WORLDWIDE TRAVELING DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER

Colorado Elopement Photographer + Experience Creator

Helping you create 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 & RADIANT. ALWAYS YOU.

Photos That Feel Like Art—& Memories That Feel Like You.

Your photos shouldn’t look stiff or staged—because your love isn’t. They should feel like you, full of joy, movement, & the magic of being out in the wild together. I’m here to help you plan a day that feels right for you & to capture it all as it unfolds.


If you’re planning a day that’s less about performance & more about presence, I’m here for it. To help you shape a wedding day that reflects who you truly are, & to document every real, radiant second of it.

Bride laughing while standing in the water at Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park at sunset during her elopement.

Colorado Based Elopement Photographer + Planner Helping Couples Get Married 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 & Washington, to the deserts of Sedona & Moab, the lush environments of Hawaii 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 Washington 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 standing near a hidden waterfall in Telluride, Colorado during an elopement photography session.

COLORADO + DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER

Your Elopement Photographer + Planner + Officiant, All in One!

Hey! I’m Malachi Lewis, a traveling adventure elopement & wedding photographer in Colorado. Much of my work takes place across the vibrant landscapes of the western U.S. such as Washington, California, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, & Colorado, but my passion for adventure takes me far & wide (such as to New Zealand or Croatia)! Specializing in small 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 Telluride, Joshua Tree, Sedona, Seattle, & Moab. However, due 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 wedding day experience, complete with colorful photos set against epic backdrops.

Unsure where to start with your wedding or elopement? No worries—I’m here to help! Just bring your ideas & I’ll help transform them into a reality that will create lasting memories.

Washington elopement photographer captures a bride and groom having fun on their wedding day at sunrise.

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 an itimate 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.

Reviews from Couples Who’ve Eloped

  • He has such a friendly and natural presence & has a way of making you feel instantly comfortable around him.
    Sydney & Jackson
    Rocky Mountains
  • 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
    Valley of Fire
  • Malachi is a really cool, easy to talk to, chill guy which made the whole thing less awkward & more fun.
    Shelby & Zach
    Colorado

Why Work With Me as Your Colorado Elopement Photographer + Planner?

I’M MORE THAN JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER!

Adventurous Photographer + Planner

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.

Itinerary 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.

Elegant wedding couple celebrating outdoors with champagne, scenic mountain backdrop, and lush green landscape, captured by Shell Creek Photography.

Celebrate Love in Full Color

Elopement Photography as Bold & Real as Your Love Story


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.

“One of the biggest assets of having Malachi on your team is his deep & intimate knowledge of the outdoors, & specifically his expertise in finding amazing, unknown places for your ceremony & photos.”

– Trevor & Kacie

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

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

Wedding + Elopement Packages in the Western U.S. & Beyond

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

Breathtaking wedding couple walking in mountain landscape, nature photography, outdoor wedding, scenic mountain views, romantic moment, wedding photography, adventure wedding, Pacific Northwest scenery, Shell Creek Photography, Oregon mountain wedding.

How to Elope in Colorado & the Best Colorado 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 the Rocky Mountains!

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.

I am a certified Leave No Trace Aware Photographer in Colorado.

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.

Adventure Elopement Photography Galleries

Read more about how couples have planned their special days & see some real weddings & elopements I’ve photographed in Colorado, Washington, the Tetons, Moab, & other elopement locations.

Colorado Elopements

Why Elope in Western Colorado?

Read about why you should elope in the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado & get more info on the best elopement locations, travel & planning tips, weather, & more!

“We are obsessed with our pictures and are struggling to pick just a few to have printed because they all deserve to be framed!”

— Tori & Frank

Helpful Articles & Blog Posts for Weddings & Elopements

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

Eloping in Croatia: Locations, How to Get There, & What to Expect

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Croatia stretches along the edge of the Adriatic Sea, which is a quieter, wilder branch of the Mediterranean. Here the water is clear enough to see every ripple, & the air smells like salt & citrus. The coast alone gives you everything from rugged cliffs to hidden coves to old stone harbors with fishing boats…

Telluride Elopement Guide: Local Tips & Planning Info

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So you’re thinking about eloping in Telluride? Great choice! This tiny mountain town tucked deep into the San Juan Mountains isn’t just beautiful, it’s wild, dramatic, & full of so many unique things. The kind of place where you can read your vows beside a thundering waterfall, hike to a mountain pass with no one…

The Mount Baker Elopement Guide

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As someone who just loves the mountains & who was traveled & seen a lot of mountains, there’s a few places that still give me a sense of awe & deliver that wow factor. The Mount Baker region holds some of my favorite mountains within the continental United States. Here you can find high alpine…

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 some of the best ways imaginable. Whether it’s just the two of you embarking on a canyoneering adventure in Moab or Sedona, 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 & 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 to Plan Your Elopement?

I’m not just your photographer—I’m your partner in planning your entire experience. 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 creating an experience you’re sure to remember.