Golden Hued RMNP Elopement 

Fall, hands down. The aspens turn gold, the light gets that warm low-angle glow, and there's this crispness in the air that just photographs beautifully. Summer's gorgeous too for wildflowers, but fall has my heart.

What time of year do you enjoy photographing there most, and why?

I've got a soft spot for the quieter alpine meadows and lake spots where you get that mirror reflection on a calm morning. Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and some higher up spots for the couples who don't mind a hike. Each one gives a totally different feel, so it really depends on the vibe the couple's going for.

What are your favorite locations or scenery within the park?

Get your permit early, RMNP requires one for photography and ceremonies, and build in extra time. Mountain weather does whatever it wants, so having a flexible timeline (and a solid plan B) saves the day more often than you'd think. And pick a spot that actually feels like you, not just the most "Instagram famous" overlook.

What advice would you give couples planning an elopement here?

It's just so much more them. No seating charts, no timeline stress, no worrying about Aunt Carol's feelings about the centerpieces. It's just the couple, the mountains, and whatever they actually want their day to look like. I get to spend the whole day with two people instead of splitting my attention across 150 guests, and you can feel that intimacy in every photo.

What makes an RMNP elopement different from a traditional wedding?

Honestly, it's the scale of it. You've got these two people making the biggest promise of their lives, and then you've got literal mountains standing there as witnesses. There's something about that contrast, tiny humans, huge peaks, that gets me every time. I never get tired of it.

Why do you love photographing elopements in Rocky Mountain National Park?