Adventure Instead - Elopement Photographer & Experience Designer, Denver, CO (2025)

11/17/2025

I promise I’m not angling for a Blundstone sponsorship (although… 😉)

You would not BELIEVE how many of these I’ve taken (and saved!) over the past 10 years. I feel like it’s ingrained into my muscle memory at this point. See view. Show shoe.

If you’ve been on nature/outdoor Instagram for a while, PLEASE tell me you remember when everyone was doing this so I feel less old 😂

Looking back at all of these clips makes me mildly emotional, in all honesty. I’ve been so lucky with how many gorgeous places I’ve been able to plant these boots of mine on and take in with my own eyes.

Can’t wait to keep taking these for the rest of my life. Because I feel like I have to keep it going, now.

Listen, I’ve been going 10 years strong, so if you think I’m stopping ANY time soon, you’re very wrong.

I’m so grateful to have seen so many places so beautiful, they’re worthy of the walk-up video. If you have yet to capture one of your own and are hoping to elope in 2026…

Let’s talk.
https://adventureinstead.com/contact/

11/14/2025

I’ll be sharing more images from this shoot soon... follow along to see more!

I already love being underwater more than pretty much any other experience in the world, so learning how to photograph underwater has been so exciting for so many reasons.

I have LOVED discovering how the light, color, and texture of a wedding day changes underwater. Since I photographed this couple over a year ago, l’ve taken every chance l’ve gotten to expand my range in the water.

There’s something so inspiring about learning new things about the field you’ve been working in for over a decade. It makes me so excited about the next decade of couples and wedding days to come. 🍻

Stay tuned for a post coming soon with more details about how underwater shoots work and how you can prepare to incorporate one into your wedding day.

If there is one thing I could tell couples to consider for their elopement it's this:

Think outside the box. You can have any moment wherever you please... even if that place is in the water. There IS a photographer who can capture it in the magical way it was lived.

If you want to incorporate an underwater photoshoot into your elopement,

Tell me about it!
https://adventureinstead.com/contact/

11/12/2025

As the nights get longer, I’m thinking about some of my favorite places to be after the sun sets. And one of the most special spots to be in the dark by far is Joshua Tree.

There’s so much that’s special about this specific stretch of land. For starters, it’s an International Dark Sky Park, so you’re pretty much guaranteed an excellent view of the Milky Way out here.

The Joshua Trees themselves are not only ancient, but also not even trees. They’re yucca plants (which in the agave family, so these guys are basically halfway to tequila). And they’re surrounded by metamorphic rocks that are *billions* of years old.

All of that combines to make the energy here intensely cool, especially at sunset and once the night settles in.

As Amanda & Sean were planning their elopement, they knew they wanted to leave enough time in their wedding day to enjoy this side of the park. And I’m so glad they did.

When I’m pitching dates to couples, I always intentionally look up the phase of the moon and include it in my summary. I get folks who want to elope at the new or full moon all the time. You can look at what the phase of the moon will be year advance, which is super helpful!

The full moon is great if you want abundant energy, tons of natural light, bright skies, and big celebratory vibes.

The new moon is perfect if you’re looking for a fresh start, a grounded energy, and stars as far as the eye can see that are totally unobstructed by anything else in the sky.

Amanda & Sean really wanted a great desert magic vibe from the very start and full moon photos, so this was an easy yes for them!

They took portraits at sunset among the trees and then settled in for a moonlit picnic. As they were having their first dance, the moon decided to surprise them with a gorgeous full halo just for them.

(Moon halos are common in the winter in the desert, because they’re formed from ice crystals at high-altitudes in the air!)

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about astrophotography lately—let me know in the comments if you have questions. I’m happy to help!

xx Maddie Mae

I really love capturing photos at night and I've been getting tons of questions on it! If you have any astrophotography questions, ask them in the comments of my latest post!

If you're more interested in learning more about how you can elope in Joshua Tree too,

Here's all the info!
https://adventureinstead.com/joshua-tree-wedding-guide/

11/10/2025

Cassandra & Haleigh came with a vision and I haven’t stopped thinking about it a year later.

Last October I got the immense privilege of photographing these two’s wedding out in Utah.

The most fun thing about their day was that, because one of them works in the wedding industry, they were *determined* to not only go all out but also make it 100% their own.

They wanted unique rock formations, to feel like they were drinking espresso martinis on another planet, and like everything was perfectly stylized.

And this vibe matched them PERFECTLY.

They’re always dancing, laughing, and having a party any time that they’re around each other. It felt like all of the Utah desert was a private club just for them.

Ultimately, I think the vibe they chose was the perfect blend of trendy and timelessly cool, and it resulted in an impeccably styled day that I absolutely loved.

If you’re curious about the setting, stay tuned! I’ll be sharing a post soon talking more about Capitol Reef in depth!

This wedding is the PERFECT example of why I adore elopements. Every couple is so different and each wedding should exude that same level of originality!

If you want the full breakdown of exactly how I designed their day to nail their vision, here are all the details:

C&H's elopement:
https://adventureinstead.com/gallery/cassandra-and-haleighs-eclectic-glam-capitol-reef-desert-elopement

11/06/2025

Would you do this for your engagement shoot?

If you’re saying “no,” let me ask you another question… why the hell *not*?

Why not do it? Why not take the epic trip? Why not remember this unique moment in your life, this beautiful stage of your relationship?

I do a lot of elopements, but honestly, engagements are also so special to me. Because you deserve to remember the excitement, and joy, and sense of grand adventure that THIS moment brings.

It’s different than the sensation of getting married and saying your vows. And it’s just as worth remembering.

So take it from me, 300+ love stories deep. Don’t wait to celebrate this. Don’t lose this moment. Remember it for what it is. Celebrate it like it deserves and do it to the fullest.

And if you can do that while taking a 600+ mile road trip across Utah… then even better. 😉

Because even if at the end of the day, that adventure looks as whimsical as grabbing the moon on the salt flats or as epic as dancing around the sand dunes, your unique relationship deserves to be celebrated in the way that feels right to you ♥️

Plan your Utah engagement photos or elopement in the salt flats or another jaw-dropping location!
⬇️

Here’s all the info!
https://adventureinstead.com/best-places-to-elope-in-utah/ -salt-flats-utah

11/04/2025

The best part about Rhonda & Daniel’s day is how much FUN they were having.

I love taking couples to southwest Colorado for so many reasons, but for these two, it was extra special.
That’s because not only was their first big date together to Ice Lake out this way, they also LOVE 4X4 driving.

I’m not kidding. Usually the roads through here require a professional driver and are just a method of getting to the view itself off the beaten path. But that was *not* the case here.

They had experience with even harder roads than this, so not only could they handle it, they LOVED IT. It was so much fun to watch them truly play on this road and have an absolute blast.

Instead of being a means to an end, this was an activity to them! They knew right from the start that they wanted to incorporate it. In fact, they told me Rhonda wanted a dirty martini and Daniel wanted a great 4X4 road.

(Spoiler: both were achieved.)

These two are Colorado locals and have their own crazy built Jeep that was SUPER impressive on these roads. And still, we got to show them a new road that they had never been on before, which was such a privilege.

Rhonda & Daniel’s ceremony was beautiful and included long, heartfelt vows. They both cried. (I cried, too.)

Everything about their day went EXACTLY right, which is always a thrill. The weather & lighting turned out to be absolutely perfect and we had a totally 360 sunset from where we were at. I was torn on what direction to shoot in because EVERYTHING was gorgeous.

They knew they wanted to elope because they love adventure and wanted to dedicate their wedding day to only doing what they really wanted to do. This way, they got to spend all of their time together!

Rhonda & Daniel are huge travelers and love a roadtrip, so this was truly the ideal elopement destination for them.

And MAN, do these two have the most amazing chemistry. They are truly so loving with each other and they were such a treat to photograph.

Thank you so much for choosing me to be a part of your wedding day, Rhonda & Daniel. 🙌 You guys are the best.

xx Maddie Mae

As practically professional 4X4 drivers (I'm not kidding, they were insanely well-versed), Rhonda & Daniel chose the perfect state to elope in with hundreds, if not thousands of roads that would ve made for the best time for them!

If you love 4X4 driving just as much as this couple, you should consider southwest Colorado!

If you re interested, here's my ultimate CO Elopement Guide!
https://adventureinstead.com/colorado-elopement-guide/

11/03/2025

Making a tripod out of river rocks for your $5k camera is a common experience… right? 😅

If it isn’t, don’t tell me, because I don’t think there’s anything anyone could say to convince me to stop doing insane things just for the photo.

One of my favorite things about being an adventure photographer is working with the natural landscape in any and every place I go. Whether it’s a sliver of light I’m chasing, a boulder I’m determined to climb up to photograph on, or a river I’m gonna go stand in…

This is my truest happy place. Practicing my art, photographing joy & love, and doing it all in the outdoor spaces that have always brought me so much peace.

And if you’re my insurance company, this is a joke. I promise.

No wonder I love planning and capturing elopements. I truly believe every part of me was made to do just this.

So if you’re ready to elope with someone who really GETS what it means to enjoy being outside and capturing all those beautiful little elopement day moments, let me know!

But if you’re still in the early elopement-planning stages and aren’t sure what to get started on,

Here’s your guide!
https://adventureinstead.com/elopement-planning-guide-checklist-downloadable-pdf-free/

10/30/2025

After seeing every continent on Earth, THIS is still one of the very best sunsets I have seen. Period.

And it was right here in the US in the Pacific Northwest!

Marina & Taylor wound up splitting their coverage up over 2 days so that they could have not one but TWO chances to get great golden hour photos, and honestly, my breath was totally taken away both days.

One on a mountaintop, one on the shore, both absolutely jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

I still find myself thinking about this elopement every single time the sun sets. It’s one of my favorite things about eloping…

You don’t know what nature’s going to do. You just have to get out there and see it.

Who knew the sunset that I think back to every time I witness a sunset since then ended up being so close to home 🥹

Here’s a breakdown of Marina & Taylor’s day in SO much more detail, including how I designed their day, and SO many more photos of that unreal sunset that will live in my brain forever.

Marina & Taylor’s Day:
https://adventureinstead.com/forest-elopement-guide/

10/29/2025

For my romcom enthusiasts, let me tell you about a meetcute I still think about. It involves a yoga instructor/mental health therapist, a strength trainer/physical therapist, and an early morning yoga class that was almost missed.

That’s Sam & Stephen, and I’ve loved their story since the second I met them.

These two are the perfect pair. One spontaneous and one carefully planned. Both avid hikers and travelers. Both dedicated listeners. And honestly, when you watch them together, their chemistry is just incredible.

Sam & Stephen love the mountains and knew they wanted to elope in Colorado, and they were rewarded with the BEST wildflower day!

It tried to sprinkle on and off throughout their elopement day, but right at sunset, the sun popped out and gave us a GORGEOUS sliver of sunlight on the ridge. It honestly looked fake in real life!

Because it only lit the tops of the peaks, it kept a really beautiful moody lighting everywhere else that I was suuuuch a fan of. I knew it was only going to last for like 30 seconds (weather moves quickly at altitude), so I worked really fast to catch it!

Their wedding day was full of soaks in natural hot springs, waterfall chasing, exploring fields of flowers, reading their homemade vows, a champagne pop, and paddling out on a lake during blue hour just after sunset.

Late July in Colorado is an absolutely jaw-droppingly beautiful time to get married here. There’s a reason I try to spend so much of my summer here—the locations are all at their absolute best!

Late summer in CO is for wildflowers, flowing rivers & waterfalls, high mountain passes free of snow, temperate weather in the mountains, 4X4 and hiking opportunities, and wildlife in full swing.

I’ll share more of Sam & Stephen soon, I can’t wait for you to see their gallery!

But in the meantime, if you’re looking at these and thinking Colorado may be just right for you, reach out to me! I still have some spots left for 2026.

xx Maddie Mae

Your unique love deserves a place unique to you. And I’ve never known a state with so many unique locations available to it as Colorado in the summer.

If you want an epic and unique-to-you location for your elopement day, here is when I’ll be in Colorado so we can plan that perfect experience together 💚

Travel Schedule:
https://adventureinstead.com/travel-schedule/

10/28/2025

I’m still tearing up every time I think about this experience. I’ve gone to *so many* countries chasing auroras. And I finally found them.

My partner and I have been all over the world together, and there was something so special about getting to finally share this experience together after spending so long chasing it.

To me, there’s nothing that will ever beat seeing the beautiful things mother nature can just DO. I’ve gotten to see some wild, insane, breathtaking things out in the world.

But this one… this one is really, really special.

This one was actually life affirming. I don’t use the word magic lightly. But this was it.

I wish I could share this moment with you more, tell you what it was like to be there. But I don’t think the words will ever be enough.

These are the kinds of moments that sold me. A dream finally come to life in a moment you’ll never forget on the best day of your life all captured on camera to share for the rest of time.

I mean… imagine your great, great grandchildren seeing a photo like this long after your gone… and maybe creating the same dream in their heart.

THAT is the experience–the day–I want for my couples.

That’s why you should elope.

Inquire here:
https://adventureinstead.com/contact/

10/22/2025

If you ask me, the answer to a nervous system fried from human life in 2025 is always going to be to get out in nature and breathe it all in.

This particular beach is in Kefalonia, a snippet from Kaitlynn & Chance’s elopement there a couple of years back. I took this as the sun was starting to go down and they were enjoying golden hour at the shore.

We were never meant to process this much on a daily basis. If you’re struggling, it makes sense. Get outside if you can, even if it’s just to root your feet to the Earth for a while.

Don’t forget that there are always resources if you need to talk to someone.

Take a look at how you can plan your own Kefalonia wedding with tips on how to get there, the best time to visit, my favorite sights, and how much it costs
👇

Tap here!
https://adventureinstead.com/kefalonia-wedding/

10/21/2025

ENGAGED DOG LOVERS, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU.

Every time I hear that folks want to include their pup in their wedding day (which I am ALL FOR by the way), I point them to Melissa & Jonathan’s Colorado elopement day.

While they initially made the choice to elope because they had been to big weddings in the past that the couples hosting hadn’t loved, they realized that they also had a huge perk… their beloved pup, Yoshi, could come with for the whole day!

They had a lakeside ceremony, playing rock paper scissors to see who would get to read their vows first. Their vow reading was super emotional, and I don’t think any of us made it out without getting teary.

Yoshi stood by in a tuxedo, looking his best, playing the important role as Best Man for the wedding. He would also later sign their marriage license with his paw print as their officiant, which you can do in Colorado!

After the ceremony, Yoshi had a snack of kibble while Melissa & Jonathan popped champagne and toasted to being just married 🥂

They settled in for a picnic in the same spot they got married in, spreading out a beautiful breakfast full of berries and charcuterie goods. Before they headed back to the car, Yoshi donned a new bandana proclaiming that his humans got married.

Melissa & Jonathan had rented a 4X4 for the day, so they drove their Jeep through mountain passes to see waterfalls, other alpine lakes, and aspen groves.

At some point it started to sprinkle, and Yoshi got an express air lift over muddy patches of the trail! But for the most part he hiked steadily right behind them, just happy to be included.

He even sat by for emotional support while Melissa & Jonathan read letters from their loved ones, stretched out on the blanket right beside them.

I wrote a blog post all about this beautiful day, which you can read! Just comment MELJON and I’ll send you the link!

We just passed these two’s 3rd wedding anniversary, so everyone wish them a happy anniversary in the comments!

Melissa & Jonathan, thank you so much for letting me document your day. I still think back on this one super fondly.

xx Maddie Mae

Read a much more in-depth story all about Melissa & Jonathan’s elopement day with their adorable pup below!

Read more here:
https://adventureinstead.com/gallery/melissa-jonathans-dog-friendly-southwest-colorado-elopement/

Adventure Instead - Elopement Photographer & Experience Designer

11/17/2025

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