“We’re super shy and awkward.
We don’t look like the couples in your photos.”

– Said every single couple I’ve photographed before they eloped with me

Don’t worry, friend—none of these couples are models either. Every single one is a real couple just like you—most are introverted and shy.

The secret to creating photos like these is the how much effort I put into each and every one of my couple’s experience

  • the hours of planning help and intentional experience design I do for you
  • the deep relationship, trust, and connection we’ll develop as I help you dream up your day
  • my expertise and guidance day-of, so you have nothing to worry about

Day of, I’ll be there to remind you to relax, focus on each other, breathe, and just enjoy the moment. 

MORE about me
packages & PRICING

More of my favorite images

from the 300+ elopements I’ve planned & documented in the last 15 years
Each one, completely unique to the couple’s dreams + desires

  • A couple holds hands on a sand dune at night, illuminated by a soft light. Above them, the Milky Way stretches across the star-filled sky, creating a stunning celestial backdrop.
  • A couple embraces on a cliff during sunset. The man in a light suit and the woman in a white dress stand amid golden grass, with a scenic view of cliffs and the ocean in the background. Her hair flows gently in the wind.
  • A couple stands by a turquoise lake, holding hands with a majestic mountain range in the background. The bride is in a flowing white dress, and the groom is in a suit. The sky is partly cloudy with a soft golden light.
  • A testimonial quote with decorative quotation marks reads: “This is the very first time I have seen my real self captured in our Elopement Photos...It’s worth more than I can express.” Signed “- LOUISE & PETER” in gold text.
  • A black and white image of a bride wearing a floral crown, wiping away a tear. She is wrapped in a shawl and stands opposite a groom, who is facing away from the camera. The background is blurred.
  • Silhouetted bride and groom embrace on a mountaintop at sunset, surrounded by warm, glowing light. The bride's dress features intricate lace details and a flowing veil, creating an ethereal scene against the dramatic, sunlit landscape.
  • A couple embraces near a waterfall. The woman, with long hair and a flower crown, holds a bouquet and wears a flowing white dress. The man, in dark clothing, stands on rocky terrain with lush greenery around them.
  • A couple stands on a rock by a serene lake, with snow-capped mountains reflecting in the water at sunset. The woman, in a floral dress, and the man, in a suit, share a tender moment against the picturesque backdrop.
  • A couple in wedding attire embraces passionately in the middle of a vast desert landscape. The bride is lifted in the groom's arms, and both are barefoot. The sand in the background stretches under a clear blue sky.
  • A couple in wedding attire embraces while standing on a rocky mountain summit. Snow patches cover the vibrant, reddish-brown peaks around them. The scene is illuminated by warm, golden sunlight.
  • A couple stands on a small ice formation, surrounded by a vast expanse of glacier and a serene blue lake. The rugged landscape features snow-capped mountains and a bright, clear sky.
  • A bride in a lace dress wipes a tear while facing a groom in a suit. Her hair is gently blowing in the wind, and she wears long, decorative earrings. The background is blurred, creating an intimate and emotional moment.
  • A quote reads: "Even for our portraits, she instructed us to pretend she wasn't there... The elopement photos speak for themselves." Attributed to Katherine & John, with their names in light brown text.
  • A couple in wedding attire embrace and kiss on a rocky cliff surrounded by rugged terrain. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The scene conveys a sense of romance and adventure.
  • A couple embraces on a rocky cliff by the ocean. The woman is in a flowing white dress, and the man is in a dark suit. Waves crash against the rocks nearby, creating a dramatic coastal scene.
  • A bride and groom share a joyful moment outdoors. The bride, wearing a floral crown and holding a bouquet, laughs while the groom in a gray suit wipes tears from his eyes. They are surrounded by misty, rocky terrain.
  • A bride and groom holding hands while walking up a hill with lush greenery. The bride wears a white dress and holds a small bouquet. The groom is in a black shirt and gray pants. A large, pointed mountain and ocean are visible in the background.
  • A bride and groom celebrate on a rocky beach. The bride, in a white dress and flower crown, holds a bouquet overhead. The groom wears a suit with a leafy garland. They stand barefoot, with lush greenery and a rocky cliff in the background.
  • Two women in white dresses sit on a sandy beach, facing the ocean. They are surrounded by bouquet arrangements, and fluffy clouds scatter the sky, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
  • A couple stands on a beach during sunset, exchanging vows. The groom reads from a small book, while the bride, wearing an intricate white dress, wipes her tears. The warm golden light creates a romantic atmosphere.
  • A couple sits on the edge of a large rock formation, gazing into the distance. The woman leans her head on the man's shoulder. They're surrounded by rugged, picturesque cliffs under a warm, golden light, with trees and bushes in the background.
  • A testimonial in elegant black and gold text praises the photographer’s unique style, stunning elopement photos capturing color and depth, and the wonderful experience working with her. Signed by Danyelle & Adam.
  • A couple stands embracing under a star-filled night sky with the Milky Way visible. They are surrounded by a serene landscape with mountains in the background, creating a romantic and picturesque scene.
  • A bride and groom stand under a floral arch during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride, in a lace dress and floral crown, and the groom, in a gray suit, appear emotional. A person officiates the ceremony in a scenic mountain setting.
  • A person in a white dress joyfully stretches their arms wide open while holding a bouquet of flowers against a backdrop of a clear blue sky with a few clouds.
  • Two women in white dresses joyfully stand at the edge of the ocean, with waves lapping at their feet on a sandy beach. One holds a bouquet of flowers. The sky is cloudy with a hint of pink, and there's a rocky hillside in the background.
  • A couple stands facing each other in a desert landscape at sunset, silhouetted against a vivid sky with Joshua trees surrounding them. The horizon glows with orange and purple hues.
  • A bride and groom stand together in a snowy landscape, facing each other. They are dressed in wedding attire, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background. The scene exudes romance and tranquility.
  • A couple in wedding attire stands on a dock by a serene lake. A wooden house with a balcony is nestled among lush green trees in the background, creating a picturesque and tranquil scene.
  • A black and white photo of a couple, dressed in formal attire. The man, wearing a suit with a boutonniere, is wiping his tears with a tissue. The woman, in a lace dress, is smiling warmly. They appear to be sharing an emotional moment.
  • Silhouetted couple stands under a night sky with a glowing halo around the moon. The scene is set in a desert landscape with Joshua trees in the background, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere.
  • A couple embraces on rocky terrain near the ocean. The person facing the camera is in a white lace dress, and the scenery includes distant mountains under a hazy sky.

Awards & Features

    A simple black square with no discernible features or elements.

    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 

    A simple black square with no discernible features or elements.

    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

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

    Green Wedding Shoes
    Featured, 2020

    Brides
    Featured, 2023

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YOU
are what matters most on your wedding day

When you look at my photos, 
you’ll notice that couples aren’t looking at the camera.

And there’s a reason for that.

When your day comes, I’ll help you remember why you’re there in the first place—to stare into the eyes of your partner and commit your life to them. 

And that’s what it’s all about—not looking at me, not looking into a camera—but looking at each other and being present in every moment of your wedding day, and letting yourself feel every emotion that comes your way.

I’ll take care of the rest.

Ready to start your adventure?

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

Free planning consultation

Where to next?

More Full-Length Elopement Stories

Elopement Packages + Pricing

Get in touch to start planning now

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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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