I'm a fine art wedding and portrait photographer — creating a space that welcomes creativity and inspiration. Based in Colorado, my work has taken me across the globe.

Meet WHITNEY RAE

COLORADO JEEP ELOPEMENT | MARLEY + BRYAN

elopements

bride and groom standing with mountains as the background

4×4 Jeep Elopement in Ouray, Colorado

Where do I even begin with these two? Marley found my work on Google in the fall of 2020. After our first coffee date, I knew capturing her and her boo’s Colorado adventure elopement was going to be a blast. For their engagements, we drove my 4runner up to a beautiful meadow and played around as I captured their playful love. It’s no surprise that a year and a half later, we began planning their dream wedding day in Ouray, Colorado by way of a 4×4 Jeep tour.

Marley and Bryan wanted something fun and unique. They gathered their family and closest friends, rented some jeeps, and we drove to the most beautiful basin in the mountains. At around 12,800 feet, these two love birds read their vows with their loved ones as their witness and a backdrop that felt like we were in the Swiss Alps. Don’t believe me? Keep scrolling to see!

Incredible Mountain Weather

Some may talk down on a rainy wedding day, but that wasn’t the case for this adventure elopement. It rained during the ceremony but the guests were troopers and it made for some sweet umbrella photos. Let me tell you, I was all for the rain as it brought low-hanging clouds for the couple portraits, and what a dream those were! Days like this make you feel like you’re out of this world. It’s a reminder of how beautiful Colorado truly is.

Colorado adventure elopement

A Dance Party to Remember

After the ceremony and portraits, we headed back to the venue where Marley & Bryan celebrated their love during their reception. The venue had a rooftop space with 360-degree mountain views. We rocked the dance floor out on the rooftop and made our way inside when it got too rainy. We quite literally danced the night away.

Colorado & Destination Elopement Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography

See the rest of this Colorado adventure elopement below!

Looking to plan an intimate wedding or adventure elopement in the location of your dreams?

Let’s work together! Inquire about your special day by filling out my contact form. I can’t wait to meet you and help tell your story!

Vendors

Jeep Tour: Switzerland of America Jeeps
Reception Space: The Venue at CSB
Catering: Jimmy’s BBQ

Every wedding is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. By stepping back to let intimate moments unfold naturally while offering support and guidance to ensure no important memory is missed, I strive to create timeless images that blend an editorial style with a documentary approach. From the distinctive details of your celebration to the cherished traditions, I'll deliver a collection of photographs that allow you to relive these memories for years to come. After all, the moments that matter most aren’t always staged or polished—they’re raw, authentic, and uniquely you.
Don’t you agree?

MY PHILOSOPHY

An Honest Wedding Experience

Dorothea Lange

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”

Words I Live by

I'm WHITNEY.

Your wedding day is a story—one filled with fleeting moments of beauty, deep emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As an artist, I am here to preserve those moments with intention, artistry, and care. I don’t just capture what your wedding looked like—I document how it felt.

Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Vail, Colorado, I am deeply inspired by the way love and nature intertwine. There’s something poetic about the way light moves across mountain peaks, the way wind dances through a bride’s veil, and how the beauty of the outdoors mirrors the intimacy of a wedding day. My work is shaped by this connection—an effortless blend of refined editorial imagery and documentary storytelling, allowing each wedding to unfold naturally while being captured with timeless elegance.

Beyond photography, I am an adventurer at heart. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes, hiking through the Rockies, or traveling to breathtaking destinations, my love for movement and exploration brings an effortless, natural feel to my imagery. Every love story is unique, and I am deeply invested in capturing the emotions, scenery, and in-between moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we connect, my goal is to provide an effortless, elevated experience that allows you to be fully present while I handle the art of storytelling. With a calm, intuitive approach, I blend artistic direction with documentary storytelling—guiding you when needed while allowing your most authentic moments to unfold naturally. My couples value timeless, emotive imagery, a refined yet relaxed presence, and the confidence of knowing their memories are being preserved with intention. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me skiing down the slopes, hiking with my husband and our two border collies, or enjoying a slow morning with a perfectly crafted latte. I live for meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and capturing beauty in the quiet, in-between moments of life—just as I do with my couples. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to provide an intimate, high-touch experience, ensuring each love story is captured with the highest level of artistry and care. If you feel drawn to timeless, emotional, and editorial-inspired imagery, I would love to hear your vision and create something extraordinary together.
























 




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