Adventure Instead - Elopement Photographer & Experience Designer

Adventure Instead - Elopement Photographer & Experience Designer Hey! I'm Maddie Mae and I'm an elopement photographers + experience designer for unreal wedding days

In case no one has told you lately: You get to choose who you include on your wedding day. I’ve been an elopement photog...
06/24/2026

In case no one has told you lately: You get to choose who you include on your wedding day.

I’ve been an elopement photographer for over 10 years now, and I’ve seen a lot of different couples make a lot of different choices.

Some folks head off on their elopement on their own. Others have an intimate ceremony with their parents and siblings.

And some folks choose to include just their chosen family. Those super special people who aren’t related to them by blood in any way but are the only people they’d want standing up beside them on their wedding day.

Andy & Don managed to do almost all of the above.

Their elopement included…

Time together with just the two of them, exploring the scenery and getting solo portraits together.

A ceremony on a glacier that they helicoptered both them & their two closest friends to, so that they could officiate the ceremony and act as witnesses.

And a bigger reception & celebration back at home with more people where they were going to debut some of their elopement photos!

Andy & Don told me during the planning process, “The actual elopement and vows is the point, but the real adventure is the experience of being on the lake, in the mountains, on the glacier, with our friends.”

Your wedding day can include anyone you want. Whether that’s your parents, your friends, or even your dog as your witness (which you can 100% do in Colorado!)

That’s a huge part of the beauty of ditching the script for big weddings and eloping instead. The pressure to make it look any one way or include anyone you don’t want there is nulled out.

YOU TWO are the only people who get to decide who gets to witness you getting married.

Not society, not tradition, not even your mom.

So if you want to take your best friends to a glacier with you to get married—do it!

This is your life & your wedding. No one else’s.

You deserve to have every minute reflect who you are.

xx Maddie Mae

There are seriously so many creative ways to include the people you love into your elopement–whether they are there physically or are helping celebrate from afar.

Eloping with family can sometimes mean having them there with you, but other times it means celebrating without excluding them.

Here are some of my favorite ways to include family when you choose to elope:

Tap here!
https://adventureinstead.com/eloping-with-family/

06/22/2026

You’re going to look incredible. I, on the other hand… 😉

I promise to make myself look as silly and awkward as I need to to get the shot for you! Whether that’s hanging off the back of a dog sled, flattening myself on the floor of a boat, or clambering on top of a stopped car.

(All real examples.)

My job is to make you look good at all costs, and I assure you, I take it *very* seriously 😂

Obviously I am *very* passionate about photography.

But I’m also super passionate about the entire planning process leading up to an elopement day.

I created a planning checklist to help anyone plan out their day so it can be as amazing as possible!

Access it here!
https://adventureinstead.com/elopement-planning-guide-checklist-downloadable-pdf-free/

06/18/2026

I’ll never pick for you. But if I have a really cool idea, I’ll always let you know 😉

All you have to do is tell me what kind of scenery and vibe you’re looking for and I will start pitching you the coolest places I can think of.

So if you want to get started on the elopement planning process but aren’t sure where to start… don’t let that hold you back!

I promise your photographer is ready & waiting with SO many ideas that they’re ready to burst.

Either way, you get a pretty incredible experience and the best memories from a day without ANY stress 💚

There are so many things to do, that it can feel overwhelming without some help.

After photographing elopements for over a decade, let me help you out by giving you some of my favorite

elopement day activities
https://adventureinstead.com/elopement-ideas/ -elopement-ideas--activities-

Did you know there’s a UFO Watchtower in Colorado? 👀 Gabbie & Steph did. We’ll get to that. 😉Early on in planning their ...
06/16/2026

Did you know there’s a UFO Watchtower in Colorado? 👀 Gabbie & Steph did.

We’ll get to that. 😉

Early on in planning their elopement, Gabbie & Steph were super into the variety of landscapes that they could access in the southern parts of the front range.

They eloped in March, which is a time when many of our best mountaintops here are still deeply covered in snowpack and all of the seasonal trails are still closed. But what we *do* have that’s accessible year-round are the tallest sand dunes in North America!

Gabbie & Steph woke up before sunrise to get out to an ideal spot in the park to have a sunrise ceremony. These two really love space, so this was also a great time to get in some bonus star + moon gazing before the sun came up.

They put some layers on over their wedding attire, found a great spot with a view of the mountains, and started to read their vows to each other. Then they exchanged rings that they bought from Automic Gold, an LGBTQ+ jeweler in New York!

After spending some time sandboarding & exploring the dunes, Gabbie & Steph headed to a local waterfall that completely freezes over every winter. It’s back inside of a cave and in the winter it’s 30 feet of straight ice.

Post-cave, they found a place just outside on a picnic table to set up their cake (adorned with another mention of space in the form of a little crescent moon) and took a break to eat, have their first dance, and get geared up for the next stop.

Because of Gabbie & Steph’s love for space, when they found out about the quirky UFO Watchtower not far from the Great Sand Dunes, they *had* to go.

This is a tower and rock garden where urban legend says there’s alien energy around. The signs encourage you to leave behind tokens, sign the UFO displays, and even ask for *otherworldly* guidance.

Gabbie & Steph brought along a little Baby Yoda figurine for their token along with a little metal disc with their wedding date, which they safely amongst the piles of things left by other folks.

They signed their marriage license there—right on the side of one of the UFOs. 🛸

xx Maddie Mae

Listen, I’m fully convinced Colorado has no bad side and can take on both the slowest, most relaxing kind of elopement days AND the fun, adventure-filled elopements.

Colorado can do it all and show you anything you’re up for.

Here is the guide to Colorado I’ve been working on for YEARS.

I’ve listed out why your elopement should be here, how to do it, a guide on the seasons, and yes, of course some location suggestions.

Check it out!
https://adventureinstead.com/colorado-elopement-guide/

06/15/2026

This vow renewal for my good friends Rachael & Emily happened back in 2021, but I still love this day so much.

Did you know that a hot air balloon is the *only* way to see Arches National Park from above?

Taking them up in this balloon was such a special experience (especially because they aren’t the biggest fan of heights but were game to do this totally unique thing anyway).

It’s SO quiet up there. When the balloon isn’t filling, it’s just still and all of the sound of the world completely falls away.

When we were floating over the park, it felt like we could reach out and touch some of the massive rock arches (even though we were actually keeping a safe distance!) and it was a brand new perspective on the park that none of us had ever seen.

I love that they did something like this for their vow renewal. I associate these two very strongly with adventure, so honestly, a hot air balloon is only fitting.

If hot air ballooning is something you’re interested in for your elopement, I have a guide for you!

Here is exactly how you can have your own hot air elopement and why you should consider it:

Tap here!
https://adventureinstead.com/hot-air-balloon-elopement-guide/

06/11/2026

I feel like half of being a great elopement photographer is having a sense of whimsy✨

Want someone to frolic behind you while you and your spouse run through a field of flowers? Done.

Want someone who will be totally game for any and every silly idea you have and will encourage you to let loose & be weirdest self? Done.

Want someone who isn’t afraid to lay down in the literal dirt if it gets the photo? Done.

Want someone super excited, positive, and happy to be there? DONE.

Elopements are about joy. And trust me when I say, I will have SO much joy on your wedding day on your behalf.

Not sure if a luxury elopement is for you?

You should read more about what the experience looks like before committing to anything.

Spoiler: It *probably* is.

Here’s why
https://adventureinstead.com/luxury-elopement/

From the very start, Kari & Karin knew they wanted 3 things: Epic viewsHigh elevation (8,000 feet MINIMUM)And no people ...
06/10/2026

From the very start, Kari & Karin knew they wanted 3 things:
Epic views
High elevation (8,000 feet MINIMUM)
And no people around

And that is *exactly* my kind of day.

Kari & Karin actually scheduled coverage over 2 days—the first day they did a super sweet engagement session on the beach at golden hour. They went on a whale watch, got massages, and rode bikes both on the sand and around town.

They stayed the night in a little beachside rental right on the sand, so they could wake up to sea views and get their hair & makeup done while listening to the waves. Which has to be THE most relaxing way to get ready.

When they landed (over 13,000 feet in elevation!) on a glacial peak, they didn’t know what their ceremony was going to look like. And that’s because they had their officiant plan a surprise ceremony with Karin’s sister, so that neither of them knew what was coming.

This was one of my FAVORITE details of their day and is something I still talk about. I think it’s such a cool way to include family members who aren’t there.

From there, they spent the rest of the day toasting next to glacial fjords, running through the snow in sneakers, having a catered picnic back at sea level, gawking at super tall trees, and ending up back at the beach at golden hour again for more bike riding.

The other part of their day I absolutely loved getting to be a part of was surprising them with a video that their families had made them! I got them settled on a blanket, surprised them by whipping out my laptop, and then hit play.

In their review they said:

“She immediately understood and embraced our vision with the same adventurous spirit we have! Her enthusiasm made our day even more amazing than it already was, and the pictures she captured were just stunning. She captured the epic scenery AND our pure joy in every image! Everyone who saw them was just amazed.”

Kari & Karin were such an incredible couple to get to work with, and I’m still so grateful for this experience! Love like this is such a privilege to capture.

xx Maddie Mae

There are actually more ways than you’d think to include your family in your “just us” experience that doesn’t involve anyone tagging along.

After many years of seeing how couples do this, I’ve created a whole list of ideas you can use for your day.

Here are some ideas for how you can

Include your family!
https://adventureinstead.com/how-to-include-your-family-when-eloping-just-the-two-of-you/

06/09/2026

Did you know that “love” was cited by more LGBTQ+ couples as a reason for getting married than straight couples?

If you’re a wedding photographer seeing this, I’m calling you in.

As wedding photographers, it’s so important that we know that marriage has always been political and stay ready to give each and every one of our couples a safe place to have such an important day.

Inclusivity isn’t a performance mode you turn on when you have a same-sex couple inquiring. It should be a steady, continuous practice that’s baked into every part of your business.

I have a totally free blog post with 8 ways to be more LGBTQ+ friendly in your photography business. If you want the link, just comment INCLUSIVE and I’ll send it your way for ease.

LGBTQ+ marriages, relationships, and people are magical. And every time I get to photograph one, it’s the honor of a lifetime.

(P.S.—I have sources for all of these stats. If you’re curious, just ask!)

If you aren’t sure how to become a space safe for every couple who may want to work with you, you need to learn how to create an inclusive environment ASAP. Here’s how:

I have a free blog post with 8 ways to be more LGBTQ+ friendly in your photography business detailing exactly how to do this!

Check it out!
https://adventureinstead.com/academy/blog/how-to-be-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-photographer/

06/04/2026

I’m not a doctor but is there anything a good view can’t at least HELP? 😉

Real talk, in all of life’s ups & downs, through any worry or sadness, the best thing for my mind has always been to get outside.

I’ve used the outdoors as a safe haven for so many years now, and any time I really need to clear my head or let myself breathe 1% easier, I always head into nature.

If you’re feeling stuck, down, anxious, or overwhelmed, I hope you can make some time to step outside. Even if it’s just for 5 mins to put your feet in the grass/sand/dirt/whatever you have & just breathe, it really does help.

(As cliched as it can sound)

Hope you’re all taking care of yourselves out there. Hug a tree for me.

If you aren’t sure where to enjoy your elopement while utilizing exposure to nature, take a look at this interactive map of the world with just under 1,000 locations I’d recommend to any of my clients!

Places to elope
https://adventureinstead.com/best-places-to-elope/

Pride is still important. Because…Because I still have couples leaving the country to get married in peace. Because I st...
06/02/2026

Pride is still important. Because…

Because I still have couples leaving the country to get married in peace.
Because I still see couples eloping because their families don’t approve.
Because I still watch couples' faces light up when they realize they can dress how they want.

Pride is still important.

Because 2025 was the biggest year to date for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the states.
Because pride events are getting cancelled due to safety concerns.
Because gay marriage was back under fire this year.
Because hate crimes against trans folks have quadrupled in the last 4 years.

Pride is still important.

Because love is the most beautiful, enduring force in the universe.
Because *community* will always be stronger & more vibrant than hate.
Because pride is a gorgeous, shining, unstoppable power to witness.
Because you deserve to know how beautiful you are & feel cheered on every day.
Because pride brings art, and love, and friendship, and joy, and connection.
Because freedom can look like showing who you are inside as vibrantly as you want on the outside.

Pride is still important.

Because even in 2026, we still have to have this conversation.

So hear me when I say: happy pride.

To each and EVERY one of you.

Whether you’re out and proud or in the closet for safety. Partnered, or single, or ace, or in a “straight passing” relationship.

You deserve safety, and peace, and respect. You are seen & wildly loved.

And I will always be in your corner.

Your wedding day deserves to celebrate all that you are. And if you ever want a safe person to go into the mountains with who will weep through your vows with you, I’m your gal.

You’re always welcome here. As your fullest, truest self.

I hope this June is good to you. From the bottom of my heart.

xx Maddie Mae

And for any photographers out there who need help understanding how to support ALL couples in this climate, here is how you can learn to be a LGBTQIA+ inclusive photographer. 🌈

Tap here!
https://adventureinstead.com/academy/blog/how-to-be-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-photographer/

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Denver, CO

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+17192876005

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