Elopements in Western Colorado and Moab
PHOTOGRAPHY + PLANNING FOR COUPLES WHO WANT
EPIC SCENERY WITHOUT THE STRESS
Intimate celebrations across Colorado's Western Slope, San Juans, and Moab, Utah
LET ME GUESS…
You started planning a traditional wedding, but everything felt performative.
The idea of being the center of attention for 100+ people sounds exhausting.
You'd rather spend your day somewhere that actually means something to you—not a wedding venue chosen from a Pinterest board.
You want your wedding to feel intentional and true to who you are, not like you're following someone else's script.
But when you started researching elopements, the logistics felt overwhelming.
Permits. Timelines. Vendor recommendations. Location scouting. Suddenly "simple" didn't feel so simple anymore.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE.
And you don't have to figure it all out yourself.
IMAGINE YOUR elopement DAY…
A wedding day that's completely about the two of you.
Feeling comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, knowing you're working with someone who gets you—and who will gently guide you to look your best.
Spending your entire day doing exactly what makes you happy.
Having 13+ years of local expertise on your side, so every detail is handled and you can stay fully present.
Spending a fraction of what a traditional wedding costs, investing in an experience that actually reflects who you are.
Having complete flexibility to design your perfect day—whether that includes accessible overlooks with stunning views, a vineyard ceremony, hot springs, stargazing, or whatever speaks to you.
Award-winning photos that transport you back to the best day of your life, every time you look at them.
YOUR WEDDING DAY CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT WHEN YOU ELOPE.
Location Scouting
So you can stop googling, posting to forums, and wasting your time trying to find the perfect spot. I've spent countless hours driving the back roads or with my nose in a map (you should see how many spots I've flagged) to help you narrow down and find the best spot for you to spend your day.
Timeline Planning
So we're in the best places at the best times - cuz this is probably your first elopement, right? Whether you’re planning activities for your elopement or just need help with timing the perfect sunset ceremony, I love to help my couples with creating the perfect timeline for the day. I’ll create an agenda, with as much specific or general timing as we want, and what spots and activities we’ll be doing there.
Permit Guidance
Eloping in the west means navigating permits and other legal requirements. OOF right? You can rest easy, though. I know alllll the requirements and what we need to do.
Activity Ideas
From helping you brainstorm ideas you’ve never considered, to helping you with the logistics of making those ideas happen, consider me your go-to person to bounce things off of so you can craft the most amazing day you can imagine!
Vendor Recommendations
Small mountain and desert towns can be hard to find vendors at all, let alone ones who show up in an online search. Having helped couples elope in these areas for over nine years now, I’ve gotten to know all the pros to recommend to help bring your visions to life.
Group Photo List Creation
If you’re having guests along for the day, I will help create a formals list so that we have a list of groups to make sure we’re not missing any combos on the day-of.
Elopement Guide
You’ll receive access to my 124 page elopement guide full of everything you could ever have questions about for how to elope! From marriage license navigation, to emergency kit checklists, to advice for what to wear, to choosing your lodging, and so much more – this guide is your new best friend
Location Expertise
So you can stop googling, posting to forums, and wasting your time trying to find the perfect spot. I've spent countless hours driving the back roads or with my nose in a map (you should see how many spots I've flagged) to help you narrow down and find the best spot for you to spend your day.
Timeline Planning
From sunrise ceremonies to multi-location days, I'll create a timeline that gets you to the best spots at the best times—with buffer room so you're never rushing. I’ll create an agenda, with as much specific or general timing as we want, and what spots and activities we’ll be doing there.
Permit Navigation
Eloping in the west means navigating permits and other legal requirements. OOF right? You can rest easy, though. I know alllll the requirements and will walk you through every step.
Activity Ideas
Whether you want a picnic, a hot springs soak, a vineyard toast, or just stunning photos with minimal hiking—I'll help you design a day that feels authentically you.
Vendor Recommendations
Small mountain and desert towns can be hard to find vendors at all, let alone ones who show up in an online search. Having helped couples elope in these areas for over nine years now, I’ve gotten to know all the pros to recommend to help bring your visions to life.
Group Photo List Creation
If you’re having guests along for the day, I will help create a formals list so that we have a list of groups to make sure we’re not missing any combos on the day-of.
Elopement Guide
You’ll receive access to my 124 page elopement guide full of everything you could ever have questions about for how to elope! From marriage license navigation, to emergency kit checklists, to advice for what to wear, to choosing your lodging, and so much more – this guide is your new best friend
Elopement Planning Services
These planning services are included in all my elopement photography packages—AND are now available as standalone services for couples who've already hired a photographer or prefer to book planning separately.
COMPREHENSIVE ELOPEMENT SUPPORT
Because Your Day Should Feel As Good As It Looks
Your wedding day should feel Effortless.
I help couples create celebration days that are private, intentional, and completely stress-free.
You chose to elope to avoid wedding anxiety—not to create new planning stress.
Whether you need comprehensive planning support or just want award-winning photography of the day you've already designed, I'm here to make sure your experience is as incredible as the scenery.
All the fun, without the fuss
Part of why you wanted to elope was having fewer things to stress about than a traditional wedding, so why would you still want the hassle of planning your elopement day?
You’re not picky about the details, you just care about a great experience
grand junction
All-inclusive Elopements
Elopement Photo Gallery
I hear this constantly.
And after spending the day together, couples always tell me how natural and easy it felt.
"We're awkward in Photos"
When you're comfortable with the people you're with and genuinely enjoying yourself, everything else falls into place.
I'm not here to pose you for hours or make you perform.
I'm here to document your day as it unfolds—the real moments, the in-between glances, the way it actually felt to be there.
And here's what matters most:
You don't have to be extreme athletes.
You don't have to look a certain way.
You don't have to hike 10 miles for incredible images.
Come as you are. You're welcome here.
“When we got the photos, my husband said, 'She made us look like models!' She really did.”
-Rachel & Loren
The secret?
your first family heirloom
Want to add on an Heirloom Album, full of photos that tell the story of your day? You can flip through its pages and relive those moments you long for from the day. No more realizing years down the road you never did anything with your elopement photos!
PLUS you'll get professional design assistance, so you're not stranded doing all the work yourself, picking out hundreds of images and maneuvering software you're not used to. We're all about easy around here, if you haven't noticed!
"We have been passing around our photo album with family over the last couple days and everyone is loving it. We wanted to thank you again for your work!"
-Clinton & Ruth
You don't want an all-day Photoshoot?
Oh good, Me neither.
Elopement Timeline Example
2:30 - GETTING READY
Getting ready at your vacation rental or campsite. You help each other get ready, put on a pot of coffee, and take your time as you begin your wedding day. We'll break the ice and get used to hanging out.
3:30 - CEREMONY
We head out to your ceremony location where you'll exchange vows, rings, a unity ceremony and sign the papers to make things official. Share a toast or speeches to celebrate!
4:30 - GROUP PHOTOS
Spend some time taking photos with everyone in attendance in this beautiful place you've made this next step in your adventure together. Those images you'll look back at on their birthdays each year.
5:00 - DINNER
Whether you make dinner reservations at a nice restaurant in town, grab tacos from your favorite shop, hire a private chef to treat you to a fine meal in your vacation rental, or bring a picnic on our adventure in nature.
6:30 - ACTIVITIES
After dinner, you can spend the time until sunset exploring the area, hiking, fishing, taking photos with amazing views, seeing new sights, eating dessert, and spending time however you would like to most! We'll get those iconic photos and those stunning candids you love so much and will hang on the wall to relive these moments any time. Click here for activity ideas!
8:30 - SUNSET & STARS
Watch the sunset together. Eat a snack or some cake while the stars begin to come out. Stargaze and take some photos with the milky way as you end your new favorite day.
Location Database
Exclusive Access to My
Based on your vision and needs, I'll hand select the best options from my extensive Location Database for you to peruse. Get intel like elevation, distance & difficulty, trail videos, coordinates, things to do nearby, and photo examples from the space!
For 13+ years, I've been helping couples navigate the beautiful chaos of planning and photographing elopements across Colorado's Western Slope, San Juan Mountains, and Moab, Utah.
I believe your wedding day should feel as beautiful as it looks—which means comfortable, stress-free, and entirely true to who you are.
Whether you need comprehensive planning support, photography that captures the story and scenery of your day, or both—I'm here to make sure the experience is exactly what you hoped for.
Also: I adore a chai latte, I've visited 27 states (and counting), I've worked with 350+ couples, and I've binge-watched all of Gilmore Girls & Grey's Anatomy.
Hey there, I'm Amanda
she/her
states I've visited
27
couples i've worked with
350+
(and counting!) moose I've seen
8
episodes of gilmore girls binged
100%
WESTERN COLORADO & MOAB ELOPEMENT SPECIALIST
featured on
-Allison & Ethan
Amanda is the perfect wedding photographer. The photos perfectly captured the whole day and I feel like I can easily relive it just by looking back at the photos. I highly recommend Amanda.
"The Perfect Wedding Photographer"
-Megan & Jordan
Amanda was the best decision we made for our wedding day! The photos are exceptional and perfectly capture the scenery and vibe we were going for, but that’s only a portion of what Amanda provided. She helped give us planning guidance, organization, and reassurance throughout, which alleviated all the worries we had about eloping in a place we’d never been before.
"the best decision we made"
-Beth & Dustin
We used Amanda for our wedding and she is the BEST! Our photos turned out amazing and she captured the feel of our night perfectly. She’s also really fun to hang with. We didn’t want her to leave at the end of the night!
"She captured the feel of our night perfectly."
- Kylie & Murat
Amanda did an amazing job on our elopement photos! She was incredibly organized during all the planning and sent incredibly helpful tips and ideas in the months leading up.
"Incredibly organized & helpful"
wondering where to explore?
My Favorite Elopement Locations Include:
Ouray
Moab
Crested Butte
Grand Junction
Grand Mesa
Gateway
INVESTMENT
Packages begin at $2,000 for local Grand Junction elopements.
Colorado and Utah elopements range from $4,000-$10,000.
All photography packages include comprehensive planning support.
PLUS Now Offering: Standalone Planning Services
For couples who've hired a different photographer or want planning-only support: À la carte consultations and full concierge packages available.
Elopement Pricing
Elopement Resources
Want to learn more about eloping?
Check out these free
travel schedule
I'm based in Grand Junction, CO which means I get the best of both the desert and mountains each year! As such, I work specific areas during different parts of the year to give you the best experience in these locations. Take a look at where I spend my time below to find out the best times to book:
If you don't see your location on here, please still reach out! There's always a chance the stars will align.
Grand Junction
Moab
Green River
Eastern utah
Grand Junction
Moab
Green River
Eastern utah
Grand Junction
Moab
Green River
Eastern utah
Gateway
Grand Junction
Palisade (tree blossoms)
Moab
Green River
Eastern utah
Gateway
Grand Junction
Palisade
Western CO
Moab
Gateway
Western Co
Ouray
Crested Butte
Aspen
San Juan Mtns
Grand Mesa
Western Co
Ouray
Crested Butte
Aspen
San Juan Mtns
Grand Mesa
Twin Lakes
Western Co
Ouray
Crested Butte
Aspen
San Juan Mtns
Grand Mesa
Twin Lakes
(Fall Colors!)
Ouray
Crested Butte
Aspen
San Juan Mtns
Grand Mesa
Twin Lakes
(Fall at lower elevation)
Grand Junction
Palisade
Western CO
Moab
Gateway
Grand Junction
Moab
Green River
Eastern utah
Gateway
Limited Openings
Grand Junction
Moab
Green River
Eastern utah
Gateway
We're in... what now?
01
LET'S MEET
We'll hop on the phone or Zoom (or grab coffee!) to get to know each other and talk all about your dreams and ideas for the big day, and how I can help make your life easier.
PLANNING JOURNEY
From there I'll send you my 124 page Elopement Guide and help with location ideas, scouting, emergency kit info, permits, activity suggestions, vendor recommendations, timeline creation, group photo lists, and so so much more. I will help you craft the most incredible day, with backup plans because life is life. You'll feel like you've never been so excited or prepared for anything before.
02
03
THE BIG DAY & AFTER
The day is here and you're surprised you're nervous after all this time. I will capture your day in a way that tells the story for you to relive forever. You'll have sneak peaks within 24-48 hours and a full gallery of the whole day within a month or so.
Hold up!
We have a question...
How do we know if we need a permit?
How much time do we really need?
What if we're having more than a few guests?
No offense but we don't love having our picture taken for that long...
But what if the weather sucks?
< See more FAQs
reach out >
How adventurous do we need to be?
I'll help you out! You're not in this alone. When I help you narrow down the perfect location(s) for your elopement, I'll let you know if there are any permit requirements. Some permits require the couple to fill them out and submit, while others are my responsibility, but even when they are yours to submit I'm here to help out. No need to worry!
Unless you want to basically get married and take a couple photos together, most couples book at least 4-6 hours to really capture their elopement story. From breaking the ice at getting ready at your vacation rental to exploring just a couple of the freaking cool places in the area, the time flies by faster than you think!
I feel like I practically specialize in micro weddings at this point, so you're not alone and you're definitely in the right place! I've helped couples with micro weddings at large vacation rentals, micro wedding venues, outdoor places that allow under 50 people, and so many other cool non-traditional celebrations. It's totally possible!
Honestly? Same. When you decide to book me, you're getting more than a photographer and a photoshoot. I'm not going to have a camera shoved in your face the whole time. I'll be "along for the ride" to capture the way your day unfolds and feels like, so that when you look back on your images you feel like you're transported back there - reliving every memory. You don't get that by hiring someone to clock in and clock out, you get that by hiring a professional adventure buddy who captures days like this all the time!
The secret? The greatest benefit of eloping is the freedom and flexibility. Sure we'll have back-up locations in case of bigger issues like road closures, wildfire, or flash floods. But if you're worried about the typical afternoon rains Colorado gets each summer or a freak storm breaking out, don't stress about it. First, I only book one event per day so that we have the ability to move up or move back our start times to move around the weather. They say if you don't like the weather just wait 20 minutes! Beyond that, a lot of the couples I work with are up for an adventure already, and are stoked to have their day captured whatever the weather. I'll have clear umbrellas on hand juuuuust in case too. We'll never shoot in actually dangerous weather, but I bet you'll secretly appreciate what the winds do to fly your veil around! Crazy weather makes for a great story to take back home, too. But if you're really super concerned, I do offer the option to add backup dates!
Here's the thing: you don't need to be hardcore hikers to have an incredible elopement in these landscapes.
I specialize in locations that offer epic views without extreme effort - accessible overlooks, drive-up ceremonies, gentle walks to stunning backdrops.
If you want to hike 10 miles to a mountain peak, I can recommend photographers who love that. But if you want breathtaking scenery with comfort and ease? That's exactly my specialty.
Your elopement should feel good - not like a fitness challenge.
Can I book you for just planning (not photography)?
Absolutely! I now offer standalone elopement planning services for couples who've already booked a photographer or prefer to separate these services. Options range from single consultations (location scouting, timeline building, permit help) to full concierge planning from engagement to "I do."
Ready to save your date?
Let's work together!
