Newlyweds kiss in front of a side by side in Yankee Boy Basin, Colorado at sunset. The snowcapped mountains behind them are lit up by alpenglow.

Yankee Boy Basin Elopement: A Side-by-Side Adventure in Ouray

Access Level: Requires UTV Vehicle (Rentable In Town)
12 Hours of Photography Coverage
July Afternoon: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

“If you want to know if fate is real, you just have to look at Savanna and Luk. These two literally met in a UTV store back home, so naturally, a side-by-side adventure in Yankee Boy Basin was exactly what they envisioned. As an adventurous elopement photographer in Colorado, helping them bring this wild, off-roading vision to life in Ouray was an absolute dream.”

They chose Ouray, Colorado, specifically the famous 4×4 trails of Yankee Boy Basin for a side-by-side elopement that was equal parts adrenaline and romance. If you’ve ever thought about ditching the hiking boots for a set of off-road tires, this is exactly how you do it.

From the AirBNB to the Backcountry

The day started with a slow morning at their Airbnb, followed by a first look that had us all tearing up before we even hit the dirt. But the real adventure began after a quick lunch stop at a brewery in Ouray.

We headed up Camp Bird Road to pick up their rental side-by-sides. Since these two met in a UTV shop, watching them gear up felt like watching them in their natural habitat. There is something so cool about seeing a couple in full wedding attire, hopping into a rugged machine, ready to conquer a mountain.

  • A-frame AirBNB featuring a wedding dress and groom's attire hanging on the big windows.
  • The groom puts on his vest in an a-frame cabin in Colorado as he gets ready for his Yankee boy basin elopement.
  • A bride looks into the camera as she touches her wedding dress which is hanging in front of her.
  • Bride and groom has a first look at their A frame AirBNB in Colorado before their elopement. The groom has a big smile on his face as he sees his bride for the first time.
  • Bride and groom wave at the camera as they sit in their side by side for their Yankee boy basin elopement.

Exploring Yankee Boy Basin

Yankee Boy Basin is one of those places that feels fake even when you’re standing in it. We stopped at Twin Falls, letting the mist hit our faces, before pushing further up the trail. The higher we drove, the more epic the views got.

We eventually parked the rigs and took a short hike up a hill to their ceremony spot. And this… this is why you elope.

As the sun started to dip, casting that perfect alpenglow on the San Juan peaks, they read their private vows. No audience, no noise, just them, the mountains, and the sound of the wind. It was completely private and breathtakingly beautiful.

  • A side by side heads up the dirt road in Yankee boy basin with epic mountain views behind it.
  • Bride and groom hold hands and look at a river near Twin Falls, Colorado. Their dog is between them and looking at the camera.
  • Bride and groom read their private vows to each other at sunset in Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray. The snowcapped mountains behind them are vibrant against the lush green mountains.
  • Bride and groom smile and show off their dogs perfect paw print on their marriage license for their elopement in Yankee Boy Basin.
  • Bride and groom look small as they are surrounded by tall snow capped mountains of Ouray Colorado.
  • Bride and groom walk together up the mountain holding hands. The lush mountains stand tall behind them and are partially covered in snow.
  • Newlyweds kiss in front of a side by side in Yankee Boy Basin, Colorado at sunset. The snowcapped mountains behind them are lit up by alpenglow.

Dusk Descent & A Cozy Pizza Party

After soaking in the last of the sunset views up at Yankee Boy Basin, we navigated the trail back down as the light faded. Returning the side-by-sides felt like closing the chapter on the adrenaline part of the day, but the celebration was definitely not over.

Back at the Airbnb, the vibe shifted from rugged adventure to cozy intimacy. Savanna actually brought a whole bunch of cute decor with her (which I absolutely loved helping set up!). We transformed the Airbnb dining area into a fun, styled private dinner spot.

Forget a stuffy restaurant reservation, they ordered pizza! Seeing them sit down to a personalized pizza dinner and cake, surrounded by the decor Savanna picked out, was the perfect way to ground the day. It was laid back, intimate, and exactly what they needed after a day on the trails.

Champagne & Stargazing

Once the sun was completely gone, we headed outside for one last adventure. They popped some champagne in the dark and we captured some epic star photos under the Milky Way to close out the perfect 4×4 elopement.

  • Couple pose for milky way photos while holding lanterns.
  • Newlyweds celebrate as they pop champagne in front of their a-frame cabin near Ouray.
  • Bride and groom hold up lanterns and go in for a kiss. It's dark and they are standing in front of their a-frame cabin in Colorado holding lanterns.

How to Plan a Yankee Boy Basin Elopement

Thinking about getting married in Yankee Boy Basin? Here are a few tips:

  • Rent the Right Vehicle: You need high clearance. Savanna and Luk rented UTVs (Side-by-Sides), which are faster and super fun, but a lifted Jeep works too!
  • Timing Matters: We started in the afternoon to catch sunset. Yankee Boy can be busy in the mornings, so a sunset ceremony gives you way more privacy.
  • Leave No Trace: This basin is fragile! We stuck to trails and durable surfaces to keep the wildflowers safe.

Ready to plan your own 4×4 Elopement? Check out my elopement photography packages!

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Decor for AirBNB: Brought by the couple

Paige Weber Photography set up the decor in the AirBNB

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