Will and Rachel actually mean it when they say they love being outside. Trail runs, ski days, bikes on the car, weekends in the mountains whenever possible, it’s just how they live. Rachel grew up in Morrison, Will, just outside Chicago, and they met during a college internship before landing in Denver with their cat and dog. So when it came time to choose a wedding location, a mountain town with character was always going to win. Enter FREIGHT Leadville, which Rachel said felt like the place the moment they toured it.

FREIGHT is an old train depot and lumber yard built in 1886, thoughtfully converted into an event space in 2017, and thankfully, it still feels like itself. You can see the history in the bones of the place, but it functions effortlessly as a wedding venue. There are multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, cozy on-site cabins for guests, and a rugged and welcoming energy. On their wedding day, the fall weather showed up exactly how you hope it will, crisp, sunny, and calm, which made it easy for everyone to move through the day.

Built on Community, Wine, and Letting Things Be What They Are

From the beginning, Will and Rachel were clear about what mattered to them, and what didn’t. What they cared about was having photos that felt honest, where the people and the place were just as important as the timeline. Their inquiry said it best: they wanted something candid, grounded in nature, and reflective of who they are. It was refreshing.

A big part of that authenticity came from their people. A lot of their guests were friends from a wine club they’re part of in Denver, which immediately set the tone. It felt like a big group dinner party. One of the standout moments before the toasts even started was the champagne tower. It was a fun way to kick things off, and perfectly on brand for a couple who values shared experiences.

FREIGHT Leadville, Sunset Light, and a Proper Celebration

Walking through downtown Leadville for sunset portraits was non-negotiable. Will and Rachel just wanted to walk, take in the place they chose, and have a few quiet minutes together before heading back to their people. The fall light hit just right, and the streets were quiet.

Back at FREIGHT, the night unfolded organically, exactly how the day had. Good wine, lots of conversation, a group of friends who know how to have fun. Thoughtful, personal, and rooted in place. Will and Rachel planned a day that felt true to them, and you could feel that in every part of it, which, in my book, is always the point.

More like this: Colorado Mountain Wedding in Steamboat Springs

Vendors

Breckenridge Wedding Photographer | Ritual Haus Creative Studios

Colorado Wedding Venue | FREIGHT

Catering | Biscuits & Berries