Frequently asked questions

I started Amanda Matilda Photography in 2012! Before that I second shot under some pros to get a better understanding of what went into documenting weddings. I fell in love with it immediately!

Will We Get the Digitals?

Yes! I cull through all the images and retouch them to my style (I like to call it vibrant and timeless!) and deliver the final images in an online gallery.

Are you 420 friendly?

Yep! I have lots of couples who enjoy smoke bars at their receptions, or share unity joints as part of their ceremony/celebration.

Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?

I don't just welcome LGBTQ+ couples — I actively celebrate and affirm them. I've been photographing LGBTQ+ love stories since before marriage equality was federally recognized and am committed to creating a safe, joyful experience for all couples regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. That inclusivity extends to every part of the planning and photography experience, and I only recommend vendors who share these values.

Why does Your experience matter?

Having been the primary photographer leading wedding days since 2012, I have seen just what having an experienced photographer does to help so many parts of your day. A photographer with this kind of experience has likely worked at your venue before and know all the great spots. I have a proven system for family photos to make sure it is quick and efficient while also suggesting combinations you might not have thought of but will deeply cherish. I have navigated drunk guests, big family opinions, hours-behind timelines and I know how to work well under pressure so that you don't feel any of the stress that might be happening behind the scenes!

Where are you based?

I am lucky to live in Grand Junction, Colorado! We're blessed with incredible locations to photograph right in our backyard, but also just a short trip into the Rocky Mountains or over to the desert of Moab!

Do you travel?

I travel for many of my elopements and weddings each year. I have learned in order to best serve my couples, I stick to the areas I know best (unless you have a location already selected!) of Colorado & Utah:

November-April: Grand Junction, Moab, Eastern Utah
May-October: Western Colorado like Crested Butte, Durango, Telluride, Ouray, Grand Mesa, Aspen, and more.

Will you come to the front range?

Since I have explored the most on the Western side of the state, I am not the best choice for your Denver or Colorado Springs elopement. If you already have a location/venue in mind, I'm happy to meet you there though!

How far in advance should I book you?

Wedding couples usually book me 9-18 months in advance. If you're wanting to work with me, I suggest booking as soon as you have a venue and date secured! July & Sept are my busiest months.

Elopements are typically booked anywhere from 2 weeks before to a year or more in advance! There is no right or wrong here, but weekdays are much more likely to be open than a Saturday.

Do you require a retainer fee?

I do require a retainer fee to save your date - this comes out of your final balance and isn't an additional fee - this reserves your big day in my calendar! 

What is your retainer?

For weddings and elopements, my retainer fee is $1,000, with the final payment due 30 days before the big day. You can make small payments along the way to chip away at it through your client portal, if you wish!

Portrait retainers are 50% with the final payment due the week before.

Do couples ever travel to you?

Another big YES here! Grand Junction is such an under-appreciated area, but is quickly becoming a destination for couples eloping in Colorado. I love showing you around the best spots of my backyard!

What is a bonus session?

A bonus session can be an engagement photo shoot, coverage of your rehearsal dinner, or a day-after adventure session! These sessions are 50% off with a wedding booking.

Why are albums important?

I include an album with many wedding collections because I believe in providing tangible products and creating imagery that will last a lifetime. Helping you create and keep your first family heirloom that you will pass down to your kids is something so awesome about my job, and I love to see my couples relive their wedding day as they flip through its pages weeks after the event!

When should we do engagement Photos?

It’s ultimately totally up to you! Save the dates typically go out 6-10 months ahead of the big day, so if you want engagement pictures to be part of those announcements, you should consider that in timing the engagement session. Other than that, if you have a favorite season you could do them at that time of year. Similarly if you are having a fall wedding and wanted a change of scenery for your engagement photos you could do spring blossoms for that session! It all depends on what you want for your images.

Do you have a second shooter?

While I shoot almost all of my weddings alone (most of my couples value the privacy and intimacy of one photographer!), I do have a few photographer friends who will second shoot if that is something you want to add-on!

Can we give you a shot list?

I will work with you through the wedding planning process to get a list of family members you want in your family formals. From there I will help by creating the perfect workflow list of groupings, and get your final approval and edits on that list! This really helps take the stress off you - I don’t want to give you one more thing for your to-do list when I could easily create the list based on my hundreds of weddings worth of experience! For portraits, if there are specific poses you want I’m happy to see your inspiration, but I don’t work off of a set shot list for that part of the day since I want you to be focused on the experience of the day and will guide you through prompts to help you look your best!

Can you help us pick a location?

Absolutely! This is why I specialize in certain parts of Colorado and Western Utah where I've explored the most. I love spending my free time checking out new hikes and areas, and have quite a few ideas stockpiled for elopements and sessions. You don't have to know your exact location(s) before booking! Many couples will book me for my expertise, style, and weird fun personality, then we'll hop on a Zoom call to go over your options based on what you're looking for!

Will you hike for our elopement?

Yeah! However, I am not the one to hike 12 miles or climb a mountain with you. I'm more in tune with the couples who don't want to get too sweaty on their big day and tend to cap out at 3-4 miles at the most. Plus out here there's tons of places you can off road right up to!

What if we're not adventurous?

I am a more "outsidey" than "outdoorsy" - so I get it! While I love to hike, the older I get I am honestly not into the crazy adrenaline-seeking activities most elopement photographers seem to be. BASE jumping is super cool, but I won't be jumping with you lol! Regardless of what is your favorite way to spend a day, eloping is for anyone. I work with ordinary couples and your elopement day should be tailored to the two of you! 

What if the weather sucks?

I always encourage embracing the weather, as it's a unique thing about your day, and as much as I wish I could, I can't control the weather! Plus the wind blowing in your hair or dress or veil, looks pretty dang cool in pictures! If the weather is terrible enough that it would super ruin things, we can usually reschedule or readjust though, so don't sweat it. Plus if you really want to add flexibility you can block off my schedule for the day before and day after as an add-on!

Do you help with planning?

Sure thing! I help with location ideas specific to what you're looking for, permit requirements for those spaces, how to get and sign a Colorado marriage license, tips for bringing your dog along, to fun activity options and vendor recommendations. You're not in this alone!

Can we bring our family?

Of course! Elopements can always have guests along. Typically couples will choose no more than a small handful of guests to make logistics as easy as possible and keep to the heart of why you're eloping. If you feel pulled to bring more, you might opt for a micro wedding at an intimate venue.

What should we do during our elopement?

First of all, there is no should with elopements (or weddings, if you ask me!) You can literally do whatever you want! Feel like exploring a ghost town and ending the day at your favorite brewery? Sweet, let's do it. Hate hiking but love taco trucks? Why don't we get dinner at your favorite spot? Always wanted to share your first dance and a champagne toast on the side of a cliff in the desert? I got you.

How much does it cost to elope in Colorado?

The total cost of eloping in Colorado typically ranges from $2,000 to $15,000+ depending on your priorities. Major expenses include photography, a marriage license ($30 in Colorado), permits (free to $400+ depending on location), an officiant (though Colorado allows self-solemnization, so you may not need one!), attire, flowers, and accommodations. Many couples spend far less than the national average wedding cost of $34,000+. Your biggest investment will likely be your photographer/planner, followed by travel and lodging.

Can you legally marry yourselves in Colorado without an officiant?

Yes! Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant present. You just need a valid Colorado marriage license — no witnesses are even legally required (though your photographer can serve as one!). This makes Colorado an especially popular destination for elopements, since couples can have a completely private ceremony anywhere they choose. I've helped hundreds of self-solemnizing couples navigate this process across Western Colorado.

How do I get a marriage license in Colorado?

Colorado marriage licenses can be obtained from any county clerk's office in the state, and many counties now offer online applications. There is no waiting period or blood test required, and the license is valid for 35 days after issuance. Both partners must be present with valid government-issued ID. Colorado does not have a residency requirement, making it ideal for destination elopements. The cost is approximately $30, though it varies slightly by county. Mesa County (Grand Junction) is a popular choice for couples eloping in Western Colorado. I walk all my couples through this process!

Do I need a permit to elope at Colorado National Monument?

Potentially. As of 2026, there are new laws that waive permits for groups of 8 people or fewer (this includes your photographer, videographer and officiant!) If you have more than 8 people, OR if you intend to bring in chairs, an arch, or other non-handheld props or equipment then you need a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service to hold a wedding or elopement ceremony at Colorado National Monument. The process involves submitting an application, and there are rules about group size, approved locations, and Leave No Trace practices. Since I'm based in Grand Junction (right next to the Monument), I have extensive experience navigating the permit process and know the best ceremony spots within the park.

Can I elope in Arches National Park or Canyonlands?

Yes, you can elope in both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, but each requires a Special Use Permit if you're more than 8 people or intend to bring in chairs, an arch, or other non-handhelp props/equipment. At Arches, ceremonies are limited to certain areas, and popular locations like Delicate Arch have specific restrictions. Canyonlands has its own permit process as well. The permit applications should be started well in advance. Dead Horse Point State Park is another gorgeous option nearby with dramatic canyon overlooks. I've photographed elopements throughout the Moab area and can help you navigate permit requirements and find the perfect spot.

What is the best time of year to elope in Western Colorado?

It depends on the landscape you're dreaming of! For wildflowers in Crested Butte and the San Juan Mountains, late June through mid-July is peak season. For fall foliage in Ouray, Telluride, and Ridgway, late September through mid-October is stunning. Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument have a longer season from April through November, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures. Winter elopements are beautiful at lower elevations, but most mountain passes close by mid-October. Summer months (July–August) are hot in the Grand Valley but gorgeous at higher elevations. I help couples match their vision to the right season and location.

What are the best elopement locations near Grand Junction?

Grand Junction has incredible variety! Colorado National Monument offers dramatic desert canyons and red rock formations. Palisade wine country gives you vineyard ceremonies with Mt. Garfield views. The Grand Mesa — the world's largest flat-top mountain — has over 300 lakes and alpine wildflowers. And Gateway offers remote canyon landscapes near the Utah border. Each location has a completely different vibe, from desert drama to alpine meadows to vineyard elegance. After 13+ years based here, I've scouted spots most photographers (and Google) don't even know about.

What elopement locations are available in Moab?

Moab has no shortage of jaw-dropping options. Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park both allow ceremonies with Special Use Permits. Dead Horse Point State Park is popular for its dramatic canyon overlooks. BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land surrounding Moab generally allows ceremonies without permits for small groups under 8 people. Specific favorites include the Dead Horse Point overlook, Green River Overlook in Canyonlands, and locations along the Colorado River. I help couples choose based on their vision, accessibility needs, group size, and time of year.

What is an elopement planner and do I need one?

An elopement planner helps you design and coordinate your elopement day — handling logistics like location scouting, permit acquisition, vendor recommendations, timeline creation, and some even offer day-of coordination. Unlike traditional wedding planners, elopement planners specialize in intimate celebrations and outdoor logistics. Whether you need one depends on how familiar you are with your chosen location and how much planning support you want. I offer some elopement planning services both bundled with my photography packages and as standalone services for couples who already have a photographer. With 13+ years of local expertise across Western Colorado and Moab, I can handle most things (aside from day-of coordination) to make your planning journey a breeze.

How much does an elopement photographer cost in Colorado?

Elopement photography in Colorado typically ranges from $1,500 to $10,000+, depending on the photographer's experience, coverage hours, and what's included. Budget photographers may charge $1,500–$2,500, mid-range photographers $3,500–$7,000, and premium photographers with extensive planning support $7,000–$12,000+. The key differentiator is often what's included beyond photography — planning support, location expertise, permit navigation, and vendor connections can make a huge difference in your experience and stress level on the day.

How long til we see our photos?

You'll get sneak peeks within 24-48 hours! None of those horror stories about waiting one year to see any of your images. Your full gallery is completed within 4-6 weeks of the wedding as well.

What's the album process like?

If your collection includes an album, I'll start by creating a first draft for us to work off of. I've found this is a much less overwhelming start than asking you to choose a number of images or design it yourself from a program. Who has time for that? From the first draft I'll get your feedback in an easy proofing system and make the edits for you. You'll have your finished album no more than 3 months after you receive your online gallery if you're quick to proof your album!

How many images will we receive?

Every wedding and elopement is totally unique, so I don't guarantee a set number of images. I work hard to document every candid moment and decor detail of the day to tell the full story of your day! On average, though, I deliver around 50 images per hour of coverage for events.

Can we have the raw unedited images?

No. The editing process is like putting together the ingredients of a cake and baking it til it's cooked! I would never give you raw ingredients when you ordered a full cake from me.