozying up lakeside, or simply celebrating with your people under the trees. Already dreaming of an incredible Denver elopement photography experience? Inquire here!

How to Plan an Intentional, Laid-Back Intimate Wedding in Colorado