“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 designed & documented in the last 13 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.
Two large quotation marks are depicted, one at the beginning, slightly rotated to the left, and one at the end, slightly rotated to the right. They are colored in a light brown shade, creating a symmetrical and elegant design.

This is the very first time I have seen my real self captured. The pictures are so pure and truly reflect all the magic we felt that day. I love how she captured the small expressions of my husband that I love so much—It’s worth more than I can express. 


– LOUISE & PETER

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 large quotation marks are depicted, one at the beginning, slightly rotated to the left, and one at the end, slightly rotated to the right. They are colored in a light brown shade, creating a symmetrical and elegant design.

She has a unique style and her love of nature and people shines through in her photography. Her photos are bursting with color and depth, and highlight the love she sees in people. We were totally in our element and really enjoyed the experience of taking photos that fit our adventure lifestyle. I could not be happier with how our photos turned out and the whole experience of working with Maddie.


– Danyelle & Adam

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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
Two large quotation marks are depicted, one at the beginning, slightly rotated to the left, and one at the end, slightly rotated to the right. They are colored in a light brown shade, creating a symmetrical and elegant design.

Even for our portraits, she instructed us to pretend she wasn’t there, and in so many ways, the photographs capture the small glances, intimate reaches, and happy, knowing smiles as if it really was just the two of us there all evening long. The photos speak for themselves.


-Katherine & John

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 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 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.
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 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.
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

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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

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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

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More Full-Length Elopement Stories

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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