This depends largely on the location you choose. Many of the more remote mountain locations that we photograph at contain fragile ecosystems and we prefer not to bring groups larger than 15 people (including the couple) for Leave No Trace purposes. However, we can photograph at reservable locations that can accommodate a larger group size for your intimate wedding, such as Rocky Mountain National Park or Maroon Bells Amphitheater. 

This question entirely depends on where you choose to elope, how many people you want to attend, and what activities you want to incorporate into your elopement. We do the heavy lifting here, but if there is somewhere specific you'd like to elope, you can always call the ranger district in that area and inquire! 

In some counties, yes! It is seriously one of our favorite parts about being elopement photographers in Colorado. We get to watch the cutest pups watch their humans get married and even sign their marriage license with their paw print. Some counties in Colorado have stopped accepting a dog print on the marriage license (womp womp) so just double check with the County Clerk's and Recording office before you get a marriage license there if this is something you want to do. 

Nope! Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, which means that you do not need an officiant or any witnesses at your wedding. You essentially act as your own witnesses. If you do want an officiant at your elopement we can provide recommendations! Looking for information on how to officiate your wedding? This blog is for you!

This is such a good question! It entirely depends on how you want your day to look and what activities you want to incorporate into your wedding. We can help you figure out how much time you might need based on your vision!

If you decide that you would just like to book a photo package without video, that is totally fine! Just know that Bailee will be the solo photographer for your whole day as Jake just sticks to elopement videography. 

At this time, we are not offering elopement coverage outside of Colorado. 

Every season in Colorado is absolutely beautiful! It entirely depends on what you want for your wedding day. The seasons here in Colorado are a little different than most states. Most people, when they think of spring, think of blossoming trees and budding flowers. Unfortunately, that is not the case in the mountains of Colorado. We usually get the bulk of our snow between January-April, so if you're looking for a winter wonderland elopement those would be your go to months. Spring, or "mud season" is May-June in the mountains (however, June at lower elevations is gorgeous). July-August are our summer months and the wildflowers are out of this world! September-October are gorgeous fall months and November-December are the shoulder season months. Keep in mind the weather can be wildly unpredictable during every month, it can even snow in the summer so it's best to be prepared for anything. Read a more in-depth blog here!

When we're looking at summer elopements, we recommend couples opt for a sunrise elopement because the afternoon thunderstorms are like clockwork here, we can usually predict them every day. Thunderstorms on their own aren't necessarily dangerous, however, thunderstorms above treeline are. When you are above tree line you are extremely exposed and the tallest thing on that mountain, therefore, thunderstorms are dangerous above treeline. 

In the summertime we recommend opting for a sunrise elopement as the thunderstorms usually roll in every afternoon and you certainly do not want to be caught in a thunderstorm above treeline. However, you can certainly opt for a sunset elopement in the summer with the caveat that we may have to change locations if the weather does not permit us in your elopement location. Sunrise and sunset also depend on a few things like the location you choose, if you're a morning person or not, and if you have family/friends joining you. We can help you make the best choice for your day!

Every elopement is different, which means every elopement video is different as well. Typically a video's length will depend on a few factors. The largest factor is how long the ceremonies/vows are. I love including as much of the ceremony as possible, and if the vows and ceremony are short and sweet, I can typically fit the entire ceremony into the final video as well as any other coverage we captured on the day and the video may end up around 3-7 minutes. If the vows are long or if there are additional speakers, often I will need to cut down what gets included in the video in order to keep it under 10 minutes.

As a videographer, I love including couple's vows in my videos. Whenever possible, I try to include the entirety of what the couples say to each other during their vow exchange. That being said, if the vows are not too long, I also try to also include as much of the ceremony as possible as well as any other activities from the day. However, we have had some ceremonies that were 30+ minutes long, in which case, I try to ask the couple what part of the ceremony is most important to them so that I can know what makes the most sense to cut as I try to fit the entire wedding day into around 10 minutes for their video. 

It totally depends on which package you book and the scope and scale of your elopement. I guarantee 50 edited images per hour of photographing. 

We have a saying in Colorado that goes, "if you don't like the weather, wait 20 minutes." The weather can move out as quickly as it moves in here. We usually have a backup location and timeline to account for any "bad" weather. But usually, if we wait it out it'll pass. For severe or extreme weather that poses safety risks, we'll assess the situation and look at all of our options, even switching days if that is a possibility for both parties. We have never had to do this *knock on wood* but we have certainly had our fair share of location changes due to weather!

Of course! You know your family dynamic better than anyone, so that is totally up to you! One thing that we've seen that is really helpful is bringing along a family member or friend so they can stay with your kids when it's time to do portraits of just the two of you. 

Yes! Your fur friends are welcome to join in on the wedding adventure! There are a few companies in Colorado that specialize in tagging along with you for your elopement just to hold your dogs when needed. Or you can have a family member or friend tag along for this part, too. This is especially helpful during the ceremony if you're adding video. 

We recommend shoes that you feel comfortable in. If you are hiking at all, even if it's just a little bit, we recommend hiking boots with wool socks or hiking sandals. You can always bring a change of shoes along for the ceremony if you want! We are firm believers in comfort over everything. You'll also want to make sure that you have adequate time to break in your shoes if you are buying new ones for your elopement because blisters are no fun! 

Totally up to you! You can certainly pack your wedding attire in or on your backpack and change when we get to your elopement location. Or you can wear your wedding attire for the hike! Whatever you are most comfortable doing. 

This will vary depending on the season you are eloping in but this is a good baseline to start with. I would absolutely recommend a medium sized backpack for each of you. Plenty of water, snacks, extra socks, hat, a coat that you are excited to be photographed in, gloves, any hair/makeup supplies (if you're using) for touch-ups, a blanket for sitting, any elopement accessories like an elopement sign for your backpacks, and your bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s). You can read a more in-depth blog post about what to pack here. 

Most couples include something during their elopement, whether that a short, easy hike or an activity like rock climbing or backpacking. You certainly do not have to plan any activities, but if you have booked a longer package, I recommend having an activity like getting ready coverage, a hike, or another activity that resonates with you. You can see a list of ideas here!

When a couple books with us, we'll send them a questionnaire that helps us to get the know them better. At the end of that questionnaire there is a location questionnaire that will help us put together a handful of locations that we think would be perfect for you. We'll send that your way so you can pick the perfect spot for your elopement!

On average I would say that 6-9 months in advance is pretty typical to book your elopement photographer and videographer. We do offer a full calendar year in advance for booking, though! We have also booked, planned, and photographed an elopement in five weeks so there really isn't a fast and hard rule. However, it is never too early to book your vendors for your elopement!

Not at all! You can absolutely book both services - photography and videography - however, you can book just photography or just videography as well! There is no pressure to book both. If you book photography and decide you'd like to book videography after you book, you can always add that on later.