How to Include Family in Your Elopement Without Losing Intimacy
September 23, 2026
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Photos by Maye.Be Take A Photo
Fort Collins, Colorado — Bella and Dylan had a meaningful Fort Collins elopement on a short timeline, and it was absolutely perfect for them. What started as plans for a small summer micro-wedding with friends and family slowly began to feel less and less like them (a story a lot of couples know well). So they made a bold shift, canceled their original plans, and chose to elope on their anniversary instead.
With only about a week to plan, they knew they wanted something simple and close to home, with their dogs included. They had originally talked about Horsetooth Reservoir, but the idea of hiking up Horsetooth Rock came up, and it just clicked. The trailhead sits right near their home, and from that point on, everything felt like it fell into place.
The day began with getting ready photos and a first look, followed by one of the sweetest moments with their dogs, Chloe and Bodhi, “signing” their marriage license as witnesses. After some family portraits, they brought the pups back home and set out on their hike.
Timing couldn’t have been better. Horsetooth Rock is usually busy (and windy). When they reached the summit, they had it entirely to themselves for nearly an hour. The perfect conditions to share unhurried vows, while looking over the town where they built their life together.
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Even with such a short timeline, their day was full of personality. A quick stop at Whole Foods for cupcakes turned into an unexpected frog cake. They saw it and thought, “Yep, we’re doing that!” There’s something cool about an elopement day where you can go with the flow and lean into those spontaneous, slightly silly moments.
There’s a common misconception that a last-minute elopement means keeping things minimal or rushed, maybe even just signing papers at a courthouse. Bella and Dylan’s day proves the opposite. With intention, flexibility, and a willingness to trust the process, you can create something meaningful, no matter how quickly it comes together.
See this wedding and more inside Adventure Wed Magazine!
Photography + Planning: Maye.Be Take A Photo, an #AdventureExpert
Ring: Manly Bands
Hiking Boots: La Sportiva, and Nike
Backpacks: Lowe Alpine, and Stone Glacier
Cake: Whole Foods
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