head due north

Winter Breckenridge Elopement

Often, when a couple tells me they’re looking for a winter wedding, I try to get to the root of what they want.

Is it snow they’re after? Is it the winter activities? Is it the season itself? If a couple is just seeking snow, I always try to recommend a wedding that’s not in the dead of winter in Colorado. 

Because–quick fun fact–you can find snow in CO during most seasons if you know where to look! Some couples, though, are in it for more than the aesthetic. Some couples want the whole winter shebang–the cozy attire, the brisk cold, the snow, and the winter activities. 

Taylor and Brian are exactly that couple. 

A bride and groom pet the horse running their horse-drawn carriage during their winter breckenridge elopement.

These two opted for a January wedding–so they knew exactly what they were looking for. They wanted snow, of course, but they wanted winter activities, the winter aesthetic, and everything that goes hand-in-hand with a Colorado elopement in January. Their winter Breckenridge elopement was all that and so much more. 

They weren’t afraid to be a little cold, especially if it mean soaking in the beautiful moments of their day exactly how they wanted to. 

We started the day at their Breckenridge Airbnb. The two of them spent some intentional time apart getting ready. Taylor donned some adorable (and warm) layers like cable knit mittens, a beanie, and a gorgeous, comfortable white shawl. 

After the two of them had finished getting ready, we set off to a beautiful, snowy spot for the two of them to have their first look. When Taylor tapped Brian on the shoulder, he turned to face her, and the two embraced. 

Watching them hold each other close in the chilly Colorado mountains on their wedding day was a beautiful reminder of why eloping is such a perfect choice for couples like Tayor and Brian. 

This was the day they’d envisioned, and it was finally here. Seeing them together, present in the moment, reminded me of why couples choose to elope in the first place. 

A bride and groom pet the horse running their horse-drawn carriage during their winter breckenridge elopement.

Once they’d spent some time soaking in their first look, their elopement adventure continued. We made our way to a gorgeous spot near Breckenridge, Sapphire Point Overlook, for their elopement ceremony. This elopement location is such a jaw-dropping choice for couples looking to have a Breckenridge elopement, no matter what season they want to get married. 

Among the stunning Colorado vistas, chilly mountain breeze, and winter wonderland aesthetic, Taylor and Brian said their vows. Their officiant led them through a beautiful (and quirky) ceremony that was perfectly them. 

Once they’d said their vows, they exchanged rings, kissed, and signed their official paperwork. 

At last, they were married–and in one of the most beautiful places Breckenridge has to offer.

But their day of adventure elopement was far from over. These two wanted the full winter experience, so after their ceremony, we headed out to a spot where they could take a horse-drawn carriage up a peak in Breckenridge. 

First, though, we had to make a quick pit stop–to put gas in the Jeep. This just goes to show that you can’t plan for everything on an elopement day.  

That’s why it’s so important to leave a little flexibility in your elopement planning timeline! 

We love a little spontaneity, a little spur-of-the-moment, and even a little whoops-we-didn’t-plan-for-that-one type of event. 

These things happen–that’s just life. That’s why giving yourself a little extra time can be so important to a relaxed, stress-free, and amazing elopement day. 

After a quick gas station stop, we were on our way again, and the rest of their elopement day continued. 

Taylor and Brian climbed into their horse-drawn carriage reserved just for them. They cozied up under blankets, snuggled up close for warmth, and embraced another beautiful moment of their elopement day.

The rest of their elopement evening was spent with hot cocoa, exploring the forest by lantern light, and soaking in more once-in-a-lifetime moments in Breckenridge. 

They embraced the beauty of winter, appreciating this season for everything it stands for. And as a result, they experienced one of the most stunning Breckenridge elopements I’ve ever had the honor to be part of. 

I hope everyone reading Taylor and Brian’s elopement story gleans something important. Your elopement day doesn’t have to fit the parameters someone else sets up for you. They wanted more than just a dusting of snow–they wanted winter. And we made sure to make that happen. 

Every moment of their day, just like every good elopement, was for them. And in my opinion, that’s what sets an amazing wedding day apart from the rest.

A snowy, icy Airbnb in Breckenridge is shown in this image of a Breckenridge winter elopement.

A bride smiles at herself in the mirror as she gets ready for her Breckenridge winter elopement.

A bride approachers her groom for their first look as part of their Breckenridge winter elopement.

A bride and a groom walk off together during their Breckenridge winter elopement among the mountain peaks and the brisk mountain air.

A groom leans in for a kiss with his bride during their Breckenridge winter elopement.

A bride places the ring on her new husbands finger during their Breckenridge winter elopement ceremony in Sapphire Point Overlook.

A bride and groom sign their marriage license after their elopement ceremony in Breckenridge.

A bride and groom ride in their horse-drawn carriage up a snowy mountain peak in breckenridge during their Breckenridge winter elopement.

Holding lanterns, a bride and groom explore a Breckenridge peak at dusk during their Breckenridge winter elopement.

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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.

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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?