Advice from Colorado Elopement Photographers and Videographers

As Colorado elopement photographers and videographers, we specialize in capturing adventurous couples in the beautiful places they choose to get married. Our Colorado elopement photography style is experiential and photojournalistic. We also love a good environmental portrait!

We can help you plan everything from the location to the timing to maximize both your experience and the beauty of the lighting. We offer elopement photography and/or videography but most importantly over a decade of experience helping adventurous couples say “I do” in memorable ways.

The Best Part About Your Colorado Mountain Elopement

The best part about your Colorado elopement is that there’s an insane amount of flexibility and freedom to make the day perfectly you.

You can plan to elope in Estes Park or Summit County. You can catch that epic sunrise or sunset light, you can go somewhere off the grid, and you can create your own traditions and have a memorable adventure.

When it comes to eloping in Colorado there are no rules for the timeline, agenda, or traditions! (You don’t even technically need an officiant. All you need is a Colorado elopement photographer and videographer.)

More Benefits to Eloping

With an elopement, you’re not late no matter when you start planning. All you need is the person you want to be your husband or wife. If you’re camera shy, a smaller event is a way to feel comfortable whether it’s the photography or the whole day that’s making you nervous.

If you want to hike, there’s time to hike when there might not be in traditional weddings. That means a better experience and better pictures too. Reach out and let’s document this special time in your relationship!

Your elopement destination doesn’t have to be easy to get to for all your guests, because you have fewer guests. You can plan for what you want to do instead. All you have to do is get a marriage license and depending on the location, local marriage laws can be very simple and straightforward.

The Elopement / Wedding Hybrid

Sometimes couples want to celebrate an intimate elopement and then follow it with a big reception. Photography can help bridge the divide. You can share a slideshow of your images or a video so that your guests can see the experience you had and feel like they’re a part of it. Your special day doesn’t have to be only one day.

Elopements might allow you to do outdoor activities on your wedding day that grandma might not be able to attend. But having a reception in addition might allow her to help you celebrate. There are countless ways to celebrate your big day, reach out if you want our help planning a great wedding day experience.

Elopement Planning for a Dream Elopement Day

Elopement planning is a unique and intimate way to exchange vows and start a life together. It’s a popular choice for couples who want to celebrate their love in a more private and personal way. Planning an elopement is much different than a traditional wedding, as the focus is on creating a more intimate experience that reflects the couple’s values and preferences. Couples can choose to elope in a variety of locations, from a beach in Hawaii to a mountaintop in Colorado, and there are endless possibilities for making it a truly special day.

When planning an elopement, it’s important to consider the location and logistics. Couples should research the location they want to elope to, including the weather, permits, and any legal requirements. They should also consider how they will get there and where they will stay. Some couples choose to hire a planner or elopement photographer to help them with logistics and to capture the special moments of their day.

Another important aspect of elopement planning is personalizing the experience. Couples can choose to incorporate their favorite hobbies, foods, and activities into their elopement day. They can also choose to write their own vows, exchange meaningful gifts, or include loved ones in the ceremony through video calls or personalized messages. The goal of elopement planning is to create a unique and memorable experience that reflects the couple’s love story and values.

Why do you need an adventure elopement photographer?

You may have heard us call ourselves adventure elopement photographers. We believe your love is an adventure and your wedding should be one too. We can easily help you plan the right amount of adventure for your elopement whether it’s close to the car or deep off the grid.

If you’re looking for a Colorado wedding photographer or Colorado elopement videographer, you want one that’s adventurous. Colorado has a lot to offer in terms of epic landscapes. Adventure elopement photographers specialize in helping you have an incredible experience.

We’ve learned that an incredible experience is the first step towards incredible pictures. With an adventure elopement photographer, it’s a win-win. You get adventure elopement photography to complement your dream elopement experience.

Wedding Photography in the Rocky Mountains

Wedding photography in the Rocky Mountains requires some extra planning and preparation to ensure that you and your photographer get the most out of this beautiful and unique location. First and foremost, it’s important to choose a photographer who has experience shooting in mountainous terrain and is familiar with the challenges that come with photographing in changing weather and lighting conditions.

Another important consideration when preparing for wedding photography in the Rocky Mountains is the weather. The mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything from rain to snow to strong winds. It’s a good idea to pack extra layers and clothing options, including rain gear and warm jackets, as well as comfortable shoes for hiking or exploring mountain trails. You should also be prepared for the altitude and bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.

Lastly, when preparing for wedding photography in the Rocky Mountains, don’t forget to take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings. The mountains offer a wide range of photo opportunities, from panoramic views to intimate, romantic settings.

What do you want your wedding day to look like?

Are you thinking you just want a few guests or to be alone with your fiance? Is it an intimate wedding, a micro wedding, or a true elopement? The definitions and details don’t matter as long as you identify what you want during the planning process and stay true to that throughout the entire process.

There are countless elopement planning resources out there. Ignore the ones that make you feel stressed and focus on the ones that align with your values. Whether you’re having a big wedding or a small wedding, focus on the experience of that epic moment.

As a husband and wife photography and videography team we want to help you avoid or embrace family drama whether you’re going to explore an alpine lake or other hidden gems. When you see your stress-free face captured in the beautiful landscape in our photos, I hope you remember the fun you had for the rest of your life.

Choosing a Colorado elopement photographer and videographer team

Whether I’m acting as a Colorado elopement videographer or photographer, I seem to also double as a wedding planner. Don’t look for just a photographer, look for an elopement photography team that has experience helping you with wedding planning. While elopements and intimate weddings are often simple and stress free, it helps to have someone in your corner that knows how to create a great experience.

When you’re choosing your Colorado elopement photographer and videographer, look for someone who seems to have values that align with yours. The vibe they present will show you the type of day you will have with them. For example, if you search for an Breckenridge colorado elopement videographer you might find someone very trendy and someone else very edgy, someone sporty and someone classy.

For example, we often call ourselves adventure elopement photographers because we like to help our couples add a little more adventure to their elopement day. As elopement planners, we help our couples find the perfect time and place to celebrate their love. If you want to hear more about our mountain elopement packages Colorado: see here.

Sample Colorado elopements:

breckenridge colorado elopement | alison and anje

Sunrise Elopement in Colorado | Travis and Alli

fall colorado wedding pictures | buffy and jesse

Is adventure elopement photography right for me?

Adventure elopements are just elopements with an adventure twist. Whether you want to plan an epic adventure or just a slight more adventurous day outdoors, adventure elopement photographers usually love helping you plan something memorable.

For the adventure elopement photographer, Colorado has a lot to offer. From intimate weddings in a small mountain town to adventurous outings to exchange vows, you can do it all. For an adventurous couple, you can make your wedding day whatever you want it to be.

To find the best Colorado elopement photographers, I suggest looking for the right Colorado elopement photographer. What I mean by that is that the best elopement photographers are the ones that are the right fit for their clients. We love adventure and think that it adds a little something to the already incredible experience of the wedding day.

That can mean different things. Maybe we take epic photos without getting too far from the car or maybe we hike to a remote location. Our goal is that you have an amazing time. With us, you also have the option of a Colorado elopement videographer in case you want the experience to be intimate but you want to share it with your friends and family.

Building a Custom Elopement Package

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement to exchange vows with just the two of you or an intimate wedding ceremony with a few loved ones, we can help you decide what types of elopement packages would be a good fit. The best elopement packages might include coverage of everything from the elopement ceremony and intimate portraits to cutting a little wedding cake for two or a candlelight dinner. Different elopement locations will require different logistical challenges. National Parks might be more congested than exchanging vows on a private beach.

Just because you’re not doing a traditional wedding with invitations and all doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make the most of your dream elopement. Some couples choose to do a destination wedding to make it memorable even if it’s not going to be a big celebration. We typically recommend 3-4 hours of coverage as a good starting point because you want enough time to capture a story of the day.

Our mountain elopement packages range from a simple portrait session to all-day coverage of your day. We help you plan what your wedding adventure will look like and customize a package for you. See more details on our colorado wedding photography and videography packages and FAQ page.

Looking for information on how to become an elopement photographer?

If you’re here because you’re an adventure elopement photographer Colorado-based or otherwise, we have some tips for you.

Check out our blog posts on Adventure Wedding Photography Advice and An Unforgettable Experience with a Colorado Elopement Photographer.

Look for a Colorado elopement videographer?

With our experience as Colorado elopement photographer and videographer, we act as an adventure elopement guide for our couples helping them with everything from selecting their elopement location to finding other elopement vendors.

If you’re looking for an adventure elopement photographer Colorado based that’s ready to take you on an amazing adventure, contact us. You can get an colorado elopement videographer too, we’re a husband and wife team ready to help you celebrate. Check out our testimonials to see why our clients think we’re the best elopement photographers!

Whether you’re looking to avoid a traditional wedding or just fascinated by the idea of an adventure wedding, we’re more than adventure elopement photographers. We’re tour guides and friends that care about your experience. Our clients don’t call us the best elopement photographers simply because they love our photos (which they do!) It’s also because they love their wedding day experience!

So whether you’re looking for a Breckenridge Colorado elopement videographer and photographer to tell your story or just trying to find a Colorado elopement videographer that doesn’t make you camera shy, reach out and let us talk about how to capture you in the best light possible. (Pun intended!)

More on wedding and elopement planning:

Below are some more elopement planning resources:

How to plan an elopement in 10 steps: the ceremony, the reception, the family

Planning Your Colorado Mountain Elopement (Less Stress More Views)

How to Get Married in Colorado & How to Elope in Colorado

Elope with Family (A Little Something for Everyone)

Wedding vs Elope (Either way “I do!” – Take Our Quiz)

How to Make an Elopement Special

Eloping for a Wedding (How to reframe your thinking)

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in mountain wedding photography and other adventures.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help with your photography needs!

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Whether you’re planning to elope in Colorado and are looking for a Colorado elopement photographer, or you’re a photographer looking to create an incredible experience for your couples, this article is for you. I’m passionate not just about great photography but about making the day my couples get married an unforgettable experience. If we focus on the meaning of the vows and the significance of the wedding day, great photos will follow.

Many couples choose to elope in Colorado because they want their wedding day to be stress-free or they want to avoid the family drama of a big wedding. Other couples choose to elope because Colorado elopement packages can be significantly less expensive than even a small wedding at a traditional venue. Regardless of your reason, when you get married you celebrate the adventure of your love!

How We Capture Colorado Elopement Photography

For me, Colorado elopement photography isn’t just about an epic photo, it’s about an epic moment. If I focus on creating an incredible experience and then capturing those moments, the photography is so much better when it’s anchored into real moments.

A meaningful photo is more important to me than a viral photo. I’m more concerned with how my couples feel on their elopement day. Because that’s what they’re going to see when they look at the photos, they’ll remember if they honestly felt the joy the photo communicates.

As a husband and wife team, we work together to make your elopement day an adventure and then we tell that story. That means we’re helping create a stress-free and joy-filled day and then we use our photography skills to capture it. As a team, we can shoot from multiple angles and perspectives or assist each other with crafting a complicated image.

Planning an Awesome Elopement Day

Elopement planning is a lot different than planning for a traditional wedding, but that doesn’t mean anyone should overlook the planning process. Our Colorado elopement packages, for example, typically include 3-4+ hours of coverage and a fine art wedding album. Whether you want to capture the whole day or just the highlights, I encourage you to think about what you want your elopement experience to feel like.

Our Colorado elopement packages are built around the experience of the elopement day. We don’t want it to feel rushed, we want you to feel comfortable, and we want you to focus on your relationship and the marriage ahead. This is the next step toward the rest of your lives, let’s make it a memorable one.

If you’re planning to elope in Colorado, we can help you think through the differences between a true elopement and an intimate wedding with a few guests. Then you might set your sights on finding the perfect location whether it’s an alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park or somewhere off the grid in the Rocky Mountains. You can think through if you want to hike or keep it more simple, when you start planning I suggest identifying your priorities and keeping them in focus.

The Colorado Elopement Experience

As a Colorado elopement photographer, what I love most are the little moments. The moment a couple looks out at the views from their alpine lake and realizes that they’re married. The hike to the perfect spot to exchange vows or the first time someone uses the word husband.

I love to craft pictures, don’t get me wrong. In fact, a lot of my elopement planning advice is around when and where to get great pictures. But the planning process, for an elopement or traditional wedding alike, doesn’t control how you actually feel when you say “I do” to your best friend.

As elopement photographers, we get to help our couples start their married life. We’ve helped create custom elopement packages and ways to celebrate that are unique to each couple. We might be in the same location in Rocky Mountain National Park that we’ve been to countless times before but Colorado elopements are as unique as the couples celebrating.

Elopement Memories

I would like to share a few elopement memories that come to mind, days that stick out as memorable and unforgettable. And they’re not even my wedding, I hope the experience had as much impact on our couples as it did on us. I imagine that if I looked at pictures from all the weddings I would remember something special from most of them.

Thinking through these stories fills me with a lot of gratitude for the couples I’ve met and the love stories I’ve gotten to tell. Thanks to all the people that have trusted us with their love over the years!

Colorado Elopement Memory 1

I remember hiking with a couple in the snow to a lake. The vision was clear, we’d get some epic mountain winter wonderland views. But Colorado had a different vision, it was a white out and there were no views to be had.

Instead, we have incredible memories of hiking in waist deep snow and laughing and smiling at the craziness of the day. The pictures weren’t like the original vision but the memory was unforgettable.

Colorado Elopement Memory 2

I remember a tragedy that hit one of our couples and their family and so they altered their plans to elope before their more traditional wedding in order to take some of the stress off the day and make it more intimate. It was heartbreaking and an amazing example of the power of love. I have no doubt that the couple will have a strong marriage ahead of them.

California Elopement Memory 3

I’ve been to Taft Point and Glacier Point countless times and taken the same wedding pictures that every other photographer has but every time it’s different because of the couple. And nature too, nature always does something different giving us a memorable show. One time I remember that the Bride’s dress broke while she was getting ready and I helped her tie it back together adding seamstress to my list of qualifications.

Colorado Elopement Memory 4

Someone very important to me asked me to help them capture one epic photo of their elopement. One epic photo doesn’t sound like a lot but that’s actually a lot of pressure. I hiked to nearly 14,000 feet while very pregnant and stood on the top of the world with my arms outstretched.

I believe we got more than one epic photo!

California Elopement Memory 5

Another elopement when I was pregnant we were racing the sun to the summit of a small peak so we could get some final pictures. I couldn’t keep up so I had Marc, my husband and photography partner, take the couple ahead of me. When I finally got there and saw the view I caught an extra wind and suddenly had the energy to create what are now some of my favorite photos.

California Elopement Memory 6

I always love meeting couples, hearing their stories, and getting to know them. One time we met a couple in Yosemite that I’m certain we’d be best friends with if we lived closer. Sometimes you have an instant connection with someone.

We swapped favorite books and workout ideas and shared interests, I left the day feeling inspired and like I had grown as a person.

Adventure Elopement: What It and Isn’t

What about the adventure elopement? What does that mean? My opinion is that it means whatever you want it to be at whatever level of adventure feels comfortable for you.

Some of our couples choose to elope because they want to be on a mountain and maybe their family can’t do that. Other couples aren’t very adventurous by nature but they know that this is the moment to do something out of their comfort zone. For the rest of their lives, they’ll have the photos from their wedding adventure to remember that on their wedding day, they took a risk, literally and figuratively.

In my years as a Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve heard couples say that they had fun, the best day, the perfect day. That’s what I want their photos to remind them of. We call your wedding day a special day, the big day, the best day ever. But really it’s the first page in a new chapter of your life!

Colorado Elopement Photographer / Planner / Tour Guide

Because an elopement is less formal than a wedding, often we act also as planners and tour guides. We’ve done this before so we can help you with your timeline, location selection, and vision for the day. For us, it’s not a cookie-cutter thing but we have a lot of experience and ideas that we can bring to the table to help craft something that will feel special to you.

Unlike a big wedding, elopements also have some intrinsic adventure in that they aren’t as formally planned out by the minute. Sometimes, our couples show up in Colorado for their elopement never having been to the location before. We love showing them our favorite spots and watching them soak up the beauty of Colorado whether it’s in Estes Park or Vail.

In fact, this brings me to think I should share some of the things I love most about capturing the adventure of an elopement before I sign off. Friends don’t let friends do something they hate, life is about joy, love, and adventure! Elopements make me feel all those things.

What I Love Most About Being a Colorado Elopement Photographer

Here’s a list of what I love most about being a Colorado elopement photographer!

1. Couples that plan a Colorado elopement are fun and adventurous
2. When I get to take someone somewhere they’ve never been
3. Getting to see couples make their wedding day unforgettable
4. Elopements are usually flexible and we can plan around sunrise or sunset when the light is most beautiful (this can also be true for small intimate weddings.)
5. Colorado is a stunning (and fun) place to be a photographer
6. Colorado has amazing local vendors, even if I don’t love how crazy the wedding industry can be at least there are trusted vendors. (Reach out if you need vendor recommendations.)
7. Colorado elopements = adventure

More Elopement Planning Resources

Here’s a list of some of our popular elopement planning resources. The most important one is probably our free guide on how to prioritize your planning so that your wedding is a memorable adventure.

1. finding the perfect adventure elopement photographer
2. planning a wedding in the mountains? 4 quick tips to take you to the top
3. where to elope in colorado: cost, logistics, and our favorite places to say i do
4. how to plan an elopement in 10 steps: the ceremony, the reception, the family
5. planning your colorado mountain elopement (less stress more views)

We also have tips for photographers such as this marketing guide.

About the author – Colorado elopement photographers

I am Brenda Bergreen, one half of a husband and wife photography and videography team specializing in Colorado wedding photography and videography and outdoor photography. Be sure to reach out if you’re looking for an elopement photographer or videographer! You’ll get your images in an online gallery two weeks after your wedding adventure, it’s your big day you shouldn’t wait forever for photos.

As a Colorado elopement photographer, I’d love to help you elope in Colorado or meet you somewhere else in this beautiful world. Check your date or view our Colorado elopement packages and let’s get to planning your perfect colorado elopement photography.

Remember to download our free Wedding Planning Guide on how to prioritize your planning or our Build Your Life guide! And don’t hesitate to contact us especially if you’re on the hunt for a Colorado elopement photographer!

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Weddings are memorable days for a lot of reasons and in photographing them we strive to help couples relive the surreal moment that kicked off their marriage. This can mean different things to different people.

For Courtney and Wiley, it was about their love for each other and they life they’re building together. And it was also about celebrating with their loved ones. Doing a separate portrait session worked beautifully for these two because we were able to tell both stories, their adventurous love and their supportive community.

Thus, this will be a two part post so check back in for their wedding day festivities. In the meantime, enjoy this wedding portrait session in RMNP.

wedding portrait session in RMNP

reasons to love a wedding portrait session

Beautiful right?
One of the reasons to love a wedding portrait session is that it gives us the time and freedom to go somewhere epic and create images of the couple without impacting their wedding guests. It’s a tough decision if you make me decide between great wedding portraits and spending time with your guests, the answer is both. How can we get both?

Also, there’s something to be said for the fact that maybe a wedding shouldn’t just be one day anyway. Not because we need more stress and chaos but because the ritual of celebrating the commitment to marriage is a powerful one. Some people take it lightly and feel like, eh we’re already pretty much married.

But it’s a big, beautiful, amazing thing. Doing life together is a decision to ride the rollercoaster that is life alongside someone. It’s helping each other enjoy the highs and learn from the lows.

And yeah, sometimes we make too big of a deal of making the wedding day perfect but sometimes we make to small of a deal of the commitment itself.

Hope you enjoyed these photos! Next check out more of our adventures. You can see this recent 3m Curve Colorado wedding or perhaps you’re interested in learning how to price wedding photography.

keep in touch

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a photography team specializing in adventurous colorado mountain wedding photography and videography. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Based in Evergreen, CO we travel throughout the state as Colorado adventure wedding photographers. Additionally, we frequently travel to California and other wedding destinations.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

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Alex and Joe are a laid-back, low-maintenance, and adorable couple! They are both fun and funny and could’t stop smiling. Maybe that’s because they were getting married in an incredibly beautiful location?

3m curve colorado wedding

Here is a preview from this incredible RMNP wedding. As you’ll see it was sort of an elopement or a micro wedding of sorts. The guest list was minimal but sometimes it’s all about quality over quantity.

Alex and Joe kicked things off with a short and casual ceremony. Then we explored a few fun spots in the National Park for some great memories and images. What you may or may not be able to see if the photos is that the previous day as warm and sunny, meanwhile their wedding day was a little chilly!

That didn’t stop these two from having an awesome day. They are now officially a “we” and I can tell that they make a great team for all of life’s serious and hilarious moments.

elope in estes park

As you see, these two chose to elope in Estes Park. Estes Park is a sweet little Colorado mountain town at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Due to its incredible beauty, Estes Park plays host to adventurous couples looking to tie the know.

You can see from the photos why eloping in Estes Park is appealing and it won’t be hard to find a venue or isolated spot to say I do. Let me tell you what I mean.

rocky mountain national park wedding venue that’s not a venue

There are a lot of great wedding venues you can check out some of them on our Rocky Mountain National Park wedding photography guide. However, for those looking for something simple, the National Park actually makes it pretty easy to make it happen. They have all of their rules and permit information stated clearly on their website.

What I love about RMNP is that having everything stated clearly is a win-win. Everyone knows the rules and is working together to make sure this beautiful location doesn’t get too overrun with brides and photographers trampling the tundra or provoking the elk. Photographers and couples can easily get permits, the park can know that we’re there and easily inform us of rules and regulations.

Here’s more Estes Park wedding photography that you may enjoy. This Back Canyon Inn wedding in Estes Park features one of our favorite venues.

3m curve

3m Curve is one of the locations that the National Park designates as a spot for wedding ceremonies. They have a maximum number of permits that they issue so plan early and consider weekdays when the park is less crowded. The permit only allows you for 15 people and 3 cars at 3m curve.

The site is 3.5 miles from Beaver Meadows visitor center and while there’s a short hike from the car it’s fairly easy to access if you wear sturdy shoes and can step over a few rocks.

keep in touch for more colorado wedding photography

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen. We’re a husband and wife team of adventurous Colorado wedding photographers. Above all our philosophy, love. adventurously. is the guidepost for everything we do.

Based in Evergreen, CO we travel throughout the state to Breckenridge, Vail, Estes Park and beyond as Colorado adventure wedding photographers. Additionally, we frequently travel to California and other wedding destinations.

Finally, be sure to follow us and/or like us  to stay tuned.

• weddings instagram (brenda)
•  adventures instagram (marc)
• facebook

In the meantime, remember to…

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We recently shared a process for how to elope in colorado as well as some tips on how to plan your Colorado mountain elopement. In fact, we’ve been posting a lot of elopement advice lately so be sure to let us know what questions you have. If you’re planning a wedding, you might be interested in our recent post talking about where to get married in Colorado. 

Colorado is a natural choice for an elopement destination. The trick is finding the best places to elope in Colorado. First off, know that you can’t go wrong. We’re going to help you figure out your priorities and discover the perfect setting for your vows.

Then, After you’ve selected the perfect place, it’s time to figure out how to make your elopement special.

where to elope in colorado

We believe that the setting of a wedding is key. The backdrop you choose for your elopement can help set the tone for your experience. We’ve shot weddings and elopements in a lot of beautiful places and have seen the power of a beautiful setting.

First, deciding where to elope in Colorado is about narrowing down your priorities. Do you still want a venue of sorts or will a secluded lake do the trick? Or do you want the most beautiful, most convenient, most affordable, or most meaningful Colorado locations?

Do you want to get married on a mountain, near a lake, or in the vibrant downtown? Will you be alone or inviting a few select loved ones? Next, check out our recent post describing how many of our couples end up deciding to elope with family.

Meanwhile, let’s talk through narrowing down your priorities and finding the perfect places for you to elope in Colorado. First, let’s start with a few questions?

1. rugged vs luxurious: places to elope in Colorado

There are a lot of places to elope in Colorado for the adventurous and outdoorsy couple. And with ample access to the mountains and forests, epic views can also be viewed from inside luxurious venues. Therefore, what’s the level of rugged appeal you’re searching for when choosing where to elope in Colorado?

You can choose a small quaint town with limited conveniences or a well-known tourist town that has it all. You can run off in the National Forest or explore the popular Rocky Mountain National Park for your elopement. 

What kind of places are you looking for?

1. Remote and rugged (i.e. National Forest Land)
2. Luxurious and refined (i.e. Aspen, Vail, Telluride)
3. A balance of adventure and comfort (i.e. a hike in the wilderness but close to a fun town like Breckenridge or Crested Butte)

2. elope with a view, but what view?

You can find mountain tops, mountain views, unique red rock features, aspen groves, rivers, forests, and more. You can see the mountains without being in them or you can bury yourself deep in the Rockies. What vibe do you envision?

Get inspired by the variety of choices of beautiful Colorado mountain wedding venues and decide what’s right for you and your guests. When it comes to the destination you can get completely off the grid or be near a really cool mountain town. Do you want to completely unplug or are you interested in having a lot of fun things to do?

1. Big Mountain Views
2. Epic Mountain Lakes
3. Rolling Foothills
4. Colorful Aspen Grove
5. An Adorable Mountain Town
6. Downtown Denver
7. Fun features like the Flatirons or Garden of the Gods

3. where to elope in colorado and how to get there

Now that we’ve determined that beauty is a must, perhaps you want to consider convenience. How far are you willing to go for the best views by car? How far are you willing to go for the best views by foot? 

Are you coming from out-of-state? You might want to consider drive time from Denver International Airport. Not only can the drives be busy but the altitude can take a toll if you are coming from sea level.

Luckily, I-70 connects Denver with many popular mountain towns such as Evergreen, Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek. Meanwhile, I-25 can make getting to Colorado Springs and Fort Collins fairly easy.

On the other hand, a few popular destinations such as Rocky Mountain National Park as a little more out of the way but accompanied by beautiful drives and quaint towns like Estes Park. In addition, other popular wedding destinations such as Ouray, Telluride, Aspen, and Crested Butte are a little harder to access but bear breathtaking rewards.

Of course, if you want the mountain vibe but are hesitant to be at too high of an elevation consider venues in Denver, Boulder, or the Colorado foothills.

How close or far from Denver do you want to be?

1. In Denver, Boulder, or other foothills towns like Evergreen and Golden
2. Take me south to Colorado Springs
3. Give me the National Park
4. Take me up I-70 to Vail, Breck, Keystone, or Beaver Creek
5. Let’s go somewhere further like Aspen, Telluride, Crested Butte, or Steamboat

4. how much does it cost to elope in Colorado

The best part about an elopement in Colorado is the money you save because you don’t have to feed 200 people or reserve a large venue. That being said, there are still a variety of budget factors to consider for elopement packages. Let’s talk about how much it costs to elope in Colorado.

How much does it cost to elope in Colorado? The short answer is $30, you can go and get a marriage license for $30 and you’re married. That being said, many couples want to plan something a little more special and end up spending anywhere from $3000-$10000 for a Colorado elopement package.

Elopements aren’t always as simple as running away and getting married. Sometimes they’re a luxurious day filled with love and adventure. Colorado elopement packages might vary from one hour to a full day. Let’s explore what might go into your elopement packages Colorado.

Possible elopement package costs include:

• *Marriage License: $30
• Accommodations: $100-800/night
• Officiant: $100-300
• Photographer: $1000-8000
• Videographer: $1000-8000
• Flowers: $50-500
• Beauty: $150-300
• Clothes: $400-$5000
• **Permits: ~$50-$300
• Travel Expenses (Flight or fuel)
• Food 

Average cost of Colorado elopement packages ~$4000, where will you spend your money? An affordable elopement photographer Colorado depends on your budget. Check out our packages here and ask us to customize for your Colorado elopement.

*This is the only thing you need, everything else is a want

**Some places, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, require a permit 

cost breakdown

Let’s break down some of those elopement packages Colorado costs in more detail. Accommodation costs can vary throughout the different Colorado mountain towns, the more remote you get the more limited your options become. You don’t want a cheap elopement packages in Colorado but you do want value in your elopement packages.

You can stay in a luxury resort or a modest hotel. Towns like Telluride are known for being expensive whereas some of the ski towns in Colorado have a lot of options. You can get a luxury elopement photographer or an affordable elopement photographer in Colorado. It’s supply and demand, so prices will vary based on the time of year you plan your wedding.

When choosing where to elope in Colorado, your location choice can have a big impact on your budget.

You can get married in the National Forest and State Parks for free or very low permit or usage fees. Those fees often go up as you add more people to your wedding party. Fees to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park or other high tourist locations like the Maroon Bells can be more expensive.

5. fun and meaningful places to elope in colorado

Perhaps you’re a Colorado native and you want to get married at your favorite ski resort. Maybe you’re not that familiar to the state but you know you want to make it an adventure. Eloping in Colorado can be meaningful, as I mentioned, picking the right setting can have a big impact.

If Breckenridge is your favorite ski town and you know you’ll return there every year, you might want to plan your experience somewhere special. Then, if you have a favorite hike, waterfall, lake, or town, you can factor that in. However, if you’ve never been to Colorado, exploring a new location can take on meaning of it’s own.

A trend we’ve been seeing is making an elopement like a honeymoon. Couples journey to Colorado to tie the knot but also explore and travel. It can be a fun way to make the most of your time and money. Maybe you want to consider somewhere you can hike, river raft, rock climb, horseback ride, snowshoe, camping, or any other variety of activities.

Our top 5 favorite places to elope in colorado

1. Breckenridge is a fun town surrounded by stunning mountains.
2. Vail is a stunning and classic mountain town perfectly located to some amazing hikes and unforgettable views.
3. Our hometown of Evergreen, Colorado is laid back and relaxing.
4. We’ve never had a single couple regret their elopement experience in Rocky Mountain National Park.
5. Loveland Pass, Guanella Pass, Kenosha Pass, or Boreas Pass give a huge bang for your buck in terms of getting big mountain views without too much effort. 
6. 

in conclusion: where to elope in colorado

Therefore, when deciding where to elope in Colorado, we recommend that you determine your style, favorite type of view, and the proximity to the airport if applicable. We also suggest you consider things like meaning and cost.

Check out more about our work as Colorado Elopement Photographers and more elopement planning information in our guide.

check out more recent posts:

I hope you enjoyed these tips on planning your Colorado mountain elopement! Next, check out some of our recent posts.

• Elope in Rock Mountain NP
• How to Elope in Colorado
• Planning Your Colorado Mountain Elopement
• Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

Next check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here. Lastly, read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide. We also have tips for photographers like this wedding settings guide.

FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

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We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado wedding photography and other adventures. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to…

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how to plan an elopement in 10 steps

1. Create your priority list
2. Create a budget that aligns with your priorities
3. Research your budget and make sure it’s realistic – how much does it cost to elope in Colorado
4. Plan the who (with family or without), what, when, and where of your elopement style wedding
5. Focus on the why: plan your ceremony
6. Celebrate: plan your reception 
7. Gather your vendor team
8. Book everything: vendors, accommodations, permits, marriage license
9. Make it special
10. Enjoy

how to plan an elopement style wedding: the ceremony, reception, and family

1. Create your elopement priority list

The first step in planning anything, in my opinion, is to create a priority list. I walk through this in our free guide: how to plan your wedding so that it’s a memorable adventure. Therefore the first step in how to plan an elopement If you don’t start by focusing on your priorities, it’s easy to get carried away. Having a priority list will make sure you and your fiance are on the same page.

2. Create a budget that aligns with your priorities

Take a stab at your elopement budget. How much do you want to spend, how much do you think it will cost? Make some quick estimates and see if you and your fiance are on the same page. Elopements can be less expensive that weddings, but they can also be more expensive if you don’t think it through.

3. Research your elopement budget and make sure it’s realistic

Before we move on, we should take a closer look at that budget. Is it realistic? It can be shocking to find out how much things cost in the wedding industry so take a deeper dive into that budget. For example, photographers can cost anywhere from $1000-$8000 depending on hours and experience. I wrote more about budget in this post on how much does it cost to elope in Colorado. Since pricing can vary so wildly it’s important to know your priorities.

4. Plan the who (with family or without), what, when, and where of your elopement style wedding

1. 1. Who: Is it important that it’s just the two of you or will you invite your family? Do you kind of want your best friend or your mom there? Check out this post on how to elope with family, it talks through various ways to include the important people in your life. When thinking about how to plan an elopement with family, there will be a few more logistics to figure out.
   2. What: Do you want to simply get married at the courthouse or do you want a relaxing day on the beach or do you want to climb a mountain and say your i do’s at the top?
   3. When: What time of year do you want to elope? Weather might play a factor depending on location. THe good news is if it’s just the two of you, you don’t have to plan around anyone else’s schedule
   4. Where: Where do you want to get married? Do you want to keep it local or make it a destination elopement. Refer to your budget and make sure your location is feasible. Check out our post on where to elope in Colorado.

5. Focus on the why: how to do an elopement ceremony

Planning the ceremony is often overlooked, which is a shame because it’s the moment you commit to each other. In Colorado, you don’t even need an officiant or witnesses, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make it special.

If you are going to have an officiant, they can help you figure out how to do an elopement ceremony. Elements of an elopement ceremony might include a processional, welcome, readings, vows, exchanging of rings, unity ceremony of some sort, and first kiss. Depending on your own cultures or religious beliefs, there might be some other beautiful traditions you want to include. 

We have a very popular blog post on adventure wedding readings and quotes. The trick is finding something meaningful to help you get in the mindset of the momentousness of this occasion. 

Pro tip: consider sunrise or sunset for stunning romantic light. Not only will it make your photos epic but it will make your memories unforgettable.

6. Celebrate: how to plan an elopement reception

A bride’s gotta eat right? An elopement reception can be as simple as a romantic dinner for two. It can also be an elaborate party with friends and family after the fact. 

When thinking through how to plan an elopement reception, be sure to refer to your priority list and your budget. 

If you’re having a big reception, you might want to consider some time between the elopement and the reception so that you’re not stressed trying to plan both. Additionally, we love hearing stories about our couples sharing their elopement photos with their families at a reception back home. 

7. Gather your vendor team: 

Based on your vision for the day, you might need a few wedding vendors. Refer to your budget and priorities when planning if you’ll need an officiant, photographer, videographer, planner, flowers, food, and more.

8. Book everything: vendors, accommodations, permits, marriage license

Once you book everything, you can start looking forward to it. Make sure you know how to get your wedding license and any other permits you need. Visit the county website for instructions on how to get a marriage license.

9. Make it special: 

Take one more moment to look back on your priorities and vision for your day. Is there anything else you can do to make it feel special. Check out our blog post on How to Make an Elopement Special.

10. Enjoy

Planning can be stressful, but getting married can be joyful. Once you’re done with the planning, celebrate and feel good about your choices. You might even want to stop reading wedding blogs especially if they tend to give you FOMO. 

Your choices and your day are unique to you. You don’t really need anything other than your marriage license and that special person you want to spend your life with. Remember that, keep things in perspective, and enjoy your elopement.

how to plan an elopement in review:

Hope we helped answer your questions on how to do an elopement ceremony, how to plan an elopement reception, and how to plan an elopement with family. There are a lot of factors to consider but these 10 simple steps will get you heading in the right direction.

We’re here to help if you have any questions. We frequently help our couples plan their elopements and have unforgettable experiences. As an additional bonus, we can help make sure you have the best light for your photos.

check out more recent posts:

I hope you enjoyed these tips on planning your Colorado mountain elopement! Next, check out some of our recent posts.

• How to Elope in Colorado
• Planning Your Colorado Mountain Elopement
• Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

Next check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here. Lastly, read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide.

FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

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We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado mountain wedding photography and videography and other adventures. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to…

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• We’ve already answer the question: Can I get married on a mountain? YES
• You’ve already made the decision: Wedding vs Elope

Now let’s talk about how to turn your vision into a reality.

Colorado Mountain Elopement

1. your colorado mountain elopement vendors

I will start with this topic because sometimes it’s the only one you need. If you decide to hire a planner or photographer, their guidance will be invaluable to you as you plan your Colorado mountain elopement.

Yes, this is kind of self-serving as a photographer, but it’s also true. We do this celebration of marriage thing a lot and therefore we’re a valuable resource to you. Most elopement photographers I know act as tour guides, especially for out of state couples.

We can advise you on location selections based on your specific needs. And for an elopement, what else do you really need? In Colorado, you don’t even need an officiant although we find that many couples want one anyway.

Other vendors to consider: what to wear, hair and make-up, officiant, where to stay, what to eat, flowers.

I think that when planning your mountain elopement, finding a photographer will help narrow down all of your other decisions because you’ll see how that company does elopements. Do they do short and sweet ceremonies? Or do they do an all day documentary session?

Personally, we do a little bit of both. Short and sweet sessions are nice if you’re on a budget and more introverted. However, longer sessions often allow us to journey to more secluded locations and make more of an experience for you. That also happens to result in more epic photos.

Find where you are along the continuum of styles of elopements and that will help you make the rest of your decisions.

2. your colorado mountain elopement location

Do you have a favorite place in Colorado? A favorite ski resort or quaint little town or hiking trail? Often, that’s where couples start.

If you haven’t actually spent much time in Colorado, that’s ok too. As wedding photographers we help couples plan their Colorado mountain elopement and that often means location selection.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• How will you get here? Fly or drive? How much time do you have and how far off-the-grid are you willing to go?

With your answers in hand, you’ll be able to narrow down your search. There are super convenient locations along the front range, fairly convenient locations along I-70, or off-the-beaten path locations that are hard to get to but totally worth it.

• What are your priorities in terms of views and experience? Do you want a cute downtown, aspen trees, epic peaks, or some water element?

This will further narrow down your selections as you’ll know whether you should search for that cute town for a cozy weekend or a rustic cabin off a dirt road.

For more on selecting the location for your Colorado mountain elopement, check out our mountain wedding venue guide or tips on where to get married in Colorado. Better yet, contact us as we have favorite locations we share with our couples.

3. your colorado mountain elopement guest list

I add this tips on planning your Colorado mountain elopement guest list simply based on experience. I have found that unless your elopement is a complete surprise for everyone in your life, you might end up with some guests. On more than one occasion, we’ve had a couple tell us it will just be them only to meet their parents on the day of.

Therefore, you can decide to set some ground rules for what elopement means to you. Many of our couples work out some sort of compromise where they have a portion of the day that’s just for them and a portion of the day that they invite a few friends to.

Luckily, there aren’t many rules and the ones that exist you can change to meet your own vision for the day.

4. your marriage license

To make it all official, you’ll need a marriage license. It’s super easy, affordable, and fast but just take the time to look up the information at the County Clerk’s office. Be aware of any current COVID restrictions such a appointments being required.

Read more in our recent post of How to Elope in Colorado.

5. enjoy your day, week, or weekend

Don’t just plan the wedding day. Plan your weekend and you vacation in the mountains. Some of our couples choose to spend a few days in Colorado before their elopement. Others like to get married and then have the rest of the trip be their honeymoon.

One of the best parts of a Colorado mountain elopement is that it can be an incredible experience. You can sit, arm-in-arm, in awe of the beauty that the Colorado Rockies has to offer. Let your focus be on having an incredible experience to kick off your marriage and everything else will be easy.

colorado mountain elopement plan

Make your Colorado mountain elopement plan:

1. Photographer/Vendors
2. Location
3. Guest List
4. Get Your License
5. Enjoy Your Day/Weekend/Week

Download our free guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

check out more recent posts:

I hope you enjoyed these tips on planning your Colorado mountain elopement! Here’s what’s next

• Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

Next check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here. Lastly, read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide.

FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

[mailmunch-form id=”619276″]

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado mountain wedding photography and other adventures. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to…

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The post Planning Your Colorado Mountain Elopement (Less Stress More Views) appeared first on .

How to Get Married in Colorado in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Plan your wedding or elopement day

Decide what you want your special day to look like. You might find this blog post helpful: Wedding vs Elope. Better yet, download our free guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

Here’s the summary, it’s all about prioritizing what is important to you and then building the day around that.

Then you can select your date, location, and any necessary vendors. When selecting your date, you’ll want to factor in the weather for the various seasons.

Next, you’ll want to make sure you have any permits or permissions required for the location of your ceremony. Your photographer can generally help you with that.

When selecting where to get married on Colorado, you can see our simple steps in this blog post. Essentially we talk through looking for beautiful locations and then examining the cost, convenience, and meaning of the location. Or check out some beautiful Colorado wedding venues here or tips for eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park.

When thinking about how to get married in Colorado, the most important thing is how you want your day to look. But, yeah, let’s talk about the technical stuff next. How to get married in Colorado = how to obtain, fill out, and file the marriage license.

Step 2: Get a marriage license

To make your marriage official, you’ll need a marriage license.

You will have to fill out paperwork at the County Clerk’s office. Make sure you research this ahead of time and make an appointment (often required during COVID.)

In Colorado, you only need the signatures of the couple and someone with solemnizing authority. The couple can sign on the line and self-solemnize the marriage or you can have your officiant for that.

Step 3: Get married and file your marriage license

Get married. Have a blast. Do something special.

Then make it official by filing your marriage license either in person or by mailing it to the County Clerk who issued it. Get some certified copies for all those fun things like name changes that you might need it for.

More Thoughts on How to Get Married in Colorado

1. Ignore the sample budgets you see out there. Make your own and spend money on things that are important to you.
2. When selecting a venue consider location, cost, and convenience for your guests.

More Thoughts on How to Elope in Colorado

1. Focus on your experience. Couples often elope to keep things simple and stress free, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be special and breaktaking.
2. Take advantage of the limited restrictions you have by not having a big wedding. Shoot portraits at sunset, go somewhere off the beaten path, and spend money only on the things that are important to you.

Check out more recent posts:

I hope you enjoyed these tips on how to get married in Colorado and how to elope in Colorado! Here’s what’s next

• Elope with Family
• Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

Next check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here. Lastly, read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide.

FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

[mailmunch-form id=”619276″]

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado mountain wedding photography and other adventures. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to…

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There’s something to be said for the fact that it’s your day and you can do what you want. And there’s also something to be said for the desire to host a party, to celebrate with friends and family, and to be surrounded by your loved ones.

These are crazy times and we’ve had a lot of couples trying to navigate the waters of what weddings look like in 2020/2021. Therefore, we started a series I’m calling, “just in case we can’t have weddings in 2021 elopement planning blog post series.”

Check out more in this wedding advice series:

• Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

why elope with family

It’s simple. Eloping doesn’t have to mean running away in secret. In fact many of our couples that have chosen to elope over the years don’t do it to run away.

They elope to go on an adventure or to have a special, quiet, stress-free day. Some of them hate being the center of attention and some of them just don’t want all the planning.

Many of our elopements probably aren’t even called elopements if we went by the strict definition of a secret wedding in which couples run away. More often, we see couples get married with their immediate family or a very small group of friends.

It’s even happens organically. A couple calls us about an elopement and tells us it’s just going to be the two of them. More often than not the guest list grows and we get to meet their mom, sister, and best friend too.

Maybe you don’t want the stress, expense, or restrictions of a big wedding. Or maybe you’re restricted by the pandemic. That doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in style and that doesn’t mean your bestie doesn’t want to be there.

For many of us, our communities are important to us. We don’t do life in a vacuum. Therefore, it makes sense that when something big happens in our life, we want our people there to help us celebrate.

how to elope with family

When it comes down to eloping with your family, throw out the rule book. If there are only a handful of people involved in the plans for the day, don’t limit yourself to what you think you have to do. The main problem we see is simply a failure of creativity and a lack of imagination.

“I want to get married at sunrise but my mom’s not a morning person. This will never work.”

Not true, we’ve had couples go for a sunrise hike with us (their photographers) and then head back for a ceremony with the family.

We’ve had couples read private vows to each other on a mountain top and more public vows in front of their friends and family. There have been breakfast weddings, lunch weddings, dinner weddings, and all day weddings.

To be honest we’ve gone hiking, rock-climbing, and hanging out by a river on various wedding days. In fact, we did all three on one couples wedding. Who says you have to spend all day apart hiding getting ready?

5 tips for eloping with family

1. Communicate. This means that you share your expectations and ask their expectations and then rewrite the expectations.
2. Use your creativity and imagination, I bet you can find a way to fit the puzzle pieces together.
3. Focus on your priorities. My main wedding planning advice is ALWAYS to figure out what your priorities are. That will help you stay on track and make the right decisions.
4. Above all, love your people. If you’re considering eloping with family, it’s because community is important to you. Don’t lose sight of that when you get annoyed that your brother won’t hike or your nephew needs constant snacks. Remember you love these people and they love you. Remember why you want them there.
5. In conclusion, food. Enough said.

Check out more in this wedding advice series:

• Wedding vs Elope – Either way “I do”
• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

Or tips for wedding photographers like this ND Filter Guide.

Next check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here. Lastly, read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide or elope in Estes Park.

FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

[mailmunch-form id=”619276″]

We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado mountain wedding photography, videography, and other adventures. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to…

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Elopements are a growing trend. There’s something about the ease and simplicity of running up a mountain or down to the courthouse to say “let’s do this.” As photographers we’re been to our share of weddings small and large and we love them all.

Below you’ll find a quiz, pros and cons, and even those win-win compromises. Let us know what you decide.

New to this idea of eloping? Check out our recent posts in this series:

• How to Make an Elopement Special
• Eloping for a Wedding (How to Reframe your Thinking.)  
• How to Plan a Micro Wedding (and be happy about it!)

wedding vs elope

In 2020 and possibly 2021, elopements seem to be taking the lead on weddings. This is often by choice rather than necessity but we’ve seen our couples make the best of it. And honestly, none of them have regretted it.

I imagine it might be because they still plan to have a big party when they can.

If you’re into lots of hugs, big dance parties, and all your favorite people gathered in one place you might be on the wedding train. But if the stress, money, and planning has you overwhelmed it’s not a bad time to be considering an elopement. There’s no excuse like a “COVID made me do it” excuse.

We’re here to help you think it through, find the right balance, and then photograph the heck out of your wedding or elopement. Because regardless of what you decide, it’s going to be a day to remember!

wedding or elope quiz

part 1: the COVID cancelled my wedding quiz

1. Can you have big group gatherings in your state?
2. Are all your at risk loved ones vaccinated?

This section of the quiz is kind of a joke, sorry if it’s a bad one. You might be here because you’re trying to getting married in a time when a Pandemic has made planning anything impossible, let alone wedding planning. If that’s the case, read on anyway.

We’ll help you understand that the definition of elopement is willing to be personalized, you can make it your own.

part 2: the wedding vs elope personality quiz

1. Are you an a.) introvert or an b.) extrovert?
2. Do you like being the center of attention? a.) no b.) yes
3. Does your family approve? a.) no b.) yes
4. Are you a hugger, dancer, partier? a.) no b.) yes
5. You prefer a.) quiet b.) boisterous
6. Are you a.) on a budget b.) ready to splurge?
7. You’re a.) itching to travel b.) focused on the people
8. Do you a.) love to host b.) love to relax
9. a.) Your family will totally understand b.) You’re worried about offending friends and family
10. a.) You just want to be married b.) You’re excited to start planning
11. a.) Quality b.) Quantity

If your answers were mostly a, this points towards elopement. However, if your answers were mostly b, this points towards wedding. My guess is that you already knew the answer

wedding vs elope, can everyone win?

If you’re convinced you should have a big wedding you have a few choices.

1. You can wait.
2. Or you can get married now and have a big party later.
3. You can elope with your family. This is what’s called a compromise! More on this topic next time, so stay tuned.

The answer might be determined based on how long you have to wait for that big party.

Check out more of our wedding photography advice for brides here.

Read more about us and view our Colorado elopement guide.

FREE comprehensive e-guide: Prioritize your planning so your wedding is a memorable adventure.

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Based in Evergreen, CO we travel throughout the state as Colorado adventure wedding photographers and videographers. Let us help you make your wedding an adventure! It would be an honor to capture your love.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help! Be sure to follow us (weddings instagram & adventures instagram) and/or like us (facebook) to stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to…

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