Hello, friends! My name is Bailee Ward and I am your Colorado elopement photographer and new adventure bff. I’m beyond excited to introduce myself and share the story behind Alpine Vows, the Colorado elopement photography company I’m so incredibly passionate about. As the owner and lead photographer, every moment I spend capturing the magic of elopements here in Colorado is a gift — and today, I want to give you an inside look at what makes this company and my approach to elopement photography truly special.
How It All Started: My Love for Colorado Elopement Photography
Let’s rewind to the beginning. I’ve always had a deep love for photography, dating back to my childhood when I would sneak around my parents’ house trying to capture moments of life that seemed beautiful or interesting. I fell in love with the power of still images to tell stories and evoke emotions, and over time, that passion grew into a professional pursuit.
You might be surprised to know that I actually started out as a big wedding photographer. I traveled all around this incredible state, capturing big, traditional weddings. Though I absolutely loved being able to connect and form genuine friendships with every couple I worked with, being an introvert, I was completely drained at the end of each big wedding I photographed.
It wasn’t until I photographed my first Colorado elopement in 2018 that I discovered that my heart really found its true calling. I was already living in Colorado, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, wildflower fields, alpine lakes, and some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. The idea of capturing couples in love, especially in such a unique and intimate setting, felt like fate. Especially since I grew up in Montana skiing, mountain biking, camping, backpacking, and spending all of my free time in the great outdoors…it truly felt like the perfect marriage of my passion for wedding photography with my passion for the outdoors.
I started working with couples who were choosing to elope rather than have a traditional wedding, and I quickly realized that this was my niche — it was the perfect blend of everything I loved. Elopements are personal, intimate, and full of raw emotion, and when you add the beauty of Colorado’s scenery into the mix, the result is pure magic.
The decision to create Alpine Vows came naturally. I wanted to focus on couples who were embracing the adventure of elopement and wanted a photographer who could capture not just the wedding day, but the entire experience. I wanted to help people create authentic, once-in-a-lifetime memories in the stunning Colorado wilderness. That dream became a reality when I niched down and became a full-time Colorado elopement photographer at the end of 2019.
What Makes Alpine Vows Different
At Alpine Vows, I’m not just about taking beautiful photos (although, trust me, I take a lot of those!). I am all about helping couples to create an experience that aligns with who they are as a couple. My approach to elopement photography is rooted in natural movements, authenticity, adventure, and emotion.
- Authentic, Personal Moments:
There’s something so special about elopements. When you choose to elope, you’re opting for a deeply personal and authentic celebration of your love. You’re not trying to please anyone but yourselves, and that freedom to truly be yourselves is something that I hope everyone gets to experience! I want to capture you in your truest form — no stiff poses, no forced smiles. I want to document you laughing, crying, or let’s be real, laughcrying, and basking in the quiet moments of your day that you might not even notice but will cherish forever.
Each couple is unique, so my approach to your wedding day is always custom. Whether you’re saying your vows on a mountaintop or exchanging rings by a secluded alpine lake, I’ll create a photography timeline that reflects your personalities, your story, and the moments you want to treasure forever.
- Experience Over Tradition:
Elopements are about creating a day that feels true to you. That’s why, at Alpine Vows, I’m not stuck in traditional wedding timelines and expectations. I’m all about throwing out the rule book and making your day YOURS. Want to
I get so excited when couples tell me they want to do something a little unconventional — hiking to a waterfall, having a picnic in the mountains, or exchanging vows at your favorite (or new favorite) outdoor spot. These are the experiences that stay with you for a lifetime and I’m honored to be the one who gets to capture them for you!
Beyond the ceremony, I guide couples through the entire day with ease. Whether you need recommendations for a great location or help coordinating your timeline to include a post-elopement celebration, I’ve got you covered. My goal is for you to be able to relax, be present in the moment, and know that every detail is taken care of.
This is why I provide:
- The best local vendors! From florals to my favorite restaurants and everything in between. I’ve got you covered!
- Completely customized wedding day location guide. I know Colorado like the back of my hand, so let me help you find the perfect place for you to say I do!
- Marriage license guidance
- Customized wedding day timeline
- Colorado elopement resources
Ready to start planning your Colorado elopement?! Click here to get started!
- Colorado’s Wild Beauty:
I can’t talk about Colorado elopement photography without mentioning the natural beauty of Colorado. We have it all here — from snow-capped mountains and aspen groves to wide open meadows and towering peaks. There’s truly no shortage of incredible locations to elope in Colorado, and I love helping couples choose the one that speaks to them the most. Whether you want a stunning mountain backdrop or a quiet, hidden spot in nature, we’ll find the perfect location together.
And don’t even get me started on the light! There’s something magical about Colorado’s natural light, especially during golden hour when the sun dips low behind the mountains or in the wee hours of the morning when the world is waking up and the sunlight paints the mountaintops pink. Every photo is infused with this dreamy glow, and I have to say, it’s hard not to get excited when I see the results!
- Full-Day Elopement Photography Coverage :
I know that elopements aren’t just about the ceremony — they’re about the entire experience. That’s why I offer full-day coverage. Some couples want to start the day with a sunrise hike, others want to have a relaxed afternoon ceremony followed by an adventure session exploring the wilderness. No matter how your day unfolds, I want to be there to document every breathtaking moment.
From the quiet, intimate moments to the crazy, adventurous ones, I’m there to capture it all. I take my time getting to know you as a couple so I can tailor the experience to fit your personality and your vision for the day.
- A Personal Touch:
One of the things I’m most proud of at Alpine Vows is the personal connection I build with my clients. Your elopement isn’t just another job to me — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that deserves the utmost care and attention. I get to know each couple personally, which means I understand your hopes for the day, your vision, and your unique relationship dynamic. This is probably my favorite part about this job, outside of being a Colorado elopement photographer – getting to know you as a couple! I love forming these incredible bonds with the couples I work with. We often spend the whole day together outdoors so we tend to get to know each other pretty well, which is the highlight of my job! I love creating lifelong friendships through my job (I mean, can you even call it a “job” if it brings me so much joy?!).
I’m here to support you in every way possible — from helping you choose your location to walking you through the planning process step-by-step. You’ll never feel like just another client; you’ll feel like you have a true partner in making your elopement dreams come true.
Beyond the Photos: The Alpine Vows Experience
It’s hard to explain the excitement and passion I feel about this work. There’s something indescribable about being part of such an intimate moment in people’s lives, especially when it takes place in the breathtaking wilderness of Colorado. Every elopement I photograph is unique, and every couple I work with brings something special to the table. I truly cannot even express how much I love what I do!
At Alpine Vows, I go above and beyond to make sure you feel like you’re not just booking a photographer but an experience. From your first inquiry to the moment you receive your final gallery, I am with you every step of the way. I help you plan your day, offer helpful tips, and document your day in a way that feels true to who you are.
The photos I capture aren’t just images — they’re memories, frozen in time. They’re reminders of the joy, laughter, and love you felt on your wedding day. I want you to look back at these photos and be transported right back to that moment when you said “I do” on top of a mountain or shared a quiet moment in a secluded forest.
The Future of Colorado Elopement Photography: Alpine Vows
As I reflect on the growth of Alpine Vows, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible couples from all over the US who have trusted me to be their Colorado elopement photographer and capture the most important day of their lives. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of these intimate celebrations and to witness so many love stories unfold against the backdrop of Colorado’s natural beauty.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what an elopement can be. Whether you’re planning a serene mountaintop ceremony or a full day of adventure, I can’t wait to be there to document your love story in a way that’s as unique and special as you are.
If you’re considering eloping in Colorado, I’d love to hear from you and help you plan your dream day. Reach out to me here and let’s make some magic together!
Thank you for reading and being part of the Alpine Vows journey. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us next!
With so much excitement and love,
Your Colorado elopement photographer,
Bailee
Want to continue the Colorado elopement fun? Check out some of my favorite blogs here!
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