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
Are you planning a short-notice, small wedding or elopement?
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS OPEN DURING COVID-19 - 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!
Boulder Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photographers of Boulder, Colorado
Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville
Boulder Elopement Photographers
YOU CAN'T STOP LOVE - In recent days, some of our United States photographers 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 covid 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 Boulder 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 courthouse, fast, themed, 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 romantic, symbolic, intimate, 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 Boulder Couples
7 Documentary Wedding Photographers...
I’ve worked as a professional photographer for more than a decade. 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:
4999 (USD)
Michael is associate photographer at Bonnie Photo. However, his most important roles are as Bonnie’s husband-extraordinaire and co-parent to their two strange dogs, Sylas and Rowena. Mike is much more photogenic than Bonnie, which Bonnie is infinitely grateful for! Mike’s skills include: Mechanical Engineering (his day-job) Cooking Making everyone around him feel comfortable and at-ease Pointing Making Bonnie laugh [Boulder Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
1950 (USD)
Bonnie is a Scottish word for beautiful. Having this name has encouraged me to see the beauty in everything. Born and raised in Boulder, CO, I’ve always had a travel bug and a passion for art. I specialize in outdoor portraits using natural and staged lighting. My editing style is bold and vibrant. You’ll find that my client interactions and photography reflect the high value I place on family, honesty, intelligence (I am a Ravenclaw after all), and humor. My other roles include substitute teacher, Denver Comic Con volunteer, luckiest wife in the world, and dog momma. Even as a small child, my parents made sure to instill in me a love for viewing and creating art. This life-long immersion in the art world inspired me to pursue an art degree for part of my undergraduate career at Colorado State University (although I ended up with a BA in International Studies and a minor in history). As I sought a place to study history for my master’s degree, I made sure to find a place that would encourage and foster my artistic side. I traveled to Norwich, UK to get my MA in Modern European History at the University of East Anglia. I chose UEA for its dedication to the arts and the rigor of its Slavic studies program. My coursework there focused on art and literature in the Soviet Union and I wrote my dissertation on Soviet Cinema. It was at this time that I bought my first DSLR camera because my point and shoot offered nowhere near the amount of artistic control I desired over my images. I now feel at home as a wedding photographer in Colorado. I own my own business, I'm following my passion, and I love it! [Boulder Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
1950 (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)
Working as a photojournalist for the past 13 years for clients like Getty Images, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Major League Baseball, Upper Deck, NASCAR and The Denver Post, to name a few, I've had the opportunity to document stories, events and people all over the country. I bring that level of experience, problem-solving and hard work to each and every wedding that I photograph. I've shot more than 130 weddings and elopements in my career which is something I can admit that I didn't see coming as a business student at the University of Denver, CO. I definitely thought I would end up in the advertising industry but I picked up a camera while studying abroad in Rome, Italy and haven't put it down since. I love spending time with my fianceé, Amy, and our families. When I have some free time I can usually be found on the golf course, riding one of my three bikes or snowboarding. I am passionate about cooking and craft beer, having tried more than 2,000 unique beers to date. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4300 (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. [Colorado Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4800 (USD)
I don't take myself too seriously - but I do LOVE my job. When I’m shooting I’m a total goof, creating a fun atmosphere where it’s easy for you to feel comfortable being YOURSELF. The word “professional” in front of “photographer” is hard for me to stomach, since I lie in the dirt A LOT and have been known to swear like a sailor. But what I lack in dignity I make up for in sound effects. I have been shooting weddings full time since 2013 though, so I guess I must accept the title. I'm your built-in hype girl. I am also an “adult.” More about me: -I met my husband when I moved to Colorado in 2015 – literally, on my first night here- and now we have two terrible/adorable cats and a forever sleepover. -My favorite food is anything wrapped in more food. Pierogies. Ravioli. Potstickers. Tacos. Samosas. Empanadas. Give it to me. -I’ve danced contra, swing, lindy, blues, and fusion, but off the dancefloor, I’m a total klutz. I once cut myself on a bagel, which is the roundest object known to all mankind. It’s bad, dudes. -Still not over how cute bunnies are. Who is, though? -I’m a Highly Sensitive Person, (HSP) and I have Misophonia (which is, unfortunately, not a soup). -I previously worked in veterinary surgery and volunteered at spay/neuter clinics and a raptor rehab center. My feral cat wrangling skills rarely come into play at weddings, but when they do.. -I’ve traveled to New Zealand, Indonesia, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Germany & Austria, where I kept cheese in my pockets to lure stray cats into my arms. It was.. occasionally successful. If you have been to New Zealand, we are already friends. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
3800 (USD)
Wedding Venues from Boulder
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WPJA Communiqué: Features
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
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
So your wedding is just around the corner and you’ve decided to elope , either because you want to do this on a budget , avoid a large wedding party, or simply to enjoy the day together with minimal distractions and as little stress as possible . They say 'all you need is love', but where exactly can you afford to trim the fat, so to speak? You want simplicity, but you also want to be properly married and, surely, to remember this occasion. Who, then, could be more important than...Read more
Traditionally speaking, often times it is the couple’s families who help pay for their wedding. However, unfortunately that’s just not possible for everyone, especially these days when the cost of weddings can quickly and easily get out of control. Some couples find themselves in the position of paying for all of their own wedding expenses, which can be quite the financial burden to take on, and about 40% of Millennials end up in this boat. So, how can you stick to your allotted...Read more
WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO ELOPE? If you look up the definition of “elope” in the Merriam-Webster dictionary , you’ll find a plethora of meanings making it quite clear how polarizing the word has become, and how it has transformed and evolved with the passage of time and even personal preference.Read more
RAVES, REVIEWS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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 & 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!
Shabnam and Joseph
Photo by Justin Edmonds
Choosing you was the easiest part of the shit show that was wedding planning. Working with you is something I would choose over a hundred times, you get how silly and impulsive we are . And You’re so damn tall, but you move like a ghost to get a shot that is as if it was taken from right in front of me. I remember dancing with you for like two seconds, and otherwise, don’t remember seeing you. It’s unbelievable. Thank you for capturing our wedding so perfectly. I would love to buy you a drink whenever you’re in town and are free.
Sienna and Jacob
Photo by Justin Edmonds
WE ARE CRYING. THEY ARE SO GOOD. Gotta go, we're going to go look at them all over again. I have never seen better wedding photos in my life and I will flex on everyone soon.
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!
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 :)
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!
Holly and Hayden
Photo by Justin Edmonds
I absolutely ADORE these photos!! You did an amazing job and I just want to show you one simple shot that just gave goosebumps because it was basically a recreation of my best friend and I's favorite picture from graduating high school. I just feel the love and growth and maturity we've got through together in your picture. I wanted to let you know and let you know you're doing such a great job with your work even in these small moments-- whether you know it or not!
Melissa and Jordan
Photo by Justin Edmonds
They are amazing! Thank you so very much for everything, it was a pleasure having you be a part of our journey, from engagement to marriage. The pictures really show our happiness and love, they’re perfect. Thank you!
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.
Katie and Joel
Photo by Justin Edmonds
Dear Justin, Thank you so much for all your hard work in August! We are so grateful for the photos that captured our wedding day perfectly and will help us remember it forever. Your advice and experience was so valuable and we can't thank you enough.
Lacy & Tommy
Photo by Justin Edmonds
Omg we absolutely love these and yes you made me cry!! Thank you for making our day one we will never forget :)
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.
