Fort Collins Courthouse Elopement

In the heart of Fort Collins on a sunny afternoon in April, I had the pleasure of capturing the beauty of the union between Jennifer and Shane.

The day started off with driving up to Fort Collins, getting to the Larimer County Justice Center, and walking around to find some good photo locations since the courthouse building itself is rather mundane. Once the beautiful couple showed up, we got introduced and went into the building where we were greeted by Shane’s parents. We waited about 5 min for a clerk to give them their marriage liscence. We walked across the street to a beautiful chapel with some red tulips for them to exchange vows. On our way, Jennifer Facetimed her parents, who live in another country, so that they could be a part of their special day.

I could tell Jennifer and Shane were feeling a a little nervous given the solemnity of the commitment they were about to make in combination with being photographed, but after a few jokes and some friendly banter the mood was much lighter. They exchanged vows in front of the chapel and I used my telephoto lens to capture the moment without being intrusive.

Once they had exchanged vows, we called Jennifer’s parents back to celebrate and take some family photos, with them participating over Facetime. We decided it would be fun to walk around Olde Towne after and we were right because everyone was so friendly and congratulating them. It felt like a parade!

We ended the day by circling back to the courthouse and Jennifer and Shane signing their marriage certificate under the old pine tree. They returned their signed certificate to the court house and we said our goodbyes. In a world that's constantly in motion, their courthouse elopement served as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are found in the simplicity of love.