Wedding Wednesday: Winter Wonderland Snowcat Elopement

There’s something really special about living and working in Summit County, especially when you get the chance to photograph locals you’ve known for years stepping into a whole new chapter together. These aren’t just clients; they’re part of the community, and being trusted to capture a day like this means a lot.

 

A Snowcat Wedding Outside Breckenridge

When Morgan and Ward reached out about their March wedding just outside of Breckenridge, I knew right away this was going to be something different.

High-alpine setting? Check.

Fresh snow? Hopefully.

A snowcat to bring it all together? Now we’re talking!

This day was everything I love about winter weddings in the mountains. The kind of setting that feels a little wild, a little rugged, and completely unforgettable.

 

Taking the Road Less Traveled (Literally)

Instead of a traditional venue, Morgan and Ward chose to head deep into the mountains for a more private, intentional experience. And the ride up? All thanks to Breck Party Cat.

Rolling through snow-covered terrain in a snowcat isn’t just transportation, it’s part of the experience. It sets the tone for the entire day. You leave behind the crowds, the noise(except from the snow cat), and everything else, and step into a space that feels completely your own.

By the time we arrived, it was just us, the mountains, and an unreal winter backdrop surrounding us.

 

An Intimate Mountain Ceremony

 

Morgan and Ward kept their ceremony how they wanted it, small, intentional, and rooted in a place they feel most connected to.

While Ward’s parents weren’t able to attend due to a family emergency, their presence was still deeply felt throughout the day. Moments like that have a way of grounding everything—reminding you what really matters, and bringing even more intention into the commitment being made.

No distractions. No pressure. Just the two of them, surrounded by snow, saying their vows in a setting that felt true to who they are.

These are the kinds of weddings that stick with you. The ones where the environment isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the story.

 

Why Snowcat Weddings Are Next Level

If you’re considering a winter wedding in Summit County, going the snowcat, snowmobile, or hiking route opens up a whole new world:

  • Access to remote alpine locations you can’t reach otherwise
  • A fully private experience away from busy resorts and crowds
  • Built-in adventure that makes the day feel unforgettable
  • Incredible photo opportunities in untouched snow

Working with a crew like Breck Party Cat means everything is dialed—from logistics to experience—so you can just be present and enjoy it.

 

From Snowcat to Celebration

After a day in the alpine, the celebration continued back in town with an incredible intimate dinner at Radicato, which happens to be one of my personal favorite restaurants in Summit County. It was the perfect way to warm up, share stories, and relive the day over amazing food and good company.

 

Behind the Scenes

I also had the chance to work alongside Reda on this one, who I often bring in as a second shooter when couples want that extra layer of coverage. She’s one of those people who brings great energy to the day, jumps in wherever needed, and helps keep everything running smoothly, huge asset on shoots like this.

 

A Day to Remember

Morgan, Ward, and of course Gunner, thank you for trusting me to document something this meaningful. Days like this are exactly why I love what I do.
There’s just nothing quite like a snowcat wedding in the Colorado backcountry. It’s intimate, adventurous, and completely your own.
Congrats again to you both—I’m wishing you a lifetime of deep powder days, big mountain views, and plenty more adventures together.

www.ianzinnercreates.com 

wine sitting in snow next to snowcat
groom smiling with bottle of whiskey
groom taking shot
groom radio'ing for bride
groom petting his dog while getting boutonniere put on
bride getting out of car for waiting snowcat
groom crying during first look with bride
groom and bride share kiss next to breck party cat snowcat
snowcat driving beneath mount guyot on a wintery day outside of breckenridge colorado summit county
groom using lint roller next to dog
wedding party next to snowcat underneat colorado mountain during winter
groom and dog walking through snow field
dog rolling in snow next to bride and groom
looking over father of the brides shoulder at bride and groom
bride and groom on snowy alter in the backcountry during winter
a winter mountain snowcat wedding ceremony
parents of the bride looking on
bride smiling at groom while holding hands
dog sitting at bride and grooms feet in the snow
groom warming his hands up from the fire next to the snowcatdog standing outside of snowcat with everyone inside starting at him
dog hoping up into snowcat
booze in snow next to snowcat
booze in snow next to snowcat
party inside the breck party cat
a breck party cat driving through the snow
a breck party cat driving through the snowy forest
bride and groom rings
champagne saber sword bottle opening
groom drinking straight from champagne bottle
breck party cat pouring champagne for guest
group champagne cheers
bride and groom photo in the snowy forest outside of breckenridge coloradoold dog name on bracelet
aerial shot of snowcat in snowy forest
bride and groom kissing by snowcat
a dog in the drivers seat of the snowcat
bride and groom on a facetime call talking with grooms parents
couple on top of gold pan saloon breckenridge
couple on top of gold pan saloon breckenridge on a snowy day
bride and groom enjoying a moment on a bench
newly weds and parents of the bride kissing
close up of hands with rings and boquet
close up of boquet and photo of grooms parents
bride and groom walking down snowy road in breckenridge colorado with snow falling
bride and groom kissing for a photo on a snowy winter day in breckenridge colorado mountains
the bride looking back at the camerabride and groom dancing
radicato breckenridge restaurant entrance
a cheers to the newly wed couple
bride and groom and friends taking a shot
3.25.24 WAM Inside the Indochino suit pocket with custom stitching





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