Why are elopement photographers in Colorado expensive?

Why are elopement photographers in Colorado expensive?

I’ve noticed this question coming up in some threads discussing why Colorado Elopement Photographers are more expensive than in other places. The quick answer is because Elopement Photographers in Colorado generally help plan and guide you through the entire process from first contact, to booking, day of and delivery. They are your point person for all you need to make your elopement go smoothly (very similar to a traditional wedding planner.

And as far as other costs…I’m all for open discussion and believe that transparency in pricing is a good thing, so here’s my take, let’s get into it!

The average price of a Colorado Elopement Photographer

I did a quick search and looked through the first few pages on Google for Colorado Elopement Photographers. I’m no mathematician, but on average you can expect to pay between 4-8K and in some cases well over 10K.

Like with anything and in any market there are options to choose from. Let’s get into the cost a bit, what to expect and what to look for.

Colorado has a very high cost of living

In the year of 2024 it’s fair to say that just about anywhere has high cost of living but it’s true that the West, specifically Colorado does cost more than other parts of the US. And a percentage of why photographers charge more is simply because they need to in order to run a sustainable photography business and exist in Colorado.

E.g. everything in Colorado costs more, so services like elopement or other photography also cost a bit more.

What goes into the cost of paying for a Colorado elopement photographer?

You’re paying for many things, but to name a few: You’re paying for your photographer to have business insurance, pay taxes, pay insurance out of pocket, maintain gear and all cost of doing business. Things like marketing, cloud hosting, client management software, vehicle maintenance, education and so much more. No one wants to pay for those things, but if you break down the cost of doing business those are just a few things that come to mind.

So whatever you pay your photographer they aren’t just taking that entire amount and pocketing it. They of course get a percentage of it but also much of it goes to cost of doing business.

What you get when you hire a Colorado Elopement Photographer

If you’re paying top dollar for a Colorado Elopement Photographer you’re not only paying for incredible photos but also for an experience of a lifetime. You’re entrusting a photographer to help plan and photograph your day. You’re paying for a level of professionalism that has been developed through years of practice, trial, error and execution.

You’re paying for someone that you can trust to not only show up day of but also guide you through the entire process.

You’re paying for a different level of expertise

This isn’t cookie cutter, but if you’re eloping in the Rockies and working with a local Elopement Photographer they are going to generally be experts on the terrain, weather and what to expect in the mountains. They will also be able to direct you in regard to permits around elopements in Colorado. And they help you figure out where to get a marriage license, where to stay etc. [not all photographers offer these services, but many do, so pay attention to that when choosing one]

Is it worth it to pay extra for elopement photography?

I’m bias, but if there’s a time to splurge it’s on experiences and on keepsakes like photos.

Hiring a Colorado Elopement Photographer means supporting a local business

You’re supporting a local business owner that has probably worked hard to get to where they are and is excited to show up and deliver beyond your expectations.

Affordable options for Colorado Elopement Photographers

There are ways to make elopement photography more affordable. Many photographers will offer custom made coverage around your needs which can be helpful if you don’t need all day photos. Some elopement photographers will also offer discounts depending on location or time of year. You may also save some money by paying directly through e-check/zelle and avoiding the often 3% transaction fee. Finally you can explore the option of an installment plan if that fits your needs.

I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t be stressed financially about the elopement photographer that you choose. And at the same time, you shouldn’t just settle for a cheap option that you don’t truly love.

What’s the average cost to get married in America?

This is a question to consider when thinking about eloping. According to Forbes some couples spend over 45k to get married in the US. I’m not a financial advisor, but I think you can elope in Colorado and make an adventure out of it for a lot less than that. And the best part is you don’t have to feed an expensive meal to a third cousin that showed up without an RSVP.

Have more questions about the cost of hiring an elopement photographer in Colorado?

I’m always happy to chat about these things and breakdown the type of service you’ll receive if you work with me. And always willing to offer any advice or direction as you plan your elopement and look for the perfect photographer.