Telluride Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Telluride Weddings & Elopements
Where the San Juan Mountains rise 14,000 feet above one of Colorado's most beautiful box canyons. Full weddings and intimate elopements at every major Telluride venue.
Why Telluride
Five Years, 50+ Weddings, One Favorite Town
Telluride is where I spend more of my wedding season than anywhere else on earth. For five years and counting, I've been the preferred photographer at most of the major venues in town — Telluride Ski Resort, Gorrono Ranch, Allred's, Alpino Vino — and I know the trails, the ceremony sites, the lighting tricks, and the weather patterns that can make or break your day.
At 8,750 feet in the bottom of the box canyon, Telluride has a particular kind of magic. Morning light pours down the canyon walls. Alpine wildflowers explode in July. The San Juans catch fire at sunset. Winter brings fresh powder and cozy fireplaces. Whatever season you're planning, there's a version of Telluride that's built for your day.
Whether you're planning a full wedding at the Peaks, an intimate elopement at San Sophia Overlook, or an adventure elopement at the top of Ajax Peak, I know this place better than just about anyone shooting weddings here.
Selected Work
Telluride Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Telluride
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
Telluride Ski Resort
The flagship mountain venue. Ceremony options at the top of the gondola, at Gorrono Ranch mid-mountain, or at the base village. Magazine cover feature venue.
Gorrono Ranch
Mid-mountain rustic elegance with sweeping canyon views. Accessed only by ski lift, which makes the arrival itself feel like an event. Perfect for 50-150 guests.
Allred's Restaurant
10,500 feet above sea level at the top of the gondola. Floor-to-ceiling windows framing the entire San Juan range. Intimate ceremonies and reception.
Alpino Vino
The highest fine dining restaurant in North America at 11,966 feet. Incredible for small weddings (30-40 guests) and intimate elopements with a seated dinner.
San Sophia Overlook
One of the most dramatic free ceremony sites in Telluride. A short gondola ride to a viewpoint that looks straight down the canyon. Ideal for elopements.
The Peaks Resort
Full-service luxury resort in Mountain Village. Multiple ceremony locations, on-site accommodations for your guests, spa, and indoor options for weather contingency.
Madeline Hotel
Elegant boutique hotel in Mountain Village with a rooftop ceremony deck, full wedding coordination, and a reputation for detail-driven weddings.
Telluride Transfer Warehouse
The town's most unique indoor venue — a restored 1906 mining warehouse in historic downtown Telluride. Perfect for receptions with a rustic-industrial feel.
Aldasoro Family Ranch
Private 1,000-acre working ranch with incredible mountain views, an intimate setting, and genuine Western character. Exclusive rentals only.
Sheridan Opera House
Historic 1913 opera house in downtown Telluride. A dramatic indoor venue for larger weddings with a theatrical ambiance unlike anywhere else.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Telluride Weddings
Live Conditions
Telluride, Colorado
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – August
Peak season. Wildflowers, long days, stable weather, and access to every high-alpine location. Book 12-18 months out for this window.
Fall
Mid Sept – Early Oct
Arguably the most beautiful time in Telluride. Golden aspen groves, crisp air, warm afternoons, cool nights. The fall color window is short — usually 2 weeks.
Winter
December – March
Fresh powder, cozy ski lodges, ice palaces, and dramatic winter light. Best for couples who love the aesthetic of a true mountain winter wedding.
Spring
April – May
The shoulder season. Fewer crowds, lower pricing, but variable weather. Late May can be stunning when the wildflowers start emerging in the lower elevations.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Telluride: What You Need to Know
Most Telluride wedding venues handle their own permits and logistics. For ceremonies on public lands outside of established venues — like San Sophia Overlook, Bear Creek Falls, or backcountry locations — you may need a Special Use Permit from the San Juan National Forest or the town of Telluride. Permit requirements depend on your group size and location. As part of the planning process for your wedding or elopement, I'll walk you through everything you need and help you apply for any permits required for your ceremony site.
Common Questions
Telluride Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does a Telluride wedding photographer cost?
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Telluride wedding photography packages start at $5,995 for a 6-hour base package. Adventure elopement packages start at $4,995. Custom quotes for full weddings typically range from $6,000 to $10,000 depending on hours, coverage, second shooter needs, and travel logistics. Every package includes color-enhanced digital files, an online gallery, and full planning support.
What's the best month for a Telluride wedding?
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Late June through early September offers the most reliable weather and access to every venue. Mid-September through early October brings stunning fall colors — arguably Telluride's most photogenic window, but the color season is short (about 2 weeks) and dates book 18+ months out. Winter weddings (Dec-March) are beautiful but require winter-friendly guests and indoor ceremony contingency plans.
How do guests get to Telluride?
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Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is the closest airport, 10 minutes from town, but flights are limited and weather-sensitive. Most guests fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which is a 1.5-hour scenic drive. For larger weddings, some couples arrange group shuttles from MTJ or Grand Junction. I can recommend reliable transportation vendors during planning.
Can we have our ceremony on a mountain peak?
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Yes. Several Telluride venues offer mountain-top ceremony options — Telluride Ski Resort runs a bridal gondola to Gorrono Ranch, San Sophia Overlook is accessible via a short free gondola ride, and Allred's Restaurant sits at 10,500 feet. For true backcountry ceremonies at 12,000+ feet, we can hike to Bridal Veil Falls or Imogene Pass, but these require additional planning, fitness, and often permits.
What about altitude sickness?
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Telluride sits at 8,750 feet, and Mountain Village is at 9,500 feet. Guests coming from sea level should arrive at least 24 hours before the ceremony, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol the first night. For ceremony sites above 10,000 feet, I recommend 48 hours of acclimation. I'll include an altitude prep guide in your planning materials.
Also Serving
Nearby Destinations
Other places I shoot regularly that pair beautifully with Telluride.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Telluride day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →
Your Telluride Adventure
Planning a Telluride Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Telluride. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.