Meet Maddie Mae of Adventure Instead

“She wasn’t just our photographer, but she also is your own personal hype girl—always making you feel like the most beautiful (or handsome) person in the world.

She’s your honorary matron of honor and best man, she’s your officiant and elopement planner, all rolled into one.”

Meet “the woman who helped spark the adventure elopement trend”

– Forbes

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer,
Experience Designer &
Planning Consultant

You won’t find anyone more obsessed with elopements.

WHY I DO THIS

Before I learned eloping was an option, I photographed big weddings for 5 years starting at age 17. For five years I saw the stress, blur, and obligation first-hand: couples cringing at having to toss bouquets, grab garters with their teeth, do a silly entrance dance and slow dance in front of 200 people.
 
And I heard about a thousand versions of: “I wish we could skip the wedding and go straight to the honeymoon.”
“I just can’t wait until this wedding is over.”

And it broke my heart.

But as a big wedding photographer, just hired to show up and take the best photos possible, I didn’t feel like there was much I could do about it.

Then in 2015 a couple from Texas called me and changed the course of my life. 

They said, “Hey, so we’ve seen you do all these adventurous engagement sessions in Colorado, and we have kind of a crazy question. We want to elope in the mountains somewhere, will you help us find a place where we can say our vows?”

This was the most exciting question anyone had ever asked me (and it still is to this day) and so  I immediately got to work. 

I spent the week location-scouting the most glorious spot for them to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park.

I connected them with a florist and hair and makeup artist, planned out the whole timeline, and made sure they had the right gear to stay warm. 

Two weeks later I was photographing them saying the most heartfelt vows to each other that I had ever heard, surrounded by the most jaw-dropping scenery I had ever seen.

I got into my car afterward and cried my eyes out with joy.

In the hundreds of weddings I had photographed, I had never experienced a day like this—something so intimate, relaxed, fun, and meaningful—a day that the couple actually enjoyed every minute of and didn’t want to end.

As someone with childhood trauma, who isn’t close to my own family, this was also the first wedding day that I had ever been a part of that I could see myself having some day.

I felt a deep stirring in my soul. It shook me to my core.

I decided that day that I was done photographing traditional weddings, and that my mission as a photographer was to empower couples to have an intentional wedding day like this surrounded by nature.

There was just one problem. It had never been done before.

Yep, there were no other “elopement photographers” in 2015. It wasn’t a thing yet. 

But I couldn’t go back to big weddings. It was elopements or bust” for me.

So I followed my heart and became the first, full-time elopement photographer and started helping couples plan incredible all-day elopements in the Rocky Mountains and beyond. 

And then, serendipitously, elopements took off. 

Two years later, in 2017, I was photographing 55 elopements in 13 countries, and in 2020 was credited with founding the adventure elopement trend. 

Now, I sustainably work with 15 couples a year while also mentoring elopement photographers around the world—because every couple deserves a wedding day like this.

So whether you choose me or not, thanks for hearing my story and I want you to know…

You have chosen the absolute BEST way to get married—dream BIG and enjoy the ride.

What makes me different?

There’s a lot of unknowns, logistics, and uncertainties to navigate to bring your dream experience to life

You deserve complete confidence that you’re in caring, capable hands.

A woman with braided hair examines a map by lantern light on a rock by a lake at twilight, surrounded by tall grasses and a backdrop of distant mountains.

1

I was one of the first photographers in the world to specialize in elopements

I’m “the woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend” – Forbes. Elopements aren’t just a job, they’re my life’s work.

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

I’ll help you find the true *best* place to say your vows in the world and replace that FOMO with complete confidence in your decision.

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

I’ve been photographing weddings since 2010, and photographing elopements exclusively since 2015.

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

Each one with a completely unique and personalized experience tailored to that couple.

482,619

Miles traveled by car, plane, ferry, sailboat, helicopter, & hot air balloon

Yep, I know where pretty much every airport lounge is and how to get access to it. I’ll happily share my hard-earned travel hacks with you!

A couple stands facing each other in a misty, mountainous landscape. The woman is wearing a white lace dress, and the man is in a grey jacket and green tartan kilt. They appear joyful and are sharing a moment together.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
Two illuminated tents sit beneath a starry night sky with scattered clouds. Rugged silhouettes of hills frame the scene, creating a serene and adventurous atmosphere in this camping setup.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A person in a kilt adjusts their jacket next to a tent on a grassy hill with rocky cliffs in the background. Another person in a lace dress and shawl clasps their hands in front of greenery.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A bride in a white dress walks toward a groom standing on a foggy mountaintop. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, lush greenery, and a cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt stand on a rocky cliff surrounded by misty mountains. The overcast sky and low clouds create a serene and ethereal atmosphere.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A woman in a white lace dress smiling and showing a book to a man in a suit with a plaid kilt. They are facing each other against a plain background, appearing to be in a joyous moment.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a cliff edge during an intimate ceremony. The woman, in a white lace dress, wipes her eye, and the man, in a Scottish kilt and gray jacket, holds a photo. Misty cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a rocky cliff, with a mountainous backdrop. The woman, in a long lace dress, is playfully piggybacked by the man wearing a kilt. They are positioned near an ancient stone structure. The scene is serene and romantic.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a vast canyon. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with clouds hanging low in the sky. The scene conveys a sense of adventure and awe amid the natural beauty of the mountains.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple in wedding attire stands on ancient stone ruins, embracing against a backdrop of misty mountains. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a kilt. The scene is serene and romantic.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A person in white walks along terraced stone ruins on a rugged, misty mountain landscape, surrounded by clouds. Rock formations rise in the distance.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple in wedding attire stands on an ancient stone terrace, overlooking a dramatic cliffside with misty clouds and lush greenery, creating a romantic and adventurous scene.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands together on a grassy ledge against a backdrop of majestic, misty mountains. Low clouds drift by, creating an ethereal atmosphere in the rugged landscape.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a mountain ledge. The woman wears a white lace dress, while the man wears a gray jacket and green kilt. Misty mountains fill the background under a cloudy sky.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru

Plus, I eloped too

A couple stands facing each other in a misty, mountainous landscape. The woman is wearing a white lace dress, and the man is in a grey jacket and green tartan kilt. They appear joyful and are sharing a moment together.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
Two illuminated tents sit beneath a starry night sky with scattered clouds. Rugged silhouettes of hills frame the scene, creating a serene and adventurous atmosphere in this camping setup.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A person in a kilt adjusts their jacket next to a tent on a grassy hill with rocky cliffs in the background. Another person in a lace dress and shawl clasps their hands in front of greenery.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A bride in a white dress walks toward a groom standing on a foggy mountaintop. The landscape features dramatic rock formations, lush greenery, and a cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt stand on a rocky cliff surrounded by misty mountains. The overcast sky and low clouds create a serene and ethereal atmosphere.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A woman in a white lace dress smiling and showing a book to a man in a suit with a plaid kilt. They are facing each other against a plain background, appearing to be in a joyous moment.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a cliff edge during an intimate ceremony. The woman, in a white lace dress, wipes her eye, and the man, in a Scottish kilt and gray jacket, holds a photo. Misty cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a rocky cliff, with a mountainous backdrop. The woman, in a long lace dress, is playfully piggybacked by the man wearing a kilt. They are positioned near an ancient stone structure. The scene is serene and romantic.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a vast canyon. The landscape is rugged and dramatic, with clouds hanging low in the sky. The scene conveys a sense of adventure and awe amid the natural beauty of the mountains.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple in wedding attire stands on ancient stone ruins, embracing against a backdrop of misty mountains. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a kilt. The scene is serene and romantic.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A person in white walks along terraced stone ruins on a rugged, misty mountain landscape, surrounded by clouds. Rock formations rise in the distance.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple in wedding attire stands on an ancient stone terrace, overlooking a dramatic cliffside with misty clouds and lush greenery, creating a romantic and adventurous scene.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands together on a grassy ledge against a backdrop of majestic, misty mountains. Low clouds drift by, creating an ethereal atmosphere in the rugged landscape.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru
A couple stands on a mountain ledge. The woman wears a white lace dress, while the man wears a gray jacket and green kilt. Misty mountains fill the background under a cloudy sky.
My 2019 Elopement
in the Andes Mountains of Peru

Five years ago on New Year’s Eve, we worked with a local indigenous guiding company to a sacred Incan Temple Fortress deep in the heart of the Andes Mountains—not that far from Machhu Piccu. 

They packed up our gear on horses and set up the most amazing “glamping” set up with extraordinary food.  

At sunrise on New Year’s day, after an emotional “first look” we read our vows privately to each other and I sobbed my eyes out the entire time. 

It was everything I ever wanted my wedding day to be—just me and my partner (both huge introverts), just safe to be 100% ourselves without a worry or care in the world. 

I loved every minute of it.

I’ve been in your shoes, so when I say I understand, I mean it.

A few more unique things about working with me 

I’m an ordained officiant

with the ULC Monastery meaning I can sign your marriage license in most U.S. states so you can keep your elopement as intimate as possible.

Three simple, stylized green leaves connected at a single point, depicted on a transparent background.

Carbon Neutral Travel & Business

The environment matters to me. I source eco-friendly albums, prints, and have a carbon neutral travel program that offsets all of our travel-related emissions (and yours!)

All are
welcome here

Without hesitation, pause, or question, I document  elopements for any humans in love. LGBTQ+ friendly, BIPOC inclusive. You & your love are celebrated with pride here.

A simple dark green spiral shape on a transparent background, resembling a coiled line starting from the center and expanding outward in a clockwise direction.

Leave No Trace Practicing

for all elopements and donate a percentage of proceeds to protecting public lands!

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I’m always prepared

As a born-and-raised Coloradoan and lifelong outdoor adventurer and traveler. You can trust that I’m experienced and prepared for the outdoors. Plus, I’m CPR/First-Aid certified.

Where have I been?

A collage of nature scenes featuring waterfalls, mountains, forests, and rivers. Various landscapes include towering trees, cascading water, sandy beaches, and clear blue lakes beneath rocky peaks under a clear sky.

complete list

Antarctica • Argentina • Australia • Austria • Belize • Cambodia • Canada • Chile • China • Colombia • Costa Rica • Cuba • Democratic Republic of the Congo   • Denmark • El Salvador • England • Faroe Islands • Finland • France • Greece • Guatemala • Haiti • Iceland • India • Italy • Japan • Liechtenstein  • Maldives • Mexico • Myanmar • Namibia • New Zealand • Norway • Peru • Russia • Rwanda  • Scotland • Slovenia • Spain  • St. Lucia • Switzerland • Thailand • USA

3 UNIQUE ELOPEMENT IDEAS ON MY “ELOPEMENT BUCKET LIST”

1. Hot air balloon elopement at sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey
2. Elopement with the rising full moon in Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
3. Stargazing elopement in White Sands, New Mexico

Top left: A diver photographs a sea turtle among coral reefs. Top right: About Maddie Mae swimming with a shark in dimly lit waters. Bottom: Two divers, one with a camera, observe a turtle in a large, empty pool.

When I’m not photographing elopements I’m…

Hanging out with my head underwater

I’m obsessed with scuba diving, freediving, and just being underwater in general. Yes, I have underwater housing for my camera and I absolutely love doing underwater photography (of both fish & humans).

A collage of four images about Maddie Mae's adventures with her dogs. Top left: she lovingly holds them. Top right: kayaking together. Bottom left: they rest on the grass. Bottom right: they sport red and blue snowsuits in the snow.

When I’m not photographing elopements I’m…

Spending time with my dogs (the #1 loves of my life)

Sorry husband, pups will always come #1. I’m an unashamedly, extremely extra dog mom. Yes, I had custom snowsuits made for them and I speak to them in the highest pitched voice you’ve ever heard.

A collage of three photos captures adventures about Maddie Mae: a couple posing by a waterfall, the same couple in front of red rock formations, and a trio hiking with backpacks and hats in a desert landscape, smiling at the camera.

When I’m not photographing elopements I’m…

Backpacking somewhere off-grid with friends

There’s a lot of amazing spots in the world that don’t require hiking, but dang, there’s certain spots that are well worth the effort. And there’s nothing like the peace of not having cell service.

Discover the world through Maddie Mae's lens with a collage that captures her passion for wildlife: penguins on an iceberg, two gorillas in a lush forest, and a majestic elephant alongside zebras.

When I’m not photographing elopements I’m…

Going to an obscure place to see rare wildlife

Why did I go to the Democratic Republic of the Congo you ask? To see the endangered Silverback mountain gorillas (there’s only 800 left in the world). Why Antarctica? Penguins. Botswana? Elephants.

Three-part image: Top left, a person tandem skydiving; top right, a person paragliding near red cliffs; bottom, someone swimming amid floating icebergs in clear, icy water—a glimpse into the adventurous life about Maddie Mae.

When I’m not photographing elopements I’m…

Checking off shenanigans on my bucket list

None of us know how much time we’ve been given, so I’m going to fit in Skydiving, BASE jumping, and swimming with icebergs in Greenland while I can.

Awards & Features

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Forbes
Featured
“Meet the woman who helped spark the Adventure elopement trend.” 

Rangefinder
30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography in the world, 2018

Logo for Junebug Weddings. The word "junebug" is written in a stylish, cursive font, with the word "WEDDINGS" in smaller, uppercase letters beneath it, all set against a white background.

Junebug
Best of the Best Wedding Photography Judge, 2022 

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Forbes
Featured
“Meet the woman who helped spark the Adventure elopement trend.” 

Circular badge with black text on a white background. Central text reads "jb" with "Wedding Photo Contest Winner 2024" below. Surrounding text states "Best of the Best" in an arch.

Junebug
Best of the Best Wedding Photography winner 
2018, 2019, 2021, 2024

A black and white illustration of a cat with a long tail. The cat is sitting gracefully, facing left, with its tail curled upward. Its fur appears fluffy, and its facial features are simple and expressive.

Worlds Best Wedding Photos
Winner 2023, 2024

Gray banner with black text reading "the knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame." The banner is quadrilateral with curved sides, creating a wavy effect.

The Knot
Best of Weddings, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Green Wedding Shoes
Featured, 2020

Brides
Featured, 2023

More importantly,

here’s what couples like you are saying

5-Star Rated | 150+ Reviews

A smiling bride in a white dress and veil stands next to a groom in a blue suit and brown tie. A woman with glasses and braided hair stands beside them, also smiling. They are outdoors, with green foliage in the background. The bride holds a bouquet of dried flowers.

“Maddie has a true gift in bringing the best out of her couples. Maddies energy, enthusiasm and care for her couples knows no bounds.”

–  Jacilyn & Jake, Eloped in Zermatt Switzerland

A smiling woman with glasses and a camera takes a selfie inside a helicopter. Behind her, a couple dressed in wedding attire sits together, both wearing headsets. The bride is in a white dress, and the groom is in a suit.

“We were instantly comfortable with Maddie; she gave us such a great pep talk right at the beginning that almost made us forget there was even a camera.”

– Lauren & David, Eloped in Mt. Hood Oregon

A couple in wedding attire poses with a woman in front of a yellow and red seaplane on a wooden dock. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a white dress, while the groom is in a black suit. The lake and forested mountains are visible in the background.

“She really thought of everything … she reminded us to be present, take in the moment, and gave us so many intimate moments.”

–  Kayla & Charles, Eloped in Colorado

Three people smiling in front of a lake. The woman on the left has glasses and a braided hairstyle. The woman in the middle is wearing a white dress. The man on the right is in a black suit and is holding up a peace sign. The background shows a calm body of water.

“Maddie was so calm and prepared that we didn’t have to worry about anything – we could just be present with each other and soak up every moment”

–  Libby & Kate, Eloped in Kauai, Hawaii

Three people smile at the camera while holding bowls of shaved ice topped with various syrups. They are outdoors on what appears to be a sunny day. Two of them are wearing sunglasses, and one wears a beige cap. All three look happy and excited about their treats.

“… went above and beyond in every aspect of being a photographer.”

– Missy + Ray, Eloped in Grand Teton National Park

A smiling bride in a white dress and veil stands next to a groom in a blue suit and brown tie. A woman with glasses and braided hair stands beside them, also smiling. They are outdoors, with green foliage in the background. The bride holds a bouquet of dried flowers.

“She really thought of everything … she reminded us to be present, take in the moment, and gave us so many intimate moments.”

–  Kayla & Charles, Eloped in Colorado

“Maddie has a true gift in bringing the best out of her couples. Maddies energy, enthusiasm and care for her couples knows no bounds.”

–  Jacilyn & Jake, Eloped in Zermatt Switzerland

Three people smiling in front of a lake. The woman on the left has glasses and a braided hairstyle. The woman in the middle is wearing a white dress. The man on the right is in a black suit and is holding up a peace sign. The background shows a calm body of water.
A smiling woman with glasses and a camera takes a selfie inside a helicopter. Behind her, a couple dressed in wedding attire sits together, both wearing headsets. The bride is in a white dress, and the groom is in a suit.

“Maddie was so calm and prepared that we didn’t have to worry about anything – we could just be present with each other and soak up every moment”

–  Libby & Kate, Eloped in Kauai, Hawaii

“We were instantly comfortable with Maddie; she gave us such a great pep talk right at the beginning that almost made us forget there was even a camera.”

– Lauren & David, Eloped in Mt. Hood Oregon

Three people smile at the camera while holding bowls of shaved ice topped with various syrups. They are outdoors on what appears to be a sunny day. Two of them are wearing sunglasses, and one wears a beige cap. All three look happy and excited about their treats.
A couple in wedding attire poses with a woman in front of a yellow and red seaplane on a wooden dock. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a white dress, while the groom is in a black suit. The lake and forested mountains are visible in the background.

“… went above and beyond in every aspect of being a photographer.”

– Missy + Ray, Eloped in Grand Teton National Park

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Do our paths seem destined to cross?

I’d love to hear from you.

Reach out and let’s hop on a no-pressure call to get to know each other better.

I can’t wait to hear all about your love story and where in the world is calling your name.

Let’s chat

What does “Adventure Instead” Mean?

Ad·ven·ture In·stead (v)

A heartfelt invitation to reject the mundane in favor of the magical, to replace the expected with the extraordinary. It’s about saying ‘no’ to the societal script and ‘yes’ to a love story written with the ink of your own desires and dreams.

This is for the couples who want their love to be a grand adventure, a story told under starlit skies, and on mountain peaks, proving that love, in its truest form, is a wild and wonderful journey.

Follow @adventureinstead and show how you #adventureinstead in your life

Where to next?

check out

My Portfolio

elopement

Packages & Pricing

Where to next?

Check out

My Portfolio

ELOPEMENT

Packages & Pricing

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Maddie Mae of Adventure Instead is a destination elopement photographer based in Colorado, USA. She’s been to 40 countries and all 7 continents. She designs, plans, & photographs adventure elopements worldwide.

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