Alyssa and Carsten traveled to Colorado to marry themselves, no officiant, no witnesses, just the two of them speaking vows in a mountain meadow near Lake George as the golden hour light wrapped around them. This LGBTQ mountain elopement is a quiet, sun-drenched celebration of what self-solemnizing in Colorado makes possible: two people, one decision, and all the space in the world to simply be married.

Jess and Brooks’ elopement at King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s Field of Vision Festival in Buena Vista was a once-in-a-lifetime blend of love, music, and art. From a low-sun ceremony at Meadow Creek to portraits by Jason Galea’s surreal TV installation, their day wove together Colorado’s wild beauty and the festival’s psychedelic spirit. This post dives into their story, and why Field of Vision is one of the most unique places to elope in Colorado.

In downtown Littleton, we traded sweeping mountain views for colorful walls, bold textures, and the energy of the city. For this editorial-inspired styled session, Angela and Errol stepped into the roles of bride and groom, with Angela wearing a stunning AW Bridal gown that photographed like a dream.

This session was all about contrast, elegance against grit, softness set inside city lines. From quiet laughter tucked between alleyways to dramatic portraits framed by architecture, the result was a gallery that proves love can be art anywhere, mountains or city streets.

Barbara and Garrett’s summer elopement at Garden of the Gods was a celebration of love, family, and the Colorado landscape. With their blended family of kids and loved ones gathered close, they created a ceremony that was both accessible and deeply meaningful.

Officiated by the talented Candace Woods, their vows unfolded under the red rocks and wide Colorado sky. In this post, I share their story, tips for eloping at Garden of the Gods, and why this location is one of the best places for family-centered elopements in Colorado Springs.

Autumn and Skylar’s Garden of the Gods elopement wasn’t just about two people, it was about a whole family. With five daughters, a cousin officiant, and the Colorado sky putting on a show, their day was full of love, flexibility, and intention. They came from out of state with hearts wide open, and together we created something sacred and unforgettable.

This post is for families planning to elope with their kids, couples navigating weather and logistics from afar, and anyone wondering who will truly guide them through a Garden of the Gods elopement. Come see how we made magic in the red rocks, and how you can, too.

Zoie and Alex traveled from Missouri to elope at Crystal Creek Reservoir on Pikes Peak. The day brought rain, hail, and unexpected pivots, but also deep connection, incredible light, and a grounded ceremony by the water. With tattoos, custom Chucks, and a close group of friends, their celebration was joyful and heartfelt from beginning to end.

From weather challenges to intimate moments (like Zoie’s locket holding her father’s ashes), this elopement was rich in emotion, meaning, and the kind of trust that makes beautiful photos possible, no matter what the forecast says.

Dreaming of a wedding day that’s wild, free, and entirely yours? Colorado might just be the perfect place. Whether you’re envisioning a private vow exchange on a mountain peak or an intimate ceremony surrounded by golden aspens, this guide covers everything you need to know, from self-solemnizing your marriage to picking the dreamiest locations. 🌿

As an elopement photographer and guide rooted in the heart of Colorado, I’m here to walk you through every step. If you’re ready to skip tradition and create a day that feels like coming home, dive into the full guide and start dreaming up your perfect Colorado elopement adventure.

Lizette and Alex’s wedding at Younger Ranch in Colorado Springs was a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Surrounded by stunning mountain views and the breathtaking beauty of Pikes Peak, their celebration was a perfect reflection of who they are, joyful, full of life, and deeply connected. From their intimate ceremony to the late-night NYC-style pizza and fireworks sendoff, every detail was carefully planned to create a memorable experience for their loved ones who traveled from California to be with them.

As a Colorado wedding photographer, it was an absolute dream to capture this beautiful couple’s story in such a picturesque location. The venue, with its rustic charm and sweeping views, provided the perfect backdrop for Lizette and Alex’s day. Every moment was filled with emotion, and it was a true honor to be part of their journey. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Younger Ranch offers an unforgettable setting for your wedding day, and I’d love to help tell your unique love story here too.

Jenn and Tim traveled from Texas to say “I do” in the charming mountain town of Manitou Springs. They chose Craftwood Peak by Wedgewood Weddings as the perfect backdrop for their intimate winter wedding. Their day was filled with heartfelt moments, from a quiet first look with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak to a cozy reception still twinkling with holiday lights.

Surrounded by their closest friends and family, including many of the kids and families Tim has coached over the years, their wedding was more than just a celebration; it was a gathering of the people who’ve shaped their story. With laughter filling the air, toasts that brought tears and joy, and a dance floor moment (shoutout to Jenn’s uncle for owning it!), this wedding was the perfect way to wrap up 2024.

Jess and Philip’s Colorado winter wedding at Pinecrest Weddings & Event Center was a heartfelt celebration just days before Christmas. With family and friends traveling from across the world, their love story, rooted in long-distance devotion, unfolded beautifully against the stunning Colorado mountain backdrop. From an intimate first look to golden-hour portraits near Palmer Lake, every moment was filled with warmth and connection. Their reception was a joyful celebration, complete with heartfelt conversations and an unforgettable dance floor. Step into this romantic Colorado wedding!

Some weddings just hit different, and Jake and Chelsea’s magical day at the Walker Homestead in Iowa City was one of those. Nestled in the rolling hills of Iowa, the Walker Homestead is a working farm and event venue that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. With it’s picturesque vineyards, open fields, and inviting barn, it’s a slice of heaven perfect for a love story like theirs.

But this wasn’t just any wedding for me, it was personal. Jake wasn’t just the groom; he was my former boss and one of the people who made this photography business of mine possible. Years ago, Jake gave me the space to dream and the support to build my craft. His thoughtful encouragement paved the way for me to turn this passion into a full-time gig, and let me tell you, getting to be the one to document the biggest day of his life? That was an honor I won’t soon forget.

Jake’s thoughtfulness and belief in others aren’t just things I’ve seen firsthand, they’re qualities Chelsea loves deeply about him, too. They’re both public servants through and through, the kind of people who won’t just hand you the world but will show you how to build it yourself. That mindset defines them and their relationship, and it was woven beautifully into their day.

Flying from Colorado Springs to Iowa for this wedding felt like coming full circle. Watching Jake stand at the altar waiting for Chelsea was a surreal moment, this man who once gave me the freedom to chase my dreams was now chasing his own, marrying the love of his life. And when Chelsea walked down the aisle, glowing with all the confidence and grace in the world, it was clear these two were made for each other.

Brooke and James chose to have their ultra-private Elopement ceremony with each other in Twin Lakes, Colorado. I am filled with gratitude I was able to tag along and photograph their first looks, exchanging of vows, and all the other moments that make an elopement one for the heart. These two put thoughtful effort into the details of their special time together. From their vow books to James’ custom leather suspenders, they really did create magic in the mountains with me.

This was the second elopement that I had photographed in Twin Lakes but this location was new and the previous elopement was at sunrise, though the same time of year. New for me equals excitement and renewed creative spirit! I was in it for everything I had and I do think it shows. The colors of fall were showing off and the day was unusually warm and ended with the most amazing sunset the couple had seen since they arrived in Colorado a few days earlier. They had come to Colorado on a special trip to get married and were staying near Como at a beautiful Airbnb in the cliffs.

Emily and Chase reached out to me shortly before they began their cross-country van trip from the east coast. They had decided they wanted to forgo the big wedding idea and elope during their time in Colorado while on the trip. When they had first reached out, they were interested in eloping at Garden of the Gods, which is a beautiful place! It is close to me and I visit there often. Emily and I had our video call shortly after she reached out and I could tell they wanted this elopement to be something epic (duh, as you SHOULD!). I suggested that she look at some other locations I have listed in my Location Catalog and she fell in love with Brainard Lake.

I had shot at Brainard Lake several times last year and I loved the space so much, I was excited to be going back again. Emily and Chase needed a sunrise elopement because they had plans that evening and it would work better for their schedule. I had never shot at sunrise at Brainard Lake but damn, I was down for it. From my side, this elopement coverage required some special planning. The location is about 3 hours from my home and sunrise was at 5:30 am that day, you do the math. Sleepover! I turned this sunrise elopement into a travel date with my kids and we had the best time visiting RMNP and sleeping someplace new. Best thing about it? I didn’t have to get up extra early and worry about fighting traffic or missing sunrise because I was less than an hour away in Estes Park. I won that day. For sure.

These high school sweethearts (and their pup, Penny) adventured with me near Rocky Mountain National Park for their private elopement ceremony. Sav and Casey wanted their raw, emotional, and tearful moments to be something they could look back on in the future. They knew that these moments, the ones where they express their lifelong devotion to each other could not be something that they could document on their own. Enter me. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared what I have been creating over here at Wild Prairie Photography and this elopement really ticked all my “dream session” boxes so I figured what better way to break back into the habit than with this.

Elizabeth, Matthew, and ALL of your family thank you. Thank you for bringing me to Arizona to photograph your sunrise elopement in the Saguaros. Thank you for showing me around your amazing little town of Patagonia. Thank you for the evening we spent in the San Rafael Valley. Thank you for the good food. Thank you for the friendship and kindness. Thank you for it all. I felt truly welcome in the space that you call “home” and I would gladly adventure back in a heartbeat.

Elizabeth and Matthew hail from a small town close to the Mexico border. They flew me down to spend the weekend with them and their families for a celebration of their marriage. Elizabeth is a queen and so is her mom. Seriously. Last year, we were supposed to be doing all of this but COVID wouldn’t stand for it. This year, it was on.

To start my trip, I ventured into the San Rafael Valley to scout out the perfect spot for their sunset session the next evening. This scouting trip involved a tiny car, miles of dirt roads, an amazing sunset, a Mexico border fence, and an interaction with Border Patrol. Yes, I got pulled over. Yes, they searched my rental car for bodies and drugs, to which, I had neither. Thankfully, haha. In the end, they were nice and it was a once (I hope) in a lifetime experience for me. By the end of the evening, I had found a great location AND had a great story to tell. I. Was. Winning.

This sweet couple and their friends and family traveled in from all over to witness their union during their Micro Wedding at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I live in Colorado Springs so I visit Garden of the Gods almost weekly. You know what that means? I have the best inside scoop on where the less crowded spots are in the park, that’s right, no fighting those crowds when I help you plan your evening at the Garden.

Can you believe that I spent my first 5 years in Colorado NEVER shooting at Garden of the Gods unless it was a sunrise session? I don’t do crowds when I shoot. You can’t get that authenticity that you can from being alone with the one you love. Waiting to take turns at “hot spots” around the park, trying to find parking, battling with tourists and allll the people. Nope. not in to it.

Kenzie and Kody chose me to be their elopement photographer after we had a lunch date at a local restaurant. They were in town checking out The Pinery at the Hill and wanted to meet with me to see how we fit. I loved them right from the start. Kenzie has the sweetest, kindest personality and it really showed.

I had never shot an elopement at The Pinery at the Hill (I had, however, covered a few non-wedding events there) and I was excited to be able to use the space. Their patio, where Kenzie and Kody exchanged vows, has the perfect afternoon sunset mountain light. Check out the images below to see what I mean.

Kenzie and Kody still wanted to showcase those Colorado mountains a bit more so after their ceremony, I swept them away with me for some intimate couples photos over at Garden of the Gods. We were short on time so we visited a location that is generally too crowded for me. I must have had all my karma coming back to me at once because when we got there, parking was a breeze and everyone just seemed to disappear from wherever we roamed on the rocks. Perfect evening.

Whew, what a beautiful day these two had over at the Fountain Creek Ranch for their Micro Wedding Day. The Fountain Creek Ranch hosted a day of Micro Weddings in May and they were simply perfect. Beautiful couples who celebrated their love for each other in front of their family and friends.

COVID created a change in the wedding industry. Before, it was “expected” that you would have a giant wedding that cost $$$. Now, couples are more open to having a small affair with few guests and in some cases, no guests at all. Elopements or Micro weddings such as this one are a perfect way to create that symbolic moment with your love, without all the stress of a big wedding.

Planning your out-of-state elopement can feel a bit scary and uncertain, that’s where I come in! Jes and I planned her intimate elopement to Ken at Garden of the Gods and it couldn’t have been more authentic or lovely. It was just Jes, Ken, and myself during their elopement. It was full of happy tears, tender moments, soulful love and I am thankful I got to take part.

When you book an elopement photographer, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable being your authentic self with them. Find someone who shares your heart for the things you are passionate about. Allow yourself to connect with them on a deeper level. It should be more than, “Hello, I am your photographer, now let’s take your photo”. Your elopement photographer should listen to you and take interest in your life. Someone who can feel you and your love and radiate back to you through a gallery of images that authentically show the love you and your partner share.

Hey friends! I am teaming up with my good friend Sarah of Vintage Violets Photography to document your authentic love during the Fountain Creek Ranch Micro Wedding Day, Sunday, May 16th, 2021. The Fountain Creek Ranch is a new wedding venue as of 2020 and offers their wedding couples an authentic Colorado ranch-style wedding complete with a western boho-style ranch house surrounded by beautiful pasture land on the Fountain Creek.

Believe me, I know, getting married can be a stressful adventure. There are so many moving pieces to pull together in order for it all to work out the way you intend. Having a micro wedding is becoming a popular choice for many reasons. Ease of planning, fewer formalities, easier on the pocketbook and more, are just a few of the justifications for having a micro wedding in lieu of a larger, more formal, wedding.