Hiring your dream photographer is just one piece of the puzzle for your elopement or intimate wedding.
I have couples that decide to do a totally DIY elopement, which is so badass and something I just wouldn’t have the patience for. BUT, the majority of my couples are hiring at least two or three other vendors to create their perfect Colorado elopement.
If you don’t know, I hate the gatekeepy-ness of the wedding industry. It’s not a competition, and every couple deserves the information they need to make the best decision for them. I also know it’s super hard to determine if a vendor’s values align with your own. The amount of shady shit I see on Threads or in social media groups is jaw dropping. I only promote alternative elopement vendors who believe:
- Love is Love
- Black Lives Matter
- Science is real
- Trans Lives Matter
- Women’s rights are human rights
As you’re planning your elopement or intimate wedding, check out this list of a few of my favorite alternative elopement vendors in Colorado!
Must Knows
- Repeat after me. We do NOT negotiate with vendors. This is not Facebook Marketplace. Be open and honest about your budget, and vendors will always be happy to see what they can provide for that price point.
- Don’t wait too long to book! Just like photographers, certain vendors can book up fast. Once you have a date and place solidified, it’s time to start hiring the vendors you want.
- When you hire me, I become your photographer AND planner. I’m here to help coordinate with the alternative elopement vendors in Colorado and even pick things up for you, like desserts or flowers.
Florists
These Colorado business owners create some of the most beautiful and unique floral arrangements. From bouquets to ball cap accents, they’ve got you covered. This is not my full list – slide into my DMs if you don’t see what you’re looking for.
- Black & Blossomed – located in Denver and BIPOC owned
- Pretty Dead Florals – located in Denver
- Enchanted Florist – located in Estes Park
- Growing Wild BV – located in Buena Vista
- Palmer Flowers – located in Fort Collins
- Privé – located in Castle Rock
Officiants
You don’t need an officiant to get married in Colorado – thanks self-solemnization. But some of my couples have preferred hiring one to help manage the flow of their ceremony.
- Colorado Micro Weddings – traveling
- Ceremonies with Lisa – traveling
- Weddings by Kelli – traveling
- Nearly Wed Coaching – traveling and LGBTQ+ owned
- Cody Miller – traveling
- Woods and Wild – traveling
- Allen Bennett – traveling
- Summit Celebrant – traveling
Hair and Makeup
Check out the websites for more info on pricing. This is by no means every business on my list! I have a ton more recommendations for businesses that travel – hit your girl up for the deets.
- The Day Colorado – located in Colorado Springs
- Glammed Up Designs – located in Denver
- Breck Hair Co. – located in Breckenridge
- A Vow to Artistry – traveling
- Natalie Duke Beauty – located in Crested Butte
- Weemala Hair & Makeup – located in Breckenridge
- Jaded Hair & Makeup – located in Denver
- Beauty on Location – traveling
Videographers
Tbh videography isn’t super popular with my couples who elope, but it’s totally up to you! I’m all about my couples having a ton of ways to look back and remember their day.
- Tasha Joy Media – located in Telluride
- Sage & Silk – traveling
- Laurel Wedding Films – located in Boulder
- Tia Lorae Storytelling – traveling
- Buffalo Film – located in Denver
- Mais Films – traveling
- Epic Endeavors – traveling
- Alex Raymond Films – traveling
- EmbrFilmCo – traveling
Dessert and Catering
A pre- or post-elopement picnic is one of my favorite things, whether you’re inhaling a cupcake or munching on a charcuterie board. This list also includes some businesses that can whip up a special dinner for you and bae.
- Flick of the Whisk – located in Denver and BIPOC owned
- Happy Hour Donuts – located in Colorado Springs
- Harvest to Home – located in Longmont and traveling
- Three Tomatoes – located in Denver
- At Your Breck & Call – located in Breckenridge
- Jubilations Catering – located in Estes Park
- Love, Emily – located in Denver
Rentals
If you want a little something extra for your day, these businesses rent out everything from seating, silverware, arches, and lighting.
- Event Rents – serving Denver, Vail, and Aspen; LGBTQ+ owned
- Colorado Party Rentals – located in Denver and Colorado Springs
- Wallflower Rentals – located in Longmont
- Hazel Grove – serving Colorado
- Have a Seat Colorado – located in Denver
Musicians
Hiring a private musician is such a special touch. It could be for the first dance at your elopement, or as entertainment to enjoy at an intimate wedding.
- Alexa Kilgore Acoustic (acoustic) – located in Denver
- Big Little Sound (silent disco) – located in Louisville
- Janine De Lorenzo (pianist) – traveling
- Beth Wilberger (violinist) – traveling
- John Brewster (acoustic) – traveling
