Planning an elopement in Colorado is a little different than planning a traditional wedding. When you’re exchanging vows on a snowy mountain pass, hiking to an alpine lake, or celebrating with whiskey at a cozy bar after sunset, your photographer often becomes more than someone holding a camera.

After photographing elopements all over Colorado, I’ve learned that the best questions couples ask aren’t always about photography itself. They’re about logistics, weather, timing, and the overall experience.

Here are the questions I recommend asking any elopement photographer before booking.

1. What should we wear for a Colorado winter elopement?

This might sound simple, but it’s one of the most important questions couples can ask.

Even when I explain how cold it can be in the Colorado mountains, couples sometimes show up wearing beautiful outfits paired with shoes that definitely aren’t meant for snow. The good news is you can absolutely look amazing and stay comfortable.

For winter elopements, I often recommend:

• Long underwear under your dress or suit

• Warm boots instead of dress shoes

• Mittens and hats ready to go between photos

You can still wear a stunning dress and a great suit—just with layers underneath. When you’re comfortable, you can focus on the moment instead of the temperature. Here is a blog post about what to wear in summer and winter! 

2. Is there hiking involved, and how much?

Some of the most epic locations in Colorado require at least a little bit of hiking.

That said, there are plenty of incredible spots that require minimal effort. Some couples want to stay close to the trailhead and celebrate afterward at a whiskey bar. Others want a full adventure—snowshoeing five miles into the backcountry or skiing to their ceremony location.

A good photographer will help you figure out:

• How far you’re comfortable hiking

• What terrain to expect

• Which locations match your vision and experience level

The key is having that conversation early so the day matches your version of adventure.

Winter hiking elopement blog post here.

3. What time of day should we plan our ceremony?

This is where a photographer’s experience really matters.

If you’re looking for the best light Colorado has to offer, sunrise or sunset is almost always the answer. Midday sun in the mountains can be extremely harsh and unforgiving in photos.

My favorite timelines often include:

• Sunrise vows

• Or sunset ceremonies that extend into the night

• Sometimes even stargazing portraits afterward

Not every couple wants or needs a full-day adventure, but planning around good light can make an enormous difference in your photos.

4. What happens if the weather turns bad?

This is one of the most important questions couples can ask.

Weather in Colorado changes quickly—especially in winter or during monsoon season. A good elopement photographer should always have a backup plan.

Personally, I only book two to three projects per week so I have flexibility if extreme weather requires adjustments. Most of the time we simply shift the timeline slightly earlier or later to avoid a storm.

Occasionally we may:

• Change locations
• Adjust the schedule
• Wait out a passing storm
• Be prepared for weather
• Or in rare cases, move the day entirely

Flexibility is critical when you’re adventuring in the mountains. Sometimes the safest choice is to pivot—and that’s okay.

Here is a snowsquall filled snowshoe elopement! 

5. Can we see a full gallery from a similar elopement?

Instagram shows highlights, but full galleries tell the real story.

If you’re planning:

• A 3-hour hiking elopement

• A sunset ceremony

• Or a backcountry adventure

You should ask to see a full gallery from something similar.

Experienced elopement photographers should have examples that match your vision so you can see how they capture the entire experience—not just a few curated images.

6. Does our location require a permit?

Many locations in Colorado require special permits for ceremonies or photography.

Your photographer should be able to help you understand:

• Which locations require permits

• How to apply for them

• Whether they can help obtain them

Navigating permits is part of protecting the landscapes we love while making sure your elopement goes smoothly.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Will you help guide us through the experience?

This is something many couples don’t realize until they start planning.

Elopement photographers often become part photographer, part planner, and part adventure guide. As someone who explores Colorado constantly, I help couples figure out timelines, lighting, weather plans, and locations that will work best for their day.

That guidance can make the difference between a stressful day and an unforgettable one.

Sunrise elopement where we booked a super obscure yurt for getting ready photos. 

Real examples from Colorado elopements

Some of the best moments happen because of last-minute flexibility.

For example:

• One couple expected snow for their elopement but arrived to completely clear conditions. Because the weather opened up access, I was able to take them to a location that’s normally unreachable in winter.

• Another winter adventure required bringing additional equipment at the last minute due to changing mountain conditions.

 

• One of my favorite Snowmass elopements even required skiing into the ceremony location—something I was able to do while carrying cameras so we could capture the moment.  Here is a link to this skiing elopement pictured below.

These kinds of adjustments are common when you’re planning an outdoor elopement. Being prepared—and flexible—makes all the difference.

A quick note if you’re worried about being photogenic

Almost every couple tells me the same thing when they first reach out:

“We’re not photogenic.”

The truth is, everyone says that—and if you look through my work, everyone looks amazing.

You don’t need to know how to pose or perform for the camera. My job is to guide you and help you feel comfortable so you can focus on the experience. When you’re relaxed and present, the photos take care of themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

What couples value most about eloping

The couples I work with usually care about a few things above all else:

• Intimacy and privacy

• Beautiful landscapes

• Genuine emotional moments

• A simple, meaningful experience

Many couples self-officiate and focus on the experience rather than a traditional wedding timeline.

Some want a short celebration. Others want a full adventure day.

The most popular option tends to be about four hours of coverage, often starting around sunset and ending under the stars.

 

The best feedback I receive

After every elopement, the thing couples say most often is how grateful they are for the guidance throughout the process.

Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming at first, especially in a place like Colorado where weather, permits, and mountain logistics come into play.

Helping couples navigate that—and then delivering photos they absolutely love—is the part of this work I’m most obsessed with.

And hearing that feedback never gets old.

This elopement pictured in the blog was just full of laughs. 

The couples I work with usually care about a few things above all else:

• Intimacy and privacy

• Beautiful landscapes

• Genuine emotional moments

• A simple, meaningful experience

Many couples self-officiate and focus on the experience rather than a traditional wedding timeline.

Some want a short celebration. Others want a full adventure day.
The most popular option tends to be about four hours of coverage, often starting around sunset and ending under the stars. If you’re curious how different coverage lengths work, you can explore my elopement photography pricing and packages to see what options are available.

FAQs About Hiring an Elopement Photographer

How far in advance should we book an elopement photographer?

Many Colorado elopement photographers book 6–12 months in advance, especially for peak summer and fall dates.  However, many couples book me 2-3 months out or even week of during slower seasons!

Do we need a permit for a Colorado elopement?

Some locations require permits for ceremonies or photography. An experienced photographer should help guide you through this process.

Can we elope in Colorado in the winter?

Absolutely. Winter elopements can be incredible, but proper clothing and flexibility with weather conditions are essential.

 

Planning a Colorado Elopement?

If you’re dreaming about an intimate ceremony in the Colorado mountains, I’d love to help you plan it.

Whether you’re imagining a short sunset ceremony or a full-day backcountry adventure, I help couples navigate locations, timelines, weather plans, and everything else that makes an elopement day truly unforgettable.

If you’re starting to plan your own mountain wedding, take a look at my elopement photography pricing and packagesto see what coverage options work best for your day.

I’d love to hear what kind of adventure you’re dreaming about.