Golden Mountain Ranch is one of Colorado’s most exclusive and luxurious ranch wedding venues. At over 9,300 feet, Golden Mountain Ranch comprises 1,200 acres of private alpine property. The view from the ranch’s lodge, The Wilmont, looks down onto the Switzerland of America and out into the soaring San Juan Mountain Range. When Jordan and Justin contacted me about capturing their elopement at Golden Mountain Ranch, my heart skipped a beat! I had dreamed about photographing a beautiful Ouray, Colorado, elopement at Golden Mountain Ranch for SO long. I couldn’t have been more honored to capture all the honest and intimate moments of Jordan and Justin’s mountain ranch elopement. The entire elopement experience was a true dream for the couple AND myself. If you’re looking for some Rocky Mountain wedding inspiration, keep reading this blog because Justin and Jordan’s ceremony will take your breath away!

All About Golden Mountain Ranch

If you’re searching for a venue to elope at in the Colorado Rockies, Gold Mountain Ranch is the PERFECT place to say I Do! This unique and luxurious mountain elopement venue overlooks the town of Ouray, Colorado, a.k.a. the Switzerland of America!! The view from the ranch and lodge will take your breath away. In the morning, the Sun peaks over the mountain tops and shines onto the charming mountain town. After Sunset, Ouray comes to life and brightly twinkles in the mountain valley below. 

Jordan + Justin’s Beautiful Ouray Colorado Elopement At Golden Mountain Ranch

The Day Before The Elopement

The day before Jordan and Justin’s elopement, I drove to Ouray to explore the small mountain town. I always arrive at a ceremony location a day or two early to prep for my couple’s big day ahead! Jordan and Justin’s elopement was a special one, so I wanted to do everything on my end to make sure their elopement day would go off without a hitch!

After some exploring, I checked into my hotel at The Western Hotel & Spa. This hotel is INSANE. The hotel and spa are located in this restored historical building, originally built in the 1800s. It’s got a luxurious and rustic Wild West vibe that perfectly fits Ouray’s charm. Apart from carefully curated guestrooms, the hotel has a grotto spa and saloon!

After I explored The Western and dropped off my luggage, I walked out of the hotel to stroll around Ouray and find a place to eat. As soon as I walked outside, I heard someone scream, “Oh my gosh! MY GIRL IS HERE!! REAGAN!!!” Jordan immediately embraced me in a big hug and insisted I eat dinner with her and Jusitn’s family. As an elopement photographer, I genuinely care for my couples and treat them like my loved ones. This gesture was so incredibly kind and heartfelt. Jordan’s a Texas girl, through and through. She has a fiery heart, and Justin is her #1 fan! They complement each other so well! I was immediately welcomed into Jordan and Justin’s family and cared for like I was one of their own the entire elopement. It filled my heart and reminded me why I love being an elopement photographer. 

The Day Of The Elopement

The next day, Jordan got ready at a beautiful salon on Ouray’s Main Street called Salon Envy. After the final touches to Jordan’s makeup and hair, we began the trek up the mountain to Gold Mountain Ranch. The drive up to Golden Mountain Ranch is an adventure in itself! My jaw dropped when I saw this beautiful mountainside venue! I’ve never been more speechless! 

Jordan and Justin had an intimate and private first look before proceeding with the ceremony, where they read their wedding vows and said I Do! After the couple’s beautiful mountain ceremony, we drove back to The Western. On the way down from the mountain, Justin kept repeating, “Man, this is just the best day ever!” It was so adorable and filled my heart with gratitude. 

Once we got to the Western, it was time to take some fun hotel pictures! Justin’s one request was an “old-timey” portrait in front of the famous naked lady in The Western’s saloon! It’s one of the most unique and memorable photos I’ve taken of a client!  

After capturing some portraits of the couple, we celebrated with a delicious dinner at The Outlaw! I recommend making reservations or renting out the restaurant if you plan on having a small reception or intimate celebration here. The Outlaw is a very popular restaurant in Ouray. It operates out of a historic building from the 1900s, with a saloon-style vibe. It’s a delicious steak house with a wild-west, outlaw twist!

Cheers To The Newlyweds

Jordan and Justin are the perfect examples of the phrase, “Marry your best friend!” Getting to photograph their elopement and becoming friends with Jordan is one of the highlights of my career. Jordan and Justin love their family and friends to the end of the earth, and it was heartwarming to share such a special, celebratory time with them. 

Tips For Planning A Golden Mountain Ranch Elopement

Ouray Colorado Elopement Tip #1: Explore Ouray!

If you plan to elope in Ouray at Golden Mountain Ranch, set aside time to slow down and explore Ouray. Take a stroll along Main Street and eat at some delicious restaurants, share a drink or two at a saloon, browse some boutique shops and indulge in all the unique offerings this historic, wild west mountain town offers. Don’t forget to plan some time for a hike, nature walk, or stroll at a nearby alpine lake trail!

Ouray Colorado Elopement Tip #2: Relax In A Hot Spring!

There’s nothing better than a relaxing soak in a hot spring, especially after an exciting elopement day. Ouray is well known for its geothermal heated mineral pools with epic San Juan Mountain Range views. The city of Ouray operates a large hot springs area with steamy, sulfur-free pools!

Ouray Colorado Elopement Tip #3: Cruise Down Million Dollar Highway

Million Dollar Highway is one of the most famous roadways in America. The highway runs 25 miles from Ouray to Silverton and used to be a wagon trail that serviced traveling miners. The narrow and winding scenic by-way is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip with some of the most spectacular views in Colorado! If you visit in Autumn, the colorful Fall foliage is out-of-this-world!

Ready To Plan An Ouray Colorado Elopement At Golden Mountain Ranch?!

If you’re ready to celebrate your love with an elopement or intimate wedding at Golden Mountain Ranch, like Jordan and Justin, I’m here to help bring your mountain adventure elopement dreams to life! As your photographer, I’ll help make your ceremony as stress-free as possible. I assist couples with location scouting, permits, timelines, and more! You can check out my photography packages here, and tell me all about your vision for your special day by filling out my contact form! If you want to learn more about eloping in Ouray, check out my guide – Getting Married In Colorado | Ouray Elopement Tips!

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VENDORS:

• HMU: Salon Envy
• Florals: Hosanna Floral
• Venue: Golden Mountain Ranch
• Hotel: The Western
• Virtual Wedding Consultation: Knotted Consulting
• Rentals: Alpine Events
• Dress: Isabella James Bridal
• Restaurant: Outlaw Restaurant