Colorado Wedding & Elopement Photographer + Experience Creator

Chill wedding day experiences that embrace adventure & celebrate the freedom to do what you want + colorful photography to match the joy you’ll feel during your wedding day

Real. Raw. Radiant. Always YOU.

Say Goodbye to Boring Wedding Photos!

Your wedding photos shouldn’t look like you’re a serious, stiff magazine model. F*CK that! Your photos should be showcasing you having the most FUN day of your life– laughing & enjoying the moment, with vibrant colors to match your joy. If you want joy-filled photos for your wedding, you’re in the right place! I’m here to not only document you having a good time, but also to help you plan out a relaxed experience that will let you enjoy your day.

Destination Photographer Helping Couples Get Married in Colorado & Across the Western U.S. + Beyond

Whether you’re dreaming of eloping or planning an intimate outdoor wedding, I’m here to make it happen. From the rugged mountains of Colorado & the Tetons, to the deserts of Sedona & Moab, the lush environments of the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand— & beyond! I’m here to help bring your vision to life, wherever that may be.

Bride and groom jumping up and down celebrating their elopement in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

Why have an elopement or intimate wedding? Connect with each other + allll the chill vibes.

Do you know the primary reason to choose an elopement or an intimate wedding? It’s to ensure your special day truly focuses on your unique bond & the things you bond over. It allows you to escape the stress of a large, traditional wedding & you can have a chill & relaxed wedding day. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I believe that your unique connection, & your wedding day should reflect this, not the expectations of a large guest list. Whether you elope or opt for a more intimate ceremony, make the choice that best honors your relationship. Choose what feels right for YOU!

Malachi Lewis at Shell Creek Photography specializes in small weddings and adventure elopements.

COLORADO + DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER

About Your Colorado Elopement Photographer

Hey! I’m Malachi Lewis, a traveling adventure elopement & wedding photographer. Much of my work unfolds across the vibrant landscapes of California, Washington, Utah, Arizona, & Colorado, but my passion for adventure takes me far & wide (such as to New Zealand)! Specializing in weddings & elopements, I’m dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for each couple’s big day. And yes, your day IS a big day, even if there’s not a big guest list.

I primarily serve areas such as Seattle, Telluride, Joshua Tree, Sedona, & Moab. However, thanks to my extensive travel experience, I’m adept at planning & capturing amazing adventures all across the U.S. & beyond. My goal is to provide you with a fun, stress-free experience, complete with epic, colorful photos set against beautiful backdrops. I truly enjoy getting to know the couples I work with & I’m eager for you to get to know me better too!

Unsure where to start with your wedding or elopement? No worries—I’m here to help. Even if you just have a few ideas, I’ll help transform them into a breathtaking reality that will create lasting memories!

VIBRANT MOMENTS, REAL MEMORIES

Whether it’s an Elopement or an Intimate Wedding, It’s All About Your Experience

Choosing to elope or have an intimate outdoor wedding is your chance to break free from traditional constraints & celebrate in a way that truly reflects your partnership. What does your ideal day look like? The possibilities are limitless! Explore deep in the desert in a Jeep, hike to a mountaintop to watch the sunrise, soar above the clouds in a romantic hot air balloon ride, enjoy a gourmet meal from a private chef, or embark on a scenic adventure with your guests. Let go of conventional wedding norms & start imagining a day that’s as fun & unique as your love story!

WHAT CAN YOUR DAY BE LIKE?

Whether it’s an elopement or a small outdoor wedding, your celebration is much more than just a ceremony—it’s a deeply personal expression of your love. These events are about making brave, bold choices to celebrate in ways that resonate with you. It’s is an opportunity to create a day filled with personal touches & memorable experiences, truly one of the best days among many yet to come.

As Seen In…

from eloping couples

Reviews & Testimonials

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He has such a friendly and natural presence & has a way of making you feel instantly comfortable around him.
Sydney & Jackson
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He was truly kind & was always willing to chat with us or give input on even the smallest questions. An elopement like this can feel complicated and intimidating to plan, but Malachi made it feel painless.
DOM & Katie
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Malachi is a really cool, easy to talk to, chill guy which made the whole thing less awkward & more fun.
Shelby & Zach

Why Work With Me as Your Colorado Elopement Photographer?

I’M MORE THAN JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER!

Experienced Adventure Photographer

With years of experience capturing weddings & elopements in Colorado & beyond, I come fully equipped not only with my camera but also with essential gear, backups, first aid kits, & much more. You can rest assured that I’m prepared to help you navigate any adventure safely on your day.

Vendor Recommendations

Looking for trustworthy vendors who understand the adventurous spirit of your wedding day? I’m more than happy to recommend not only vendors but also great places to stay, things to do in the area, & tips on how to travel to your elopement destination smoothly.

Location Scouting & Planning Assistance

Unsure where to get married? The Western U.S. is full of hidden gems, & I’m here to help you discover the perfect spot. I’m involved in the planning process, from determining the best time to elope to navigating permits needed for various locations, ensuring your day is as seamless as possible.

Timeline Planning & Activity Ideas

While a strict timeline isn’t necessary for a stress-free elopement, having a plan is incredibly helpful. I specialize in estimating travel times, whether it’s hiking up trails or navigating 4WD roads. Plus, I can suggest activities that will add excitement & joy to your day.

Arches National Park elopement in Moab, Utah just after sunset.

Celebrate Love in Full Color

Colorful Wedding & Elopement Photography that Celebrates YOU


Say goodbye to the bland, desaturated photos that you see flooding social media. You deserve images that are as bold, colorful, & creative as the epic adventures of your wedding or elopement day.

With a photography style stands out with edits that are true to color with a vibrant pop that brings each moment to life, you won’t find any desaturated colors, dull greens, or white-washed skin tones in my work. I’m committed to a true-to-life & timeless editing style that ensures you will love your photos, eager to print them & showcase them for years to come.

The Best Places to Elope

Discover the most stunning places to elope in the Western United States & beyond. With travel experience spanning 8 countries & 48 states, you can trust you’ll receive expert advice on the best locations & ideal times to get married. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic day exploring the coast, an adventurous mountaintop vow exchange, or an intimate celebration in the desert, you’re in the right place. Let’s work together to plan a truly unforgettable experience tailored just for you!

Planning Resources for Adventure Elopements & Intimate Weddings in Colorado + Other Locations

Adventure elopement at sunrise in the Grand Tetons with a bride and groom exchanging vows.

Wedding + Elopement Packages in Colorado & Beyond

Check out my pricing guide for elopements + weddings. I offer adventure elopement photography in Colorado, Utah, California, Washington, & beyond. Travel is included with all pricing.

Bride and groom elope in the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado near Telluride.

Learn More About Getting Married in Colorado & Elopement Locations

As a Colorado elopement photographer, I can help with info about weather, locations, permits, & other information you need to know for planning your elopement in Colorado!

Adventure Elopement in Moab, Utah with a bride and groom dancing near a cliff at sunrise.

How & Where to Elope Around the Moab, Utah Area

Moab, Utah is a small town with a lot of diverse areas for adventure elopements! Learn more about the deserts & mountains of Moab & learn more about this adventure destination.

As a certified Colorado elopement photographer from the Leave No Trace Center, I am deeply committed to preserving the beauty of our public lands. Not familiar with Leave No Trace principles? No worries! I’m here not only to capture your special moments but also to educate and inspire us all to be more sustainable. Together, we can celebrate your love while respecting and protecting the natural environments that make your day so memorable.

Recent Adventure Elopement Photography Galleries

Read more about how couples have planned their special days & see some real weddings & elopements I’ve photographed

COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

How to Elope in Colorado

Read about Colorado elopements for info on the best elopement locations, travel & planning tips, weather, & more on eloping in Colorado!

Helpful Articles & Blog Posts for Weddings & Elopements

Read more information on how to elope, where to get married, & other tips for your adventure elopement day!

Gold Mountain Ranch: A Mountaintop Wedding Venue in Colorado

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Gold Mountain Ranch is a mountain wedding venue in Ouray, Colorado & is one of my favorite places to shoot at as a wedding photographer in Ouray! In these small mountain towns in western Colorado, it can be hard to find a venue that has everything you want. Gold Mountain Ranch is ran by great…
Bride and groom in pack rafts for an elopement in western Colorado.

Elope in Alaska: What to Know About An Elopement in Alaska

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Imagine exchanging vows amidst towering glaciers, under the dancing Northern Lights, or against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. I’m not exaggerating here! This stunning state is practically made for adventure-seeking couples who want to get married their own way. Eloping in Alaska isn’t just about eloping just…

6 Epic Places to Elope in Washington + How to Elope in Washington

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Are you dreaming of eloping in the stunning landscapes of Washington State? Or perhaps you’re set on a mountain elopement but aren’t sure exactly where to go. If so, you’re in the right place! Discover the best places to elope in Washington State, tips for planning your elopement, selecting the best wedding vendors, & everything…

HAVE A CHILL WEDDING DAY

However you choose to get married, I’m here to help plan a relaxed day.

No matter how you envision tying the knot, I’m here to ensure your day is as relaxed as possible. I specialize in helping couples marry in the most stress-free way imaginable. Whether it’s just the two of you embarking on a canyoneering adventure in Moab, or a cozy gathering with your closest friends and family at a mountain cabin in Washington or Colorado, I’m dedicated to making your wedding day effortlessly laid-back and utterly carefree.

For Photographers

I offer various education + services specifically for photographers. Check out the blog posts & learn more about mentoring, SEO, & blog writing services.

Ready for the Most Chill & Joyful Day of Your Lives?

I’m not just your photographer—I’m your partner in planning your perfect day. Curious about what I offer & how I can help bring your dream to life? Let’s chat! Reach out to schedule a time to talk more about crafting your celebration.