Colorado Elopement Packages
Photography and Videography
We’re Lisa + Alex
When we got engaged, we immediately knew that a big wedding wasn’t for us. We’ve never been the kind of people to follow tradition and we couldn’t imagine saying our vows in front of 100 people. There were three things that we wanted most out of our wedding day: quality time with each other and our closest family members, beautiful views, and adventure.
After our own elopement in Scotland, we fell in love with the idea of helping other couples make their dream come to life.
Since then, we’ve worked with more than 250 couples and have perfected the art of providing an incredible and meaningful elopement experience in addition to photos and films.
We wholeheartedly believe that the outdoors are for everyone
We promise to create a safe and inclusive space for you. No matter your race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity, we will celebrate your love.
“Lisa and Alex are incredibly talented. They were professional, personable, timely, incredibly communicative, patient, and more knowledgeable than we could have hoped for. Looking back, the day was perfect, because of their careful planning and expertise.”
“Our time with Vow of the Wild was everything we dreamed it would be and more. Lisa and Alex were nothing short of amazing from start to finish. It was clear that their only intention was for us to have the wedding we’d always dreamed of. And they 100% delivered.”
We’re here to help you bring your dream elopement to life and empower you to craft an elopement day that feels just like you
You’ve probably never done this before and are feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as you set off on your elopement journey. We’re here to demystify the process to make it easy and fun! We’ll provide you with your own collaborative Planning Portal that includes a customized to-do list, location ideas, vendor suggestions, and more!
In addition to elopement photography and videography services, each of our couples receives:
Online Planning Portal + Mobile App
This is how elopement planning with us is different than other photographers. In your Planning Portal, we will closely guide you through the entire process of planning your elopement. You no longer need to worry about keeping things organized, wonder if you are forgetting something, or feel unsure of what to do next!
Location Ideas
We've spent years researching and exploring amazing locations within Colorado. We will recommend the perfect locations to fit your vision and your guest count. We’ll also make sure we have backup plans in case the unexpected happens.
100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
The Elopement Planning Guide was created to be used in conjunction with your Planning Portal. It will give you ideas, things to consider, and help you make informed decisions throughout your entire elopement planning journey!
Elopement Planning To-Do List
We will provide you with a custom To-Do List with due dates. This way you always know what you should be thinking about next and keep you from feeling overwhelmed by providing one thing for you to do at a time.
Custom Elopement Timeline
Our goal for every elopement is to keep it stress-free and flexible. When creating your timeline, we are thinking about the best light, avoiding crowds, the weather, and making sure you have plenty of time to completely immerse yourself in each other and nature.
Permit Guidance
Each location will have its own permit rules for elopements, so we will help you navigate what permits are needed for your location and guest count.
Vendor Recommendations
We'll share our list of favorite Colorado-based vendors who will help bring your elopement to life.
Interactive Vow-Writing Guide
Each couple will receive a copy of our vow-writing workbook that will guide you through the task of writing your own vows.
Education On How To Leave No Trace
We firmly believe in leaving this world better than we entered. And this goes into every elopement we capture. We'll help you plan an elopement day that is respectful of the beautiful mountains we get to explore together.
“The dedication of these two to their couples throughout the entire planning process is astounding. They work SO incredibly hard to create an experience that is true to each couple’s vision and come to you with no judgment. On top of all this, they are truly wonderful human beings! Their artistry and talent are somehow matched by their humility and graciousness. They are true to themselves and their work - a genuineness that is so endearing and can be hard to find.”
Check Out Some Elopements
Elopement Photography
Your elopement day will fly by, and when it’s over, we want you to have more than just the memories. Your photos will always be a reminder of the start of your marriage and allow you to share the experience with your friends and family.
We strive to capture you genuinely and honestly. When you receive your final gallery, your photos will feel like you.
"My husband and I are two goofballs who are usually pretty awkward in front of cameras, but Lisa and Alex somehow managed to make all of our pictures look effortless and beautiful. My favorite thing about our photos is that they authentically captured us, our relationship, and all of the happiness from that day."
Elopement Videography
Is elopement videography worth it? After all these years of watching our own elopement film and crafting films for our couples, we can unequivocally say that it is.
We create elopement films that represent your relationship, transport you back to the exact moment, and remind you exactly how it looked, sounded, and felt.
“I am literally crying of happiness. We were on the fence about getting videography, but I’m so happy we decided to get it and now have our vows recorded forever. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you for the best wedding photos and video ever.”
Handcrafted Wedding Albums
We believe that your photos should exist beyond the digital realm. They deserve to be held in your hands and passed down through the generations. We believe that everyone should have access to an album, and include album credit in all of our packages.
Astrophotography
When was the last time you saw the Milky Way? Many of our couples rarely (if ever) get to venture deep enough in the wilderness to see the Milky Way with their own eyes. Your elopement day is the perfect time to slow down and spend some time stargazing!
We specialize in capturing star photos with our couples. We will help you choose the perfect date, time, and location to give you the best chance at viewing the Milky Way and capturing elopement photos unlike any you’ve ever seen! To start, we recommend aiming for a date between May and September!
“On the day, they were so mindful of the energy. I was worried we would feel nervous, but we felt completely comfortable. They gave us so much space to just be together and soak it all in. Lisa and Alex are so skilled at the whole dance of capturing the moment but giving us room to be in it too.”
Colorado Elopement Photography Packages
12-Hour Photography | $11,500
12 Hours of Photography Coverage - Learn More
Sunrise and Sunset Coverage Included - Split your elopement day coverage between sunrise and sunset with a break in the afternoon - See an Example
Upgrade to 2-Day Coverage - Split up your 12 hours of coverage over two consecutive days (i.e. 6 hours on day 1, and 6 hours on day 2) - See an Example
2 Photographers (Lisa + Alex)
Personalized Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Customized Location Ideas
Planning To-Do List
10x10 Premium Album - Learn More
Custom Payment Plans Available
8-Hour Photography | $8,500
8 Hours of Photography Coverage - Learn More
Upgrade to Sunrise and Sunset Coverage - Split your elopement day coverage between sunrise and sunset with a break in the afternoon
2 Photographers (Lisa + Alex)
Personalized Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Customized Location Ideas
Planning To-Do List
Album Credit - Learn More
Custom Payment Plans Available
5-Hour Photography | $6,500
5 Hours of Photography Coverage
2 Photographers (Lisa + Alex)
Personalized Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
Digital 100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Customized Location Ideas
Planning To-Do List
Custom Payment Plans Available
Only available to couples with 0-10 guests, eloping in the next 5 months
2-Hour Photography | $3,000
2 Hours of Photography Coverage
2 Photographers (Lisa + Alex)
Basic Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
Digital 100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Pre-Curated List of Locations
Planning To-Do List
Only available to couples with 0 guests, eloping in the next 3 months
Add a Social Media Film to your Photography package!
Social Media Films can be added to your Photography package for $1,500. These films are 20-30 seconds long, which makes them perfect for sharing online and giving you a fun look into your elopement day.
“Lisa and Alex made us feel so comfortable we would even forget the camera was there. It felt like we were spending an incredible day in the mountains with old friends, celebrating our love. The whole day just felt so natural and beautiful, even when they had asked us to pose from time to time it didn't feel forced or cheesy.”
Colorado Elopement Photo + Video Packages
12-Hour Photo + Video | $17,500
12 Hours of Photo + Video Coverage - Learn More
Sunrise and Sunset Coverage Included - Split your elopement day coverage between sunrise and sunset with a break in the afternoon - See an Example
Upgrade to 2-Day Coverage - Split up your 12 hours of coverage over two consecutive days - See an Example
2 Photographers/Videographers (Lisa + Alex)
4-6 Minute Highlight Film - See Our Films
Full Ceremony Film
20-30 Second Social Media Film
Personalized Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Customized Location Ideas
Planning To-Do List
10x10 Premium Album - Learn More
Custom Payment Plans Available
8-Hour Photo + Video | $13,500
8 Hours of Photo + Video Coverage - Learn More
Upgrade to Sunrise and Sunset Coverage - Split your elopement day coverage between sunrise and sunset with a break in the afternoon
2 Photographers/Videographers (Lisa + Alex)
3-4 Minute Highlight Film - See Our Films
Full Ceremony Film
Personalized Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Customized Location Ideas
Planning To-Do List
Album Credit - Learn More
Custom Payment Plans Available
5-Hour Photo + Video | $11,000
5 Hours of Photo + Video Coverage - Learn More
2 Photographers/Videographers (Lisa + Alex)
Online Photo Gallery + Print Release
2-3 Minute Highlight Film - See Our Films
Personalized Elopement Planning - Learn More
Collaborative Elopement Planning Portal
100-Page Elopement Planning Guide
Customized Location Ideas
Planning To-Do List
Album Credit - Learn More
Custom Payment Plans Available
“Their genuine warmth and infectious enthusiasm immediately put us at ease, allowing the truest versions of ourselves to shine through. Vow of the Wild will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Their extraordinary talent, dedication, and ability to create awe-inspiring photographs are sure to leave you captivated.”
“You both have been so incredibly kind, on top of being wildly talented, that I truly don't feel I have the words to thank you fully. From the bottom of our hearts, the photos and videos you captured of our elopement are Mitch and I's most cherished belongings. You have captured the most precious memories of all of our family members that we can cherish for the rest of our lives.”
2025 Availability By Month
In order to give our couples the best experience possible, we limit the number of elopements we capture each month. Listed below are the number of bookings we are currently available for each month, with scattered dates.
We are accepting 12 more 2025 elopements
May - 1 spot available
June - 3 spots available
July - 2 spots available
Select July Dates in Telluride + Ouray
Select July Dates in Crested Butte
August - 3 spots available
Select August Dates in Telluride + Ouray
September - 2 spots available (1 fall color date)
October - 2 spots available (2 fall color dates)
Select Dates in Telluride + Ouray
Interested in our videography-only packages?
Interested in a couple’s photo session?
“I could not have asked for a more perfect wedding day. And none of it would have been possible without my absolutely amazing photographers/elopement experts/wedding planners/hiking gurus, and just plain down-to-earth, genuine, and beautiful human beings, Alex + Lisa. Thank you with all of our hearts for making this day so incredible. We are so fortunate to have come across you two.”
“It is an obvious understatement to say that Lisa and Alex are so much more than photographers and videographers - they are truly curators of high-quality experiences. We are so grateful to have worked with them!”
“They’re both so genuine and it’s obvious that they both really love what they do. They want you to have your dream wedding day and will do anything to make sure you get it. You won’t find anyone else like them!”
Your Elopement Questions Answered!
Hiring the Right Elopement Team
What are the benefits of hiring a team who specializes in elopements?
The Experience. We believe that your elopement day should feel like so much more than just a photoshoot in a pretty place. We have spent the last seven years refining our approach so that every elopement is packed full of fun, emotion, and adventure, while remembering time to pause and really take things in. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in beautiful photos and beautiful places that you forget why you chose to elope in the first place: To have an amazing and intimate experience with your favorite person. We will guide you in crafting a wedding day that is not only beautiful but also one that you will never forget.
The Planning Guidance. It often surprises people to hear that eloping requires A LOT of planning! You need to decide on the right locations, find accommodations, hire vendors that are up for your non-traditional ideas, get the right permits, figure out how to structure the day, and create a timeline for the day that flows well and allows some wiggle room for any unexpected moments (and there are ALWAYS unexpected moments).
We live elopements, and we are constantly striving to make the planning process easier and more fun for our couples. We work with each couple to brainstorm ideas to dream up an elopement day that is more than they could have ever imagined. We know local vendors who will drive you up the side of a mountain in a Jeep. We can recommend hair and makeup artists willing to start at 2 am so we can be on the trail at 4 am. And most importantly, we always have snacks.
Why should I hire a local Colorado elopement team?
Any talented photographer can probably take good photos of you, absolutely. But when you’re eloping, your photographer is often in charge of a bit more than just taking pretty pictures.
Location Knowledge. Sure, anyone can research the most popular places in Colorado to elope. But only a local who has spent years of their lives in these areas is going to know where the deep cuts are, which locations you can expect the crowds to be at and at what times, and how to get the most out of your experience. We have scoured the entire state of Colorado for beautiful, private, and unique locations to recommend to our couples, and we can offer suggestions for stunning and private locations that most people haven’t heard of before and that you can’t find on Pinterest.
Permitting. Even if you already know exactly where you’d like to get married, a local photographer is going to be much better equipped to let you know how to legally do so with any necessary permitting. As much as elopements seem like you just go out into the wilderness and say your vows, there are lots of different considerations around permits, and dozens of different forest service or park service offices to contact to make sure you’re not going to get interrupted by an angry ranger. Local photographers have already been in contact with these offices and can make sure that your elopement goes off without a hitch.
Expecting the Unexpected. And while we always hope that plan A can happen without a problem, what happens in those situations where you need a quick plan B? If there are wildfires, or if the snow lingers on the slopes longer than expected, or a road closure happens, a local is going to be able to give you other awesome options without blinking because they know the area beyond just plan A.
What is the benefit of having two photographers?
Quite simply, we can cover more bases in less time and capture more moments. For us, that often looks like Alex focusing on those epic, wide photos that show off the two of you in the landscape, while Lisa is simultaneously getting photos that really show off the laughs and smiles as you take it all in.
If you’re in separate places while you get ready, or prepare for your first look, we can split up too. While one of us gets things coordinated or set up throughout the day, the other one can keep photographing. Need someone to hold your jacket for a quick photo? One of us can do that for you, and then run it back to you as soon as we got the photo. Alex can navigate the road or hiking trail, while Lisa takes photos of your offroad adventure, or tells you fun facts about the wildlife we just saw.
Alex can get deep in his feels and wax poetic about how special it all is, while Lisa catches the exact moment a tear rolls down your face. And hopefully along the way, our banter provides some levity and comfort.
Do you capture LGBTQ+ elopements?
1,000% yes! We believe that love is love and we promise to create a safe and inclusive space for you to celebrate your love.
What is an elopement?
In the past, an elopement was two people running off to Las Vegas and getting married in secret. Today, elopement has taken on a whole new meaning. It holds some of the same spirit, but can be anywhere in the world, from your backyard to a far-off destination. Sometimes there are no guests present, and other times immediate family and friends are invited. Sometimes your family knows that you’re planning it, and other times it’s left as a surprise.
To us, an elopement is anything that embodies the spirit of a small celebration of your commitment to your partner, that is focused entirely on that bond. It does away with traditions that have evolved to make weddings stressful, chaotic, and centered around others. It’s about bringing the focus of your wedding day back to the two of you, and what you mean to one another.
We capture elopements with guest counts between 0 and about 20.
Where to Elope in Colorado
How will our guest count affect our elopement?
Colorado has very strict permitting rules. So while it might seem like you can just pull over at any location to get married with all of your guests, that is just not the case. If you are planning on having guests, you will most likely need to choose a permitted ceremony site or consider having your ceremony at an event-friendly rental with an amazing view. For couples with guests, we will plan an adventure either before or after the ceremony that allows us to more fully immerse ourselves in the wilderness!
Couples who choose to elope without guests will have more flexibility as far as ceremony locations and may not need to have their ceremony at a formal, permitted spot (unless they want to, of course)
What are your favorite elopement locations in Colorado?
When you choose to elope in Colorado, you are truly spoiled for choice with beautiful locations. Each area in Colorado has its own benefits and its own unique landscape and views. We work closely with each of our couples to provide them with their own list of location recommendations and to help them choose the perfect locations for their vision.
For couples who want the ultimate Colorado adventure, we suggest Crested Butte or Ouray. Both of these areas offer cute little mountain towns for you to stay in and some of the best hiking and off-road Jeep trails in the state.
For couples who want to be close to a larger town with many options for hiking and exploring, we recommend Estes Park (where Rocky Mountain National Park is located), Breckenridge, Aspen, or Telluride.
What permits will we need? How much do permits usually cost?
As much as we wish it was the case, there is no overarching rule for permits. The permits needed for your elopement will vary based on the location you choose, how many guests you invite, what other vendors you hire to be there, and even the time of year you choose for your elopement.
Over the years, we have spent a lot of time researching as well as contacting public land officials. We help walk our couples through the permitting process for their specific elopement plans to make it as simple as possible!
Permit costs will vary, but we find that permits most often range in cost from $25 to $1,500.
What does it mean to Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is a set of guidelines with the goal of leaving as little impact on nature as possible so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. There are seven principles to Leave No Trace: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Others. By being conscious of how we travel through and interact with the outdoors, we can ensure that we are being sustainable.
We are certified Leave No Trace photographers who believe in protecting the land that we get to explore. Each couple who books with us will receive a digital booklet that walks them through each of the seven principles and teaches them how to make responsible decisions when planning their elopement.
Do you travel outside of Colorado?
In the early days of Vow of the Wild, we traveled for about 50% of our elopements. But over the years, we’ve adopted two dogs, started becoming more conscious of our environmental impact, and fell more in love with Colorado elopements. For those reasons, we only take one or two elopements outside of Colorado each year.
Are there any travel fees for Colorado?
A majority of our packages do not require any additional travel fees for locations within Colorado. Travel throughout Colorado is included in all of our Photo + Video packages as well as all of our Photography packages with 8 or more hours of Coverage.
For Photography packages will less than 8 hours of coverage, we include the cost of travel for locations within 2 hours of Denver. This includes popular locations such as Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Estes Park, Breckenridge, and more.
When to Elope in Colorado
What is the weather like in Colorado?
We often joke that the Colorado mountains do seasons a bit differently. From the beginning of November through the end April feels like winter. May feels like late winter. June feels like early summer. July through mid-September feels like summer. For three weeks from mid-September through early October feels like autumn. And then the rest of October feels early winter.
Let’s break that down by month:
January: The least snowy of the winter months, but you can still expect snowy conditions with scattered bluebird days.
February: Similar conditions to January.
March: Often the snowiest month of the year.
April: This month will tease you with spring here and there, and then snow a foot on you the next day.
May: The snow is slowing down, but it’s still a possibility. Most high-elevation areas are inaccessible until the very end of the month.
June: We probably won’t get any more snow after the first week of June. A few of the high-traffic mountain passes will be plowed so that they can open this month, but the more remote ones will likely remain inaccessible. Trails will either still have snow or be muddy from the melting snow, but the temperatures will be pretty great. June is the beginning of our season of afternoon thunderstorms.
July: By mid-to-late July pretty much everything all trails and remote roads should be passable. Mid-July is peak wildflower season. The temperatures can get pretty hot in the middle of the day, and the afternoon thunderstorms are still present.
August: Proper summer. Wildflowers may linger into August a bit depending on our precipitation levels. But mostly everything is just going to be very green, and the temperatures will still be pretty warm like in July, as well as the continuation of the afternoon thunderstorms.
September: The first couple of weeks feel like summer is winding down. Everything is still green but the temperatures are cooling. Afternoon thunderstorms are less prevalent, and the very tops of the mountains may even start to get a dusting of snow sometime this month. The second half of the month is when the colors start to change and autumn takes hold. Peak fall foliage dates vary by region of the state. The temperatures in the evenings will be around freezing, as that’s what initiates the change in the leaves.
October: Depending on the region of the state, you may still catch some peak fall foliage early in the month. The likelihood of a bit of snow falling starts to increase, so if you get lucky, you might get some snow on the peaks and autumn colors on the trees at the same time. Once you get to mid-October and later, the autumn colors are gone, and the chances of snow continue to increase.
November: Some snow has already fallen in October, but this begins winter in earnest. There is still a chance of bluebird days in between but be prepared for cold and snow.
December: Similar conditions to November but with more snowpack.
What is the best time of year to elope in Colorado?
We’re sorry to cop out on this answer, but it really depends on what you want! Our personal favorite times are July, August, September, and the first week of October. But if you want cooler temperatures and are alright with some high-elevation options not being open yet, May and June are also wonderful. If you love the snow, then any time between November and April is a decent bet with March coming in as our least-favorite because of the high chance of winter storms.
What is the best time of day to elope in Colorado?
The specific location you choose within the state will often dictate this. But usually, around sunrise or sunset is going to be the best time of day to anchor your elopement day. Or you can even split your coverage between both! The reason we recommend those times in particular is because it will almost always give you the least amount of crowds, and the best lighting for your photos.
Why don't you suggest eloping on a weekend?
Simply to avoid crowds. In the past few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in people enjoying the outdoors. This means that popular (and even some less popular) outdoor locations have become very busy, particularly on weekends. Eloping on a weekday cuts down on crowds, and it also gives you less competition when getting permits, booking other vendors, and even accommodation.
How to Plan Your Elopement Day
How will you help us plan our elopement?
Many elopement photographers offer planning help with their packages. For most photographers, this includes providing you with the resources and letting you run with it. We take a more hands-on approach.
Instead, we provide the most comprehensive planning possible. Our main goal is to keep you organized all in one place and be available to answer your questions and give you advice every step of the way. Our Planning Portal provides all of that.
You’ll have access from your computer when you want to sit down and via the mobile app when you’re away from home. There’s space to talk over ideas and ask for advice, a comprehensive to-do list that breaks things down step by step, vow-writing tips, blogs full of interesting elopement ideas and locations, and anything else we have ever thought might be helpful.
What is the Planning Portal?
After booking, each of our couples receives their own collaborative elopement Planning Portal. It’s hosted online, so we can all update, view, and discuss it at the same time! Think Google Drive or Microsoft Teams, but BETTER!
In the Planning Portal, we will guide you through the entire process of planning your own elopement. You no longer need to worry about keeping things organized, wonder if you are forgetting something, or be unsure of what to do next!
Why do you specialize in full-day elopements?
It’s often a given that a wedding photographer should be there to capture the entire wedding day, so why should it be any different if you’re eloping? Your elopement day deserves just as much thought and documentation as a traditional wedding would.
Elopement days with less coverage force you to limit your vision, narrow down the locations you could explore, and often choose whether or not important events are captured.
Days with 8 to 12 hours of coverage open you up to so many more possibilities and give you the chance to slow down, explore more, and dedicate quality time with your partner and your guests.
What does an elopement day look like?
One of our favorite things about eloping is that you don’t have to follow a set of traditions or expectations. And because of that, every elopement we capture is a little bit different!
We work closely with each of our couples to craft each elopement from scratch, with no rules or expectations. We’ll offer ideas and a basic framework, but encourage our couples to get creative.
Will the location suggestions provided to us be personalized?
Yes! Your location suggestions will be customized for your unique elopement vision.
We will keep in mind your guest count, the region of Colorado you would like to stay in, the kinds of views you are most drawn to, what kind of activities you would like to do, as well as your preferred way of accessing your locations (this could include short walks, hikes, or off-road Jeep trails).
Is hiking required for an adventure elopement?
Absolutely not! Your elopement day will be custom-tailored to you and your partner! Not a hiker? That is totally okay! There are so many amazing places that don't require a hike. And if you still want to feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere, choose a location that's off the beaten path, consider renting a 4WD vehicle, or maybe even take a helicopter ride!
And if you do end up incorporating a short hike, rest assured knowing that we build in enough time to take all of our hikes at a slow pace. This not only helps avoid getting too tired or winded, but it also helps keep you from getting too sweaty and lets you really enjoy the journey.
How can we include guests on our elopement day?
There are actually a lot of different ways! First off, you can always invite some of your closest friends and family. Whether you want them to be a part of your day from beginning to end, or you’d like to incorporate them into part of the day while still having an adventure for just the two of you.
We’ll share a lot of different ideas in your Planning Portal. That will help you decide how best to include guests who are present and for how much of your day.
You also have options for guests who aren’t present, such as having them write letters for you to read on your elopement day, scheduling a video call with everyone back home, or just calling your closest loved ones as soon as you’re officially married!
Can we bring our dog?
Of course! As two major dog lovers, nothing makes us happier than when a couple brings their fur baby to their elopement.
Colorado is a very dog-friendly place and we can recommend a lot of locations where your dog is welcome. It is important to note that not everywhere allows dogs, so you may not have quite as many location options compared to if you didn’t bring your dog.
What to Expect on Your Elopement Day
What can we expect from you on our elopement day?
On your elopement day, the only thing you have to do is let go of your worries and fully immerse yourselves in each other, your guests, your adventure, and the beautiful landscape around you.
In addition to capturing your elopement, we’ll keep things organized, upbeat, and on track! Count on Alex to make all of the silly jokes, and Lisa to remind you to drink water and enjoy your food. We are also more than happy to test your cake to make sure it’s not poisonous.
Help! We're awkward in front of the camera!
We have a little secret to tell you. Just about every couple we’ve ever worked with has told us that they’re awkward or un-photogenic. And this couldn’t be further from the truth!
Our job is to make you feel comfortable in front of our cameras, or even better yet, forget that they exist altogether! We will be there with you the entire day, giving you guidance and reassurance, and making sure you are having the best day ever.
How to ease your nerves in front of the camera:
It’s completely normal to be a little bit nervous! But rest assured knowing that the nerves are only temporary.
Remember that we are here for you and we want you to feel comfortable and look your best.
When choosing the kinds of activities you want to do on your elopement day, consider things that feel natural and fun to you. When you’re having fun, you look great.
Give yourself permission to let go and really feel your emotions. Thirty years from now, you’ll want to remember the belly laughs and happy tears.
If you’re super nervous, consider booking an engagement session with us. That way you can get comfortable in front of our cameras before your elopement day.
And finally, talk to us about your worries, we’re here to help!
What if the weather is bad?
This is always a possibility when planning your elopement in the great outdoors. We find that some of the best moments are when you can just embrace what mother nature gives us and enjoy it anyway. So often, we’ll tough out weather that could otherwise be seen as a bit of an inconvenience. Luckily with an elopement, you often don’t have to worry about subjecting too many guests to something uncomfortable, so as long as you’re up for it, so are we. However, that being said, we never want to do anything unsafe. If the weather takes a turn for the worse and we need to pivot our plans, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate within reason, whether that’s choosing a backup location option or adjusting the timing of the elopement.
What does is mean to self-solemnize?
The basic definition of self-solemnization is marrying your partner without the need of anyone else to oversee it. No officiant and no witnesses. This gives you the option to have your ceremony completely by yourself, or, you can opt to have an officiant who isn’t legally ordained, like your sister, your best friend, or even your child. Only Colorado and a few other states allow this much freedom for your elopement ceremony!
Here in Colorado, you can even have your dog stamp their paw print as a witness to your ceremony!
Do you offer officiant services?
In specific situations, we do! Alex is legally ordained and can perform ceremonies in several different states. His approach is to dive into the confluence of things it took to align the two of you together and talk about the special commitment that marriage. It is highly recommended that you still write your own personal vows to exchange.
If you don’t need an officiant, but still want someone to help provide just a little bit of structure to your vow exchange, Alex can do that too!
How do I get a marriage license in Colorado?
You can get your marriage license in any Colorado county and use it anywhere within the state. Some of our couples choose to get their license at the county clerk + recorder where they are getting married, and some stop in Denver on their way into the mountains. Either way is perfectly fine!
There is no waiting period in Colorado, you can pick up your marriage license on the same day of your elopement!
What you need to get your marriage license:
Make an appointment in advance
Fill out your marriage license application
Pay a fee of $30
Bring proof of identity to your appointment
After your elopement day, you can either drop your license off in person, or mail it back in. You have 63 days to do this, but we recommend doing it as soon as you can!
Are you feeling overwhelmed about writing vows for your elopement?
Check out our step-by-step guide & workbook for writing your own vows! We’re here to help you get over your fear of the blank page and guide you in writing personal and thoughtful vows.
Elopement Videography
Should we hire an elopement videographer?
One of the most common post-wedding regrets couples report having is not getting a videographer.
But’s really up to you! We’re biased, but we do think that there’s just something really special about not only seeing your elopement in motion but even more importantly, being able to hear it again. Reliving your vows just isn’t possible in the same way without it.
Our elopement photos are hung up all across the walls of our home, but our elopement video is the thing we watch back on every anniversary, and we can’t wait to share it with future generations of our family.
What are the benefits of hiring one team for both photography and videography?
About 60% of our couples opt to hire us for photography and videography, and we love being able to capture our couples’ stories in two distinct mediums.
There are a few benefits of hiring a team for your photography and videography:
Your photos and video will look and feel cohesive.
A single photo + video team is accustomed to working together and able to seamlessly switch between mediums throughout the day. This allows you to focus your attention on your wedding day and not worry about making sure two separate teams are getting what they need.
Coordination during the planning process is simple.
Bundling photo + video together can often save you money on your package!
Do your videography packages include drone coverage?
Yes! Drone coverage is included in all of our elopement videography packages and we will use it when we are able. We love to use drone footage in our films to offer a different perspective and to further illustrate how beautiful the Colorado mountains are. Alex has his FAA Part 107 license, meaning that he is a licensed drone pilot.
It is important to note that some locations do not allow drone use, and drones cannot be flown in high winds, rain, or snow.
The Elopement Booking Process
How far in advance should we hire you?
The simple answer is the sooner the better. This gives you the most flexibility to choose exactly what you want, get the proper permits, and have great options for vendors, accommodations, and activities. For us personally, our average time between the date we book a couple and their elopement date is around 12 to 18 months in advance.
Can we meet you before booking?
Yes, in fact, we insist on it!
You’re likely choosing to elope because you value intimacy and quality time, spent together in nature. We only take on about 22 elopements a year, because we value really getting to know you. You wouldn’t invite a stranger to your elopement, so why would you want your photo + video team to feel like strangers? We’ll spend the months leading up to your elopement getting to know you (and maybe even your dog), but we’ll kick off the relationship with a group Zoom call!
What is required to officially book?
Once you’ve decided to book with us, let us know whether you’re interested in just photography, or photo + video. Then we’ll draft a quote and contract for you, and send it via email. You’ll use our online system to pick your package details, sign your contract, and make your payments. All payments can be made via credit, debit, or ACH. Initial payment varies based on the package selected, and time between booking and final elopement date.
We offer flexible payment plans to all of our couples.
How many elopements do you capture each year?
We don’t have a hard, set number of elopements that we take on each year, as it is more based on workload, date availability, and ensuring that we have adequate time to devote to each couple. On average, we book 18 elopements a year, with a maximum of 6 photo + video packages.
How are you responding to COVID-19?
For the safety of our couples and ourselves, we have made a few changes to the way we capture elopements.
