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Is Eloping Right for Me?

Is Eloping Your Best Fit? Discover the Magic of Saying ‘I Do’ Your Way

So, you’re asking yourself the big question: should I elope? It’s a decision that’s equal parts exciting and daunting, but here’s the thing—it’s YOUR decision. If you’ve been wondering if an intimate, adventurous day is right for you, let’s dive in and explore what eloping truly means and whether it’s the perfect fit for your love story.

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What Does It Really Mean to Elope?

Eloping isn’t just about running off to Vegas (unless that’s your dream—then go for it!). These days, eloping is all about crafting a wedding day that feels true to who you are as a couple. It’s about intimacy, authenticity, and adventure.

 

Key Characteristics of an Elopement:

  • Intimacy: Fewer guests, more focus on your connection.
  • Flexibility: Forget rigid timelines; elopements let you design your day your way.
  • Adventure: Whether it’s hiking a mountain or exchanging vows by a serene lake, elopements can happen anywhere that feels special to you.

 

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Signs Eloping Might Be Right for You

Eloping isn’t for everyone, but if these resonate with you, it might be time to grab your hiking boots or book that flight.

You Value Experiences Over Traditions

Maybe the idea of a big wedding with all the bells and whistles doesn’t light you up. You’d rather spend the day focusing on each other and creating unforgettable memories.

You Want to Avoid Wedding Stress

Let’s face it—weddings can be stressful. Planning a large event often comes with drama, deadlines, and a hefty price tag. If you’d rather keep things simple and stress-free, an elopement could be the perfect answer.

You Love the Outdoors (or a Unique Venue)

If the idea of saying “I do” surrounded by towering mountains or in a cozy cabin sounds like your kind of vibe, an elopement lets you choose the perfect backdrop. Check out my blog on unique Colorado elopement locations for inspiration!

 

Need more reasons to elope? Check out my blog about the Seven Reasons to Elope.

 

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Common Myths About Eloping

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions that might be holding you back.

Myth: Eloping Means No Family or Friends

False! You can absolutely include your closest loved ones. Elopements are about intimacy, so invite a handful of people who truly matter to you.

Myth: Eloping Isn’t a “Real” Wedding

An elopement is as real and valid as any big wedding. It’s about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

Myth: Elopements Are Last-Minute Decisions

While spontaneous elopements can be amazing, many couples spend months planning their perfect day. If you’re wondering how to plan your elopement, my blog on elopement planning tips is a great place to start.

 

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How to Decide if Eloping is Right for You

Here are some practical steps to help you decide:

Reflect on Your Priorities

Think about what matters most to you on your wedding day. Is it celebrating with a big group, or is it sharing an intimate, unforgettable experience with your partner?

Talk to Your Partner

Have an honest conversation about what you both envision for your day. Being on the same page is key to making the right decision.

Explore Locations

Sometimes the perfect setting can solidify your decision. You can elope in the mountains, by a waterfall, before ice skating, while kayaking, on a cliff, in a field of wildflowers. Check out my blog on Colorado’s diverse elopement locations.

 

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Making Your Elopement Day Special

Eloping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice special touches or meaningful moments. Here are some ideas to elevate your day:

  • Write Personal Vows: Share your love story in your own words.
  • Include Traditions That Matter: Whether it’s a first dance or cutting a cake, you can include any traditions that feel meaningful to you.
  • Plan Activities You Love: Make your day unforgettable with adventures like hiking, kayaking, or even getting matching tattoos (yes, I’ve seen it happen!).

For more creative ideas, check out my blog on unique elopement ceremony ideas.

 

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How I Can Help Bring Your Vision to Life

Planning an elopement might feel overwhelming, but that’s where I come in. As an experienced Colorado elopement photographer, I’m here to help you with everything from choosing the perfect location to capturing every meaningful moment. My services go beyond photography—think of me as your guide, planner, and biggest cheerleader.

If you’re ready to take the leap and create a wedding day that’s all about YOU, let’s chat! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate mountain ceremony or a spontaneous adventure, I’ll help you craft a day that’s unforgettable. Reach out through my contact page to start planning your dream elopement. Let’s make magic happen together!

 

  1. grace says:

    This blog is exactly what I needed! Ive been asking myself ‘should I elope’ for months now and your perspective makes it feel so much less stressful. As a colorado elopement photographer do you have any suggestions for locations that are easily accessible?

    • Aw, I’m so glad this was helpful! And yes, I absolutely help couples find their perfect spot—I’ve got a whole list of breathtaking locations in Colorado to match your vibe. It’s a big part of what I do. 😊

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Looking for a photographer to help guide, educate, and capture the most incredible adventure of your life — let’s do this thing.

Let's Do This Thing!

Alex, Coastal Elopement

"We loved our experience having Marcela as our elopement day photographer.

What was even more special about our experience was her ability to set us at ease months before our day. Through constant communication leading up to, and during, the day we got eloped. Her personality is that, in just four days time, we felt as if we've known her for years. 

Ah, but you're wondering about her photos. We loved every thing about them especially the raw emotion captured in many of the shots."

Caitlin, Alpine Lake Elopement

"My husband and I have been trying to put into words how simply amazing working with Marcela was.

From the start we could tell she truly cared about us, our relationship, and our story. She asked us so many questions, valued what we wanted, and kept up with the ever changing plans that came along with planning a wedding.

She made us feel so comfortable, made us laugh till we cried, and captured our true wholesome love for each other."

"We loved every moment of the day she helped create. Marcela was the perfect photographer for our adventure elopement! She worked tirelessly to make our adventure into marriage happen after our first options were snowed in! 

She made us comfortable to be ourselves throughout the whole day while making her job look effortless and fun. Our cheeks hurt from smiling, laughing and a few tears. Marcela captured every precious moment! Her photography is absolutely stunning every way! I highly recommend Marcela for your elopement or wedding!"

Lauren, Sand Dunes Elopement

Amy, Forest Elopement

"Instead of telling us how to pose or interact with each other, Marcela gave us prompts that seemed simple but made a huge difference.

We discussed the weirdest things we loved about each other (which made us laugh) and how we could fulfill each other’s love languages. Amy and I played games with each other and Marcela captured the energy that happened naturally between us.

I love this shoot because it perfectly captures the love we share. It’s incredible to see that love and admiration encapsulated in a photo! Thank you for this!"

Chris, Anniversary Session

"The photos we just got back from Marcela are giving me CHILLS!! She did SO MUCH more than just photograph us — she created special moments that I’ll cherish forever. She encouraged Con & I to genuinely interact & share intimate moments together. She prompted us to tell each other things that we love about one other, ways that the other person inspires us, & how being together has positively changed us.

It was more than just a beach shoot. We ended up giving each other precious, heart melting encouragement & that makes these photos all the more treasured to me."

Andrea, Red Rocks Elopement

"We had a pre-meet with her before the big day which definitely helped me feel more relaxed going into the wedding day. She gave us great suggestions and things to think about to be ready with on the wedding. On the day of she showed up early to help scope out the venue. She was creative to try and pull extra joy into our photographs.

When I look at these photos I see more than just beautiful images. I feel the moments that Marcela helped us experience and the connection we had. I can't thank Marcela enough! We will treasure these moments forever!"

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KIND WORDS

couples I've worked with

160

5 star
review record 

100

years as a photographer

6

My business is rooted in inclusivity, equality for all, and the inarguable truth that love is love. I am whole-heartedly and endlessly committed to capturing and celebrating your love regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

My Values

+

dollars donated to charity

10,400

houseplants
(and counting!)

18

countries visited so far

22

%

I deliver fully-edited images. I never deliver RAW, or unedited, images as they are not a reflection of my work. Every photo has my custom look applied, and is adjust for things like brightness and optimal color. I will remove small blemishes that aren't usually there but I generally don’t retouch images more than that. Your skin is part of you and your beauty and I want to capture it as authentically as I can. 

Do you edit or retouch images?

My travel fees are included in all my packages as long as I can access your location via commercial airline and 2WD. The only time there would an additional fee is if your location is more remote and requires a charter plane or if I need to rent a high clearance 4WD. Other than that, I'll take care of my own travel costs! You don't have to worry about additional travel fees like hotel stays or meal purchases.

Tell me more about travel costs

I know from personal experience that it can seem like ages when you're waiting for images. My photographer took 12 weeks to deliver my images!

That's why I work hard to deliver them within 6 weeks. I also make sure to send over some sneak peeks soon after your elopement day so you can share with family and friends!

When will we receive our images?

Because you receive high-resolution, un-watermarked photos, you are welcome to print them at any shop but printing via me guarantees the best quality. You can order these prints from your personalized gallery.

Along with professional quality prints you can also order calendars, announcements, and frames through our partnered labs. I test the prints and colors to my labs’ printers to make sure your photos print accurately and beautifully.

Where can we buy prints?

In addition to elopements, I also love to capture other wild adventures like a canoe or kayak engagement session, helicopter elopement, camping wedding, desert session, tree-house engagement, beach elopement, trash the dress session, a multi-day adventure, backpacking session and much more!

Do you only photograph elopements?

On average, I provide about 50 images per hour of shooting. This number varies depending on the weather, how your day unfolds, the type of session and time. Elopements range anywhere from 200-400 photos. Couples sessions are typically around 100.

I believe in quality over quantity and aim to deliver the best of the best photos from your day.

How many images can we expect?

Because my travel schedule & pricing structure is constantly evolving, I generally don't book elopements more than 18 months out (with the exception of international destination weddings).

Couples usually book elopements anywhere from 3-12 months out. If you're more spontaneous or just eager to get married and want a last minute elopement, definitely reach out! I might have a space just for you. 

How far in advance should we book?

Couples sessions can be for engagement photos, honeymoon photos, day-after sessions, anniversary photos, vow renewals, or just cause you wanna. I’ll help you plan a session that tells your story, including location suggestions, activities, and assistance with outfit planning. It can be as simple as a cozy morning in a cabin, or as adventurous as climbing a mountain. Couples sessions can’t be used for an elopement (because your wedding day deserves a whole lot more than that) and I have other packages specifically for elopements!

Couples session vs elopement

Absolutely! I want to make it very clear that I support love & marriage for all.

I believe that everyone deserves to have the perfect wedding day and I want to help you make yours just that.

Love is love and it comes in many forms. I'm just thrilled to be able to capture it!

Will you photograph LGBTQ+ ceremonies?

Absolutely. In fact I prioritize these session! Because I am a storyteller at heart, I want to tell the whole story – before & after and in-between. This type of coverage works well if you're camping out with your friends the night before, or traveling to a destination with all of your family, or backpacking to a spot for your adventure elopement. I want to capture it all.

Do you offer full-weekend coverage?