documentary
authentic
romantic
real
timeless
emotive
your Estes Park + Colorado elopement photographer:
I've been documenting weddings + elopements all over the U.S. for the last 7 years. From family only elopements in Estes Park to intimate two person Airbnb elopements just outside of Denver- every day is unique just like yours will be too.
You deserve an experience that is unique to you too. Which is why I am so passionate about helping you beyond just showing up to snap photos.
Colorado is home to some of the most stunning scenery, from the snowy mountain peaks to the fields of wildflowers in the summertime, it is truly beautiful.
My love language is serving couples on one of the most important days of their life, and that looks different for every couple.
your Estes Park + Colorado elopement photographer
Hey, I'm Mel
Hey, I'm Mel
There’s something undeniably special about saying "I do" with just your closest loved ones—or maybe even just the two of you. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows under an open sky on your family’s ranch, at the foot of a rugged mountain, or in a quiet chapel, your day deserves to be captured with the same heart and care as a full-scale wedding.
Elopements are all about stripping away the stress and focusing on what truly matters: your love, your commitment, and the moments that make your story yours.
I am here to help make your Colorado elopement intentional, intimate + unforgetable
Eloping gives you the freedom to design a day that’s completely true to you—without the stress of a big wedding. But with all that freedom, it can be hard to know where to start! Here are some ideas and things to consider as you plan your elopement.
what better place to elope than the mountains of Colorado?
I am here to help make your Colorado elopement intentional, intimate + unforgettable
Intimate. Intentional. Unforgettable.
Intimate. Intentional. Unforgettable.
you deserve a stress free day that feels like you.
getting to know you and your love story
Whether you've grown up in Colorado your whole life or you'll be experiencing it for the first time for your elopement, the mountains will take your breath away every time.
Colorado gets bonus points for not needing an officiant or witnesses!
Ditching tradition. No wedding day stress. Just your love and your story being documented in a way that feels true to you.
I value getting to know the two of you. Your love story, what makes you come alive, the vision for your day. Elopements are intimate, so I want us to be friends before I show up to your day.
- Canyon + Lauren
"To write a review of Mel as simply our wedding photographer doesn’t even come close to capturing the blessing she was to us on our wedding/elopement day as well as in the months leading up to it.
She is the most genuinely kind, helpful, organized and thoughtful person when it comes to being prepared for whatever your day may throw you. She then handles any twists and turns with such an experienced hand and a casual ease that made us so comfortable to enjoy the day knowing she’s got our back! When I booked Mel she not only became our day-of photographer but jumped whole heartedly into the efforts from timeline planning and checklist writing to showing up with a full emergency kit stocked with anything we could’ve possibly needed in a pinch.
We could not have asked for any more in terms of preparation and communication, the way she conducted herself and her clear level of experience and expertise and to top it all of we just received our photos and we are absolutely BLOWN AWAY by her talent.
There are a ton of big decisions to be made when planning an elopement or wedding day and some that you may even question after you’ve made them. Booking Mel was one of the easiest and best decisions we made and every day it just became more clear that she was the perfect choice. Get on her books — you will absolutely not regret it!!!"
Colorado elopement planning:
You are choosing to elope because you want to skip the overwhelm of planning a big wedding? I like to make things as easy and stress-free as possible for yall.
Colorado elopement planning
More than just your photographer
more than just your photographer
Provided in all my packages:
- location suggestions
- timeline building
- vendor recommendations
- TL elopement vision guide
- permit help
- lodging + activity suggestions
- Robert + Laura
"I CANNOT recommend Mel enough! She is truly the best! She can make anyone and everyone look good, her fun laid back personality makes the session WAY more enjoyable (coming from a couple who hates having their picture taken) From helping coordinate and plan up to the big day Mel was there the whole time, no matter the challenge she is always willing to lend a helping hand or give you her honest opinion! Her work is truly unmatched! We are forever grateful to have had her at all of our special moments this far!"
Tips for eloping in Colorado
Tips for eloping in Colorado
plan ahead:
Many areas of Colorado require a permit in order to perform a ceremony and some permits can take weeks or even a couple months. Weekend and even week day permits fill up for popular times of year in RMNP if you are planning your elopement in Estes Park!
when:
In National Parks and even some other parks they will likely be busy even potentially on weekdays. Sunrise is a great option or considering Tues-Thurs. Time of year is also worth considering and I am happy to help with this based off the location you are leaning towards!
I believe in more than just showing up and taking pictures—I invest in my couples. I take the time to understand your love story, your vision, and what’s most important to you. Whether we’re hiking to a remote overlook, riding horseback across the ranch, or going on a whim and a prayer, I’ll be right there alongside you—not just as your photographer, but as someone fully present for your day.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will make your elopement or micro wedding feel effortless, meaningful, and unforgettable—let’s talk. I’d love to capture your story.
booking 2025 + 2026
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