• 41 countries & counting.
    Based in Colorado, USA

    DILLON, COLORADO

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    SAN JUANS, COLORADO

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    GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

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    BUENA VISTA, COLORADO

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    OURAY, COLORADO

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    COLORADO

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    GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

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    ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

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    SILVERTON, COLORADO

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    ASPEN, COLORADO

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    GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

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    SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST, COLORADO

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    TELLURIDE, COLORADO

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    RIDGWAY, COLORADO

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    CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO

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    WINTER PARK, COLORADO

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    DILLON, COLORADO

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    SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO

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    IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO

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    BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

  • 41 countries & counting.
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    RIDGWAY, COLORADO

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    DURANGO, COLORADO

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    GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO

Colorado Elopement Photographer

Crafting one-of-a-kind elopements 
that integrate your unique story 
into Colorado’s wildest landscapes

FREE PLANNING CONSULTATION

as seen on

Eloping in Colorado was made for those who embrace the road less traveled

It means choosing the spectacular over the conventional
replacing the expected with the extraordinary
being true yourselves, your story, your desires, your dreams

It’s a commitment to live every moment to the fullest.
And not let your wedding pass by feeling like just another day.

welcome to

Colorado adventure elopements reimagined

You don’t have to hike 10 miles or “rough it” to be immersed in nature.

Think of it more
like the best day
of your honeymoon.

A couple in wedding attire strolls hand in hand across a snowy landscape. The woman wears a flowing gown, the man a suit. Majestic mountains and misty clouds form the backdrop, captured perfectly by their Colorado elopement photographer. Both are smiling, creating a joyful scene.

Imagine

Standing in a jaw-dropping location that takes your breath away while you say your vows—yet that’s also a safe space where you can relax & be unapologetically yourselves. 

An experience that would make you feel fully alive, on-top-of-the world, yet deeply connected.

A place that just being there tells your body and mind and soul:
“This is special. This is not just another day. This is important.”

That’s how your wedding day should feel.

  • A couple is smiling and kneeling together in front of a serene lake, capturing the magic as their Destination Elopement Photographer. The woman in a white lace dress holds a vibrant bouquet, while the man dons a dark suit with a green tie. Green hills rise majestically in the background.

    “For couples specifically interested in eloping in Colorado, I would argue that no one knows the off-road trails, alpine lakes, and seasonal treasures quite like Maddie does. Bottom line, Maddie is a true expert that brings so much hype, intentionality, and care to her work. We are beyond grateful for the day she crafted and captured for us!”

    – COURTNEY & SAM

  • Two women are sitting on a boat, smiling and wearing sunglasses. One dons a white blazer, the other a white dress. They radiate relaxation as they enjoy their adventure on the water—perfect for a destination elopement photographer capturing this serene moment.

    “She provided us a detailed proposal of multiple outdoor experiences right in our home state of Colorado. Having her help to narrow down the exact location really took a lot of the stress out of planning.”

    – LAUREN & KELLY

  • A bride and groom stand holding hands under a starry night sky, with a visible Milky Way. A dog rests calmly on the sandy surface, embodying the spirit of adventure instead. Rolling dunes and a striking celestial display frame this captivating scene by their destination elopement photographer.

    “Ultimately, we decided to spend our day with Maddie at our side, on and around The Great Sand Dunes. Maddie was delight to work with; she very effortlessly managed our whole day, timing everything perfectly”

    – SAM & PETE

But trust me, I get it. Planning any wedding (even a tiny elopement), can feel like a lot.

You might be wondering how to make your dream Colorado elopement a reality: 

With so many gorgeous locations in Colorado, how can you choose?

It’s a thrilling, new experience, how can you enjoy it without worrying?

How could you find someone who would not only get your vision but has the experience, skill, and care to bring it to life better than you could imagine?

Sit back and relax, friend. Because this is what I do

Let’s make your elopement story one you light up to tell

REACH OUT TO GET STARTED

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Colorado Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

(and a born and raised Coloradan)

A woman with long hair and glasses, wearing a beige top and black lace cardigan, smiles while sitting on a sandy beach. Embracing the spirit of adventure, she holds one knee close to her chest as the wind blows through her hair—capturing moments only a Destination Elopement Photographer can seize.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I’ve been photographing Elopements here in my home state since 2015 (yep, 10 years) and know these mountains like the back of my hand.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create your dream Colorado elopement worthy of this incredible love you’ve found.

about me
Pricing

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

40 countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

13 years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

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

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my  Colorado elopement packages different?

When you work with me, you’ll never have to figure anything out on your own.
You’ll have an elopement consultant who’s a born & raised Coloradan by your side.

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

    A simple black and white drawing of a folded map with two location markers. A dotted line connects the markers, indicating a route.

    One-of-a-kind
    Experience Design

    A simple line drawing of a checklist with three items, each marked with a check. A large light bulb is depicted to the right of the checklist, symbolizing ideas or inspiration.

    Expert Planning
    Consulting

    Black and white line drawing of a rosette with a circular center and two ribbon tails hanging down.

    Award-Winning
    Photography

    A sketched illustration of a winding path with three map location pins. The pins are placed along the path, and the final pin features sun rays around it, signifying a destination or goal.

    Stunning & Secluded
    Location Ideas

    Line drawing of an A-frame cabin with a triangular shape. The structure features a chimney on the left side and a simple door at the bottom. The cabin is composed of horizontal panels, creating a minimalist and geometric look.

    Unique & relaxing
    lodging
    recommendations

    A black and white line drawing of a hot air balloon. The outline is simple with vertical segment lines and a small loop at the bottom representing the basket attachment.

    Personalized & Fun Activity Ideas

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Line drawing of a clothes hanger with a fan of paint swatches hanging from it, symbolizing a blend of fashion and color selection.

    Personalized Mood Board & Styling Suggestions

    A simple black and white sketch shows a globe with continents outlined. A small airplane is flying around it, indicated by a dashed circular path. The airplane appears on the right side of the globe.

    No Additional Travel Fees

    A simple line drawing of overlapping speech bubbles containing ellipsis dots, suggesting an ongoing conversation or dialogue. The design is minimalistic and monochrome.

    Direct Access & Full
    Support by Maddie Mae

    A black and white illustration of an infinity symbol with four small, sparkling stars surrounding it. The design is simple and clean, emphasizing the concept of endlessness and continuity.

    Unlimited Planning
    Consultations & Revisions

    Line drawing of a bouquet featuring a large protea flower, surrounded by leaves and smaller flowers.

    Pre-Vetted Local
    Vendor
    Recommendations

    Illustration of a document with lines of text and a signature at the bottom. Next to it is a large checkmark inside a circle, indicating approval or completion.

    Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

    Black and white illustration of a wheeled suitcase with a handle. A large tag is attached to the suitcase, featuring a checkmark symbol.

    Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

    A simple black and white line drawing of an open book with multiple pages visible, giving a sense of depth.

    “How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Simple line drawing of two stick figures holding hands with arms raised, surrounded by lines suggesting movement or excitement.

    Guided & Fun
    Photography Experience

    A simple line drawing of an open hand with a heart above it, surrounded by small sparkles and lines radiating from the heart. The image conveys a sense of care and affection.

    Empathetic,
    Introvert-Friendly
    Posing & Directing

    Line drawing of a quadcopter drone with four propellers, viewed from above.

    Creative GIF’s &
    Drone Photography

    Line drawing of an artist's palette with five circles representing paint colors, accompanied by a paintbrush.

    Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

    A hand-drawn illustration of a computer monitor displaying a grid layout with various rectangular boxes representing a digital interface or website design.

    All Your Photos to
    Keep Forever

    Line drawing of an open photo album with three photo slots, one square on the left page and two rectangular on the right page.

    Complementary
    Album Design +
    Convenient Print
    Ordering

learn more about my elopement packages & Pricing

Want to see some of the Colorado elopements I’ve designed & documented?

So how does this work?

How to Adventure Instead in 3 easy steps

step 01

We meet & I learn about you two and your ideas

We’ll chat about you, your relationship, and what makes you feel alive so I can help you find the best corner of the world to say your vows and design a personalized experience tailored to you.

A couple in wedding attire stands hand in hand on a rugged terrain, captured by a Colorado elopement photographer. Rolling hills and a dramatic sunset cast vibrant orange and red hues, creating a romantic and majestic atmosphere.
A couple leisurely paddles a green canoe on a tranquil mountain lake, captured by a skilled Colorado elopement photographer. The woman smiles joyfully, holding a bouquet of flowers. The man wears a hat and paddles. Pine trees and mountains frame the background under a clear sky.

step 02

Personalized experience design & planning help

My seamless, stress-free planning process, refined over 300 elopements is tailored to your unique needs and pace. From curated location, activity, and lodging suggestions to timelines, permits, and logistics—I’ve got you.

step 03

Relax & soak in every surreal moment together (and we’ll make some magical, true-to-you images together)

It’s your wedding day! We adventure together and document the whole story of your incredible experience—from sun up to to sun down. 

Two women in wedding dresses joyfully pose on a rocky hilltop, captured by a talented Colorado elopement photographer. One dress flows elegantly in the wind, with mountains providing a stunning backdrop near a calm body of water beneath the cloudy sky.

Reach out to start planning your dream Colorado elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less

5-Star Rated | 200+ Reviews

A bride and groom stand on the back platform of a vintage train car, embodying the spirit of adventure instead. The train winds through a mountainous landscape, with her in a flowing white dress and him in a dark suit. Both smile, holding hands, capturing this moment for their destination elopement photographer.

“If you’re looking for an elopement photographer who will not only capture the magic of your day but also make you feel like the most special couple in the world, Maddie at Adventure Instead is your dream come true. Working with Maddie felt like hanging out with an old friend. She wasn’t just our photographer; she was our guide, our hype woman, our problem-solver, and the artist who turned our memories into treasures we’ll hold dear forever. “


– Kristin & Spencer, Eloped in Durango, Colorado

A couple in wedding attire stands outdoors on a grassy hillside, embracing and smiling at each other. The woman holds a colorful bouquet, with tall trees and a mountain landscape behind them. Capture your own love story with a Destination Elopement Photographer for an unforgettable adventure.

“Maddie is fantastic!  She is so much more than your photographer for the day.  She creates the day, from start to finish.  And her only goal is to help make this the best day ever! From start to finish it was a fantastic experience. She helped us get ready, worked with the hotel staff to set up this amazing first look and then took us on the adventure of a lifetime; off-roading through the back country of Crested Butte to a field of wild flowers in full bloom”

–  Mary Beth & Scott, Eloped in Crested Butte, Colorado

A couple sits on a large rock, the groom in a black suit gently kissing the bride's forehead. Her white lace dress flows as she holds a bouquet. In this picturesque moment, captured by a Destination Elopement Photographer, they embrace their unique adventure against a blurred natural landscape.

“Right from our 1st phone call everything about the way Maddie guided us was perfect and tailor made for us and our personalities. We had so much fun and Maddie is the best guide , friend , and photographer that we could ask for on our wedding day! Right from our 1st phone call everything about the way Maddie guided us was perfect and tailor made for us and our personalities. We had so much fun and Maddie is the best guide , friend , and photographer that we could ask for on our wedding day!

– Deepthi & Siwei, Eloped in Grand Lake, Colorado

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A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started

download the pdf guide

While you’re here,
go ahead and explore

Popular Colorado elopement planning resources

As a born and raised Coloradan, I’ve planned & photographed over 100 elopements in Colorado and I’ve got you covered.

tell me HOW

How to Elope

 

tell me WHERE

Best Places to Elope in Colorado 

tell me HOW

RMNP Wedding Guide

Frequently Asked Questions about Elopements

And Destination Elopements

June through September is definitely the best if you want pleasant temperatures and all of the best locations to be accessible. June is great if you want stark white snowcapped peaks in the background. July and early August is “wildflower” season. August is the warmest and least rainy month (trust me, it’s not too hot—especially at the elevations you’ll likely want to be at). September is gorgeous for fall colors (the last 2 weeks of September and first week of October are “peak” fall color season). Anything past the first week of October is really the start of our winter.

It depends entirely on what you’re looking for! This state has everything: mountaintops, glaciers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, thick forests, fall foliage, fields of wildflowers, sand dunes, plains, and bustling cities. I have a database full of them (internally as well as literally) and I’ll give you specific recommendations that match your vision and wants for your day! As a blanket rule, some of my favorite areas in the state are in Central and Southwestern CO (places like Aspen, Crested Butte, Ouray, and Telluride)—but I know of some amazing hidden gems closer to Denver too.

NO. You can if you want, but Colorado is also a super accessible state in terms of finding beauty easily! Take the highest paved roads in the continental US through national parks or hop in a 4X4 to traverse the extensive gold mining network in southwestern Colorado that puts you out onto unbeatable mountain passes. There are so many ways to get breathtaking beauty here with no hiking!

The answer is… it depends! Not just on season, but on altitude. Even in summer, high altitude destinations with beautiful views can get pretty chilly. But at lower heights (a measly 5,280 feet in the air), you can get the full force of summer. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t panic—I grew up here and always have another epic plan at the ready.

Yes! As a born-and-raised local, I know exactly what you need to bring based on where you’re eloping and when. I’ll build you personalized packing lists so that you don’t have to guess (or wind up cold on a mountaintop).

Colorado is probably the easiest state to get married in the entire U.S. You don’t need an officiant or any witnesses to get legally married here (it’s called “self-solemnization”). You literally can fly in, go to any county clerk and recorder office in the state (usually at the same place as a DMV) and pick up a marriage license for $30 (there’s no waiting period). Then all you need is for the two to sign it and turn it back in (that same day, or after eloping on a mountaintop somewhere). It’s valid for 35 days.

No. Colorado is one of the only states in America that allows for self-solemnization, which means nobody but you and your partner have to sign your marriage license, no questions asked. This means you’re free to get married in total privacy!

Yes! Because Colorado is a state that allows self-solemnization (see above!), in many counties your furry friend can seal your certificate with their paw print.

Yes—and I also love microbreweries, dogs, and hatch green chilies. Welcome to Colorado! 

i’d love to help you

Adventure Instead
on your wedding day

See my packages & pricing reach out to get started
Black text reading "adventure instead" in a bold serif font, displayed on a transparent background.

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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