Throughout my time of being an elopement photographer these are what I have found to be THE MOST IMPORTANT things to keep in mind when you’re searching for that perfect Colorado Elopement Photographer to make your dreamyyy wedding day full of fun, adventure, and care-free vibes. ✌🏻 I’ll discuss everything from editing style, approach, value/vision alignment, location knowledge, and just finding someone you vibe with…which in my opinion is the most important.

1. Style – Editing + Approach

Style is a big thing to keep in mind when looking for your photographer. It’s the aesthetic photos that you’ll be hanging in your home, it’s the images you’ll have replay in your head when you think back to your wedding day, and it’s the main thing that can draw you into whether or not if you like the photographer. So make sure you thoroughly look through the photographers galleries, gallery blogs, and their instagram so you can get a good feel of how they work with colors through the editing process and what their style of approach is while working with their clients.

Editing

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I like warm or cool toned photos?
• Do I want my images to be more true to color or is it okay to have more brightened and/or dulled colors?
• Do I like warm, cool, true to color, green hued, or pink hued skin tones? This is a huge editing style to really look for because everyone’s skin color is drastically different, so make sure you like the way they would edit yours.
• Do I like moody/high contrast photos or light/airy photos or an in between?

Approach to Photographing Clients

Every photographer works differently when working with their clients – from the way they get you moving to stay on schedule for the day all the way to the way they are posing you for the photos. If you are someone who feels really uncomfortable in front of the camera, then look for photographers who are going to give you more action based prompts that will make you feel comfortable or if you’re someone who is willing to be very detailed directed to get an artsy shot, then go with a photographer that is going to be a bit more editorial styled approached.

Ask your photographer these things:

• What’s your approach to working with clients on their elopement days?
• What are your main priorities if I were to hire you?
• How would you guide us through our session and/or portraits on our elopement day? How do you pose people to get the shots?
• How would you help me feel comfortable in front of the camera?

These questions will help you understand how the experience of working with them will be like on the day of your elopement and throughout the process. You obviously want people who are going to create a naturally calm environment, who has your back throughout the whole process, and will take an approach to the photos in a way that will make you feel comfortable, confident, and excited!

2. Get’s Onboard with your Vision

Looking for a photographer who will help you make your vision and dreams for the day a reality is MAJORLY important. Your photographer should be the one encouraging you to chase after those big adventures, the risk-taking moments, and willing to capture it all right by your side!!!

So make sure that they are willing to truly understand the day you are wanting to create. And will then help you create that day perfectly by giving you vendor recommendations, location ideas, activities that you would LOVE to do, and ultimately curating the moments and memories you are wanting to capture the essence of throughout the day. So that way you aren’t just getting photos for elopement, your creating memories, getting intentional moments with your new husband, and having valuable experiences you’ll truly remember forever.

3. Knows Location + Permits

Okay this is the specific one to keep in mind when choosing a Boulder, Colorado elopement photographer. You’re going to want to get a photographer that nows locations in the area that will 1000% get the shots your looking for, where there won’t be a lot of people around, a place that will also accommodate the amount of people you are wanting at your elopement, whether or not if you want a short or long hike to get there…and honestly a lot more that comes with knowing each location but generally those are the biggies.

Examples of best locations for Boulder, Colorado Elopements and specific qualifications:

1. Sunrise Amphitheater – guaranteed privacy because reservations are required, very easily accessible, accommodates 100 people, gorgeous views overlooking boulder
2. Lost Gulch Overlook – lots of people throughout the day so it’s best during sunrise, not easily accessible – super rocky, best for no guests, but perfect for the big adventurers or climbers
3. Brainard Lake in Ward, Colorado – best to do an elopement during a weekday due to high popularity, good for a few guests or a microwedding, it would take a hike to get into the lake – about 6miles, and the road is closed during the winter, which you can snowshoe if you want to add on 5more miles to get to the trailhead

These are some of your most popular elopement locations in or near Boulder, Colorado. There’s obviously plenty more, but I can’t share all my secrets with you … such as private locations or good AirBnB’s to host your elopement at (;

Permits

Another thing your photographer should be aware of or be willing to research for you would be if you need photography permits in certain locations. Most national parks people elope in will need a wedding permit, a photographer permit, and a videographer permit. But there are very few parks where you don’t need those things like Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

4. Find a Photographer that You VIBE with

Alright at last but very much not least…probably the most important one actually is for you to find someone you vibe with, makes you feel comfortable, you can instantly connect with, and you can trust.

You will be spending all day with your photographer on your elopement day, so make sure you’ll actually enjoy doing that. Make sure they understand your vision for the day, get to know you, and know exactly what your priorities are for your day. Ultimately they are there to serve you and make the day will be as stress-free and as fun as possible. So make sure they will 100% do that for you!!

In my years of being a photographer, I’ve found that THIS is the number one thing that is so freaking important between a photographer and a client. The photos that a photographer takes for you should be so wildly unique and custom to your love story, because each story is so drastically different. Every elopement is unique, different, vulnerable, and intimate and that is what your elopement photos should look exactly like that, unique!

It’s totally true that you can find amazingly talented photographers with tons of experience, but if the connection is not there, then it’s seriously all for nothing.

When I get an inquiry I want to know all about your love story, so that when I jump on a call with you to talk about your elopement day, I feel like I already know you! It’s majorly important to me that your photos reflect exactly who you are and what your love story is all about. That’s why when I hop on a consultation call I ask you allllll the questions like: what makes you tick in life, what are your super passionate about, what are your love languages, what are your favorite activities to do with your love, how did you propose to you…etc. This ultimately will help me create photos that capture ALL of you + your loves personalities and your love story, which will then create photos that are more than just photos…they’re memories of laughter, the way he looks longingly into your eyes, the special way he holds you tight. We get to capture moments + feelings rather than just two people in front of a camera.

Alright my sweet friends that is all I got! So while you’re looking for your elopement photographer remember these 4 things and you will be on your way to capturing your love story, creating experiences, and making memories. And if you liked what I had to say and are in need of a Colorado Elopement Photographer, hit me up with my inquiry box below!! I would love to dream about your biggest adventure together!! Or feel free to check out my elopement packages + information on my photography page!!