Hiring a Colorado Wedding Photographer for Your Elopement
Colorado is by far one of the most popular states to elope together. There are a ton of options when it comes to where you can elope in Colorado, and these photographers are pros at navigating Colorado’s terrain, weather, and permitting system. Many locations in Colorado, like other states, are well protected, so it’s important to team up with one of our members who is trained in protecting public lands. Thinking about planning a small wedding ceremony and then an adventure elopement? These vendors also double as Colorado wedding photographers who know how to bring the perfect balance for a small traditional ceremony and a mountain adventure.
If you are planning an elopement with a photographer who is based in Colorado, then you should account for travel expenses in your elopement budget if you’re thinking about eloping at one of Colorado’s national parks.
Q&A For Your Colorado Elopement Regarding Photographers
We put together some of the top questions we get from couples just like you when they are planning their elopement.
How Much Does a Colorado Elopement Photographer Cost?
The cost of photographers in Colorado will vary, depending on what you want and what they offer in their photography packages. In Colorado, you’ll find photographers charging from $4,000- $10,000 for elopement coverage. When it comes to determining price, the main factor is how many hours of coverage you’re looking for. The more hours (or even days) you want your photographer to tag along, the more expensive it is. We have had multiple couples plan multi-day Colorado wedding adventures exploring mountains, and rugged terrains on 4X4s, and exchanging vows at an alpine lake.
Here are some examples:
- Commitment ceremony photos at a small Colorado wedding venue and portraits after the ceremony – $4,000
- Self Solemnization ceremony at Sapphire Point plus portraits at 2 additional locations near the ceremony – $6,500
- Elopement ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park with portraits after at multiple locations all day, with additional portraits the following day at Great Sand Dunes National Park– $10,000
Keep in mind these are estimates and every photographer has their prices set.
Why are Elopement Photographers so Expensive and What’s Included in the Fee?
Elopement photographers are more hands-on and tend to wear more “hats” when compared to traditional wedding photographers. When it comes to eloping, elopement photographers in Colorado serve also as planners in the sense they are your guide throughout your adventure. This is why we highly recommend teaming up with a local Colorado vendor for your elopement to make sure the planning process and wedding day go smoothly. When you meet with your photographer, it’s important to ask, “What’s included in your Colorado elopement package?”
Here are some items to go over during your meeting besides how long they are going to be with you taking photos:
- Travel expenses
- Location scouting
- Timeline planning
- Permit and leave no trace guidance
- Set up and take down assistance for decorations
- Officiant and witness protocol
- Multi-day elopement adventure
- Inclusive packages with all vendors you’ll need
- Guidance for travel and accommodations
- Wedding albums
Remember: not all photographers will include everything from this list in their packages.
Do I Need More Than a Photographer for My Colorado Elopement?
This depends on what YOU want on your wedding day. Many couples plan to marry themselves in the mountains with ONLY a photographer and have the best time ever together. Other couples want a mix of both traditional and elopement elements, so they hire more vendors to bring their vision to life.
With that being said, you can 100% outsource and hire more elopement vendors to help you. Don’t let wanting to elope make you think you can’t hire the typical vendors other couples hire for a traditional wedding. It’s your wedding day, so you can do whatever you want!
Explore our elopement directory to team up with a vendor in a different category OR ask your designated Colorado photographer who they recommend.