Mountaintop Wedding in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Rowan and Jake’s mountaintop wedding in Steamboat Springs felt very Colorado. Think bright blue skies, wildflowers, gondola rides, an entire mountain full of their favorite people, and two people who were more than ready to put their normally very driven lives on pause for a day. I actually met them before they ever inquired with me. They were guests at a wedding I photographed for their friends. After watching me work that day and seeing their friends’ wedding previews afterward, they reached out about their own. We connected immediately. Once Rowan told me that preserving Colorado’s natural colors and big blue skies was a non-negotiable for her, I knew we were speaking the same language.

From Lifelong Friends to a Mountaintop Wedding

Rowan and Jake have known each other since they were 14, but their friendship didn’t turn romantic until years later. They reconnected in Maryland while Rowan was home for a friend’s baby shower, did long-distance for a year, and eventually Jake moved to Colorado. Now their life includes plenty of adventure, travel, two ambitious careers, and Scout, their very spoiled Aussie and self-appointed first child.

That history shaped what they wanted their wedding to feel like. They’re both hardworking, determined people who are used to schedules and structure, and for once, they wanted permission to do the opposite. No rushing through the day to check things off a timeline. They wanted to walk around the ski village, ride the gondola, explore the mountain, take it all in, and enjoy being married.

Steamboat gave us quite the day. It was warm. Colorado summer was certainly doing her thing, but we had those clear, brilliant blue skies Rowan had been hoping for. We started with a private first look and vows surrounded by tall grass and mountain views before heading up the gondola for the rest of the celebration.

Their design followed that same relaxed approach. Wildflowers, soft colors, simple details, and just enough decor to make everything feel intentional without trying to outdo the surroundings. Which, respectfully, would have been a losing battle. When your ceremony backdrop is an actual Colorado mountain range, you let her have her moment. The ceremony brought everyone together at the top of the mountain, surrounded by green peaks and an almost ridiculously blue sky. Guests tossed petals as Rowan and Jake made their way back down the aisle.

A Steamboat Springs Wedding Worth Slowing Down For

After the ceremony, the day settled into exactly what Rowan and Jake had hoped for from the beginning: time to celebrate, be with their people, and enjoy everything they had planned.

One of the most personal moments came during the reception. Before the wedding, Rowan had told me she had secretly incorporated some of her dad’s old voicemails into their first dance as a surprise for him. She specifically wanted his reaction documented, and when he realized what he was hearing, it was every bit as emotional as she hoped. There was essentially no hope for anyone in the room after that. Tears everywhere.

Later, we slipped away from the reception as the sun set over the mountains for portraits near the gondola. The bright greens and blues from earlier in the day softened into golden light; the valley stretched out beneath us. Gondola cars passed overhead while Rowan and Jake wandered around together.

These ended up being some of my favorite photographs from the entire day. They felt so true to what they originally told me they wanted. Just the two of them walking around, laughing, taking in the view, and getting a few quiet minutes together in the middle of a very full wedding day.

Something was fitting about ending their portraits this way, too. Their relationship started as a friendship, survived long distance, brought them across the country, and eventually landed them here—married on top of a mountain in the place they now call home.

Steamboat Springs Wedding Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography

Afterward, Rowan sent me a message that started with, “Truly the best day ever!!!” and thanked me for making the day feel magical and for being someone she loved sharing it with. It brought everything full circle for me. I first met Rowan and Jake because they watched me photograph people they loved. A little while later, I got to watch their people gather in Steamboat Springs for a mountaintop wedding to celebrate them.

And yes, Colorado delivered the blue skies she ordered. Check out this ultimate Steamboat Springs wedding guide!

Vendor Team

Photography | Whitney Rae Photography
Planning & Design | Blissful Moment Events
Band | The Nashville Band
Florist | Orange Flower Behavior
Rentals | The Wildflower Denver
Beauty | Kim J Beauty
Venue | Steamboat Resort