Preparing for Weather
Weather can play a big part in your elopement, and you want to make sure you're prepared! It is ultimately your responsibility to be prepared to be outside in the elements for the duration of the elopement, but I'm here to help you know what to expect and how to prepare. If you have any questions about weather conditions and how to prepare, please ask me!
Some notes on weather in Colorado
Weather in Colorado and in the mountains can be very unpredictable in all seasons. Clouds, rain, storms, and snow can appear unexpectedly, and conditions can change fast. The specific location and elevation can make a big difference in weather conditions. These are general notes, but if you have questions about your specific location, please ask!
Summer
- Summer in Colorado broadly includes June-August and the weather generally warm and sunny. However, the higher up in elevation you go, the more unpredictable the weather is and the colder it will be, even in the summer. For example, just because it's supposed to be 70 degrees in Boulder or Denver, that does NOT mean it will be that warm where we are going. Higher elevation locations can have snow well into June or July, while lower elevations will be dry and hot. Check the weather forecast for the nearest town to the location where we will be shooting, NOT a metro area like Denver.
- In the summer months, rain storms can appear unexpectedly, especially in the afternoon. I recommend being flexible with time on the day of your elopement in case we need to move the meeting time to avoid storms.
- In the summer, I recommend bringing at least one extra layer, like a light jacket, and a rain coat to your elopement.
- Make sure you also bring plenty of water!
Spring/Fall
- Spring and fall are the most unpredictable seasons in Colorado. The weather could literally be 70 degrees and sunny or 20 degrees and snowing. Make sure to check the weather forecast for the nearest town to the location where we will be shooting, NOT a metro area like Denver.
- In the fall and spring, it is especially important to make sure you are prepared for weather. I recommend bringing a mid-weight jacket and gloves/handwarmers. Your hands will get colder faster than the rest of your body.
Winter
- Winter broadly runs from November-March in Colorado. But the conditions can vary greatly depending on elevation and location.
- Of all the seasons, I'd say it's most important to be prepared for winter. Winter in the mountains can be cold, windy, extremely sunny, or anything in between.
- Make sure you are prepared for where we are going. Bring warm clothes, hats, and gloves! Gloves and hand warmers are especially important because your hands will get cold faster than the rest of your body. Check out the cold weather tips below for more recommendations!
Here are some tips for warm weather
- The most important part of being prepared for warm weather is staying hydrated. Make sure you bring enough water so you won't get dehydrated during the day. We will be moving around quite a bit, so plan accordingly!
- Sun protection is also a concern for warm weather. Usually, I plan elopements in the mornings or evenings, which means the sun isn't as direct. If we will be out in the sun for an extended amount of time, consider wearing sunscreen.
- Warm weather can make you sweat! Consider sweat when picking out your outfits. If you know you sweat a lot, consider picking an outfit that doesn't show sweat super obviously, or pick an outfit that allows for air flow.
Here are some tips for cold weather
- I want you to be comfortable for your elopement, not freezing. I recommend bringing warm clothes to wear, even if not for the photos themselves. You can always take jackets and gloves off when you're ready, and then put them on again to warm up.
- Your hands will get cold faster than the rest of your body. Bring gloves, even if you think you won't need them. I also recommend bringing hand warmers. I can't stress this enough!
- Bringing a thermos (think HydroFlask or Yeti) with a hot beverage can be amazing. Trust me.
- Ladies, if you're worried about wearing a dress in the cold, here are a few tips. You can wear leggings, tights, or even fleece-lined tights under your dress. A dress with a fuller, more flowy skirt is going to allow you to layer underneath and stay warm. You can also consider dresses with sleeves or get a shawl to go over your upper body.
- Remember, the higher in elevation we go, the colder it will be! Check the weather forecast for the town closest to where we will be, NOT just the weather for somewhere like Boulder or Denver (unless we are shooting there).
- If you have questions about weather and how to prepare, please ask!
Elevation is a big deal, especially in places like Colorado. Here are some tips surrounding elevation.
- The higher the elevation, the colder it will be, even in the summer. To give you an idea, Boulder sits at 5,318 feet above sea level. For comparison, Estes Park, which is where Rocky Mountain National Park is, sits at 7,523 feet. That's a big difference, and the weather in Estes Park will be different (and likely colder) than Boulder.
- Higher elevation also means less oxygen. Unless we're doing a really extreme hike, you shouldn't need to worry too much about altitude sickness. Just keep your fitness level in mind and know that altitude is no joke!
- Staying hydrated and taking it slow helps with altitude sickness. Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat enough snacks before/during the elopement.
- If you have other questions about elevation and altitude, let me know!
Final Notes
Don't let weather intimidate you! I'll send you weather recommendations and tips for your specific location, and keep an eye on weather as we get closer to your date. If you have questions at any point, just let me know!
Copyright Abby Shepard Photography
