It is always such a pleasure to visit Big Bend National Park, and even more so to visit Chisos Mountain Lodge for Amanda and Houston’s elopement in October. I adore a Texas road trip. The stretch of I-10 going 90 mph, snacking on Cool Ranch Doritos, and listening to The David Chang podcast. There is something so serene watching the landscape transform from the Hill Country, to oak trees and mounds of limestone to the flat grasslands, and finally endless sand and shrubs stretching in every direction when you turn off at Fort Stockton. The vast emptiness of the desert is then usurped by the towering mountains as you approach Big Bend National Park. Truly, it really is one of the most magical places in Texas, if not America, and Chisos Mountain Lodge is the perfect place for a Big Bend elopement.
Amanda and Houston are high school sweethearts that have been together for seven years. While COVID changed many couples’ wedding and elopement plans, from the very beginning these two wanted an intimate ceremony at Big Bend with her parents in attendance, and Jeff officiating their wedding. The day started shrouded in darkness, with the cold air that lingers in the desert before the sun rises. It was like witnessing a silent movie with everyone getting ready in silence, not wanting to wake up their neighbors at the Terlingua Night Cabins. Wedding attire was put on, cars were packed, and the couple stole a moment to witness the sunrise before their drive to Big Bend.
As the sun began to make its way into the sky, we arrived at Chisos Mountain Lodge and meandered around the grounds, picking a spot for their elopement. Jeff played a ballad, they recited their vows, and exchanged rings before finally being pronounced married in the wonderment of the Chisos Mountains. They shared a sweet first dance before we then explored Big Bend. After sufficiently using the overhead light, causing an intricate play of light and shadow on a cloudless day, we decided to meet in the evening for portraits in a softer light. So at Santa Elena Canyon, we watched the sun descend below the horizon, completely our day of working around it’s whim. A handful of portraits were taken as the sky deepened into darkness once more. I could not think of a better way to end this day.
If you are interested in getting married in Big Bend National Park I would love to connect with you. To see another Big Bend elopement check out Sara and Bryan’s wedding and Karla and Nick’s elopement.
Share this story
