Colorado mountain elopement photographer Stephanie Fenzl — Rocky Mountain National Park and Breckenridge

Colorado Elopement PHotographer

Your Vows.

The Mountains.

Nothing else required.

Rocky Mountain National Park · Breckenridge · Frisco · Summit County

Lets plan your Colorado Elopement

I eloped in the Colorado mountains. Now I help couples do the same.


In 2020, my husband and I escaped to the Mountains with just our photographers and each other. No seating charts. No cocktail hour small talk. Just us, the mountains, and the most intentional day of our lives. That experience is exactly why I do what I do.


I'm Stephanie — a Kansas City-based wedding and elopement photographer who travels to Colorado regularly for couples who want their wedding day to feel as big as the landscape around them. Whether you're dreaming of a sunrise ceremony above treeline, vows beside an alpine lake, or a quiet moment in a snow-dusted forest, I'm here to help you plan and photograph every part of it.

Colorado Locations I Love

Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP is one of the most breathtaking elopement destinations in the country. Alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, and dramatic tundra vistas make every frame feel cinematic. Permits are required — I'll help you navigate the process so you can focus on your day.

Breckenridge, Colorado

From the gondola summit at nearly 13,000 feet to the charming Victorian streetscapes of downtown, Breckenridge offers incredible variety. It's perfect for couples who want mountain grandeur with easy access and endless backdrop options

Frisco and Summit County

Tucked along the shores of Lake Dillon with a panoramic view of the Ten Mile Range, Frisco is a hidden gem for elopements. The combination of alpine lake reflections and jagged peaks makes for stunning, intimate photography without the crowds. Summit County also offers incredible variety beyond Frisco — from the charming mountain town of Silverthorne to the quieter trails around Keystone and Dillon Reservoir, there's no shortage of breathtaking settings for couples who want to explore.

Everywhere Else

Maroon Bells, Telluride, Crested Butte, Rocky Mountain foothills — if you have a Colorado dream in mind, tell me about it. I travel throughout the state and I love discovering new locations with couples who have a specific vision.

More than a photographer — your Colorado elopement guide

Colorado elopements come with logistics most photographers don't prepare you for: wilderness permits, altitude, unpredictable afternoon storms, and trailhead access rules. I've done this. I know what questions to ask, which locations require permits, and how to build a timeline that accounts for mountain weather.

Before your day, we'll plan together — location scouting, timeline building, vendor recommendations. On the day itself, I'm your calm presence in the chaos of nature, ready to adapt when a cloud rolls in and pivot to something even more beautiful.

And afterward, your gallery will feel like proof of something real — not posed, not staged. Just you, exactly as you are, in one of the most magnificent places on earth.

View Pricing

Colorado Coverage Includes

Pre-Wedding Planning Calls

Whether we connect over a video call, phone, email, or text — we'll meet in whatever way works best for you before your trip to nail down location, timeline, and every detail so the day feels effortless. Most of my Colorado couples are planning from out of state, so virtual planning calls are completely the norm. Vendor recommendations, accommodation suggestions, and travel package details are all part of the conversation, however we have it.

Location & Permit Guidance

I'll help you understand which locations require permits and what the process looks like — one less thing to stress about. Rocky Mountain National Park, White River National Forest, and wilderness areas around Breckenridge and Summit County each have their own requirements, timelines, and fees. We'll work through all of it together well in advance of your trip so your chosen location is locked in, legal, and ready for the day you've been dreaming about.

Make a Day of the Adventure

Your elopement doesn't have to start and end with vows. Whether you want to raft the Arkansas River, ride horses through the mountains, ski a run before the ceremony, kayak across an alpine lake, or head into the backcountry in a 4x4 — I'll photograph all of it. We'll build your timeline around the full day you actually want.

Edited Online Gallery

A beautifully edited, downloadable gallery delivered within 4–6 weeks of your elopement day. Everything from getting ready in your cabin to golden hour portraits at elevation, all in one place. Your gallery also connects directly to my print lab, where you can order professional canvas prints and custom albums — the best way to bring your Colorado day off the screen and onto your walls.

"Stephanie captured everything about my wedding day perfectly, from small meaningful details to beautiful shots of the venue. I highly recommend Stephanie for wedding or other photography needs!"


— Maddy & Daniel, Breckenridge Colorado Wedding

 

Common Questions

 

Do I need a permit to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Yes — RMNP requires a special use permit for elopements and small wedding ceremonies. The process involves choosing a location within the park, submitting an application, and paying a fee. I'll walk you through everything and help you identify the perfect permitted spot.

Can we get married in Colorado without an officiant?

Yes — Colorado is one of the few states in the country that allows self-solemnization, meaning you and your partner can legally marry without an officiant or witnesses present. You simply obtain your marriage license from the county clerk's office, sign it yourselves on your wedding day, and return it after the ceremony. It's one of the reasons Colorado is such a popular elopement destination — there's nothing standing between you and your vows except the mountains. I'll make sure you have everything you need to know about the process well before your day.

What's the best time of year to elope in Colorado?

Summer (June–September) offers the most accessible trails and wildflowers. Fall (late September–October) brings golden aspen foliage that's absolutely stunning. Winter elopements in the snow are magical and often less crowded — though we'll plan accordingly for conditions. I shoot year-round in Colorado.

How do Colorado mountain elopements handle weather?

Mountain weather changes fast — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. I always build weather flexibility into the timeline, and I know which locations offer natural shelter or beautiful "Plan B" options. Rain and clouds often make for the most dramatic, memorable photos.

How far in advance should we book?

Colorado dates fill up quickly, especially summer and fall. I recommend reaching out 6–12 months in advance to secure your date. That said, if you have a closer date in mind, always ask — I may have availability.

Do you travel from Kansas City to Colorado?

Yes! I'm based in Kansas City, Missouri and travel to Colorado regularly throughout the year. Colorado is one of my most-requested destinations. Travel costs are built directly into my destination packages — no surprise fees or separate travel invoices. Reach out to find the right package for your dates and location.

Can our dog (or pet) sign our Colorado marriage license?

Yes — and it's one of the most fun things about eloping in Colorado. Because Colorado doesn't require witnesses, there's no official signature line that needs to be filled by a human. Couples can press their pet's paw onto a pet-safe ink pad and stamp the witness line as a keepsake. Dogs are the most popular choice, but cats, birds, and even bunnies have done it too.

A couple of important things to know: not every county allows it. Denver and Arapahoe counties currently don't accept paw prints on marriage licenses, so if this is important to you, get your license from a different county clerk — Summit County, Jefferson County, and most others are fine. Always call ahead to confirm. Also, practice the paw print on a scrap piece of paper first before going near the real license — pet-safe inkless pads work great and keep things clean.