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?
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!
Denver Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photographers of Denver, Colorado
Aurora, Lakewood, Golden
Denver Elopement Photographers
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. 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 Denver 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 DIY - do it yourself, justice of the peace, town hall, 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, boutique, 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 Denver Couples
10 Documentary Wedding Photographers...
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)
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)
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)
Working as a photojournalist for the past 11 years for clients like Getty Images, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Major League Baseball, 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:
3900 (USD)
I am a photojournalist and Pulitzer finalist who approaches weddings with a quiet presence and an eye for authenticity. I work with a calm demeanor and a desire to remain unnoticed, finding small moments of intimacy in the midst of public celebrations. While environment and ritual play an important part in my wedding coverage, I also focus on the personal connections and latent emotions brought to the surface by such pivotal moments in life. I feel my task is to anticipate and document moments as they naturally occur, without direction or interference. My ultimate goal is a highly personal book that is both beautiful and meaningful, authentic to the moment and revealing of those depicted. I'm a recent transplant to Denver, CO from Washington DC and I continue to cover weddings nationwide. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
4000 (USD)
Based in the gorgeous state of Colorado (Native here!), I spend my days roaming mountain-tops with Clients, and exploring all that this state has to offer with my little fam (Twin boys, hubby and the coolest German shepherd EVER.)! Being a wedding and elopement photographer in one of the most beautiful states in the country allows me to really pull together my love for documenting the adventure, real-time moments, as well as creating some Epic Environmental portraits! I love problem-solving lighting and all the "think on your toes" aspects of weddings, and thrive on the fact that no two weddings are ever the same! I love the spontaneity of emotions, weather, and all unscripted moments! I have been many times referred to as a "photo-ninja" (probably my most favorite compliment ever...), so you can bet I will be jumping in Rivers, climbing on rocks....or whatever it takes to get the shots! If there are kids at a wedding too...you can also bet I'll take 7689 photos of them...because kids do funny stuff. (Fun fact: Top notch service and experience for my clients is a must! I was a Catering and Events Manager for a high-end hotel chain for years before becoming a photographer...so weddings and service are ingrained in my blood! I like to offer that little "extra" service and experience to all my clients...helping keep planning and the day running absolutely smoothly and just as intended!) [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2000 (USD)
I started shooting weddings while living for two years on the island of Grenada in the West Indies. Living there has certainly had a profound effect on me as a photographer and on my life in general. The richness in the color of the sky, the ocean, and the tropical landscapes clearly influence the culture in the Caribbean. Its effect has definitely stayed with my photography. My love of landscape photography grew immensely while in Grenada, as well. Since then I've lived in 3 different states and photographed hundreds of weddings in 9 different states. So from NYC to Nebraska, Chicago to Aspen, CO rural farms and mountain lodges, grand ballrooms and country club weddings, the variety has given me the experience to be ready for anything. I love that aspect of weddings. I spent most of my youth on a skateboard and I often relate the creativity of street skating to wedding photography. You practice and perfect and expand your base set of skills or "tricks" and then when you are out you look at your surroundings and figure out how to used those skills to create something cool and unique. You push those skills to find new limits. That keeps you on your toes and in the moment and for photography that means always being ready for the moments when they arrive. I get inspiration from a lot of other types of photography. At times that could be product photography influencing how I shoot details or fashion photography in how I set up editorial style bridal party photos. For most of the day though, I am inspired by my clients and the connections they have with their friends and family. That is the most important aspect of the wedding day. I like to say it's the connections, not the confections that matter. Those photos of special moments throughout your day are going to be what make you laugh or bring a tear to your eye, 10, 20, 50 years from now. That is what gets me really excited about this job! [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
3400 (USD)
Kevin Mohatt is an international award-winning photographer based in Denver, CO and specializes in editorial and commercial photography. Kevin Mohatt’s formal training is in photojournalism. His talent is in capturing genuine moments to create images that have an authentic, unique and often edgy feel. Kevin Mohatt originally went to school to study economics at the University of Virginia. However at the age of 30, after years of carrying a camera everywhere he went, he realized his passion was in visual storytelling, which is when he made the decision to go back to school to study photojournalism. Kevin enrolled in the journalism program at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he studied photojournalism under the likes of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Barry Gutierrez, former Rocky Mountain News Editor, Joe Mahoney, and former Denver Post Photographer, Kenn Bisio. [Denver Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2200 (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)
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)
Wedding Venues from Denver
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WPJA Communiqué: Features
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Kathy & John
Photo by Carl Bower
What a happy surprise! We didn't expect to see these for several days yet. They look awesome! John and I will review them together and get back to you. Thanks so much for photographing our wedding. It was so wonderful not only have you do it from a professional standpoint but it was great to have you there. You get us. We'll talk to you soon and thanks for the fast turn around!
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!
Chesney & Greg
Photo by Carl Bower
Every shot you took was a cut above. Not only are you a master technically, you're an artist. You understand how objects and shapes come together to create a powerful image and tell a story. You've also obviously carefully studied how people interact. The photos are so well-timed... it's almost as if you knew what I was going to do before I did it. That takes quite a trigger finger. You not only took photos of everyone who's important to me... you captured who those people are. My panic. Greg's graciousness. My mother's goofiness. My wedding is the first time I've ever seen my father cry… I know it was just another Saturday at work for you, but that album is the best wedding present I received. I'm so grateful I found you. On top of the compliments regarding your work, I just wanted to say that both Greg and I really enjoyed your company. You have a good spirit about you.
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 :)
Heather and Matt
Photo by Justin Edmonds
Holy smokes, you are ridiculously talented. Which I already knew, but, DAMN these photos are incredible! Thank you for sharing and posting about our day! We’re so grateful we trusted you with capturing it.
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.
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!
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.
