One of the Dreamiest Micro Wedding Venues in Colorado: Copper Falls

Oh my gosh, I could talk about this day for so long. Tayler and Shane’s fall elopement was the perfect mix of cozy, intentional, and adventurous. Everything I love about intimate Colorado weddings! They came out to Colorado with just their parents to celebrate in the most meaningful, relaxed way possible, and chose one of the neatest micro wedding venues around: Copper Falls in Loveland.

Getting Ready + Ceremony at Copper Falls

Copper Falls is such a cool spot, it’s actually an Airbnb that doubles as a wedding venue, and it has its own waterfall in the backyard (yes, really). You can stay right there at the house, get ready, and have your ceremony all in one place. It’s one of those micro wedding venues that just makes everything feel relaxed and easy. No rushing between ceremony spots and reception venues, unless you want to sneak off for some mountain photos.

Tayler and Shane had their ceremony right in front of the waterfall with their parents by their sides. It was quiet, emotional, and felt so true to them. After they shared cake and signed their license, we headed out for a little adventure.

Adventure Portraits at Lily Lake in Estes Park

Because no Colorado elopement is complete without a little adventure, we made our way to Lily Lake in Estes Park for portraits after the ceremony. The plan was to start at the Stanley Hotel, but the weather looked iffy, so we flipped the plan and went to the lake first.

Lily Lake sits higher in elevation than the rest of Estes, so it’s often the first spot to get snow or afternoon rain. Sure enough, it started sprinkling right as they shared their private vows. Instead of running for cover, they just laughed and kept going. It honestly felt like something you’d see in a movie. The still lake, soft light, and quiet trails gave us some of the dreamiest photos of the day.

After about an hour of wandering the trail, laughing through the drizzle, and soaking in the views, they decided to head back down to Copper Falls to celebrate with their families. It was relaxed, beautiful, and just the best example of what I love about elopements — doing the day your way and having the best time while you’re at it.

Why Copper Falls Is One of the Best Micro Wedding Venues in Colorado

Copper Falls is honestly a dream if you’re planning a Colorado micro wedding or intimate wedding. You can stay in the house, have a waterfall ceremony right in the backyard, and still get those mountain elopement photos if you want. It’s about 45 minutes from Estes Park, making it super easy to turn your day into a little Colorado adventure without spending hours on the road.

A few quick tips for couples considering Copper Falls:

• Stay a couple of days (I actually recommend weekdays so it's less busy) so you can fully relax and soak in the space.
  

• Keep an eye on the mountain weather — conditions can change fast, so it’s always good to be prepared.
  

• Build in travel time if you plan to adventure to Estes Park after your ceremony.
  

• Book early. Copper Falls is a popular spot for small weddings!

Why Micro Weddings and Elopements Feel So Special

This day reminded me exactly why I love photographing micro weddings and elopements. You get to do whatever you want. There’s no rigid timeline, no rules about what should happen first or last, you get to shape the day around your love and your vibe. Every moment is yours to create, whether that’s sipping coffee together in the morning, hiking to a secret view, or sneaking in a dance in the backyard.

It’s the candid, in-between moments that make these days so special, soft laughter, little touches, spontaneous adventures. When you’re fully present and not worrying about what’s next, that’s when the magic happens. That’s why days like Tayler and Shane’s are unforgettable, and why I love helping couples design a wedding day that’s 100% them.

This one was extra special too, Tayler wanted everything edited super fast so she could share their elopement video at their reception back home just two weeks later, and we made it happen!

Words From Tayler & Shane

“Emily is AMAZING!!!! We eloped on October 6th 2025 and it was the most dreamy day ever!!!! She made the day go by so smoothly and has THE best personality ever!!! If you’re looking for a photographer who is passionate while also still being a good time she is your girl!! We could not have asked for a better person to capture our most perfect day ever!”

Finding Micro Wedding Venues in Colorado That Feel Like You

If you’re dreaming of a day that’s meaningful, relaxed, and full of beautiful scenery, a Colorado micro wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Here are a few quick tips to start planning:

• Choose a location that fits your vibe. There are so many beautiful micro wedding venues in Colorado, from cozy cabins to alpine lakes to tucked away lodges, and they all make amazing backdrops.
  

• Keep it small. Micro weddings usually mean under 20 guests (Copper Falls can accommodate up to 50 guests), which keeps things intimate and stress-free.
  

• Consider a weekday date. You’ll get more privacy (and fewer crowds at popular spots).
  

• Hire a local photographer (hiiii!) who knows the terrain and can help plan for weather, light, and travel timing.
  

If Copper Falls caught your eye or you’re dreaming up your own Colorado elopement, I’d love to help you bring it to life!  Every couple deserves a wedding day that feels intentional, beautiful, and uniquely theirs.