Everyone always says that your wedding day is all about you. But let’s face it; that’s not always actually the case. Many couples stress over guest lists, planning, expenses, and all the frills and traditions of your standard large wedding that they may or may not even be interested in. Fortunately, though, the concept of small weddings is becoming increasingly popular for couples who either want to be able to completely customize their day where and when they want with the option...Read more
Are you planning a short-notice, small wedding or elopement?
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS ARE OPEN - Many couples don’t want to wait. They are planning to get married in the very near future, eloping, or rushing a small ceremony with their photographer, some close friends, and family but dispensing with or postponing the reception party.
View WPJA photo stories from smaller weddings - WedElope | Choose love, not fear!
Summit County Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photographers of Summit County, Colorado
Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, Copper Mountain, Keystone
Summit County Elopement Photographers
YOU CAN'T STOP LOVE - In recent days, some of our United States photographer vendors have expressed their desire to accommodate couples who don’t want to wait to be married and are rushing the ceremony.
Many brides and grooms around the globe are planning to elope and deciding to reschedule their original ideas for a big event because of current wedding size restrictions, social distancing, and mask requirements. They are getting wed on a whim, but dispensing with or postponing all else.
The WPJA has an abundance of top-ranked, documentary-style elopement photographers who are available right now who understand that some weddings can’t wait. Find yours today!
Most Recent WPJA WedElope Story Awards
Elopement Photographers for Small Colorado Weddings
Shooting an elopement or small Summit County wedding event is a wedding photojournalist’s dream: a fairly open schedule with lots of breathing space for creativity – it’s just the photographer, the couple, the officiant, and perhaps a few select companions.
Members are ready to document any adventure, DIY - do it yourself, secret, or elopement wedding, even if it is a Monday-Thursday ceremony. Search for the “Can Shoot Weddings on Short Notice!” message on the listings below.
We are anxious to create a picture story chronicling your modern, casual, outdoor, small wedding from beginning to end. In this sense, it is no different from any other event that we have covered. The emphasis is on documenting key moments, capturing spontaneous displays of emotion, telling your real love story, as well as creating artistic portraits and details.
Map of Wedding Photojournalists Serving Summit County Couples
7 Documentary Wedding Photographers...
After just moving to CO, Stacy met Trent and a few dates later, he introduced her to a camera. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with photography and the guy that handed it to her. Having studied marketing and playing volleyball in college, Stacy fell head over heels for the creative aspect of photography and often finds herself pushing the limit with her competitive spirit. Photography is a never-ending love story for Stacy. Everyone she photographs has history, passions, goals, and regrets. Getting to know them is an inspiration to her but being able to capture their unique style, personality and beauty is a dream come true. Soon after Stacy and Trent got married, she went full time with Gillespie Photography and feels very blessed to work beside her best friend. Stacy has a deep love for relationships. She enjoys spending her time with family and friends but still gets a rush over meeting new people and learning about their inspirations. When she isn’t enjoying people’s company, you might find her drinking a cup of coffee while reading her book, hiking in the mountains or driving on a back-country dirt road in search of another barn to photograph. Stacy has a passion for early mornings, dancing, laughing and most of all, the Lord. [Summit County Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4800 (USD)
During college, Trent worked in a photography lab gutting film canisters, chopping negatives and making prints. Thousands of frames later, it became time to transition from the development side of photography into the production of it. After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado with a Journalism degree and a stint in photojournalism, it led him to one of the most challenging, exciting and riveting arenas in the industry. Wedding photography. Several years after going full time with Gillespie Photography, he met Stacy and managed to drag her along on his many photo adventures. In 2013 they were married and now serve as Gillespie Photography’s primary photographers. Outside of photography, he loves spending time on the water, racing down powder-covered slopes strapped to a board, backpacking in the rocky mountains, and planning for the next adventure. He’s thankful for many things, but most importantly, a graceful God. [Summit County Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4800 (USD)
I’ve worked as a professional photographer for 15 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in photojournalism and started out in the newspaper industry. During that time, I shot everything from criminal court trials to Detroit Pistons games (I’m originally from Michigan); structure fires to beauty pageants; congressional debates to high school football games on Friday nights. Every day was a new challenge; every assignment a new learning opportunity. My time as a photojournalist taught me to be resourceful and to think on my feet, which has proven invaluable for wedding photography. In the summer of 2008, I started shooting weddings on the side and absolutely loved it. I was able to visit new places, meet new people, and was granted a very important and personal role in what was arguably the most joyful day of their lives. Plus, I started getting a ton of compliments on my work and how it was different from typical wedding photography. People would tell me that they could spot one of my photos from a mile away without having to be told who the photographer was – that I was beginning to cultivate a very specific style. So when my wife, Moira, and I moved to Colorado that fall, I decided to make wedding photography my full-time career; we started J. La Plante Photo and never looked back. When I’m not behind the lens, you can probably find me on the slopes. Skiing is one of the main reasons I moved west. I’m also obsessed with the music scene out here. Red Rocks is by far the coolest venue I’ve ever been to. I’m a craft beer nerd, a movie buff, an amateur screenwriter and an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction alike. And I love to travel. I’ve been to 18 foreign countries and all 50 United States. I drove all over the American West before deciding to settle in Colorado, where I immediately fell in love with the state’s blend of urban and outdoor lifestyles. The proximity of Denver to the mountains felt too good to be true and now, eight years later, it still feels that way. I can’t imagine a more perfect setting for a wedding photographer. [Boulder Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
5500 (USD)
Being a wedding photographer allows me to combine my passions for art, creativity, photography, adventure, love, and people. As one half of a husband and wife photography team, I have the honor of witnessing as couples commit to their relationships alongside my own husband. We specialize in capturing people in nature and in documenting the stories of adventurous couples. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
5000 (USD)
Hi! I'm Shea. I'm a wedding photographer that loves photographing weddings and elopements all over the beautiful state of Colorado, as well as all over the world! I was born in Denver but moved to the midwest when I was very young. However, I always felt at home when I came to visit Colorado so I knew I would move back here one day. I've been in Colorado for just over three years now and I love everything that this beautiful state has to offer! - FUN FACTS ABOUT ME - In college, I drove from Iowa to Pennsylvania to be an extra in a movie with Matt Damon and John Krasinski. Have you seen "Promised Land"? When I'm not taking pictures you can find me in the mountains hiking or camping! I got married in November to the most wonderful human. I now know what you all are going through and am more understanding than ever when it comes to wedding planning! ;) I backpacked Europe for 3 months after college and ended up living in Spain for a year teaching English afterward! I've always felt like I am more of a dog person, but Jacob and I adopted a cat named Ophelia and I have officially become one of those crazy cat ladies. Every year I travel somewhere new. My most recent trips include Machu Picchu, South Africa, and Ireland. I love traveling and trying new things! This year we are going to Costa Rica! My favorite bands/musicians include Maggie Rogers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats, The Lumineers, and Johnnyswim I have been vegan for over two years! I've won two contests in my life so far: a coloring contest in 5th grade and a grape stomping contest at the Iowa State Fair! Jacob and I love to swing dance! We started taking lessons last year and had fun swing dancing for our first dance at our wedding in November! I have played piano for 24 years! [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
3500 (USD)
Every Colorado elopement photographer has the same magical backdrop. But we’re all bringing our own, different magic from behind the camera. I'm Nina Larsen Reed, a born-and-raised Norwegian who moved to the mountains of Colorado in 2010 and fell in love hard. I fell in love with the boundless blue skies, the Rocky Mountain hiking trails, and with a splitboarder named Justin. And as I spent more time exploring Colorado, I realized how much I love sharing this playground I call home with couples like you. I’m not going to tell you that my photos are better than anyone else’s. What I can tell you? That I’ve photographed more than 150 couples across the Rocky Mountains. That I help my couples plan their dream elopements and weddings in a place I know and love. That these mountains still make me say “Can you believe this is real life?!” If you choose me, you’ll be so much more than a date on my calendar and I want to be so much more than a stranger with a camera. I don’t care where you’re getting married or how many people will be there. All I care about is that you’re excited about how you’re getting married and that you can trust me to show that excitement through my photos. (Oh and let’s get one thing super clear: Love is love, and I’m an LGBTQ+ friendly photographer.) [Boulder Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2500 (USD)
I bring 18 years and 255+ weddings of experience in Canada, Australia, and the U.S. into my work, so my clients can trust that I have the experience and skills needed to do an amazing job in any location. I'm originally from the West Coast of Canada growing up in Victoria, B.C. (so I might still say 'eh' a few times) and I settled here 10 years ago after living in Australia for 3 years, having followed my lovely wife, Allison, around. I am lucky to be living in such an amazing place and love what Colorado has to offer. I am a passionate husband and a doting dad to our two daughters, Bridget and Vanessa. I love having fun with my family and friends as well as staying active, which includes playing tennis, yoga, skiing, running and hiking. I also enjoy gardening and growing veggies, especially tomatoes. Mmmm... tomatoes! My approach to wedding photography is a more natural and laid-back photo-journalistic style. I enjoy the challenge of capturing those unique moments and providing lasting memories for such an important occasion. And, more than that, I love connecting with people. My easy-going personality and calm presence on the day helps create an environment where you can relax and be yourself - and have fun! I love capturing candid moments that show raw emotions and combining them with beautiful, artistic portraits to tell your wedding day story with style. [Fort Collins Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
3000 (USD)
Wedding Venues from Summit County
Please select a venue below to view all associated winning photos.
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WPJA Communiqué: Features
While some of us were fortunate enough to be born as extroverts, not everyone feels the same way. For a good chunk of the population, any number of the typical wedding day traditions can inspire anxiety and existential dread. This day is all about you, yes, but does that mean all the attention has to be on you as well? FROM VOWS TO CHITCHAT, WHICH REMAINS SACRED? Traditional weddings often require some degree of performance on the part of the couple, whether that is in the form of reciting...Read more
We all know that the economy can go through some hard times, and be somewhat reminiscent of past recessions. However, as people cut back on non-essential little luxuries here and there, one constant remains: weddings. People don’t tend to just stop getting married due to a poor economy, nor should they! So, in an industry that keeps on going through thick and thin, what are some things to expect for the future, and what is really necessary to still make that wedding day memorable and...Read more
Not everyone has a lagoon or glacier next door, but there's no rule saying you can't have a small wedding in the great outdoors. Take advantage of natural sunshine and that open, airy feeling and give your guests some room to breathe! LESS IS MORE Instead of hemming your guests in on all sides, give them some elbow room, and legroom, too. There's no need to induce claustrophobia when you've got a wide, open space. Let your guests take in the view, especially if you've got a spectacular one. You...Read more
While some people live for the hustle and bustle of a big wedding with extravagant décor and an impossibly long guest list, others find these kinds of weddings to be too much hoopla, preferring instead something simpler and quieter, allowing for more intimacy between them and their fiancés on this special day. So how do you infuse your wedding with all the romance but none of the fuss? ALONE AT LAST Many couples these days are opting to elope rather than planning a large wedding. For the no-...Read more
It’s no secret that these are strange times we’re going through right now, and there are many couples out there with weddings set in the near future who are left feeling uncertain and concerned about their futures. While that’s understandable, it’s also important to remember the reason you’re getting married in the first place; not for the grand celebration, but because you love each other and want to be together. REMEMBER WHAT'S IMPORTANT You’re in this position now, about to get married, for...Read more
RAVES, REVIEWS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Courtney & Derek
Photo by Jesse La Plante
We don’t think we could ever say thank you enough! Every photo you took from our engagement session and our wedding amazes us. As you can tell it is hard to pick our favorite! We had so much fun going on adventures with you to take photos, especially hiking up a mountain in our wedding attire. Thank you for all your hard work on the photos and going above and beyond with your creativity. We will always remember trying to have a romantic moment and Moira always popping in. It gave us many funny memories. We can’t wait to go on our next adventurous photo shoot with you guys and drink some whiskey. If you need a reference feel free to reach out to us!
Frances & Bryce
Photo by Jesse La Plante
Thank you both so very much from the bottom of our hearts for being so wonderful to work with and for your talent and artistry in capturing our wedding day in a way no one else possibly could have. We are both so grateful and so appreciative of you and all your hard work and dedication. We love everything you have done and everything we have seen so far and are excited for more to come and more time with you both. We are so happy we have connected and we thank you for your friendship also. We just love you guys!! Thank you again for EVERYTHING!! Your talent is off the charts.
Kristin & Grant
Photo by Jesse La Plante
WOOOOOOOO WWWWWWWwW. This is basically the highest form of verbal praise we can give, when we are so blown away by things, we add at least 7 o’s and at least the same number of whatever consonant letter follows the vowel. This is because the pictures leave us so incredibly speechless that all we keep saying is “this is amazing” “no, THIS is amazing.” Which dilutes the power of the amazing which is not at all fair. You guys must be photography ninjas because after the family photos, you were so stealthy I had no idea of your whereabouts, but clearly you were hiding in the best places to capture all these great memories!!!! I am so so happy with these sneak peek photos! Thank you for the gift of your craft. We are so happy you were there on our special day capturing all of these moments in such unique and beautiful form.
Jen & Robert
Photo by Jesse La Plante
We just got back from our honeymoon (talk about perfect timing ! We missed the polar vortex ! ) and we both just wanted to say thank you so much for everything ! We had such a great time and experience with you both. I remember talking with Robert and all I wanted was 5 non awkward photos through the wedding ( you should see our travel photos ... we are pretty non photogenic ...) and seeing your blog post ... oh my god ... those pictures ... were AMAZING ! Not to mention what you wrote... *sigh* ..also, amazing .... you guys just made the day ten times more memorable and I can’t thank you enough ! I can’t wait to see the rest of them (even the blooper reel lol ) and I just wanted to let you know I will be recommending you guys to all of United and then some. I’m so glad we found you guys and I hope to document more memories in the future with you as well :)
Jamie & Eric
Photo by Jesse La Plante
You two are just so incredibly talented! Thank you so so much for all of the hard work you put in to capture these amazing photos. We don’t think we have seen wedding photos better than these! Also thank you for coming all the way to Durango and celebrating with us! It was great to get to know you two a little better throughout the wedding process. We hope we get to hang with you two again sometime and hope you enjoyed your time in Durango as well. You guys rock!
Patricia & Kevin
Photo by Jesse La Plante
We were so honored to have you share in our special day. The pics are absolutely amazing! We can’t thank you enough. Please accept this small token of our appreciation of your hard work and beautiful photos. We are so happy with the final product! You rock! Thank you again.
Kristin & Greg
Photo by Jesse La Plante
We can’t thank you enough for our amazing photos! There are so many perfect shots that I’m afraid our house will end up looking like a shrine of our wedding! You guys were easily the best decision for our wedding. Thank you so much for all of your help, advice, suggestions and recommendations. We love that we have ended up with new friends through this experience! Please keep in touch!
Aekta & John
Photo by Jesse La Plante
We can’t thank you enough for everything. Y’all were/are the BEST! From keeping me company while gettind ressed to the amazing photographs at the wedding, you truly gave us some amazing photographs that really capture our style. Apologies for basically running down the aisle! We’ll never forget the water balloons either! So excited to get the chance to work with you again, and it doesn’t hurt that you’re pretty awesome people. See you in January!
Cat & Bryant
Photo by Jesse La Plante
Bryant and I are so beyond amazed with the photos we received from not only our wedding day but from our engagement shoot! The two of you were so fun to work with and made both of us feel so relaxed that we could just be ourselves. We both look at our photos and ask “How did they get that? We didn’t even see them next to us.” Your work is truly amazing and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you again and please let us know the next time you are in Summit.
WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.
