Colorado Elopement Photographer
For couples who want stunning backdrops without the all day hike.
You don’t have to hike
10 miles for it to count.
You love the idea of eloping in nature, but you also love not sweating through your wedding clothes, having an actual bathroom nearby, and getting to enjoy the place you came all this way to see.
Because you can have the alpine lakes, the ridiculous mountain views, and a little adventure without turning the whole thing into a survival exercise.
Outdoorsy but like… with plumbing.
Planning resources and guides
Never dreamed of your big beautiful wedding day?
Based in Denver, wandering across the west
Neither did I!
In fact, I never wanted to get married at all. But life happens, and sometimes you meet someone off a dating app that you can (finally!) imagine spending the rest of your life with.
Whether you've been dreaming about this day forever or are diving into the excitement of planning without a roadmap, think of me as your “text me at 2 am,” “send me dress shopping photos,” and “gush about dreamy locations” buddy.
I’m always down to camp and will bring the Reese’s for the s’mores.
Where to elope in Colorado
The four places I get asked about most. Each guide covers when the roads open, permits, and what a day there actually looks like.
More location guides: Breckenridge, Leadville, Silverton, and Grand Junction.
No idea yet? Start with the spots you can drive to →
What it's actually like, from people who’ve been there.
My husband, who HATES having his picture taken, had nothing but fabulous things to say and how for once he actually LIKED to have his pictures taken!
Jadynn
We decided to elope less than a week before and Kimberly made everything completely effortless. In the best way possible, we didn't even notice she was there during the ceremony.
Samantha
She was super helpful planning all the details and giving recommendations, especially since we are not from Colorado. She made planning the elopement so much easier!
Kayla
Your Colorado elopement questions, answered!
Do we have to hike to elope in Colorado?
Nope! Every spot I recommend is a short, flat walk from where you park. If you want an easy to moderate hike, I know some good ones, but it's your call, never a requirement. If you want something harder, I can refer you to a great photographer who loves to hike and carry 10 pounds of camera gear up a mountain! Unfortunately that is not me.
Can we bring our dog to our Colorado elopement?
Yes, and you never have to ask. Most National Forest and BLM spots are dog friendly. The big exception on locations out here is Rocky Mountain National Park, where dogs have to stay on roads and in parking areas, so if your dog is coming, that's a spot we skip.
Do we need a permit to elope in Colorado?
Some spots require one. National parks and a few recreation areas need a special use permit, plus a timed entry reservation in summer. Plenty of county and state land needs nothing at all if you have under 6 guests. Whichever it is, the permit plan comes with the location.
Can we marry ourselves in Colorado without an officiant?
Yes! Colorado lets you self solemnize, which means the two of you sign your own license and that's the ceremony, legally. A $30 license from any county clerk, no officiant, no witnesses, no waiting period, and you don't have to live here.
What are the best months for a Colorado elopement?
For wildflowers and open roads, July through September. For gold aspens, the back half of September. For snow and empty trailheads, winter. They all have something worthy, it just depends on what you're looking for!
What happens if it storms on our elopement day?
We work with it, move locations, or we wait it out. Mountain storms are usually short, and there's almost always a dry spot within a short drive. For the rare time neither of those works, the day after your elopement is always held open just in case of emergencies.
Do you photograph elopements outside Colorado?
Not usually! I know Colorado like the back of my hand and I think working elsewhere where I don't know the area as well can detract from the planning process and therefore, sometimes the experience. But I am kinda obsessed with other locations so if you're looking for something outside of Colorado, it never hurts to ask!
How far in advance should we book a Colorado elopement photographer?
Weekend summer and fall dates are the first to go. Winter and weekdays are way more forgiving!
When do we get our photos?
A sneak peek within the first week, before your final payment is even due. Then the full gallery in about eight weeks.
