Vail Ski Elopement

Kokila and Andy | An epic day on the slopes for a Vail ski elopement!

Kokila and Andy really wanted an active outdoor wedding, just the two of them. They both love skiing and snowboarding together and decided that was how they wanted to elope. So, I helped them put together the perfect adventurous ski elopement in Vail, Colorado!

Vail ski resort is such a beautiful location for a ski elopement or ski wedding. The mountain views are the best backdrop for a stunning ceremony. In addition, there is also plenty to do and explore in the area. Kokila and Andy decided on a spring skiing elopement in early April. Spring skiing in Colorado is the best way to enjoy the snow while having warmer temperatures. Although, be aware that even in March and April, there is always a chance of snow. These two got lucky with a beautiful “blue bird” day!

If you are thinking of eloping on the slopes, let’s chat! I will even travel all over the world for ski elopements and weddings. You can check out how other couples included skiing in their elopement days, here.

Ski boots, snowboard boots, and getting ready

No elopement day is complete without some fun details. In this case, photos including her ski boots, his snowboard boots, and the resort trail map —all with the wedding rings of course!

Kokila and Andy started their morning bright and early in separate hotel rooms to get ready for their wedding day. They stayed at Vail’s beautiful The Arabelle. The Arabelle is a great choice of hotel for a ski elopement at Vail. It is walking distance to one of the gondolas; the Eagle Bahn Gondola. A hotel that is right next to the slopes is a great way to save travel time on your elopement day. With a hotel right by the gondola, we were able to spend more time skiing and less time driving!

Another beautiful detail for Kokila and Andy’s wedding, was Kokila’s wedding dress. She wanted to bring in aspects of her Indian background into their wedding. So, she chose a dress that had a beautiful red skirt for the bottom, while also keeping with the traditional white wedding dress look, with a stunning lacey top! After they both got dressed, it was time for their first look.

First Look before hitting the slopes

For the first look, we walked outside of the hotel to an archway. Lionshead Village in Vail has some really pretty and colorful architecture. It always makes me feel like I am in a European town. Kokila and Andy were all smiles for their first look. Of course they were so excited to see each other and so ready to hit the slopes! After the first look, we went back inside so Kokila could put on her ski boots and then we made our way to the gondola.

Riding the gondola to their Vail ski elopement ceremony

The gondola ride to their ceremony was filled with stunning mountain views and eager anticipation. Kokila and Andy were getting more and more excited about reading their vows to one another and making their wedding official! Soon enough, we made it to the top of the gondola and found the perfect spot for their ceremony.

Mountain-top ski elopement ceremony

Kokila and Andy’s ceremony overlooked many snowy mountains. They put up their ski and snowboard to make a little ceremony spot where they stood to read their vows and exchange rings. The best part about eloping at a ski resort, is picking a ceremony spot that speaks to you and that might be completely unique to just the two of you! I wonder if anyone else has ever said their vows in this exact location. After sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, they popped some champagne to celebrate! It truly was a perfect moment.

Hitting the Vail slopes!

Now that they made it official, they were ready for their first run as a married couple! We had so much fun exploring the mountain. They shared snuggles on the lift and even got a “just married” sign which made for the best photos!

Celebratory Lunch and Cake Cutting

After taking some turns, it was time for lunch. We skied back down into Lionshead Village where Kokila and Andy enjoyed some food at Tavern on the Square. Every meal tastes best outside after a day of skiing! Finally, we went back to their hotel again for their cake cutting. The staff at The Arabelle also surprised them with some tasty sweets including macarons that they fed to one another! It was a perfect end to a perfect ski elopement day!

Congratulations, Kokila and Andy!