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Intimate Elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park

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When Jamie and Ben planned their wedding, they made savvy choices to make sure they had the best day possible. We love how their DIY skills came in handy, too. Read on to find out more!
Intimate Elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jamie + Ben

Estes Park, Colorado
- 08/08/2022
Total wedding budget $6,500

Budget Breakdown

Below is an estimated wedding budget breakdown provided by the couple.

  • Catering
    18%
    $1200
  • Partner 1 Attire
    6%
    $400
  • Partner 2 Attire
    1%
    $60
  • Planner
    74%
    $4840
  • Total wedding budget
    $6500
woman in white dress and man in slacks getting married
a couple laughing

What creative or personal aspects did you use in your wedding?

Jamie’s three children were the only guests and witnesses to the marriage. The youngest, her son, gave her up to be married!

a smiling mother with two daughters and a wedding bouquet
a family portrait, smiling while holding the wedding bouquet
a father and his son smiling

Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?

We made a bridal jean jacket from craft fringe and beads. We also bought a black jacket from budget conscious websites like Amazon and Shein.

a couple kissing
bride black denim jacket
a bride in a black denim jacket

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We used Simply Eloped! We got to choose the package we wanted and what it included. We chose the biggest package, which still only cost $5,000. This included everything from flowers to permits to videographer!

What was your biggest splurge?

Our Airbnb was our biggest splurge. We chose a place not far from Rocky Mountain National Park entrance that was very private and secluded with the purpose of relaxing and staying out of the hustle and bustle of normal lodging. It was more expensive than other places we looked at, but worth waking up every morning to wildlife right next to the water.

a woman in a white dress and man reading his vows
a married couple kissing
a couple holding on to a tree

What was your favorite detail?

Even though we eloped without friends and family, the vendors we had felt like friends. They made the whole experience so easy and comfortable. At one point during the day I remember even saying out loud, “These people are great!” It made the day so much better surrounded by people who had that ability to make the day about you.

a smiling couple opening up a bottle of champagne
a family kissing and looking out into the rocky mountain national park
three smiling children

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Focus on you! Do not plan a wedding to impress anyone else. What will you enjoy? Not what guests will enjoy!

a couple laughing with the rocky mountain national park view behind them
a couple looking at the views of rocky mountain national park

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The vows. We wrote our own. It was easy to get personal and intimate without people around. Opening up and expressing the most vulnerable parts of yourself is much easier when you’re focused on just the person across from you instead of a crowd of spectators.

a married couple smiling while holding the wedding bouquet

Vendor Credits