These elopement photography ideas are designed to get you thinking outside of the box. This list includes suggestions that will provide unique photo opportunities and allow you to build core memories on your micro wedding or elopement day.

A wedding day time capsule

The first time I saw a couple do this one their wedding day, I thought it was just the most unique idea! They found a custom chest on Etsy, and filled the time capsule with ticket stubs, love letters, cards, and photos from their relationship so far. During their elopement adventures, they dedicated a special time to sit and add things to the chest. It made for great photos, and I’ll always feel lucky for the stories and memories they shared with me that day.

Try something new

Create some core memories! It doesn’t have to be as serious as a bucket-list adventure (though it certainly can be). Consider trying something you’ve always wanted to do together. It doesn’t even have to be wedding-related! The best part? You’ll have a photographer there to document just how amazing that experience was.

Some unique elopement photography ideas include:

• Hiring a private chef or unique food experience! Ever heard of pop-up picnics?!
• Rent your dream vehicle for the day
• Hike a trail you’ve never been on before, but always wanted to see
• Charter a bike for a portion of the day. This is also a great rehearsal dinner option, or day after session adventure, too!
• Take a helicopter ride or scenic flight
• Soak in a hot spring
• Head to a vineyard and create your own custom wine blend to cork and save for your anniversary
• Explore the surrounding area by horseback, Jeep, gondola, hot air balloon, or train

Share a first look

With your partner, your family, your kids, or your pet! Whoever you’re keeping your wedding look a surprise from. This is a great opportunity to create a special moment for a grand reveal.

Choose unique wedding day lodging

This is a fabulous opportunity to stay at that boutique you’ve always dreamed of, rent that dream home on Airbnb or VRBO, or try glamping! Not only will this add to your experience and aesthetic, but it will make for great photography opportunities.

Here are some ideas to get your wheels turning

• A-Frame Club in Winter Park, Colorado
• Search Airbnb or VRBO for treehouses!
• Aman Resorts
• Private yurts at an Alaskan glacier – that’s what this couple did!
• Cute cabin with a private hot spring
• A luxury ranch stay like Winding River
• Under Canvas near your favorite National Park

Read your wedding vows privately

Ever feel like you might edit or change your wedding vows if you knew there was an audience? Writing vows or letters to read to your partner privately is a great way to slow down and put aside some special time for yourselves on your day. For photos of these intimate moments, ask your photographer to hang back and photograph with a long lens. Then, get lost in the moment and let your emotions flow freely.

Or with your just your dog. 🙂

Letters from family and friends

I love this idea for any elopement or micro wedding. Ask friends and family who won’t be in attendance to write you a letter to read on your wedding day! It’s is a great way to include them in the experience without them physically being there. Plus, then you have a nice little keepsake to revisit and reread years down the road. I love photographing these moments because they generate a full range of emotions.

Matching wedding tattoos

Let’s make this marriage permanent, baby! Take a break from the series of wedding events and head over to a local tattoo parlor to get matching tattoos. You can even look into traveling tattoo artists who can come to you (at your unique lodging). 😉

Let your dog witness your marriage license

It’s legal in Colorado! Bring along a pet-safe ink pad and let your pet put their paw print on your marriage license.

Start a new tradition together

This is the perfect time to start a yearly tradition together. Maybe every year on your anniversary you re-read vows, add one item to a memory box, revisit the place you got married, check some thing off your bucket list, or take a Polaroid selfie together. What would be so you?

Wedding portraits after dark

Who says the fun has to end when the sun goes down? Ask your photographer to capture unique photos after dark! This could include stargazing, gathering around a campfire, or sharing a romantic first dance or meal under the market lights.

Personalized elopement photography ideas

If you’re looking for a photographer who can help you brainstorm elopement photography ideas that are personal to you, let’s talk! Schedule a discovery call now and see if we’re a good fit.