Elope Telluride

Why do I only photograph adventure elopements in the Telluride area?

Because these mountains have become my second home.

Over the years I’ve spent thousands of hours exploring old mining roads, hidden overlooks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and places that most visitors will never find. I’ve watched storms roll in from every direction, learned how the light changes throughout the seasons, and discovered backup locations for just about every type of weather.

That means if the original plan changes because of rain, wind, smoke, or crowds… your adventure doesn’t stop. It usually gets even better.

When you hire someone who truly knows an area, you’re getting so much more than a photographer. You’re getting a local, and someone who’s spent years figuring out where to go and when to be there.

I don’t just want you to have beautiful photos.

I want you to leave Telluride saying, “That was the best day of our lives.”

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable mountain adventure instead of a stressful wedding day, I’d love to show you why I never leave these mountains.

Rob and Romina had the adventure of a lifetime yesterday in the San Juan Mountains! The sun was shining, there wasn’t another soul around for miles, and they became husband and wife surrounded by some of Colorado’s most incredible scenery.

HMU Salon Envy Ouray
Flowers Sandi Woodman
📸 Telluride Elopement Photographer + Planner // Joe + Rhonda



Romina absolutely owned the waterfall

HMU Salon Envy Ouray

And of course, their best girl (Winnie) had a front-row seat to it all.

A toast to forever in the middle of the mountains.

One of those moments where the rest of the world just disappears

Proof that elopements don’t have to be serious all day long!

📸Telluride Elopement Photographer + Planner // Joe + Rhonda

Some couples want a wedding.

Logan and Tasha wanted an adventure!

They exchanged vows high in the San Juan Mountains above Telluride, surrounded by incredible views and stormy skies. But they weren’t done yet.

To finish the day, we headed to Bridal Veil Falls. The trail was muddy, the waterfall was raging, and Tasha didn’t hesitate to kick off her shoes and walk barefoot through the mud to get to the perfect spot.

A little mud. A little spray from the falls. A lot of laughter.

Exactly the kind of wedding day they had dreamed about!

I was surprised to wake up this morning and find out that I won another Fearless Photographers Award!

This image is from Jacob and Amanda’s Telluride elopement, and Amanda had one thing on her mind all day… she wanted a photo standing in an alpine lake.

As the sun started dropping behind the mountains, Jacob was off doing a little fly fishing while I watched the light change across the landscape. Suddenly everything lined up. The light, the reflection, the mountains… it was one of those moments you know won’t last long.

I told Amanda, “If we’re going to do this, we need to do it right now!”

So I helped her into the freezing water, ran back to shore as fast as I could, and took the shot before the light disappeared.

A few minutes later, the moment was gone.

It’s crazy how often my favorite images happen because a couple is willing to embrace the adventure and trust me when I say, “I’ve got an idea.”

Congratulations Jacob and Amanda, and thank you for being willing to stand in an ice-cold alpine lake on your wedding day! ❤️

Hair and makeup by Rachel Maier

Have you ever gotten completely soaked on your wedding day on purpose?

Jenna and Steve did!

They weren’t interested in a big wedding that revolved around seating charts, timelines, and trying to make everyone else happy. Instead, they chose to spend their wedding day exploring the mountains of Telluride and celebrating their love in a way that felt true to them.

One of the highlights of the day was Bridal Veil Falls. Even though there was very little snowmelt this year, the waterfall is raging right now! To get this photo, Jenna and Steve climbed through mud at the base of the falls and got completely drenched by the mist and spray. By the time we were done, they were soaked… but neither of them cared.

That’s one of the things I love most about elopements. Sometimes the best memories come from embracing the adventure instead of worrying about staying clean.

I had such a great time with these two yesterday, and I couldn’t wait to share this image. It perfectly captures who they are—willing to get a little uncomfortable for an unforgettable experience together.

If you’ve ever dreamed of trading a traditional wedding for an epic adventure in the mountains, Telluride is looking pretty amazing right now.

Have you ever wanted an entire mountain valley all to yourself?

That’s pretty much what Neal and Heather got on their wedding day.

We found ourselves in a huge open field with the San Juan Mountains stretching across the horizon. There wasn’t another person around for miles. No crowds. No noise. Just incredible views and two people getting married exactly how they wanted to.

After exchanging vows, they had plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the day. We put together a picnic, wandered through the area, and explored some of the beautiful spots nearby. One of my favorite parts of the day was that there was never any rush. They could stop whenever they wanted, take in the views, and simply enjoy being together.

Days like this are why I love elopements. Sometimes all you need is an amazing view, a little adventure, and the person you can’t imagine life without.

One of the things I love most about elopements is that couples get to spend their wedding day however they want.

Gus and Miriam weren’t interested in rushing from one event to the next. They wanted a day that felt like an adventure. A day where they could explore the mountains, take in the views, and actually spend time together.

As I followed them around Telluride, it was obvious they weren’t worried about the timeline or what anyone else expected from them. They were just enjoying the experience.

Somewhere between the aspens, mountain views, and quiet moments together, they exchanged vows and started the next chapter of their lives. That’s the beauty of an elopement. The day becomes less about the wedding and more about the two people getting married.

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As a photographer, I witness a lot of wedding days, but every now and then a couple reminds me what it’s all about.

Gus and Miriam came to Telluride with a simple goal: to begin their marriage surrounded by adventure, beauty, and each other. Through quiet moments beneath the aspens, mountain views that stretched forever, and the freedom to celebrate their day their own way, they never seemed focused on the photos. They were focused on each other.

The mountains gave them an unforgettable backdrop, but what I’ll remember most is how effortlessly they enjoyed every moment together. Sometimes the best weddings aren’t the biggest. They’re the ones that feel completely and unmistakably like the couple themselves.

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If you could describe the feeling you want on your wedding day, what would it be?