A Stylish Elopement in Colorado at the 3M Curve

Shelby & Preston met in high school and became close friends. It wasn’t until Homecoming that they really hit it off romantically. Fast forward to Preston arranging a cabin proposal that included family and friends where Shelby, of course, said yes. The pandemic put off their original wedding plans, so they looked for a beautiful place to elope that could include their fifteen guests. 3M Curve in Colorado was perfect as it allowed for everyone to witness the two exchange vows high above a stunning view. The stylish newlyweds admit they are usually awkward around cameras but, it must have been the scenery because the photos are epic! Read on to find out how Simply Eloped made this Rocky Mountain elopement in Colorado super stress-free.

How did you meet? What was your first impression of each other? 

Shelby: We met in high school through mutual friends, and we ended up being good friends. We went to prom together but weren’t dating at the time. When we met, I was with my cousin, and she was taking me to see her friend’s new puppy. The friend turned out to be Preston. The first time we really hung out was at a homecoming after-party where we went with other people. We hung out most of the night and really clicked and became good friends. We never seriously dated until we were in college, though. My very first impression of Preston was, “this guy has a cute puppy.” But when I really got to know him, it was more of “this is a really cool guy who knows how to have fun and is friends with all of my friends.” I mean, we were in high school. I didn’t think much past that. 

Preston: My first impression of Shelby was that one of my friends brought her to see my dog, and I had never met her before. She was tiny and cute and had a fun personality. After I met her that day, she kept coming around more and more, and we really hit it off at the homecoming after-party.

How did you propose or accept the proposal?

Preston:  I proposed at 1:30 am on a super random night. I planned a sporadic trip to our favorite rivers in Arkansas and booked a cabin for the weekend. We got a late start, so we didn’t end up arriving until about midnight on Saturday. I was way too excited to wait any longer, so I convinced her to stay up and chat with me even though she was exhausted. So around 1:30 am, I finally popped the question, and she, of course, said yes. The next day, I had arranged for her best friend to come and be with us and take some pictures. Later that day, I surprised her with her immediate family coming and staying with us to celebrate the rest of the weekend! It really meant a lot to her to have them there.

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Shelby & Preston: We chose to elope in Estes Park, Colorado! We really wanted a mountainous view which Colorado had to offer. We also wanted somewhere close enough that our immediate family could travel to without it being crazy far from home. There were a ton of sites to choose from, but the 3M Curve really caught our attention with how beautiful the mountains were in the background. Definitely one of the most beautiful places to elope in Colorado.

 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite moments eloping there? 

Shelby & Preston: The backdrop was instantly one of our favorite things, absolutely stunning. In the end, some of our favorite parts were having our family there and how intimate it felt. The photographer and officiant that Simply Eloped arranged for us were seriously amazing. The officiant gathered information about us and orchestrated a beautiful ceremony, and it felt as though Brandon had known us for years the way he spoke on our behalf. Shanna made us feel so comfortable taking pictures (something we’re both awkward at), and she was so nice and professional. We loved every second of it!

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Shelby & Preston: 3M Curve is very easy to get to and can accommodate around 15 guests, which was a must for us. The backdrop is absolutely stunning, perfect for a nature elopement in Colorado, like something you see on a postcard. The spot is not far off the road, but it feels secluded because you can’t see the road or other people. The spot is also just inside the national park, so if you’re staying in Estes Park, you’re only a few minutes away!

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Shelby:  Preston stayed with his family the night before, and I stayed with mine, so it was a little traditional. The 3M Curve wedding was at 6:30 pm, so we had all day to prepare and relax. I got ready at my parent’s cabin, and Preston came and got me to take me to the ceremony! Leading up to it, I felt calm and ready. We were supposed to get married a year before that, but covid got in the way, so it had really been a long time coming, and we were both so ready to be husband and wife!

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Shelby: Simply Eloped was a pleasure to work with. Every person I came in contact with was beyond helpful and personable. Our experience with this company for our elopement in Colorado was truly easy, simple, and unforgettable. I can’t thank everyone that helped us enough.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Shelby: After the 3M Curve elopement ceremony, Preston and I went to our cabin for three nights and then reunited with our families for the remainder of the week. We had a few showers back home to celebrate with distant family and friends that couldn’t attend the ceremony.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Shelby:  I highly encourage it! There is little to no stress, so cost-efficient, the company does almost everything for you, and it’s a really special and intimate way to celebrate the marriage between you and your spouse!

Why elope at 3M Curve?

We have one word for you – accessibility. Besides the breathtaking nature and picturesque backdrops, planning a 3M Curve elopement is easy to pull off. You get to reach an iconic site that is close to the road with a mini-hike and yet you get to enjoy a secluded atmosphere thanks to the parking place being shielded by a large rock (the granite formations are just gorgeous!). So basically, you will have a feel of being right in the heart of the mountains without much effort on your behalf! After your ceremony, you can celebrate with your favorite people in one of the numerous Colorado wedding venues.

Practical Information for 3M Curve Elopement

Planning a 3M Curve wedding means complying with some rules regarding the Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are some essentials you should have in mind:

• The maximum number of attendees, including you, your officiant, and your photographer must not exceed 15. That being said, you can all come with a maximum of 3 vehicles.
• The permit for a 3M Curve elopement in Colorado has changed in 2021 and now is $300. When it comes to vehicles, a day pass costs $25 per car.
• Always follow the Leave No Trace 7 Principles.
• Do not amplify any music and disturb the peace.
• Don’t forget to minimize interference with visitors and activities in the park.

Insider tips for your 3M Curve Wedding

Unfortunately, you cannot bring anything to adorn your ceremony site here (tables, arches, chairs, signs, etc), but the backdrop will be all you need! Also, have in mind that you will need a mini-hike to get to the spot, but the area is quite rocky so avoid wearing heels and wedges. Even though it is accessible all year round, we would recommend avoiding the winters due to deep snow. And finally, avoid using confetti, seeds, or petals to leave the spot in a good state for the next couple.

 

Officiant: Brandon Baker
Photography by: Shanna Fisher
Florist: Rocky Mountain Wildflowers
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Rocky Mountain National Park, 3M Curve, Colorado