An illumination device includes a light source, such as one or more light emitting diodes in an array, that produces light having a first wavelength range. A separated wavelength converting element is mounted to receive the light emitted by the light source. The wavelength converting element is physically separated from the light source along the beam path. The wavelength converting element converts the light having a first wavelength range into light having a second wavelength range. In one embodiment, a color separation element is directly coupled to the wavelength converting element. The color separation element is also physically separated from the light source. In another embodiment, the wavelength converting element is held by a heat sink by the sides.