One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is capturing the private and intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moments for my couples on their big day. Whether we’re hiking through the Colorado mountains or settling in for a private elopement ceremony in the Garden of the Gods. Elopements are full of personal touches and incredible memories. Most photographers, myself included, are adept at capturing a variety of memorable moments between you and your partner. And also are great at finding the special moments you’ll want to remember throughout the day. However, if you are bringing guests along, I always recommend creating a photo list of the family/friend portraits you want to be sure to capture. Because we don’t always know who everyone is and what level of importance they have to you. Having these lists can help elevate your Colorado elopement.

Sometimes folks decide to just ‘wing it’ when it comes to these family photos and sometimes that can result in an important family member being left out of a photo or combination of guests you wish they had been in. Having a photo list ensures no important moments or people are forgotten and helps keep your photographer organized and able to execute these type of photos quickly! In this blog post, I’ll explain how having a photo list can elevate your Colorado elopement.

Elopement Photo Lists Are Your Key to Success

If you’ve chosen to elope, you will likely focus on the people and connections. These are the people that helped you become who you are. Taking a photo with them on one of the biggest days of your life will be something you’ll never regret. I suggest a photo list, or ‘shot list’ to ensure this happens. Sit down and talk to your partner about individual relatives and guests who will be in attendance. Work out the various combinations of guests you’d like in photos. When it comes to your wedding day, you’ll be able to hand your photo list to your photographer and feel confident that everyone who matters most will have at least one photo taken with you.

Why You Need a List for Every Combination to Elevate Your Colorado Elopement

As a Denver elopement photographer, having a list provided by my couples with guests’ names and combinations is a lifesaver! Not only can we navigate any tricky relationships, but no combination is missing. These are your people, and including them in your big day should be something memorialized for life – writing down all the combinations for photos is key. Are you having a hard time getting started? Consider specific family groupings, such as siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. This will give you a good idea of what relationships and combinations of people you want in photos.

I suggest using folks first names, or title regarding their relationship with you; ‘Bride’s mom’ or ‘Grooms sister’. If you are hoping to do a photo with larger groups, or the all the guests in attendance, I usually suggest starting with those bigger groups. Then whittling down to the smallest combinations, saving immediate family for last. This way, those cousins and college friends you may only need in 1 big photo can head on to the next important event of your day. Instead of having them wait through 10 immediate family shots.

Even Elopements Have Timelines

Whether planning an intimate elopement or a big traditional wedding, family photos take longer than you think. Each family photo, from gathering the necessary people to taking the actual picture, takes anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. Imagine if you didn’t have a photo list detailing each combination of people with their names written down. You would be put on the spot to decide who should be in the photo with whom and to find those people while getting them together. It can quickly turn into chaos!

If you’re eloping outdoors, this can lead to longer photo times and losing light, which is an immediate game-over. To avoid these scenarios, take the time before your big day to make a list, even if it includes just a couple of combinations, to ensure the most important photos are captured on your wedding day. I promise you’ll be so glad you did!

Be Flexible To Elevate Your Colorado Elopement

While having a list of must-have photos is important, don’t let it distract you from enjoying the moment. As your photographer, I will always do my very best to meet all your photo requests. However, remaining flexible and willing to compromise on your wedding day is essential. Things happen that can alter timelines; perhaps someone is late, or the weather takes a turn. Consider prioritizing the most critical moments and photos when creating your list to ensure that you’ll still be happy with the memories captured if some images aren’t taken. Your elopement day is meant to be one of the happiest of your life. Remember why you’re going through this planning and try to focus on the result – marrying your person forever.

A Clear List Means More Than Just Photos – It’s About Memories

The most important way to elevate your Colorado elopement is by allowing memories to be made and captured for your family legacy. These moments are fleeting, and your wedding day will end in the blink of an eye. Your photo list aims to ensure that every important person and moment captured creates lifelong memories. These photos will bring you right back to your elopement, allowing special memories to live on for years to come.

I’ll help you plan the perfect photo plan so you can relax, enjoy the day, and rest easily, knowing I’ve documented your most magical day well.

Already planning an incredible Denver elopement and looking for the perfect Denver elopement photographer to capture it all? Reach out today!