Winter Wedding Tips | Colorado Elopement Photographer
I see you’ve stumbled here because you may need some winter wedding tips for your intimate wedding or elopement. In that case, hi! I’m Whitney, a Colorado-based elopement photographer. No doubt, winter is a magical time to elope in the mountains of Colorado, but I know some of you are thinking…BRRR!
For those dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding, here’s some advice from a Colorado native and wedding photographer:
BE FLEXIBLE
Remember to have some flexibility and develop a plan B with your vendors in case of a not-so-ideal weather situation. Maybe you planned to venture to a high elevation spot above the tree line to capture those vast mountain views, but the day before, you find out it’ll be super windy (not fun) and therefore need to opt for a new location tucked into the trees. IF this happens, try to make the best of it knowing you’re still creating the best day ever with your love!
CHOOSE AN INTENTIONAL LOCATION
Be sure to chat with your photographer and intentionally choose a location based on the experience you want to have. Are you a big skier or snowboarder who wants to incorporate this into part (or all) of your day? I GOT YOU! Maybe you want to snowmobile, heli-ski, snowshoe, or visit a remote/natural hot spring. I’ll be there to step in and make sense of the ‘how’. Haley and Chris had their ski elopement in Breckenridge, Colorado! Check out their gallery here.
REMEMBER THE ESSENTIALS
Don’t forget to pack all the essential items based on what you’ll be doing, to ensure the two of you are comfortable and the day flows flawlessly. This means the appropriate footwear, layers & gear (like microspikes for hiking, ski/ride gear, jackets, hidden base layers, mittens, beanies, and hand warmers). In this case, it’s always better to be overpacked rather than under packed. We definitely do not want frostbite to be part of our wedding day memories, right?
Last but not least… HAVE FUN and soak this moment in no matter what— just like these two did in the absolute ((chilly)) snow globe that was their wedding. Check out this sweet reel I made for Elle + David’s snowy elopement day here, and follow me to keep up with more content like this. I hope you found these winter wedding tips helpful. Find more of their day below!
COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | WHITNEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY
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
“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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"she made the day feel so easy and seamless"
