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
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!
Estes Park Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photographers of Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park 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 Estes Park 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 mini, themed, 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, casual, boutique, 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 Estes Park Couples
7 Documentary Wedding Photographers...
I'm Joe Pyle and I'm a wedding photographer living in Estes Park, CO where the air is thin and the views are stunning. I've been photographing weddings and engagements since 2013 full time, and can't think of anything else I'd rather do. While that may sound cliche, I've done it all. Past work includes: electrician, plumber, factory line worker, HVAC tech, window cleaner, bike mechanic, auto bodywork, basic construction, web design, hardware store clerk, gas station attendant, and probably several more that I don't really care to conjure. The point is, I've done a lot of things and wedding photography is by far the most rewarding, fun, and adventurous "job" I've ever been a part of. I come from a long line of hard-working individuals from the midwest United States, Iowa to be exact, and was taught the value of hard work and getting your hands dirty. My brother, sister, and I grew up in an earth home that my dad built. It was about 20 miles out in the country and we heated it with wood that we cut down, hauled home, and split- all by hand. In order to have enough heat for the harsh Iowa winters we needed between 15-20 truckloads of wood and I remember chores being a big part of our day. The hard work gene has been passed from my grandad to my own boys who now love to split wood for our wood-burning stove here in Estes Park. My grandad and my dad both were U.S. Navy men who served our country. I remember both of them telling stories of traveling to places like Borneo, Thailand, Japan, and China. When you're a young boy, these places seem so amazingly beautiful and I promised myself that when I married we'd travel. My wife Kari and I just took a trip to Paris and Venice to celebrate our anniversary (I won't say which one, YIKES!) for our first time to Europe and we've both caught the travel bug. Speaking of Kari, she works with me at every wedding. Her eye compliments mine and we work together very well. We've been married for several years now and have two boys together. We shoot around 20-30 weddings per year and that includes an engagement session with almost everyone. We're very busy with our work, but we always make time for each other. We get outside a lot and we rock climb, hike, trail run, cycle, and mountain bike. Our love for the outdoors has formed our lives together and we homeschool our boys so that we can create a schedule that works with our lifestyle. Moving to the heart of the Rocky Mountains was the best decision we've made and we can't imagine living anywhere else. It is beautiful here and it just feels like home. When someone asks what our "style" of photography is, we don't have a direct answer. What we do is what you want us to do. If you like our style on our site, then awesome. If not, that's awesome too. If you're here looking at this page, chances are you're engaged or almost engaged. Congratulations, we wish you the very best! If you want photography that is bold, vibrant, and full of emotion in a fantastic setting, get in touch with us. We'd love to start the conversation. Cheers, -joe [Estes Park Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
3500 (USD)
My photo journey began as a child when I was gifted my first camera at the age of ten. Even at a young age, I was passionate about taking photos and was tasked with being the “family photographer” on all of our vacations. In 2009, I dove into the photo industry and became a photographer for one of the largest newspapers in the country, and shortly after transitioned into capturing weddings. For the first three years of my career, I shot for a successful associate company in Southern California and learned from some of the most seasoned pros in the biz. Using the knowledge and skills I learned from this experience, I started my own studio combining story-telling with creativity which leads to my signature style. I love capturing images that convey emotion, incorporate scenery, and have vibrant, bold colors. One of my greatest pleasures in life is spending time outdoors and amongst nature, and as a result, I love incorporating scenery into my photographs. You’ll notice that many of the shots in our portfolio show off landscapes, beautiful sunsets, architecture, and other scenes – this wasn’t by accident. I feel it’s important to show off the surroundings during a photo session to provide context and tell a story. My photojournalism roots are always prompting me to keep a keen eye out for details, so capturing those once in a lifetime moments are incredibly important to me. [Fort Collins Wedding Photographer]
Starting Price:
2250 (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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Wedding Venues from Estes Park
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WPJA Communiqué: Features
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
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
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
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
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
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.
