Planning an adventure elopement? Skip peak season!

If you’re planning an adventure elopement, your vision probably looks like: frolicking around scenic spots with your lover, soaking in little moments unbothered by timelines, exploring somewhere sentimental or entirely new, and doing it all without a worry in the world. 

But if you elope during peak season, it can be a liiittle harder to pull off. You know those “Instagram vs. reality” posts? That can very much apply here. According to the National Park Service, there were a whopping 331.9 million visitors to parks last year— the highest it’s been in a decade. And as an elopement photographer with 15+ years of experience, I can tell you that I’ve 100% noticed.

When you elope during high season (especially in national parks or popular outdoor elopement locations), you are often trading a sure-fire weather forecast for: 

→ crowds (I’m talking a LOT of people)
→ buffer periods in the elopement timeline for parking or traffic
→ more expensive accommodation & more logistics in general
→ lots of love from tourists complimenting your wedding attire 

Not exactly the slow, sacred, spontaneous kind of day you may be imagining. That’s why shoulder season is always my #1 tip for adventure elopement planning. 

5 Perks of Planning Your Adventure Elopement in Shoulder Season 

Using Becca + Travis as a prime example! This stunnnnin’ couple eloped in a national park that has over 20,000 visitors A DAY during peak season, so they opted for fall instead and got the laid-back, free-flowing outdoor wedding day of their dreams because of it! So, don’t just take my word for it! I’m sure they’d tell you these reasons, too! ↴

1. You get more spontaneity and flexibility in your elopement timeline! 

This is my personal favorite perk and it’s exactly what made Becca + Travis’s day so special. Because they eloped in late fall (right after the crowds cleared), we didn’t need a zeroed-in timeline to keep us in check. They had the whole day to move at their own pace.

We wandered to an alpine lake they’d never seen before (I love showing you hidden gems), spotted mountain goats, explored new views with no one around, and ended the day on a cliffside with the prettiest mountain sunset. They booked me for a longer day so we could take our time, stop at the spots that felt good, and just let the day lead us.

That kind of flexibility is almost impossible during peak season.

2. There are far fewer crowds and much more privacy. 

Some couples aren’t bothered by the wandering, curious eyes of tourists as they exchange vows or those “congrats!” cheers as you pass in your wedding attire. If so, I love that for you!!! But the reality is that most of my couples already have plenty of nerves fluttering between saying ‘I Do’ and being in front of a camera, so they’d much rather have more privacy when possible. 

I had photographed Becca + Travis for their engagement photos, so they knew me and my approach to their photography experience. But that doesn’t always shake the day-of jitters! But with a ceremony on a literal cliffside, overlooking miles of golden trees and those big views they traveled in for and not a single other person in sight? It made them feel completely at ease. We didn’t have to dodge hikers in the background, or other weddings, or pause to wait for crowds to pass. The whole park felt like it was just for them.

If you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement that’s quiet, connected, and just about you two, shoulder season is your best bet.

3. Logistics are far easier all around.

If you’ve ever tried to visit a national park in July, you know the chaos: booked lodges, trailhead traffic jams, shuttle reservations, and parking lots that fill up by sunrise.

But when you elope in shoulder season? Sooooo much smoother.

Becca + Travis got their preferred location and time for a ceremony permit with no problem, didn’t have to build in long buffer windows to account for crowds, and never once had to battle for a place to park. It gave us more time actually enjoying the day and less time waiting around. Win-win!!!

4. Somehow, it feels more sentimental and true to you. 

Don’t get me wrong, every elopement has moments that make it special in its own way. But when you get to run around somewhere gorgeous, just you and your lover, and really let every single moment sink in without stressing about your surroundings—it’s freakin’ magic!

It lets you slowwww down. You get to do more of what YOU want, without any pressure or stress. Photos happen more naturally as you wander and aren’t as carefully styled to adjust to any chaos around you. You can shift plans without a second thought, just flowing with what feels right. And the result? A day filled with a million tiny, perfectly uncurated moments that make the whole elopement experience feel entirely unique and once-in-a-lifetime. 

5. Seasonal magic is underrated (and so beautiful) for adventure elopements! 

Take one scroll through Becca + Travis’ gallery and try to tell me they aren’t the dreamiest fall elopement photos??? I know everyone loves summer because the weather is steady and sun seems like a sure thing. But as an elopement photographer, let me tell you that shoulder season weather is nothing to be scared of!!! 

In fact, I’d argue it’s what gives your photos character. The golden leaves, the moody clouds, the mist clinging to the mountains? It adds a whole vibe that you just can’t recreate. And the best part? It’s different everywhere—maybe it’s a foggy afternoon on the Oregon coast, early snow in the Tetons, or a surprise downpour that ended with you dancing barefoot in the rain. You get unassuming beauty, variety in your photos, and little unplanned memories along the way. 

Yep, shoulder season is the best time to book an adventure elopement. 

Less stress, crowds, and planning. Way more flexibility, privacy, and time to be truly PRESENT! After all, isn’t that what eloping is all about?? 

I’ve photographed adventure elopements in many national parks (and all over the globe), and I can tell you that going during shoulder season is the #1 planning tip I could offer. Though I’ve got plenty of advice to share as you plan your day!

Start with these: 

→ Adventure elopement inspiration, photos, and tips! And when ready to find the photographer for your day, you can contact me here bb!

When these sweet newlyweds Caroline + Connor reached out about a photoshoot for their honeymoon in Belize at an eco-lodge just minutes from the Guatemala border, I was already obsessed. Chasing golden hour light through the jungle! But this became about so much more than just pretty pictures (though trust me, they’re damn goooood). It’s a reminder that your love deserves to be captured exactly as it is—not forced into someone else’s idea of what romance should look like. 

So are you looking for inspo for your Belize honeymoon? Thinking about eloping or planning a destination wedding in Belize?  Nervous about booking a couples photoshoot in general? Whether you raised your hand for one or all, you’ll find all of the golden nuggets of info you need right here. 

Honeymoon photos are for everyone (Even if PDA isn’t your thing!) 

If you meet Caroline + Connor, it might surprise you that they wanted to bring along a wedding photographer to capture their romantic honeymoon getaway.  They’re not about over-the-top PDA moments, being loud on adventures, or running through fields making out. Their love is subtle, quiet, sincere in the most loving-each-other-is-natural way. So why did they invite me along to capture a time that is usually known to be extra lovey dovey?

If you’re thinking, “THAT’S US TOO” then keep reading, I’ve got an important message for you! 

Unfortunately, they didn’t have a stellar experience with another photographer on their wedding day. So they took to Google, carefully searched for someone who might be able to give them what they were looking for, and they found me. (Mostly likely from another honeymoon photoshoot in San Pedro Belize I posted to my blog!) 

After hearing their experience, I was DETERMINED to make this most magical, stunning, incredible honeymoon photoshoot ever for them.  But most of all, I wanted their images to feel real. Like a true representation of who they are and how they love.  

Luckily with 15+ years of experience photographing couples, I knew the best way to do that. It’s simple really—get to know them. I start before I even meet my clients, by getting on a call to chat and sending a “Get to Know You” questionnaire so they can spill bits about who they are, what they like, what they’re comfy (and not comfy) with in front of the camera. 

Then I show up to shoot day of as MYSELF—an extroverted, always enthusiastic photographer who knows exactly how to get movement and pose in front of the camera that feels natural, never stiff. It’s something nearly every single one of my couples worries about, yet is never *actually* a problem because I got you!! Here’s part of Caroline’s own google review to prove it: 

“After an unfortunate experience with our wedding photos working with another photographer, we learned our lesson and looked into finding a photographer that truly cared about their work and clients. We found Jackie through a Google search and after reading her website decided to work with her – the best decision we could have made! She is an AMAZING photographer and provides nostalgic, beautiful photos I have always wanted with my husband.” 

See!!! I GOT YOU! 

Okay, now that Caroline + Connor have aided in my pep talk HAHA and hopefully convinced you to just book the damn photos, I have to tell you about their honeymoon shoot at this eco-resort in Belize. 

Honeymooning in Belize? Vanilla Hills Lodge San Ignacio is the spot! 

And while we’re talking about it, it’s a dreamy little wedding venue in Belize as well! You’re surrounded by rolling hills of lush jungle, staying in these adorable eco-friendly cabins that make you feel like you’re in your own private treehouse village. There’s this massive lawn that’s literally perfect for everything from intimate ceremonies to sunset dances (even if dancing isn’t usually your thing, that’s a-okay too!)

Caroline + Connor split their honeymoon between the beach vibes of San Pedro island (where I also photographed a Belize destination wedding at Ambergris Caye) and this jungle paradise. And let me tell you—choosing Vanilla Hills Lodge for their photos was the BEST decision! 

We had those deep-in-the-jungle feelings that’ll make you forget the rest of the world exists but rested in luxury resort-style the whole time. We explored every inch of this property for their session. They lounged by the infinity pool. We snuck down secret pathways through gardens that felt like a private paradise. Checked out the field that is a dream at golden hour. Even went on a little adventure walk down to the river (though maybe skip that part when it’s 102 degrees like it was for us, HAHA!)

There are a million reasons to book a stay here for your honeymoon, elopement, or wedding: 

It’s All Yours, Baby! With just a few cabins on the property, you can literally rent out the WHOLE place. Think about it—for a honeymoon, it’s the ultimate private escape. And for a wedding? Your entire guest list can stay on-site, turning your celebration into a full-on retreat!

Those Views!!! Every. Single. Corner. Is. Perfect. Plus they offer an incredible mix of photoshoot locations we could explore for your shoot. If you love a laid-back luxury, barefoot in a bridal gown vibe, ooooh this could be SO cool. 

Location, Location, Location! You’re literally minutes from the Guatemala border, a short flight away from the islands, and surrounded by adventure opportunities. Want to mix some Mayan ruins or cave exploring into your wedding weekend or honeymoon? Done! But also? You’ve got a gorgeous property waiting for you when you want to just chill. 

A Reminder for You: Book the honeymoon shoot! Even if you’re nervous—do it anyway! 

In a time as exciting and full of love as when you’re getting married, you should have every moment captured in a way that feels true to you. Whether you’re naturally affectionate or more reserved, loud and adventurous, or simply quietly in love—you deserve photos that showcase your love exactly as it is.

These two proved that sometimes the most beautiful photos come from just being yourself in a place that feels magical. And trust me, between the location, the eco-resort touches, and endless hidden spots at Vanilla Hills Lodge, magic just happens naturally there.Planning your own Belize adventure? I will whip out my Delta SkyMiles so fast for you, babe! Tell me all about you, your partner, your story, and your plans right here and I pinky promise we’ll plan something super epic all around who you are.

Let me just slide in my personal recommendation for The Silver Knot in Ronan MT for locals and destination wedding babes alike! If you’re out here searching for a mountain wedding venue that perfectly blends modern charm with that laid-back Montana spirit, then you’re going to want to have a closer look at Jade + Hunter’s wedding!  

The Silver Knot: A Hidden-Gem Montana Wedding Venue 

Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding in Montana, if you’re looking for a laid-back ranch vibe for a western-style wedding that also has a modern, timeless touch—you’re going to LOVE The Silver Knot in Ronan, MT! 

I’m actually originally from just down the road (Missoula to Ronan is about an hour’s drive) and have photographed mountain weddings at nearly every major wedding venue in the area, but there’s something special about this secluded property. And if you’ve been vision boarding about a mountain wedding venue with charming details, then this one deserves to be on your list. 

High ceilings dripping with chandeliers, reclaimed corral wood on the walls, windows for DAYS framing the Mission Mountains in view. They’ve thought of everything to make your best day comfy and cozy with a honeymoon cabin on site option, spaces for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, an outdoor pavilion with lights strung all over for receptions & dancing under glittery lights, a barn and horse pen, a fire pit for even cocktails or smores! You will love it here!

Proof that Rain on Your Wedding Day Doesn’t Matter at All 

Here’s the thing about Montana weddings in May—you’ve got to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws your way, okay! For Jade + Hunter that meant rolling with some serious weather changes! Their original plan for an outdoor first look got rained out, but sometimes Plan B turns out to be even better than Plan A. No really, it does always work out just as it’s supposed to I promise! 

Instead of fighting the weather, we moved their first look to this incredible loft space inside the venue. It has massive windows (we love good lighting!!!) and is the perfect blank slate for first look photos. They exchanged gifts, spent intentional time together before the ceremony and it was the sweetest thing—Hunter was literally bracing himself against the wall because he was so emotional when he saw Jade in her stunning dress. *CRYING* 

Just before the ceremony, their amazing crew of family and friends jumped into action, wiping down the outdoor chairs after another rain shower. And would you believe it? The sun came out just in time for them to say their I-dos, giving us that perfect golden Montana light. I told you…. It always works out how it’s supposed to.

But my favorite part? The rain cleared enough for us to sneak over to the horse pen for some photos. The horses were a bit shy at first, but they warmed up to give us some Pinterset-worthy photos that any couple planning a wedding like theirs would immediately pin to their western style weddings ideas board! 

The night wrapped up with everyone dancing under the covered outdoor area, staying cozy thanks to heaters and the warmth of the fire pit. They ended their night with that classic movie sparkler exit, actually hopping right into their getaway car (so many couples actually fake this exit for photos, did ya know that??) Then they drove off into the night! 

The Montana Wedding Vendors Behind J +H’s Western Style Wedding

Every perfect wedding day takes a village, and this crew knocked it out of the corral pun intended:

Wedding Planning: Big Sky Wedding Planning 

Florist: Field Five Flowers

Hair: Shayna Achin Beauty

Makeup: Sieh Beauty

Entertainment: Brandon Johnson 

Baker: Gretchen Dunn Cakes

Bridal Shop: Alta Moda, SLC, Utah 

Wedding Dress Designer: Aleena Lena

Suit Shop: Mens Wearhouse, Missoula, MT 

Suit Designer: Joseph Aboud

Is The Silver Knot Ronan, MT on your wedding venue shortlist? 

As wedding photographer with 15+ years experience AND someone who has called the Mission Mountains home—I want to be there to capture every detail! Check out my pricing here and inquire to ask me allllll of the questions right here, babe!  

Whether you’ve booked the venue or not, reach out sooner rather than later for my availability!!! Full MT wedding availability is limited. 

Ok ok, now here’s what you have been waiting for—here’s Jade + Hunter’s photos from their modern meets western Montana wedding at The Silver Knot venue in Ronan!

Surprise Engagement Photos Done Right—Here’s How! 

When an inquiry for surprise engagement photos popped up in my inbox from Mike, I expected the usual, “can you help me plan, follow us on our walk, and wait for me to get on one knee?” But that wasn’t his plan. And while I do really love a sweet surprise proposal photoshoot, this one left me feeling like I needed to share his alternative option with my soon-to-be engaged guys, gals, and non-binary pals. So if you’re thinking about proposing and planning a surprise engagement photo session, but aren’t sure how you or your partner feel about them, READ THIS!

Steal Mike + Brittany’s Surprise Proposal Plan For Yourself 

Here’s what made Mike’s plan absolutely brilliant—he wanted their Glacier National Park vacation to be about celebrating their engagement, not just capturing it. Using my location guide (which all my couples get!), he scouted out the perfect proposal spots for their first days but easily disguised them as just some laid-back exploring. His reasoning? “I want to spend our vacation being your fiancé.” (No really, Brittany told me these exact words came out of his mouth, a lucky girl she is!!!)

Instead of surprising Brittany with both a proposal AND a photographer, he captured their special moment himself with a video. This meant she could be completely present in the moment, wearing exactly what she wanted, without wondering why her partner was dragging her to a specific spot at a specific time acting all weird.

THEN he told her had booked me for engagement photos the next day. They planned their engagement session together. Brittany got to shop for outfits she felt amazing in, and they saved some of Glacier’s most beautiful spots for our shoot so they could experience them together for the first time. While getting engagement photos. And that my friends, is surprise engagement photos done right! 

Dancing Our Way Through A National Park Engagement Session

The universe was on Mike + Brittany’s side that evening. The forecast was calling for 6-12 inches of snow (in Glacier, anything’s possible). It had rained the entire day before, was supposed to rain all day after, but minutes before we met at St. Mary’s the clouds parted just enough to give us that moody sky and Montana mountain magic that GNP is known for!

We spent the evening exploring secret trails and hidden spots, and these two were absolutely vibing! When Brittany wasn’t sure what to do, she just started dancing—which honestly cracked me up and made for the most natural, in-the-moment photos! I love to leave space for that awkward what do I do moment just to see what you might do organically. Let your authenticity shine. 

We did a quick swap to their hiking clothes, something totally comfy and normal for them (which I highly suggest for an engagement session!). And then we ended the adventure exactly how they always do—two ham, turkey, and cheese sandwiches (Brittany’s with the crust cut off). They cheers’d and shared their traditional hiking snack on an adorable little bridge, chit-chatting away! An entire surprise proposal, mountain getaway, and engagement session completely true to them. 

Got Questions About Planning Your own Surprise Engagement Photos? 

I’ve helped plenty of mastermind partners who wanted to pull off popping the question and make sure someone was there to capture it all! 

Like this snowy surprise proposal in the mountains!

And these proposal photos that are the sweetest! 

And obviously Brittany + Mike! (Keep going to peek at their images!) So start brainstorming, contact me using this link, and let me know what you’re thinking! These shoots are some of my favorites, so let’s plan yours together!

When it came to choosing from Lake Tahoe wedding spots, Raegan + TJ chose wisely with an epic ceremony location overlooking the lake, the most perfect sunset views, and an open air dance floor to party the night away Before you go lookin’ through their Lake Tahoe wedding gallery, you’ve gotta hear more about how their day, especially if you’re thinking of getting married in the mountains yourself. 

Raegan + TJ are the cutest couple of college sweethearts ya ever did see and it’s not hard to tell they’ve known each other a long time (since they were just baby middle schoolers)! They reached out originally thinking about getting married in Montana, but ended up actually booking a Lake Tahoe wedding venue instead. When they sent an email asking if I was still down to photograph them, I was STOKED! It had been nearly a decade since I photographed any Lake Tahoe wedding spots and whew is it a stunning place. 

The Lakeview Lodge at Heavenly Mountain Resort was an ideal location to host their laid-back, energetic friends + family for an intimate wedding celebration on a mountaintop.  Sounds dreamy, ya?! They had their first look in the granite rock forest, sharing personal vows kept for only the two of them. Their ceremony was on a big, beautiful patio overlooking the lake. After their I Dos, TJ threw Raegan over his shoulders and ran back down the aisle, a very fitting ending to kick off their all night long celebration under a clear + starry sky. The sunset after their ceremony was actually otherworldly and one of the best of the season, light to die for.

But the stars weren’t the only thing glowing during their reception! They had a glow bar set up with glow-in-the-dark hats and leis and glasses for everyone to wear. And they brought in a face painter! This was a party! Not only are these the coolest wedding reception ideas EVER, but they made for some really fun photos too. 

When we were planning their wedding timeline and talking about what photos meant the most to them, Raegan + TJ expressed how much they wanted a focus on candids! Not only of them and the focal point of their day, but also of all of the people who came to celebrate them too. So while I definitely got the must-have wedding detail + formal type photos, I also spent most of the time just letting their moments unfold. And the result is photos full of lots of light, energy, and fun – just like them. It was a Lake Tahoe wedding for the books for sure. 

Planning your own mountain wedding and searching for a photographer who is down for all of the fun? Hit me up, babe. Let’s plan this party!

You might think a waterfront wedding in the dead of summer is a risky move, but even in the heat, this sun-filled intimate Flathead Lake wedding ceremony was as chill and smooth as could be. A quick trip to the mountains for a day-after photoshoot kept the outdoor fun going, too! 

Jess + Brian bring an easy-going presence to everything they do and their wedding day was no different. With no real timeline in place, we flowed through their plans with ease and kept the focus where it should be – on the fun and happiness surrounding them! 

I won’t sugarcoat it, it was HOT. It was the first of July in Montana and there was one tree (only one!!!) near the property of Flathead Lake Forevers wedding venue. Turns out that one tree would come in handy and actually was giving shade to their sweet little lounge set-up for their private first look, all planned by my girl Katie over at Big Day Celebrations! 

But rewind a bit because plenty happened even before their tear-filled first look while they exchanged personal vows under said lone tree. Jess got ready with her girls in an Airbnb in a different part of Flathead Lake and booked the Montana Trolley Company to bring them to the venue. A little late, but going with the flow, Brian thought we were starting the first look by the lake, when in reality, Jess had pranked him with some groomsmen in wedding dresses…not once, but twice. I had never actually photographed a good ol’ groomsmen switcheroo so I was unsure how it would go, but Jess + Brian are both hilarious, so of course it set the mood with lots of laughs and joy for the day. 

Jess was stunning in a shimmery, textured dress with a removable jacket. It was absolutely perfect for a day full of sunshine. Brian wore a blue suit, coordinating with the blues and whites that they used for their wedding colors (which I loooooved and was different from the usual pink, blush tones for summer weddings). Their waterfront wedding ceremony kicked off an evening of celebration, with an insane sunset, a kicked-back cocktail hour in lounge chairs, and a party under the welcome shade of the reception tent (thanks Empress Tents & Events)! 

The reception set-up was just as dreamy as the rest of their day, with the most Pinterest-worthy wedding desserts from Montana Wildflour and locally made ice cream from Sweet Peaks Kalispell and table settings dripping in blues, whites, and greens impeccably arranged by Conrad Floral. Jess + Brian danced to Your Song by Elton John as their first dance before we ran to the dock for golden hour photos on the lake. 

The fun with these two did not end with the waterfront wedding & reception! A few days later, I scooped up Jess + Brian and took them into Glacier National Park for a quick day-after session. Day after or a-few-days-after sessions are actually more common than you might think. In fact, I have plenty of after wedding photoshoots to share, so take a peek! They’re the perfect way to take the rush + stress of packing lots of portrait photos into your wedding timeline, plus a great opportunity to add a bit of variety to your photos in your wedding attire with totally different locations! 

So there you have it, an action-packed yet still extremely chill wedding weekend enjoying what summer in Montana has to offer! Trust me, you wanna save this one for your own inspiration if you’re planning a lake wedding!

Planning a shoot in a national park with the love of your life and searching for a bit of inspiration for your engagement photo outfits? Alexandra + Grant nailed their neutral, causal western meets boho engagement outfits for their Yellowstone National Park engagement photos! You might have opened this blog for the outfits, but you’re gonna leave swooooooning over the rugged frontier and moody weather vibe of this entire day! It was absolute perfection.

I was already stoked to cruise out for a Yellowstone engagement session with these two babes, but the energy (and the outfits of course) they brought along with them made me realize we were about to create something so f*cking good! Alexandra + Grant got engaged in Zion National Park and knew they wanted the essence of adventure in their engagement photos, maybe even a little bit of wild western meets mountain vibes, so the Lamar Valley in the northeast portion of the park was perfectoooo! 

In a sea of sagebrush and creeping fog, we made the most of the area as a slow-moving storm approached. Alexandra wore a sweet lace dress (hellllo texture!) with a denim jacket, white cowgirl boots, and a tan boho hat completed the look. Meanwhile Grant sported brown Blundstones with a hat of his own, tied together with dark jeans and a flannel with the sleeves rolled up. Casual, comfy, and so true to them, which is the most important part! 

After you book engagement photography with me, I always send over a little guide to ease any anxiety you might have about preparing for your shoot – engagement photo outfit guidance included. I get it! It can feel overwhelming and tricky to match your clothes to the vibe you want, while still feeling comfy and most importantly, like yourself. I’ll always encourage you to wear what makes you feel your BEST! Alexandra + Grant are perfect examples of doing it riiiight. 

We brought their western mountain engagement photoshoot vision to life as they made out in open fields as bison literally passed by, held hands as they crossed streams, and just as the skies opened up, they danced together on a bridge as the rain poured hard all around. That’s kinda magical, right?! 

Okay enough of my yappin’ about how perfect these two are, you aren’t going to wait another second before seeing their engagement photos in Yellowstone National Park! Go on, scroll away! 

Once you’re done here, I’ve got some more engagement photo outfit ideas for you. For a whimsical wildflower vibe, take a look at L+C’s engagement photos! Sun-drenched golden hour (and more lace!!), you’ll wanna see R+R’s couples photos. You know what, actually just head to the blog and see ‘em all for yourself! My clients know how to do it right.

Backpacks, beers, and bears – Ashlee + Tanner’s hiking engagement photos were so fun in Big Sky! Okay soooo there weren’t actually any bears, though we were actively on the lookout. Though there was absolutely a backpack of beer, a scenic hike in the mountains of Montana, kisses next to an alpine lake, and even a secret stash of snow at the top (the best surprise for these two east coast beach babes)! 

Ashlee + Tanner both went to college in Wilmington, NC, but didn’t officially meet until they both relocated to Charlotte. One Instagram message and a night out with mutual friends put them in each other’s lives forever. And a trip to Montana with their families brought them to me! They were already engaged when the trips were planned, so they felt they couldn’t miss a chance for some mountain engagement photos while out west. They found me on my good friend Google, inquired with me, and the rest is history! 

When we chatted about what they wanted, they knew they wanted to plan more of an experience than just a photoshoot. They were spending plenty of time with family, so this was a chance to go off and explore just the two of them. And when in Big Sky, why not get some hiking engagement photos? 

Before we headed off for their adventure couples shoot, we took a minute to take some photos with their family (because how often is your whole fam together??) and then up we went! The hike was steep, but manageable, and not steep enough to deter Tanner from pulling out some beers from his well-stocked backpack. We sipped (well, they sipped, my gluten and ethanol allergy unfortunately doesn’t allow me to partake) and we chatted about how we’re all obsessed with our Oura Rings (we deserved to be sponsored from how much we love them) and of course, we took photos as we moved along. 

We made it to the top for the best surprise for two people from the Southern east coast – SNOW! Tanner + Ashlee had enough cell service to FaceTime their family and make them extra jealous of the snow and alpine views. At this elevation it’s a bit difficult to breathe if you aren’t used to it, so they took a bit to run around the lake and through some fields before their sea-level lungs had enough and we headed back down. The beer made a reappearance as we were on high alert for bear activity, but our furry friends never popped out for a visit. It was a laid-back, fun-filled engagement photoshoot with no real planning, but my gosh the photos prove you just don’t need to overthink it! 

Before their shoot, they mentioned that they really wanted to look back on their time engaged and know they filled it with ease and spontaneity. Rather than be stressed or overwhelmed, they really wanted to relish in just how incredible it is to be in this phase of life. This day was a true reflection of that attitude. If you take anything away from Ashlee + Tanner’s hiking engagement shoot, let it be a reminder that your love for each other is serious, but the wedding planning phase doesn’t have to be! 

Looking for light-hearted adventure photos like theirs for your engagement, elopement, or wedding? Count me in, friend! You can learn more about my approach to photography & how I work right here.

The Sunrise Amphitheater wedding venue sits perched on top of a mountain outcrop with sprawling views of the valley below. When you’re planning an outdoor Colorado wedding, there might be plenty of places to choose from, but for an intimate wedding near Boulder – this is your spot! 

Erin + Adam wanted a first look with big views, but the town was buzzing and busy as it was a big espn football game day, leaving me searching for a place with a bit more privacy. I found a spot just outside of town and they were in! These two were cracking me up, as they were so laid-back and worry-free that they forgot the flowers and had to run back to get them. It’s easy for you to get excited on your wedding day and start to rush things, but when you go into it with a relaxed mindset (knowing that sometimes things don’t go as planned) and just wanting to enjoy your time together, it shows in your photos I promise. 

After their first look, we drove up the mountain to meet their family + friends for their Sunrise Amphitheater wedding ceremony! It was ready for us, set up with chairs and florals by Sleepy Bee Gardens that made the space their own. Their ceremony was so intentional and thoughtful. They included a ring warming ceremony, something I’ve been seeing more often, where they take a moment to set their intentions with the rings before exchanging vows and took the time to include her 7 year old daughter, Maple. We wrapped up their intimate wedding with plenty of family photos, having so much fun just hanging together that we lost track of time before heading back down the mountain. 

Waiting for us in the driveway of their aunt’s house was Dos Manos Food Truck, which was brilliant if you ask me! The kids were munching on churros and everyone was able to order their own food, grabbing drinks from coolers and celebrating away (myself included – can confirm the tacos were excellent!!) To wrap up the night, I was able to grab some photos of the details, the cake, and more goodies and them ordering tacos. 

Erin + Adam’s intimate wedding is proof that you can involve the people you love without committing to big, traditional wedding plans. You can get those big view, adventure wedding photos you want. You can book the outdoor wedding venue. You can use a food truck for your reception dinner. It’s about what YOU want. 

There’s a million ways to have a wedding. You can do it just the two of you at a tiny church in the middle of the mountains like this Montana elopement. You can get married in freezing temps and shots of whiskey like this winter elopement. You can do it summer camp style like this lakeside wedding. 

There’s no right way to have a wedding, only the right plans for you!

You’re here because you want to elope in Yellowstone National Park, yeah?? Don’t worry, I’m not the type of wedding photographer who will try to get you to switch locations because Yellowstone is “too busy”. 

Nope, if you have daydreams of geysers and bison and hot springs as the backdrop of your wedding photos, then GO GET ‘EM TIGER! I’m here for it. But I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t share some super important insight for planning your elopement in a place that gets 4 million visitors every year, especially if you’ve got the most iconic spots on your must-do list. 

It’s time for you to meet Jess + Matt, two lovebirds like yourselves who decided it was Yellowstone National Park or bust for their wedding day. And I won’t lie to you, these two had me nearly losing my sh*t when they first told me their plan. 

Old Faithful. Grand Prismatic. Artist Point. Gotta hit ‘em all. 

Hours-long traffic jams and swaths of bright baseball-capped tourists flooded my brain. As an elopement photographer for over a decade, who has photographed couples in the high seasons of Yellowstone and Glacier and Grand Tetons and Yosemite—this was about as *bonkers* of a plan as I could imagine.  

But they were GIDDY over it and really, really wanted to make it happen. So I told them I was down on one condition, which leads us to your first Yellowstone National Park elopement tip…

GO EARLY. You simply have to! Jess + Matt started in West Yellowstone at 7:45 am and I honestly think you could get started much earlier than we did if you’ve got multiple stops on your tour-de-Yellowstone. It is incredibly popular and quite literally thousands of people could be gathered at hot-spot attractions like Old Faithful, but mornings usually bring calmer conditions. 

Because Jess + Matt were staying near the west entrance and applied for their ceremony permit at Artist Point, it made sense to hit their other must-see spots and end their day with the ceremony. (Here’s the link for permitted ceremony spots in YNP!) 

By the time we got to Artist Point, it was insanity. It’s a super small area with nowhere to get off of the trails, leaving everyone packed together like sardines. When you take a look at their elopement photos (keep scrolling to see them!), it looks idyllic, intimate, and sweet under two little trees tucked into a nook. In reality, DOZENS of people were standing right behind me or walking by as they said their vows to each other. 

And with that, we’ve gotta talk about Yellowstone National Park elopement tip #2! 

Be realistic with what you’re walking into (and plan around it if needed). Because Jess + Matt are just a certain type of couple, they were unphased. But so many of my couples would have been extremely uncomfortable in that scenario. By having your ceremony first thing in the morning, you could find a more secluded, private spot to share vows. You could even do them at the Airbnb or accommodation! If you’re a couple who definitely doesn’t feel comfy with loads of strangers around during your wedding day, there are also more off-the-beaten-path areas to explore if you’re willing to skip the hotspots on your wedding day. It’s all up to your preference as a couple! 

If you’re okay with being early risers on your wedding day and don’t feel weird about having some family from Ohio applaud as you take your first just married kiss, then it looks like eloping in Yellowstone is still in the plan! 

Which means you’re ready for planning mode! And that brings you to the third and last tip of this blog. 

Plan your timeline with PLENTY of buffer space. Yes, you will encounter stopped traffic for wildlife and spend time searching for space away from crowds of tourists—and there’s really nothing you can do about it! So planning your elopement timeline with extra time built into it is a necessity to keep you from panicking the day of. If you don’t have the time for some reason, maybe you only booked your photographer for 4 hours or you have a post-elopement celebration planned back at the cabin, then my best piece of advice is to pick your top two spots and see what happens. You never know! The tourism gods might be with you and you breeze through the park no problem, leaving you time to make another stop along the way. But in the case you do get snagged by a timeline hiccup, you’ve checked off the most important boxes and still feel over-freakin-joyed about your day. 

So what do you say, my crazy-in-love new friends? Still up for an adventure?? 

If so, you should know I’ve helped plan dozens and dozens of elopements in highly trafficked, but oh-so-worth-it destinations. Ones that people will tell you are too busy or too popular. And maybe they are! But who cares, it’s your day, do what ya want! I’ll be there right there, scootching away tourists and finding the 2 feet of space we need to get the shot. What do you say? Wanna do this together? Fill out this form and let’s get to chatting! But first, make sure to take a look at Jess + Matt’s stunnin’ wedding photos from eloping in Yellowstone National Park! ↓