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 elopement 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.
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. Based in Montrose, Colorado & serving Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, the San Juan Mountains, & destination elopements across the western U.S. & beyond.
COLORADO PHOTOGRAPHER + DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER
Your Colorado Elopement Photographer + Planner + Officiant, All in One!
Hey! I’m Malachi Lewis, a Colorado elopement photographer based in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, which I’ll happily argue is the best part of the state! I specialize in small weddings & elopements for couples who want a day that feels adventurous, personal, & actually fun. And yes, your day is a big day, even if there isn’t a big guest list.
I primarily serve Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, & Moab, with a special love for helping couples plan elopements in the mountains, alpine lakes, off-road locations, & hidden corners of western Colorado. I also travel for destination elopements & intimate weddings across the U.S. & beyond, so if your plans take you somewhere meaningful or somewhere new, I’m in!
Unsure where to start with your wedding or elopement? No worries. Bring your ideas, your questions, or even just a general “we want mountains & no stress” feeling, & I’ll help turn it into a day with real memories, colorful photos, & an experience that feels like you.
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 the two of you. 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 intimate 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.
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.
Malachi is a really cool, easy to talk to, chill guy which made the whole thing less awkward & more fun.
Why Work With Me as Your Colorado Elopement Photographer + Planner?
I’M MORE THAN JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER!
Adventurous Photographer + Planner
With years of experience photographing 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.
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.
Planning Resources for Adventure Elopements in Colorado + Other Locations
Wedding + Elopement Packages in the Western U.S. & Beyond
Check out my pricing guide for elopements + weddings. I offer adventure elopement photography in Colorado, Utah, the PNW, & beyond. Travel is included with most pricing.
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!
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.
“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
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
Telluride Elopement Guide: Local Tips & Planning Info
How to Plan a Mount Baker Elopement with Breathtaking Scenery
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 elopement photographer, I’m your partner in planning your entire wedding 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.