Eureka Lodge Wedding | Rachel and Dave

It’s been my dream to photograph a Eureka Lodge Wedding in the San Juan mountains ever since I first saw them in 2013.  Heather and I entertain plans to retire in the San Juan mountains someday but we haven’t done much visiting because it takes so long to get down there.  Someday we’re going to go down for a week and do a ton of exploring.

So, you can imagine my excitement when Chris Loring Photography asked me to come along with her to 2nd shoot a wedding in Silverton, CO.

I made the long drive down to Ouray in August by myself (rocking out to Glee) and joined Chris and her family for a fun weekend in the San Juan’s punctuated by the Eureka Lodge Wedding of Rachel and Dave.

I’d never heard of Eureka Lodge before this wedding, but its a beautiful hidden gem, nestled on a mountainside next to a river.  I love how out of the way the venue is, how intimate it feels, and how it really fosters an environment to bring together family and friends in celebration.

From their website:

“Originally a part of a large mining complex, known as the Martin Mining Complex, that included over 100 mine claims, this lodge sits on 40 acres surrounded by Forest Service or BLM land. Located approximately 8 miles from Silverton, it is best described as a perfect weekend retreat. There is no telephone or cell service, no cable or satellite TV.”

While the weather the entire weekend was drizzly and misty, it created a very magical feel to the venue in the mountains.  Plus Rachel and Dave were determined to get married outdoors, no matter what, so we pulled out the umbrellas and made it work.

Congratulations you two!
Just look at this magical getting ready tent in the midst of the forest!
Thankfully the rain dissipated for the duration of the ceremony.  And thanks to the handiwork of the groomsmen, the guests had dry chairs for the event.
The bridge leading to the ceremony site crossed a deep and rocky gorge–the perfect entrance for the wedding party.Though the rain was picking up by reception time, Rachel and Dave wanted to have their first dance under the market lights.  Thankfully no one minded getting a little bit wet.  I just love the ready emotion that these two displayed during their dance.  So beautiful.After dinner outdoors, guest retreated inside the lodge to dance the night away.Finally, at the end of the night, Rachel and Dave exited amidst a shower of lavender.  The perfect end to a magical day.

Everything about this Eureka Lodge Wedding makes my heart melt.

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I am an Ouray and Silverthorne Wedding Photographer and I specialize in intimate weddings for devoted and courageous people.  Dreaming of a wedding in the San Juan Mountains? Lets chat! I love Telluride too!