How I Help You Plan Your Elopement & Intimate Wedding As Your Colorado Wedding Photographer -

Most couples I talk to know they want the mountains, the views, and that epic Colorado vibe. But figuring out the logistics can feel like a giant question mark floating over their heads. That’s usually when they reach out to me about their elopement. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I hear this all the time: couples know what they want the day to feel like, but the “how” can feel totally overwhelming. And that’s where I come in.

As a Colorado and Arizona elopement and wedding photographer, my job isn’t just to show up, snap a few pretty pictures, and leave. I grew up in Colorado, hiking these mountains with a camera gifted to me by my grandparents in eighth grade. That love of noticing light, connection, and the magic of a moment runs deep in my family. I help you plan your whole day, from picking the spot that gives you goosebumps to figuring out the flow that actually lets you enjoy it. I want you focused on each other, not juggling permits, timing, or trail logistics.

I’m not just showing up with a camera, I’m here to make sure your day feels intentional, relaxed, and completely like you. I help you find locations that match the energy and emotion you want to feel, guide you through the little details that make the day effortless, and create a space where you can truly be present with each other. Honestly? There’s nothing I love more than helping couples fall even more in love with Colorado or Arizona while they create a day they’ll never forget—and then seeing those moments come alive in your photos for years to come.

A bride in a flowing white gown holds her partner’s hand as they stand on a rocky mountainside, looking out over the sweeping Colorado landscape. Captured by a Colorado wedding photographer, the moment feels cinematic and intimate.

Close-up of a bride in a satin gown and sheer gloves embracing her groom in a black suit, captured by a Colorado wedding photographer.

A bride and groom holding hands at Garden of the Gods, framed by the park’s iconic red rock formations.

Keeping It Simple with Your Colorado Wedding Photographer

You don’t need a fully mapped-out plan to start your Colorado wedding and elopement journey. All I really need from you is a date (or even just a season!) and a rough idea of the kind of spot that feels right. Maybe that’s a mountain pass with big views, a tucked-away alpine lake, or a cozy Colorado intimate wedding or elopement location near Telluride. From there, I’ll guide you through the rest, and we’ll start shaping your day together.

Once you’ve picked your date and general location, we’ll get your spot on my calendar with a signed contract and deposit. Then the fun part begins, dreaming up the details, narrowing down locations, and creating an experience that feels like you.

Once that’s done, the fun really begins.

A groom in a dark suit helps his bride in a sleek white gown walk across rocky terrain at golden hour, surrounded by pine trees.

A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand across a high alpine meadow with snow-capped peaks in the distance, captured by a Colorado wedding photographer.

A joyful bride and groom exchange vows in front of towering red rocks, smiling as they read to each other.

A couple lounges on a blanket by a riverside during their intimate wedding picnic, with towering mountains in the background.

My Intimate Wedding and Elopement Location Guide

Every couple receives my intimate wedding and elopement location guide, a resource packed with tips, inspiration, and planning tools. You’ll also get a detailed questionnaire that helps me get to know you, your story, and the vibe you want for your day. Are you dreaming of an adventurous hike? A cozy Airbnb celebration? Maybe a mix of both? Your answers shape how I plan out your experience.

Couple exchanging vows on a rocky mountainside, with the bride holding her vows and the groom standing in a light suit. Captured by a Colorado wedding photographer.

Close-up of a bride’s hand in sheer gloves holding a bouquet of peach roses and wild greenery on her wedding day.

Brainstorming Together

Once you’ve filled out your questionnaire, we’ll hop on a Zoom call to really dive into your vision. This is my favorite part, I get to hear about what you love doing together and what makes your relationship yours. Some of the best elopement ideas come straight from those little passions: hiking up a quiet trail, picnicking by a lake, hopping on a gondola, skiing down fresh powder, exploring a vineyard, or even sneaking in a private chef because, honestly, why not? Anything that makes your day feel like you is fair game.

After our chat, I’ll send you 4–6 custom location options that match your vibe, some with permits, some without, along with insights about accessibility, privacy, and the views at sunrise or sunset. I love finding spots that make your heart race a little, where the light hits just right, and the experience feels effortless, meaningful, and totally yours.

Close-up of a couple holding hands, the bride’s bouquet of peach roses hanging down with her flowing gown. Captured by a Colorado wedding photographer.

Flat lay of vow books, rings, and jewelry on the ground, with a soft bridal veil adding texture. Details styled by a Colorado wedding photographer.

Bride and groom standing in front of towering red rock formations, the groom gently putting on his bride's wedding ring.

Romantic blurred image of a bride and groom embracing in the mountains, with sweeping alpine views behind them. Documented by a Colorado wedding photographer.

Taking Care of the Fine Print

Permits, marriage licenses, and vendor recommendations can feel overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered!

Permit Research + Applications: I’ll help you figure out exactly what’s required for your chosen Colorado elopement location and walk you through the process.
Marriage License Guidance: Getting legally married in Colorado is simple. I’ll guide you through it, and yes, I can even officiate and sign your license.
Vendors: Need a florist, hair and makeup artist, videographer, or even a private chef? I’ll connect you with people I trust.

Bride and groom standing on a cliffside, arms wrapped around each other, looking out over the Colorado mountains.

Bride in a lace wedding gown holding a lush bouquet of white roses, eucalyptus, and baby’s breath in a mountain setting.

Detail shot of a bride’s gown, the folds of voluminous white fabric spilling across a patterned blanket during their outdoor celebration.

Crafting Your Timeline

Your Colorado elopement isn’t just about saying “I do”, it’s about the flow of the entire day, and making sure every moment feels intentional and relaxed. I’ll create a timeline that actually works for you, weaving in the magic stuff: sunrise or sunset light, travel time between locations, activities you want to include, and even little pauses just to soak it all in. The goal? You’ll know what’s coming without ever feeling rushed, just enough structure so you can be fully present and enjoy being in the moment.

Before the big day, we’ll hop on one last Zoom call to run through all the details, double-check logistics, and make sure everything feels solid. That way, when your elopement finally arrives, you can focus on each other while I quietly handle the behind-the-scenes flow. Personally, I love this part almost as much as the day itself, it’s when all the planning comes together, and you can just breathe, relax, and get excited for the adventure ahead.

Romantic mountain embrace as the groom holds his bride close, her elegant gown billowing as he kisses her forehead with alpine views behind them. Captured by a Colorado wedding photographer.

The couple stands together on a rocky mountain path surrounded by aspen trees, sharing a quiet, romantic moment in the forest.

More Than Just Photos

Of course, photos are a big part of what I do, but it’s never just “stand here, smile there.” My goal is to give you space to be yourselves so the photos reflect how the day actually felt. The laughter that sneaks out mid-vows, the champagne spray that gets a little out of hand, or the quiet pause halfway down a trail, those are the moments that stick.

And because I know you’ll be dying to relive it all, I’ll send sneak peeks within 72 hours so you don’t have to wait long. Your full gallery will be ready within 10 weeks, delivered in a way that tells your story, start to finish. So every time you look back, it feels like stepping right into your day again.

Bride and groom holding hands on a windswept alpine ridge, her voluminous white gown flowing around her while he stands in a sharp black suit. Colorado wedding photographer documenting adventure-filled moments.

Storytelling in Action

I’ve had so many couples come to me with nothing more than, “We just want to get married somewhere in the mountains.” That’s really all you need to start! From there, we’ll narrow down Colorado elopement locations, figure out the best light for your day, and build a flow that feels easy and intentional.

And sure, sometimes the conditions don’t play out exactly how we picture them, maybe the sun is a little harsher than expected, or the wind decides to make a guest appearance, but those are usually the moments that make the photos feel SO alive! The veil flying sideways, the laugh that bubbles up when your partner brushes hair out of your face, the squeeze of a hand right before vows, or cheers echoing across the peaks, those are the memories that actually stick.

A couple reclines on a picnic blanket, the groom leaning down for a kiss while the bride lays back smiling, surrounded by tall summer grasses.

Close-up of a groom kissing his bride’s forehead as she leans into him, her flowing white gown standing out against the soft blue sky. Captured by a Colorado wedding photographer.

A couple sits close together on a blanket in the grass, writing their wedding vows by hand. Their outfits contrast beautifully with the natural setting, with the bride’s gown cascading across the ground.

Why Work With a Colorado Wedding Photographer Who Plans With You?

Because anyone can snap photos of mountains. But having a Colorado wedding photographer who actually helps you plan your day? That’s a whole different ballgame. You’re not just walking away with beautiful images, you’re walking away with a day that feels intentional, stress-free, and 100% you. No awkward juggling of permits, no guessing if your timeline will work, no panicking about what to do next. I’ve got you.

As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve spent years learning all the little ins and outs, locations, permits, timelines, vendors, and I bring all that straight to your elopement. From that first “we have no idea where to start” text to delivering your full gallery, I’m in your corner. I love helping couples relax, laugh, and soak it all in while I quietly make sure everything falls into place. And yes, I might geek out a little over finding that perfect golden-hour light or the tiniest wildflower detail, but seeing your reaction makes it totally worth it.

A couple kisses at the edge of a scenic overlook with mountain peaks in the distance, captured by a Colorado wedding photographer during their adventurous elopement.

Ready to Start Planning with Your Colorado Wedding Photographer?

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help you create a Colorado elopement or intimate wedding that feels 100% you. Whether that means hiking through wildflowers, cozying up by a fire, or grabbing tacos in town after your vows (because yes, tacos are totally a vibe), I’ll be there to guide, cheer you on, and photograph all the real, messy, magical moments along the way. Honestly, I get way too excited about these days, like, heart-racing-excited, because seeing couples fully present and having the time of their lives? That’s why I do this.

So, are you ready to start planning your Colorado elopement? Let’s chat, dream a little, and bring your adventure to life, trust me, it’s going to be a day you’ll never forget (and probably I’ll be gushing about it way too much in your photos).

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If you’re planning a Colorado elopement, check out my blogs: Elopement Ideas: Make Your Elopement Photos Pop With Activities, How a Colorado Elopement Photographer Supports You Beyond Just Pretty Photos, Plan Your Mountain Wedding: How To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park.