Unforgettable & Unique: The Wildest Elopements I’ve Ever Photographed
The Most Unique Elopements I've Ever Photographed
If you're dreaming of an elopement that’s more "epic mountaintop" than "traditional aisle," you're my kind of couple. I’ve had the absolute honor of photographing elopements that push the limits of adventure and creativity—from saying vows deep inside glittering ice caves, to galloping into a ceremony location on horseback, to standing beneath crashing waterfalls in full wedding attire.
Every love story is different—and so is every elopement I shoot. Here are some of the most unforgettable ones I’ve had the joy of documenting.
Ice Caves & Waterfalls: A Winter Elopement Dream Come True
When a bride told me she had a vision of standing inside an ice cave in her wedding dress, I was all in — and totally committed to making it happen. After all, part of what I love about elopements is helping couples bring their wildest ideas to life.
We planned a winter ceremony at the base of a frozen waterfall, then followed it with portraits deep inside a glittering ice cave. I offered them a few location options (based on safety, accessibility, and epic views), and they chose the one that felt right for their adventure.
The day of the elopement, I arrived early to scout and make sure everything was good to go — I always do this when conditions are unpredictable or extra wild. These two were so brave and so full of joy — strapping on microspikes, hiking through snow, and stepping into freezing temps like total pros. But what I remember most isn’t the cold — it’s the nonstop laughter and how happy they looked to be doing this together.
It was everything she dreamed of… and then some.
Sand Dunes, Aspen Trees & One Very Sleepy Pup
When this couple reached out, they told me they wanted something remote, peaceful, and 100% dog-friendly for their sweet pup Moose. Instantly, I thought of the Great Sand Dunes National Park — wild, dramatic, and unlike anything else in Colorado. But as it often goes with National Parks, wedding permits can get a little tricky. So I offered them an alternative: a nearby grove of aspen trees, tucked away from the crowds, where they could share their vows privately.
It turned out to be the perfect plan. After their ceremony under the aspens, we made our way into the dunes for golden hour portraits — hiking barefoot through the soft peaks while the wind carried their laughter (and a few wedding wishes) into the sky.
They drank champagne on top of a sand dune, let Moose curl up for a nap right on her wedding dress, and embraced the wind, the quiet, and the joy of doing things their way. It was raw and beautiful and entirely them.
Horseback Vows & Golden Aspens
This couple originally planned a traditional wedding with family and friends, but as things got complicated, they realized what they truly wanted was an experience — something simple, grounded, and unforgettable.
So they pivoted.
With the help of a friend who owns a horseback tour company, they chose to elope in a remote area of Telluride, only accessible by trail ride. A few days before the big day, we all saddled up and rode out to scout the perfect spot. Growing up riding horses myself, I felt totally in my element — it honestly reignited a piece of me I didn’t even realize I missed. And it reminded me how powerful it can be when couples center their elopement around something they already love doing together.
On the day of the elopement, we rode under golden aspen leaves in peak fall color, winding our way to a quiet mountain meadow beside a flowing stream. There, they exchanged vows in total privacy, followed by a simple picnic with their closest people.
It was peaceful, meaningful, and such a beautiful reminder that elopements can feel just as full and connected — even without the big guest list.
Ghost Towns & Golden Hours
Some couples want mountain views. Others want something a little more off-the-beaten-path. These two wanted both — and a side of spooky charm.
Fall in Telluride is always magical, but this elopement had a unique twist: the couple had a shared love of exploring ghost towns across the country. So when we discovered a historic ghost town tucked along a remote 4x4 road just outside of town, it felt meant to be.
They exchanged vows on the shores of a nearby alpine lake, surrounded by vibrant fall colors and sweeping mountain peaks — then headed off to explore the abandoned buildings, golden aspens rustling around them. We ended the day with a champagne toast, laughing and soaking in the view as the light faded behind the mountains.
It was romantic, a little quirky, and so them — and that’s exactly what made it perfect.
A Hidden Waterfall & One Epic “I Do”
When this couple told me they wanted a nature-filled elopement with a serious “wow” factor, I knew just the kind of places to suggest. We explored a handful of epic locations, but one idea stopped them in their tracks — a remote, 50-foot waterfall that feels like something straight out of a dream.
What they didn’t know? It took me three separate attempts to even find this spot while scouting. But once I did, I knew it was the place. And I’m keeping its name under wraps — partly to preserve its untouched beauty and partly because, let’s be honest, some places are worth the chase.
On the day of the elopement, the couple hiked in wearing their wedding attire (yes, even the groom in his wool suit!) without hesitation. When we reached the base of the waterfall, we all just stood there for a moment — in awe of where we were, of what the day meant, and of how nature has this way of making everything feel bigger and deeper.
It was quiet, powerful, and totally unforgettable.
No two love stories are the same — and your elopement day shouldn’t be either. Whether you're dreaming of icy caves, golden aspens, hidden waterfalls, or a ghost town adventure with your dog by your side, I’m here to help bring your vision to life in a way that feels effortless, exciting, and uniquely you. If you're an easygoing, adventurous couple who values experiences over expectations, let's start planning your one-of-a-kind day. There’s no idea too wild — just the perfect story waiting to be told.