|

Loveland Pass Wedding & an Intimate Reception in Colorado

Before planning their Loveland Pass wedding, Jen & Will’s love story began at a high school homecoming dance two decades ago. Their love deepened during a cross-country journey in 2022 when Jen’s bold idea of embracing nomadic life brought them closer. They put their stuff in storage & spent a couple months living in different states while working remotely. Then it was during a hike in Glacier National Park, surrounded by the beauty of McDonald Falls, that Will proposed. Jen & Will had a private vacation rental just outside of Breckenridge to have a reception after their wedding at Loveland Pass & to have a place for everyone to gather.

Loveland Pass Wedding Ceremony

Set against the backdrop of Loveland Pass, their intimate wedding day in Colorado reflected their love for adventure & nature. The day began with a lot of sunshine over the Colorado mountains, but clouds soon softened the light. Will’s favorite moment arrived as he saw Jen for the first time. Their emotions throughout the day could really be seen. Before their ceremony with family, they exchanged heartfelt vows privately. I photographed this intimate moment captured from a ways away with a longer lens to give them more space & privacy. Their connection to each other is really evident in their Loveland Pass wedding photos.

Celebrating their Wedding at Loveland Pass

After their wedding ceremony at Loveland Pass, it was time for a little celebration in the mountains with their guests! They celebrated on top of Loveland Pass with a champagne toast with their guests & some adventuring around the mountains. Their dog Wally, who (of course) is an integral part of their family, added an extra touch of joy, even “signing” their Colorado marriage license. Because yes, your dog can sign your marriage license in Colorado! I love creating these types of “big landscape, tiny people” photos during my couple’s wedding days. These shots always look so epic & they also look great hanging as large prints on the walls of your home. The beauty of Loveland Pass made their wedding for them & their guests a day to remember. Jen was even able to FaceTime her maid of honor to include her & chat even though she couldn’t be there in person.

Intimate Reception at their Vacation Home in Breckenridge

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to a stunning vacation rental in Breckenridge. The property, with its multi-level decks & a creek running through the property, was the perfect setting for their laid-back reception. Surrounded by family & friends, Jen & Will enjoyed music from a favorite musician, laughter, & the warmth of loved ones. They embraced a stress-free reception, skipping traditional wedding customs like the garter toss & cake cutting. Instead, they focused on meaningful moments with their guests & had custom cupcakes made in some fun flavors. Jen & Will’s Loveland Pass wedding day wasn’t just an event; it was a reflection of who they are. And that’s how every couple’s wedding day should be. From their shared vows to their chill reception, they stayed true to their love story—one that grew into a lifelong adventure!

Jen and Will’s day wasn’t just about epic photos—it was about celebrating their love for exploration. Loveland Pass offered breathtaking mountain vistas & alpine lakes, creating a backdrop for those truly epic photos, but they planned out their day beyond photos. They planned a day that was truly reflective of them. Whether laughing together or gazing at the scenery of Colorado, every part of their day reflected their adventurous spirit.


Malachi Lewis is an adventure elopement photographer at Shell Creek Photography.

Malachi Lewis

Photographer & Planner