South Mineral Creek Falls, Ouray Autumn Elopement

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of crossing paths with Erin years ago. We started as a photo + video team, collaborating on weddings, editing together, and navigating the entrepreneurial life. We quickly became “work wives,” and our friendship just grew stronger. So when she asked me to photograph an intimate moment of their life—with her family by her side—I was beyond honored.
Now, I hate to rate my elopements… but let me tell you, I do love a good adventure, and so far, nothing tops pulling Granny in a raft to get to their ceremony site. Yes, you read that right. 😆 Granny (aka maid of honor ) was rafted across the water for this ceremony. So let this be a lesson for everyone who messages me worried about locations for grandparents: if there’s a will, there’s a way! (And yes, there will be a whole section in their final gallery dedicated to Granny in the raft, which was labeled ‘Explorer’—couldn’t have been more perfect.)
As if that wasn’t enough, the post-rain vibes were magical. Everything was saturated and dreamy, with low-hanging clouds draping the mountains—it was absolute photographer heaven. I will say this time and time again, if it so happens to rain on your wedding day it usually never lasts long and it makes the photos epic.

Getting To South Creek Falls:

South Mineral Creek Falls is located right off the Million Dollar Highway. To park you want to pay for a camping spot for 39.00 to park and explore. Be prepared to cross through water on some areas. The water levels fluctuate through the seasons and can change daily so just be prepared. We all wore rain boots and that was entirely helpful. I highly recommend so you don’t have to worry about staying dry. It is always funner to play in the water!

Seasons:

South Mineral Creek falls isn’t fed by a lake it drains from the basin from all the snow fall in the winter therefore the water levels will fluctuate.

Spring: This is when the water flow will be the strongest from the snow melt. Be prepared for higher levels.

Summer: By summer the water flow will have leveled out. Still be prepared!

Fall: The water flow is still going strong but this will be easier to cross and you can have a ceremony in the water before the falls just like this elopement. The water was shallow enough to walk through.

Winter: I personally have no been in the winter yet.

What To Bring:

A few things to note that you are in bear country and you want to be prepared. I see bears every time I am in Ouray. Mainly in town but they are around. I always have bear spray on me for safety and you should too! The best motto is to carry a backpack full of basic survival needs!

• Bear Spray
• Hiking Shoes/Water Shoes
• Water & Snacks
• Towel (I love jumping in the water)

There are so many places in this area alone that I would love to have elopements. I am an avid hiker and professional explorer. I recommend considering Light Rae Exposures for your elopement and wedding photographer to help guide you through the area, get different locations that are secluded and relatively easy to get to.

Don’t be shy and reach out. Let’s see if I am the vibe for your wedding day!