Love and happiness radiate from the inside out. Don’t just remember how it looked… Remember how it felt.
Couples choose to elope for a lot of reasons.
But it all comes down to one thing: You don’t want a big wedding.
All your time and energy can and should go into celebrating your love on a picture-perfect day that’s 100% you.
With me completely focused on documenting your memories in the making, you can soak it all up in the now and focus on what matters: each other.
- Kate & Chris F.
I’ve documented elopements all over the country, but Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park just hit different. Here’s a bit of breathtaking location inspiration within the state of Colorado.
Here’s how to get started.
I’ll handle the photos and timeline so you can focus completely on making memories that last forever.
I’ll create and share a detailed, personalized inspiration guide to help you plan the perfect day from the moment you wake up.
I’ll get to know you as a couple — and everything you’re dreaming about for your elopement.
Every couple deserves to have an elopement experience as unique as they are — and photos that let them remember how it felt for the rest of their lives.
I’m honored to work with same-sex couples and folks in the LGBTQIA+ community.
When I was photographing elaborate weddings, I saw that so many couples make decisions about their weddings based on what they think they should do. What their families want. What their guests expect.
There are a lot of boxes to check.
And on a day that’s supposedly all about them, most newlyweds never actually have more than a moment to themselves.
Elopements are special because they give you time.
Time to plan the day you’ve always envisioned but maybe never thought possible. Time to laugh. Time to explore. Time to savor kisses — not steal them. Time to get caught in a rain shower or lost in a sunrise. Time to bask in every amazing moment.
Elopements are days where couples can spoil the heck out of themselves. No shoulds, no expectations.
It means everything to me to help illustrate the story you’re writing together as you do the things you love — with the one you love.
I’m currently booking elopement photo sessions in Colorado, throughout the United States, and in select international locations — contact me to find out if your dream location is doable and start planning!
My favorite U.S. destination for elopements is Colorado (it’s also my home base). The climate is perfect for elopements between June and October.
Some of my favorite locations for photographing elopements in Colorado include Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Crested Butte, Garden of the Gods, and the San Juan Mountains.
My other favorite U.S. destinations for elopements include Hawaii, Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. If you’re thinking of a fall elopement, the East Coast is spectacular, too!
That all depends on the experience you want — but not necessarily.
Almost all the ceremonies and time couples spend exploring together happen outdoors, but I love telling the full story of a couple’s day.
That often includes indoor activities like getting ready together at an Airbnb, grabbing beers at a brewery, enjoying a celebratory meal at a restaurant, enjoying a private chef experience, or traveling by plane, train, or car.
Once you decide on where exactly you would like to elope, I’ll help you figure out permits you need and any other important considerations.
More and more places are requiring permits. Most permit fees are under $350, but every location has its own rules and regulations.
Here’s the best part about eloping: You can do whatever the hell you want.
But if you’re looking for inspiration… I’ve had couples do a science experience, land a helicopter on a glacier and enjoy a private picnic, go sea kayaking, hike, go off-roading, ride a tandem through a cute mountain town, get matching tattoos, take a boat ride, hire a private chef, go horseback riding, eat pizza in a park…
I recommend doing something meaningful to you and your partner — or even using this opportunity to check something off your bucket list.
It varies by state! Some states require one or two witnesses for your marriage license. And then there’s Colorado, probably one of the easiest places in the world to get married. You can self-solemnize, which means there is no officiant or witness required.
Your dog could even witness your marriage license.
It depends on the state.
If you do need one, I can legally sign the marriage license as your officiant in most states!
I won’t be talking during the ceremony — I’ll be busy taking pictures — but because I’m ordained, you can have a self-solemnization-style ceremony that’s actually official.
And remember: In Colorado, you can self-solemnize, which means there is no officiant or witness required.
Eloping means you’re making your wedding choices for you first. If having friends and family there for your day is what you want, then yes, please! I can't wait to meet them.
Eloping means you’re making your wedding choices for you first. If having friends and family there for your day is what you want, then yes, please! I can't wait to meet them.
Eloping is a bit adventurous! And as much as we set ourselves up for success (factoring in weather, scenery, crowds when we pick a wedding date/location/time of day), sometimes rain and snow do happen.
And the couples I photograph often find that makes for the best photos and stories!
We will plan for the best and prepare for the worst in advance — so we’re ready for whatever the weather throws at us.
Almost every couple tells me they are nervous about being in front of the camera.
It might take some getting used to, but I promise to help make you feel comfortable. Once you’re wrapped up in the excitement of the day, you’re probably even going to forget the camera is there.
Goodness, yes.
I want your whole experience to be fun! (Isn’t that part of the reason you’re eloping in the first place?)
Yes, the who, what, when, and where of it all requires some thought… But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
My advice: Hire vendors that you trust and pour your time and energy into only the things that excite you or are meaningful to you.
Keep reminding yourself of what really matters to you at the end of the day.
In short, no.
On your wedding day, I’m going to be focused on what I do best — photography! (And making sure that you’re enjoying each moment as much as possible.)
I have some amazing recommendations if you’re looking for a professional who can set things up, coordinate other vendors, and make sure everything unfolds smoothly behind the scenes on your wedding day.
On average, each hour of photography coverage yields 40 to 60 images.
You know it!
I offer local engagement sessions year round in Northern Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park!