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

Planning a Dream Destination Wedding in Colorado

tips for couples

Planning a wedding is already an adventure, so why not take it to the next level with a destination wedding in Colorado? You’ll find towering mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and venues ranging from rustic lodges to luxury resorts. Colorado delivers on every level, whether you dream of exchanging vows under a canopy of aspens or partying with your crew in a cozy mountain town. And let’s not forget the built-in excuse for a mini-vacation—your guests will thank you for the chance to explore the great outdoors or sip craft beer. The backdrop turns your wedding or elopement into something unforgettable and highly photogenic.

Why Have a Destination Wedding in Colorado?

Why choose Colorado for your wedding? I don’t know—maybe because it’s drop-dead gorgeous year-round? Wildflower meadows in the summer, golden aspen trees in the fall, snow-dusted mountains in winter, or vibrant spring blooms. Colorado’s scenery shows up no matter the season. There’s no shortage of adventure either—think skiing, hiking, or even soaking in a hot spring if you want to sneak in some zen before the big day. And for your guests, it’s the perfect excuse for a mountain getaway. Trust me, there’s nothing like being surrounded by views that make everyone’s jaws drop during your wedding celebration.

Some Top Wedding Venues & Destinations in CO

Let me play matchmaker if you’re hunting for the perfect wedding spot in Colorado. If you love luxury, then you’ll love Aspen. For a cozy, storybook vibe, Telluride’s charming mountain town has spots with killer views. Vail brings a mix of posh and natural beauty. Then there’s Breckenridge, a charming mountain town that perfectly balances adventure and sophistication, where you can tie the knot at luxury venues surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. Each place is stunning, so the only challenge is picking one. No pressure, but let’s break it down:

Vail

Aspen

  • The Little Nell: A five-star hotel offering sophisticated event spaces with stunning mountain views.
  • Hotel Jerome: A historic yet modern venue providing elegant settings for weddings.
  • T-Lazy-7 Ranch: A picturesque ranch offering a blend of rustic charm and luxury amenities.

Telluride

  • Gold Mountain Ranch: A private ranch house with a ceremony lawn giving an exclusive view of Telluride’s village.

See this real wedding at Gold Mountain Ranch!

Breckenridge

  • TenMile Station: A luxury mountain lodge with rustic elegance and panoramic views of the Rockies.
  • The Lodge at Breckenridge: A boutique hotel offering upscale amenities and breathtaking vistas, perfect for intimate weddings.
  • Sapphire Point Overlook: A scenic, high-end outdoor venue offering stunning views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains.

Colorado Wedding Planning Tips

Planning a Colorado wedding comes with unique quirks, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. First, venue selection is a biggie. These spots book up faster than you think, so lock yours down early, and don’t forget to consider how easy (or not) it is for your guests to get there. Regarding logistics, dealing with Colorado’s altitude is no joke—remind everyone to hydrate like it’s their job. On the bright side, getting legally hitched here is refreshingly simple. Bonus: Colorado lets you self-solemnize, so you can skip the officiant and keep things extra personal. To learn more about self-solemnization, click here! And when it comes to your guests, make their lives easier with clear recommendations for lodging and transportation—because no one wants to play “find the Airbnb” at 10,000 feet.

Making Your Colorado Wedding Day Unique

The cool thing about a destination wedding in Colorado wedding is the scenery does half the work. You can’t go wrong with backdrops like Maroon Bells, mountain villages, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Schedule those golden hour shots (sunrise or sunset) to make the most of it. Pro tip: hire a local photographer who knows the area like the back of their hand—because no one wants to search for the perfect spot on your big day. For a personal touch, lean into Colorado’s vibe by serving local craft beers or wines, and why not throw in an adventure? Group hikes, spa days, or even a pre-wedding snowshoe trek or ski run can make your wedding weekend unforgettable.

Colorado Wedding Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography

Colorado is the ultimate trifecta for your destination wedding: unreal beauty, endless adventure, and just the right amount of romance. Wherever you choose, this place knows how to set the mood. Ready to bring your vision to life? Click here to chat about locations, timelines, and all things making your Colorado wedding as unforgettable as it deserves to be. I’m here to help every step of the way—plus, I promise we’ll have a little fun, too!

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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