Colorado is a wedding photographer’s dream (and occasionally a weather-induced nightmare). The landscapes are jaw-dropping, the lighting can be next-level magical, and if you time your photos just right, you’ll walk away with the kind of wedding album that makes people stop mid-scroll and go, “Wow, I want THAT.”

But here’s the thing—Colorado’s mountains don’t care about your timeline. Lighting changes fast, afternoon storms love to make an entrance, and altitude? Yeah, it’s a thing. If you want those epic, cinematic, “holy smokes we look amazing” wedding photos, you need a plan.

Lucky for you, I love a good plan. So, let’s dive into two timelines—one for sunrise lovers and one for golden hour/sunset fanatics—so you can get the best possible lighting while avoiding squinty eyes, harsh shadows, and unexpected weather drama.

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Option 1: The Sunrise Timeline (For the Early Birds & Moody Vibes)

Sunrise elopements and weddings are where it’s at if you:
✅ Want the softest, dreamiest light with NO crowds.
✅ Love deep, moody blue-hour tones before the sun even shows up.
✅ Don’t mind setting an alarm at an hour that most people would call a crime.

Sample Sunrise Wedding/Elopement Timeline

🌌 4:30 AM – Blue Hour Portraits (Moody, Twilight Magic)

• This is that gorgeous, deep blue lighting right before sunrise. The sky has rich navy and purple tones, and the mountains? They look dramatic AF.
• Perfect for intimate moments and silhouettes with lanterns, fairy lights, or even some misty fog action.

🌅 5:00 AM – First Light & Couple’s Portraits

• Soft, pastel tones start creeping in—this is where things start feeling ethereal.
• If you’re at a high elevation, this is your golden moment for alpenglow (that magical pink hue on the peaks).

🌄 5:30 AM – Ceremony Begins (Sunrise “I Do”)

• The world wakes up as you exchange vows. Your backdrop? A freaking masterpiece of soft, golden light kissing the mountains.
• Also, let’s be real—how cool is it to say you got married with the sun?

☕ 6:00 AM – Post-Ceremony Portraits (Soft Glow & No Harsh Shadows)

• By now, the light is still soft but getting brighter—perfect for relaxed, just-married shots.
• Bring coffee, a cozy blanket, and soak it all in. You just got MARRIED at sunrise!

🥞 7:00 AM – Breakfast Celebration / Small Reception

• Whether it’s a mountaintop picnic or brunch at a cozy lodge, this is when you celebrate without sweating through a suit/dress.
• Also: Mimosas.

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Option 2: The Sunset Timeline (For the Golden Hour Obsessed)

Sunset weddings and elopements are peak romance. You get that glowy, golden-hour dreamscape, the temperature is ideal, and you don’t have to wake up at an ungodly hour. Win-win.

Sample Sunset Wedding/Elopement Timeline

🎉 2:00 PM – Getting Ready & Detail Shots

• No rush, no stress—just slow, relaxed getting-ready moments.
• If possible, choose a window-lit room with neutral walls for those dreamy bridal shots.

📸 3:30 PM – First Look & Private Vows

• If you want a private moment before the ceremony, now’s the time.
• The lighting is starting to warm up, but it’s still soft enough for romantic, natural portraits.

💍 5:00 PM – Ceremony Begins

• The sun is dropping lower, creating chef’s kiss lighting.
• Pro tip: If you’re in the mountains, position your ceremony so the sun sets behind you—this keeps you beautifully backlit and avoids squinty guests.

🌞 5:45 PM – Golden Hour Portraits (Peak Glow Time!)

• This is THE moment for that warm, sunkissed, “straight out of a fairytale” look.
• Perfect for dancing, flirting, and looking ridiculously in love.

🌙 6:30 PM – Blue Hour Photos (Deep, Cinematic Tones)

• As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns moody and rich—think navy, indigo, and dusky purple hues.
• Perfect for silhouettes, lantern-lit moments, and dramatic wide shots.

🎇 7:00 PM – Reception & First Dance Under the Stars

• Imagine fairy lights, fire pits, and a cozy evening with your favorite people.
• Bonus: Sparklers, lanterns, or string lights make for incredible night portraits.

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Colorado-Specific Challenges (and How to Handle Them!)

Colorado is stunning, but she also plays hard to get. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Altitude is No Joke

• If your wedding is 8,000+ feet up, hydrate like it’s your job (altitude sickness is real).
• Plan extra time to walk/hike—your lungs will thank you.

2. Lighting Changes FAST

• Higher elevations = shorter golden hour and quicker light shifts.
• If your venue is tucked in a valley, the sun disappears earlier than you think—plan accordingly!

3. Afternoon Storms Love to Crash the Party

• Summer weddings? Storms roll in like clockwork around 2-4 PM, so plan your ceremony accordingly.
• Fall and winter? Temps drop FAST after sunset—bring a cute jacket or blanket for cozy, Instagram-worthy moments.

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Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Your Wedding Photos Legendary

Colorado is a photographer’s dream, and with the right timeline, your wedding photos will be next-level stunning. Whether you’re an early riser chasing alpenglow or a sunset lover soaking in golden hour, I’m here to make sure your love story is captured at its most breathtaking.

Need a photographer who knows Colorado’s lighting, weather tricks, and best secret spots? Let’s chat!

📩 REACH OUT HERE =)

Because your love deserves a backdrop as epic as the two of you. 💛