I’m your personal guide to help have a meaningful, memorable, FUN elopement to start a lifelong adventure.
An elopement is a small, intentional, intimate wedding experience that focuses on you as the couple rather than a large traditional wedding event. Some couples choose to elope with just the two of them, while others opt to include a small number of close friends and family.
When you elope, you get to choose exactly how you want to spend every minute of your day. If you're considering eloping, I encourage you to think about this: What would the best day ever look like for you and your partner? Maybe that includes hiking to a really epic mountain overlook, traveling to a place you've always wanted to visit, sipping craft beers around a campfire, or just spending a relaxing day with your closest family without the stress or expectations of a traditional wedding.
Whether you choose a traditional wedding, an elopement, or something in between, the end goal is the same- getting married and committing your life to your partner. No type of wedding is right or wrong. It's whatever you and your partner want to do and whatever will make you and your partner happiest.
There are many reasons to elope, but there is no right or wrong reason! From my experience, here are a few reasons why couples choose to elope:
Yes, you'll get amazing photos, but I'm more than just a photographer! I'm your personal elopement helper, location scout, planning consultant, cheerleader, and adventure buddy. I'm most passionate about helping couples have a meaningful, memorable, fun elopement that truly represents who you are. I am committed to capturing real moments and genuine emotions, not just posed photos. My editing style is bright, bold, and colorful while preserving the natural colors in the landscape.
You want a more intimate experience with just the two of you or a small group of close friends/family.
You don't feel a connection with the traditions of a large wedding. It just doesn't feel like you.
You don't want to manage the stress, planning, drama, or expectations of a traditional wedding.
You value experiences more than things.
You want to explore somewhere new together.
You want something different. And that's ok!
I have 6+ years of experience in wedding photography and have photographed 100+ weddings and elopements all over the country and even internationally! This might be your first time planning a wedding, but don't worry. I'm here to help!
My goal is to create an experience to make your elopement the best it can be every step of the way. I build relationships with my couples and get to know you so that when the elopement day comes, you feel comfortable and confident in having a day that will feel authentically you.
On elopement days, yes I take photos. But I also keep us on time, fluff dresses, hold bouquets, guide hikes, change plans if necessary, set up photo spots like first looks, figure out where to be to best capture moments, and make sure that I do my absolute best to tell the story of your elopement day through photographs. I'm there when you have no makeup on, and when you're getting dressed. I'm there when you laugh and when you cry.
At the end of your elopement day, all you are going to have is the photos and the memories. Being an elopement photographer is exhilarating, exhausting, moving, inspiring, fun, a physical workout, lots of work, and a true honor.
What’s it like to have me as your photographer? Hear it from some of the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
We wanted to make sure our wedding day was captured with us being in nature, acting silly, enjoying donuts and shedding tears as we shared private vows. She took all the stress out of it by finding us a perfect mountain spot and coordinating our timeline. She provided so many recommendations for us as we have never been to Colorado before. Our pictures are absolutely incredible and everyone asks if these are even real photos.
HIGHLY recommend!!
My husband and I wanted to elope in Colorado and I can tell you, she made it happen! She is an incredibly talented person who will make your dreams come true. Abby found the perfect spot, just for us, to elope. And even with wedding day nerves she helped us feel comfortable and have fun! We had so much fun laughing with Abby. Her energy is so warm, happy, and exciting! Her work reflects her personality and talent.
Our pictures mean so much to us. They are all beautiful and are better than we could have imagined.
I would give Abby 1000 stars if I could. The words that come to my mind are: detail-oriented, fun, communicative, flexible, and professional!!
From the very beginning of contacting Abby, Abby was wonderful. As an interracial couple, it was of utmost importance for us to find someone who would be able to capture both of us in the best light possible. Stumbling on Abby's instagram page felt like a miracle, as she had captured many couples and had a lot of photos which were fun, couples seemed relaxed and comfortable, and had the diversity we were looking for.
My fiancé and I were so pleased with our experience with Abby! The golden hour light was so flattering, the location was beautiful and she was a pleasure to work with. She made us feel comfortable and let us be silly. The end results are amazing! Thank you Abby!!
She was so helpful through the entire process from assisting with the timeline to making sure she had our “must have” shot list. She is so easy to work with and FUN! We never thought that one of our favorite parts of our wedding would be portraits but Abby made it so enjoyable. When the final gallery came we were speechless. Every single photo is beautiful and you can tell she paid attention to exactly what we wanted. Basically what I’m trying to say is stop looking - book Abby NOW!!
We hired Abby to photograph our destination wedding, and the whole experience is top notch. On your wedding day, you spend a lot of time with your photographer and Abby perfectly balances her easy going personality with professionalism. If you are like me and worry about being awkward in your photos, you should hire Abby because she guides your every step of the way. And the pictures? INCREDIBLE! She sent me 100 "preview" pictures a few days after my wedding, and each one was better then the previous. Thank you Abby!
Abby was amazing! Her attention to fine detail and coaching really gave us amazing wedding photos. From our first phone call, to the engagement session, to all the planning and finally the wedding itself, her knowledge and skillful planning made everything run smoothly. She captured the day beautifully and we wouldn’t ask for a better photographer!
... I think we'd be a great fit.
Business Insider | Canvas Rebel | Shoutout Colorado | Voyage Denver Magazine | Bold Journey | Delaware Seaside Bride: Allison + Anthony | Delaware Seaside Bride: 2021 Cover | Cape Gazette 2024 Cover Story | Delaware Seaside Bride: Rebecca + Nick | Delaware Online | Delaware Today | Noonday Collective | The Outbound Collective | Delaware Beach Paper | Delaware State Parks | Daily Brisk: 10 Best Photographers in Cancún, Mexico | Irrepressible Podcast | Shoot & Share Contest Finalist 2018, 2020, 2021
If you like what you see, fill out the contact form and tell me more about your elopement. I will send you more information and we will go from there!
After filling out my contact form, I'll email you with lots more info. You'll have the option to schedule a call wtih me or fill out a digital questionnaire.
After the initial call or questionnaire, I'll send you a customized recap with a final proposal. We'll be official once the retainer is paid and the final contract is signed!
Once we're official, I will send you a digital planning guide packed with info that will help you prepare for the elopement! We will also discuss locations, logistics, and other planning details.
About 3 months from the elopement date, I'll send you a detailed elopement day questionnaire. Once we're about 30 days out, we'll finalize logistics and details.
The elopement day is finally here! I’ll be there documenting the day and helping to ensure that you have the best day ever.
Within a week of the elopement, I will send you a preview gallery. Within 2 months, you will receive your final digital gallery.
fill out the contact form
I believe in keeping my pricing upfront and straightforward. All packages include photography coverage by me, planning assistance, print credit, and a digital gallery of professionally edited, high-resolution images with full printing and downloading rights. I do not limit myself to a certain number of images, but you can expect to receive approximately 60 images per hour of photography coverage. All packages can be customized based on what you're looking for.
Note: pricing and packages are subject to change at anytime without notice.
Usually not available on weekends from May-October, but I might have an opening so feel free to reach out!
Usually not available on weekends
I offer special rates if you want to elope in Colorado in the winter between November and March. If you love crisp air, winter activities, and snowy landscapes, a Colorado winter elopement may be perfect for you!
11:30am-Abby arrives
11:30am-Getting ready at a cabin
12:30pm-First look
1pm-Drive to trailhead
1:30-2:30pm-Hike to ceremony location
3-3:30pm-Private vows/Ceremony
3:30-4pm-Photos with guests
4-4:30pm-Couples Portraits
4:30-5:30pm-Explore/Activity
5:30-6:30pm-Sunset photos
6:30-7:30pm-Hike back in twilight
7:30pm-Arrive back at car. Abby leaves.
1:30pm-Meet Abby at trailhead
1:30-2:30pm-Jeep ride to ceremony spot
3-3:30pm-Private vows/Ceremony
3:30-4pm-Photos with guests
4-4:30pm-Couples Portraits
4:30-5:30pm-Explore/Activity
5:30-6:30pm-Sunset photos
6:30-7:30pm-Drive back
7:30pm-Arrive back at car. Abby leaves.
2:30pm-Meet Abby at trailhead
2:30-2:45pm-Walk to ceremony spot
3-3:30pm-Private vows/Ceremony
3:30pm-4pm-Couples portraits
4pm-5pm-Explore/Activity
5-6pm-Sunset photos
6:30pm-Arrive back at car. Abby leaves.
Copyright Abby Shepard Photography