Alpine + Arches

Alpine + Arches Hey hey! I’m Mandie—Pittsburgh wedding + elopement photographer serving Utah & Wyoming.

I help couples skip the stress, focus on connection, and create a day that’s totally them—whether that’s hiking in, bringing your pup, or hitting your favorite brewery

06/03/2026

As a Utah elopement photographer, I completely understand why so many people choose to stay in Springdale. Being able to walk to coffee in the morning, grab dinner and drinks at night, and stay just minutes from Zion made those early wake-up calls a helluva lot easier.

That said, I don't think Springdale is perfect. As a Utah elopement photographer, I think it's important to know the downsides too. You do hear traffic throughout the day, conversations from pedestrians and cyclists can carry surprisingly far, and if you've already spent all day on your feet and decide to drive to lunch or dinner, parking can be expensive. If the restaurant lot is full, parking on the street and paid lots are anywhere from $25-$30 but are only monitored until 5pm. 

If you're deciding where to stay for your Zion trip, I'd weigh convenience against privacy. As a Utah elopement photographer, I'd recommend Springdale if being close to the park, restaurants, and coffee matters more to you than having complete privacy. It's walkable, makes exploring Zion easy, and gives you more time enjoying your trip instead of driving back and forth. If you're looking for total quiet and seclusion, Springdale may not be exactly what you're after.

I spend a lot of time scoping out locations, testing trails, and exploring Utah so you don't have to! Follow along for more Utah elopement planning advice, location recommendations, and tips for creating a day that's actually about your experience, or find me at alpineandarchesphoto.com!

Some people just make sense together.Mikayla and Owen are one of those couples.They've been together since high school, ...
06/01/2026

Some people just make sense together.

Mikayla and Owen are one of those couples.

They've been together since high school, and after watching them interact for a day, you can see the years of friendship, trust, and love woven into every little moment.

Nothing feels rushed. Nothing feels forced. Just two people who are completely comfortable being themselves when they're together.

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching the people around them. They were surrounded by friends and family who were genuinely excited to celebrate them and everything they've built over the years.

That's what made the day feel so special. Not the timeline. Not the details.

Just the simple fact that two really wonderful people found each other years ago and have been choosing each other ever since.

Some people just make sense together.Mikayla and Owen are one of those couples.They've been together since high school, ...
06/01/2026

Some people just make sense together.

Mikayla and Owen are one of those couples.

They've been together since high school, and after watching them interact for a day, you can see the years of friendship, trust, and love woven into every little moment.

Nothing feels rushed. Nothing feels forced. Just two people who are completely comfortable being themselves when they're together.

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching the people around them. They were surrounded by friends and family who were genuinely excited to celebrate them and everything they've built over the years.

That's what made the day feel so special. Not the timeline. Not the details.

Just the simple fact that two really wonderful people found each other years ago and have been choosing each other ever since.


05/29/2026

As a Utah elopement photographer, my location scouting trips usually start with coffee and a prayer that the caffeine reaches my single brain cell before I hit the trail 😂☕️

I know there are approximately a million and one photographers and content creators telling you to get to Zion early. Consider me a million and two. As a Zion elopement photographer, I'm telling you there's a reason people keep repeating it. 

-Parking at the visitor center is limited

-Parking in Springdale can run around $30

-Shuttle lines during busy season can start feeling a little too much like Disney World for my liking

- The trails themselves can get busy fast

The earlier you start, the more flexibility and breathing room you have for your day. Honestly, if you're up for it, an e-bike can be a game changer and one of my favorite ways to get around the canyon.

As a Utah elopement photographer, my goal when scouting isn't just finding pretty views. I'm paying attention to where the crowds go first, how they move throughout the day, and then doing the exact opposite. On this hike, it was pretty obvious a lot of people were heading toward The Narrows, which meant this trail was relatively quiet when I started. By the time I headed back out, that had definitely changed. That's the kind of information I use when helping couples choose locations and build timelines that feel less crowded and more like their own experience.

If crowds didn't exist, where in Zion would you spend your entire day?

Me? I'd be parked somewhere along the Riverside Walk with snacks, a good book or 3, and absolutely no plans for the rest of the day.

Your turn! Drop your answer below, and if this was helpful, come say hi! I share a lot of BTS location scouting adventures, Utah elopement tips, and recommendations from my time exploring places like Zion. You can see more of my work on IG or  find me at alpineandarchesphoto.com

05/28/2026

As a Utah elopement photographer, I already know the SECOND the suitcase comes out my dogs start monitoring my every move 😂

The hiking boots? Suspicious. The camera bags? Offensive.

The second they realize I’m headed out to scope out some Utah elopement spots without them, the betrayal is immediate. Bodhi and Maui act like I’ve personally ruined their week every single time I leave for Utah.

Being a Utah elopement photographer means a mix of moutain and desert roads, early mornings, backpack snacks, and two dogs at home convinced they were absolutely supposed to be included in the adventure. I get two trips for the price of one with the guilt trip these two send me on. I'm also pretty sure they start plotting their revenge when they see that they aren't coming along too 😂

So now I need to know… what do your dogs do the second you leave the house? 

Follow along for more behind the scenes chaos or find me at alpineandarchesphoto.com

Nothing like a little PNW vibe to kick the week off When Colleen and Tom told me they wanted their wedding day to feel l...
05/27/2026

Nothing like a little PNW vibe to kick the week off

When Colleen and Tom told me they wanted their wedding day to feel like the PNW, I don’t think any of us expected Seven Springs to fully commit the way it did 😂 The rain rolled in, the fog settled over the mountains, and honestly, it could not have worked out better!

From the second the day started, these two were racing off the elevators, SO ready to get to each other. They were ready for their first look, ready to walk down the aisle, and ready to finally be married.

They shared the sweetest private vows during their first look, completely locked into each other while the rain fell around them, and it felt like one of those moments where everything else just faded into the background.

The energy these two brought all day was unmatched. So much laughter, so much excitement, and the kind of love that makes every single rain drop worth it.

If this is what rainy wedding days look like, I’m here for it every single time.

Nothing like a little PNW vibe to kick the week off When Colleen and Tom told me they wanted their wedding day to feel l...
05/27/2026

Nothing like a little PNW vibe to kick the week off

When Colleen and Tom told me they wanted their wedding day to feel like the PNW, I don’t think any of us expected Seven Springs to fully commit the way it did 😂 The rain rolled in, the fog settled over the mountains, and honestly, it could not have worked out better!

From the second the day started, these two were racing off the elevators, SO ready to get to each other. They were ready for their first look, ready to walk down the aisle, and ready to finally be married.

They shared the sweetest private vows during their first look, completely locked into each other while the rain fell around them, and it felt like one of those moments where everything else just faded into the background.

The energy these two brought all day was unmatched. So much laughter, so much excitement, and the kind of love that makes every single rain drop worth it.

If this is what rainy wedding days look like, I’m here for it every single time.

05/22/2026

Galleries sent.
Emails answered.
Videos recorded.
Editing done.

Me: “okay cool, I finally have time to sit down for a second.”
Maui: absolutely the f*ck not 😂

What you see the dreamy Utah elopement galleries and the peaceful Moab views.
What you don’t see are my aussistants making sure I never experience a single moment of silence afterwards.

05/19/2026

As a Utah elopement photographer, there’s a very good chance I’m covered in dust, carrying too many snacks in my backpack, and saying “wait this spot would be SO good for an elopement.” Being a Utah elopement photographer means I spend a lot of time looking for spots that fit different abilities while still looking unreal so your day feels less like a photoshoot and more like an actual experience you’ll remember forever.

As a Utah elopement photographer, I’m always looking for spots that feel quiet, scenic, and worth slowing down for. The kind of places where you can drink your coffee while the sun comes up, read private vows without a crowd around you, and actually take everything in for a second.

Bonus: it’s not just limited to where you say “I do.” I’m also scouting good food spots, places to stay, dog-friendly options, and what kind of shenanigans we can get into along the way.

Make sure you follow along for more elopement inspiration, stop in and say hi, tell me your favorite Utah spot, or find me at alpineandarchesphoto.com

05/18/2026

This is what I mean by scouting the views. I’m not just Googling a pretty place and sending it to you. I’m physically there, checking parking, trail conditions, and what it actually feels like before you ever show up.

I’m looking at logistics—how this works in real life, and what you might like or not like about it.

I want you to get the sweeping landscapes and the views without sacrificing the experience.

So if you’re thinking you want a Zion elopement but don’t want to deal with the crowds or the shuttle schedule, this is why it matters to hire a photographer who knows more than just the popular spots. Someone who can work around the crowds and suggest other locations that actually enhance your day instead of turning it into a tourist attraction.

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Hopewell, PA
15001

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(412) 519-2960

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