THE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
Are you a mover and shaker that feels like planning a big traditional wedding just isn't "you"?
Enter the world of eloping! Together we will craft a beautiful authentic experience completely personalized for you.
Get ready for your best day yet.
First, what does it mean to elope?
Eloping is the decision to intentionally craft a day that celebrates the two of you in an intimate and meaningful manner.
If you're feeling like a big traditional wedding has too much focus on choosing linen colors or deciding what songs will get your guests out on the dance floor, and not enough focus on truly celebrating your love, then eloping may be for you.
By eloping, you're:
- Able to do whatever you want! Imagine your wedding day as the best date you've ever had together.
- Taking the brave step to do something outside of the status quo in order to authentically celebrate your love.
- Choosing to create an intimate setting that feels sacred and meaningful.
- Not concerned about pleasing anyone else but yourselves.
Curious what an elopement day can look like? Take a look!
3:00 pm - We begin our day together at a local coffee (or ice cream!) shop and snap a few photos.
3:30 pm - We hop in the off-roading Jeep rental and begin our tour of a few super cool places in the desert!
4:30 pm - Arriving at our first spot, you two take some time to explore the beautiful scenery around you.
5:20 pm - We head off to our next stop, pausing along the way for any photo ops or site seeing.
6:10 pm - Having made it to our next spot, we hike around a bit until the perfect ceremony spot is found. The two of you exchange vows and share a first dance as the sun begins to set.
7:15 pm - A celebratory meal is shared amongst candlelight and starry skies.
8:00 pm - We begin our drive back to your Airbnb, where you have one last activity planned for your day.
8:30 pm - It's time to unwind as you both recline in your Airbnb hot tub overlooking the starry desert, raising a toast to this next chapter together!
A HALF DAY IN MOAB, UT
Curious what an elopement day can look like? Take a look!
7:00 am - Start the day with some cozy vibes in your A-frame Airbnb with a little breakfast in bed.
8:00 am - It's time to start getting ready for all of the fun activities planned for the day.
9:00 am - We head out the door and drive to a trailhead in the gorgeous surrounding mountainsides.
9:30 am - Breathtaking views surround us as we begin our hike to the ceremony site.
10:30 am - We arrive at the spot and you two share an intimate moment exchanging personal vows.
11:00 am - A celebratory toast is made and the two of you share a first dance together in nature.
11:30 am - The two of you take some time to explore, indulge in a light lunch, and relax before heading back down the trail.
1:30 pm - Back at the trailhead, we drive over to the Dillon Reservoir for an afternoon of kayaking on the water!
4:30 pm - With a delicious meal awaiting you, we begin our journey back to the Airbnb.
5:00 pm - Time to enjoy a five course meal prepared by a private chef as you unwind by the fire and smile at the day you both shared.
A Full Day in Breckenridge, CO
Curious what an elopement day can look like? Take a look!
12:30 pm - I arrive at your Airbnb and the process of getting ready begins - hair, makeup,..the whole get up!
2:15 pm - We step outside and the two of you share your first look and a private moment together.
2:45 pm - With the car packed, we drive off to the Hoh Rain Forest for a hike.
3:15 pm - Lush green forests surround us as we arrive at our trailhead and begin the hike to the ceremony site.
4:00 pm - At the ceremony site, you have time to relax, explore, and whatever else, beginning your ceremony when you feel the time is right!
5:30 pm - The hike back down begins - with candid pics along the way, of course!
6:15 pm - Back at the trailhead, we have a quick celebration before hopping back in the car to go explore a piece of coastline.
7:00 pm - Arriving at the ocean, you walk hand-in-hand along the coast, exploring tide pools and taking in the beautiful rock formations.
7:40 pm - After exploring, time to snuggle up on a blanket and indulge in your first meal together as newlyweds as the sun is setting.
8:50 pm - That's a wrap! We snap a few pictures under the stars and then it's time to head back to the Airbnb!
A Half Day in Olympic National Park, WA
Your wedding day shouldn't feel like one never-ending photoshoot - it should be full of memory-making activities that are true to you and that end up being the best date you've ever had together. That's why you can count on me to be more than just your photographer - I'm here to be a real friend ready to make your day stress-free, fun, and full of candid moments. I truly care about each couple I work with!
My style focuses on capturing real moments that occur between the two of you and any family members or friends that may be present. I may provide gentle suggestions and help straighten attire or fix hair, but the organic moments are what we are seeking. That is where realness and intimacy can be found. Trust me on this, your photos are going to be beautiful and I will be there for you every second of the day!
Creating beautiful art together requires that you show up as your true self. Be ready to be vulnerable, to let your guard down, and be emotionally available. There will be plenty of laughs, but don't be afraid to cry, too! And if you're unsure about whether or not you'll be capable of this - I'm pretty dang good at getting people to relax in front of a camera.
the "best Friend" experience
allow moments to happen organically
help you to be yourselves
The Elopement Process
First steps:
- First, familiarize yourself with adventure elopements to decide whether or not eloping is for you two. Take my free quiz to help you decide if eloping makes sense for you!
- Next, gather inspiration from previous elopements and intimate weddings to learn more about what is possible (*hint* the possibilities for your day are endless but I'm 1000% here to help you plan out your day!)
- If you feel like we are a good fit, fill out my contact form and share with me your stories and what ideas you might have for your best adventure yet. You'll receive an email with a free guide, a brainstorming prompt, and a link to schedule a call with me.
Elopement FAQs
What is an adventure elopement?
Can we invite guests to our elopement?
Should we elope?
Where to elope?
best time to elope?
Is eloping legal?
continued
An adventure elopement is the intentional choice to have an intimate exchanging of vows in a setting that instills feelings of newness and excitement. It's all about what is important to you!
Yes! To preserve the intimacy of your day, I highly recommend staying under 30 guests. Some public space areas have restrictions on number of guests allowed, but I will work with you to find the best available option.
Typically, couples who decide to elope are narrowed in on intentionality and intimacy. It's a conscious decision to forego typical wedding traditions and customize a truly special wedding day. Need help deciding? Check out my eloping resources here!
There are so many amazing places that you can get married at - whether it's a specific scenery you're after, a certain activity, or a location with special meaning, I can help you locate the perfect spot! You can also read up on some amazing possibilities here!
Is there a date that is meaningful to you? Do you envision spring flowers or snowy landscapes? Depending on the location, we can determine the best season to elope. To preserve the intimacy of your day, I suggest eloping on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Yes, so long as rules and regulations for that area are followed. However, it can be complicated with some locations. Don't let that deter you though - YOU get to define what day your wedding is. Many couples choose to handle the legalities once back home and that is totally okay!
Elopement FAQs
go back
Do we need an officiant?
what is self-solemnization?
Do we need to hike to get stunning photos?
what does the ceremony look like?
Do I need any vendors?
how much photo coverage do we need?
Some states require an officiant if you want to legally be married the day you elope, others (like Colorado) do not. I'm ordained if you need me, or perhaps a close family member or friend can get ordained and be your officiant. Or, you can simply decide to handle the legalities later and still have a beautiful ceremony and vow exchange because you decide your wedding day.
This means you and your partner have the power to marry each other without an officiant or witness present! Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. are the only self-solemnizing states. You'll just need to fill out your marriage license and file it with the state.
Absolutely not! Not everyone dreams of hiking 10 miles on their wedding day, and I'm here to say that that won't stop you from exploring beautiful landscapes. If you'd rather explore a town, that totally counts as an adventure, too!
There are no rules - it can look however you want! But some inspiration includes exchanging personal vows, exchanging rings, first kiss, first dance, shouting from the top of the mountain, instrumental playing or singing, planting a unity tree, sage smudging or handfasting - the list goes on!
Up to you! Vendors on your elopement day could like like a hair and makeup artist, a florist to make a beautiful sturdy bouquet, private chefs to cook up a delicious meal, etc! I'm happy to help provide vendor recommendations as well.
For an adventure elopement, I recommend at least 4-6 hours of coverage, with full day coverage lasting 10-12 hours. Some couples only want the ceremony photographed, but think about how you could transform the entire day into one big wedding adventure! This is your special day, why not go all out? If financials are a concern, I'm happy to offer a payment plan and help plan a budget-friendly day!
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Rocky Mountain wedding and elopement photographer based in Colorado and telling love stories from all over the globe.
No travel fees.
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I'm Melissa
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Rocky Mountain wedding and elopement photographer based in Colorado and telling love stories from all over the globe.
No travel fees.
You know that feeling of a receiving a letter in the mail from a friend? I love it too! Join my email list (warm touches included) to receive all the goodies - giveaways, exclusive deals, updates on my travel schedule, and more!
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