Intentional
WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS IN NORTHERN COLORADO
ESTES PARK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Hey there,
We’re Joe and Kari – a married team living in Estes Park – capturing wild, meaningful wedding days in the mountains.
Before we were married we visited Estes Park and fell in love with the area. After we were together and had our two boys, we took them here to visit a few times each year to be in the mountains. Now we live full-time in town, own a cabin on the Big Thompson River, and spend most of our spare time outdoors. What a fantastic journey it’s been and we love to show people our beautiful town and Rocky Mountain National Park!
Based in Estes Park (full-time) Since 2013
Working With Over 40 couples in the Estes Park Area Each Year
400+ Couples Photographed (300+ in Estes Park/RMNP)
10 Countries and Counting!
Your Wedding Here Is Important…
Your choice to come here to the Rockies shows that you’re willing to do something different, bold, and truly “you”.
With two lead photographers who live here full-time, your day feels effortless, intentional, and beautifully documented from start to finish, by people who know the area well.
Looking for a photographer in Estes Park Colorado? Reach out to us for a no-obligation consult!
A Few Helpful Links
Whether Your Wedding Is…
On Top of a Mountain, or at a Beautiful Venue…
…OR BOTH,
Working with a photographer in Estes Park Colorado who truly lives here…
…means real local insight, seamless planning, and a day that flows naturally—no stress, no second-guessing. Everything feels easy, intentional, and centered on being present together.
Helpful Insider Tips from Estes Park Residents:
Considered “high desert”, each season here in Estes Park is different and it pays to know the best places, how the weather interacts with the mountains, and where to take couples for photos.
Spring (Late April -Early June)
Spring in Estes Park is quiet, intimate, and wildly unpredictable — in the best way. The peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park will have snow, while lower areas begin to turn green. If you love dramatic mountain backdrops, fewer crowds, and crisp alpine air, spring can be magical.
What couples should know:
• Trail Ridge Road is usually still closed.
• Higher elevations may still have snow coverage.
• Sunrise and weekday ceremonies offer the most privacy.
• Wildlife is active — elk and moose sightings are common.
Spring is ideal for couples who want moody skies, fresh mountain air, and a more private experience.
Summer (Mid June-August)
Summer is typically peak wedding season in Estes Park — and for good reason. Wildflowers bloom, high alpine roads open, and golden evening light stretches long into the day, as seen in this photo!
That said, summer requires smart planning because Estes Park and RMNP will be very busy!
Insider knowledge matters most in summer because:
• Timed-entry permits are required for RMNP.
• Afternoon storms are common (especially July).
• Popular spots get crowded mid-day.
The secret? Early morning ceremonies or sunset portraits. As locals, we know when the light is soft, when the crowds thin out, and how to pivot if mountain weather rolls in.
Summer is perfect for adventurous couples who want epic alpine views and lush scenery.
Fall (September-Mid October)
Fall might be the most stunning season in Estes Park and RMNP. As you can see from this photo on Old Fall River Road, Aspen groves turn gold, temperatures cool, and the air feels still and quiet. It’s romantic without being overdone.
A few important notes:
• Peak aspen color typically happens mid-late September.
• Weekends book quickly — especially for venues.
• Early sunsets mean tighter timelines.
Fall is ideal for couples who love warm tones, golden light, and cozy mountain vibes.
Winter (November-March)
Winter elopements in Estes Park and RMNP are wildly underrated. Town has become calm, RMNP is beautiful, and the locals come out to play! Snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and quiet trails create an intimate, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Things to consider:
• Microspikes or snow boots may be necessary.
• Some roads and locations close seasonally.
• Sunsets happen earlier (which can simplify timelines).
Winter weddings are peaceful, dramatic, and incredibly romantic – especially for couples who want something different.
Our Honest Advice...
We help couples choose dates not just based on “pretty photos,” but based on:
• Crowd levels
• Light direction in specific ceremony spots
• Permit logistics
• Weather patterns
• Backup plans that still feel intentional
Every season here is beautiful — it just depends on what kind of experience you want your day to feel like.
Sarah and Matias
Rocky Mountain National Park“Thank you so much, words can’t describe the joy the photos bring to Matias and I! We have looked through them and find new ones we love each time.”
Your Wedding Deserves Insight
Fewer surprises, better timing, and guidance based on real experience.
Christine and John
Boulders at Black Canyon Inn, Estes Park“WOW, Joe and Kari! These are absolutely stunning! We are having so much fun reliving these moments over and over! Thank you for capturing our special day so perfectly!”
Your Wedding Should Be Intentional
More meaning, thoughtful touches, and a wedding chosen-by-you, step by step.
Suzie and Marnie
Rocky Mountain National Park“Joe and Kari, These moments that you captured have left us speechless. You can’t put a price or gratitude on freezing our best memories from the best day of our lives. Much love and appreciation to you both.”
Your Day Should Be...Yours
From start to finish, your wedding day should reflect who you are. Whether it’s the two of you on the top of a peak or two hundred people dancing the night away, “you-do-you”!
As Photographers in Estes Park Colorado Who Live, Work, and Create Here...
…you’ll be guided by people who love this town and understand it well enough to help you experience it with ease.
You get to enjoy your day with ease, supported by photographers who know Estes Park and RMNP like home.
Relax, We're A Local Team You Can Trust
Trusting photographers in Estes Park who are part of the community brings a sense of comfort and authenticity to your wedding day.
Recently engaged?
We have photographed over 100 engagement sessions in the Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park areas! Reach out if you’d like more information.
You Have Questions!
Do we need an RMNP permit for wedding photos?
Yes, Rocky Mountain National Park requires you to pay a fee to get a permit to actually say your vows inside the park. Get in touch with us for a few different ways to work around this legally. We have a great relationship with the staff at the park and understand the rules. We are proud to follow the guidelines in place and follow Leave No Trace principles at all times.
What’s the best time of day for photos in the Estes Park/RMNP area?
Typically we try to photograph the most important photos during the last 2 hours of daylight. Mornings are also great! The mid-day sun here in Estes Park and RMNP is really harsh and creates shadows that are unflattering for skin tones. We can make it work with some lighting techniques, and it’s really beautiful, however it’s best to try to avoid.
What if the weather changes fast?
Yes!! The weather here is usually fantastic (like, 300+ days of sun per year and low humidity) but it can change quickly. We’ve been in the middle of a 75 degree, sunny day at 12,000 feet and hit with a snowstorm within minutes! This is one good reason to have our van. We can jump in and either wait for it to pass or drive to another location, all while being safe and warm.
Do you photograph venue weddings AND adventurous elopements?
Yes, and both are super amazing! We love to combine the two as well so if you’d like to get away during your venue wedding for an escape session in RMNP, let us know! It’s an incredible time, if even just an hour, to get away and recharge.
How does a “no-obligation consultation” work?
Once you’ve filled out the contact form, we will be in touch right away. We usually respond within a few minutes. Once you’ve seen our pricing, understood the benefits of working with a local team, and want to proceed, we would set up a time to chat online via Facetime or Zoom and get to know each other and what your plans are.
Do you help with timelines?
The real answer here is “maybe”-we don’t step on the toes of an actual wedding planner. We DO have a photo timeline ready when we show up, and if you’re planning a micro-wedding (15 people or less) or an elopement (just you two) we can help with timeline planning for sure! It’s in your best interest to hire a planner if you’re planning a wedding of more than 15 people.
Who edits our photos?
Great question, and one that doesn’t get enough attention. We edit every one of your images. The trend lately has been that a lot of photographers only shoot the wedding, then send the images away to be edited~which is fine, but we feel that this is impersonal. Our involvement in a wedding is deep and we love to edit how WE saw it happen. It keeps a personal touch on our final images we deliver.
What do we receive?
Once the wedding day is complete and everyone has either gone home or to the after party, we’ll go home and back up all of the images on several different platforms so the originals are safe. We then edit about 5-10 images and send them to you either that night or the next day so you have some amazing memories to see! Then, within about 2-4 weeks (usually sooner!) we’ll send you a link to a gallery that is yours. It will have all of the edited images on it that you can print from, download, and share with anyone you wish!
A Few of our Favorite Local Venues
Each of the venues here in town have their unique charm and we’re honored to have photographed at a lot of them for over ten years. While there are over 200 potential venues here in Estes Park, these are just a few of our favorites.
Let’s Talk About Your Day…
Your no-obligation consultation is simply a relaxed conversation about your vision, your story, and what you’re dreaming up for your wedding day.
Thinking About Getting Married Here? Check Out Our Guide to Estes Park!
TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS AT EVERY WEDDING
who actually live in Estes Park!
Think about that for a second.
No guesswork, no assistants, no “associates”, no photos missed, local understanding of the town and RMNP, and much more!
The Basecamp Package
Our Package for Smaller Weddings- Up to four hours of photography coverage
- TWO lead photographers
- Over 400 edited, high-resolution images
- Online gallery and digital downloads
- Complimentary consultation
The Summit Package
The Most Popular Package We Offer- Eight hours of photography coverage
- TWO lead photographers
- Over 900 edited high-resolution images
- Online gallery and digital downloads
- Multiple pre-wedding planning sessions
- Up To Two Hour Backcountry Excursion or Hike in RMNP
The Incline Package
A Little of Everything- Six hours of photography coverage
- TWO lead photographers
- More than 600 edited high-resolution images
- Online gallery with unlimited downloads for a year
- Backcountry excursion or hike available
Why Estes Park?
Being “in the mountains” rather than “within driving distance” was a choice we made in 2010, when we lived in Iowa. It took three years of planning, selling our beautiful home, saving, and working in jobs we didn’t love to make this dream come true. Finally, we moved to Estes Park. We chose to build our lives here because being immersed in nature, open skies, and the rhythms of this town matters deeply to us. Living here keeps us connected to the landscapes and community that shape our days — and that connection naturally carries into how we show up as your photographer in Estes Park Colorado.
Because this is our community, we understand the natural flow of busy weekends, peak travel seasons, and the subtle logistical details that make a day feel smooth instead of rushed. It allows your timeline to breathe and your experience to feel intentional.
When your photographer wakes up just minutes from your venue, the morning begins grounded and unhurried. That calm start allows us to be fully present, focused entirely on you, and ready for whatever the mountains bring.
Living here isn’t about convenience — it’s a conscious choice to be rooted in the place we love. That shared connection to Estes Park becomes part of your story, too.
Want to book with us? Here are the next steps!
1. Initial contact
When you complete the contact form we’ll be in touch right away. We want to hear your story and what you are looking for!
We’ll set up a time to meet online or in-person.
2. Book
We’ll send you a follow-up email to recap our conversation, including a contract and invoice for you to look over. We’ll answer any additional questions and if you’re ready to secure your date with us, we require only a 30% retainer.
3. Let’s Plan!
When we receive your contract and retainer, we’ll secure your date on our calendar. This is when we’ll start to talk about timelines, logistics, and share some of our local expertise.
4. More…
At least a month before your wedding day, the remainder of your total will be due. We’ll be in touch, either through email or phone, to solidify final details.
5. Your Big Day!
This is it! It’s the big day and we’ll be there, excited to be part of something beautiful!
6. Culling, Editing, and Sneak Peeks
Once we’ve said our goodbyes and go home, we’ll back up all of the images, four different ways, so we never lose them. We’ll start to edit, send you some sneak peeks within a day, and the rest of the photos will be on your gallery within a month.
You're In Good Hands...
Whether your day is wild and adventurous or simple and intimate, our goal is to help you feel at ease while capturing it in the place we know best.
Joe and Kari Pyle are a husband-and-wife photography team living in Estes Park, Colorado.
Being out in the mountains of RMNP, they are constantly looking for new, exciting places to take their couples.
Rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, and much more are part of their daily routines.
Travel is always on their “to do list” and they’ve been to Belize, Canada, Haiti, Iceland, Italy, France, Mexico, Indonesia, Singapore, Hawaii, Alaska, and all four corners of the United States.
They specialize in weddings, elopements, and adventure sessions, often capturing couples amidst the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park. Their services include multi-day coverage, engagement sessions, and adventure shoots facilitated by their custom 4×4 Sprinter van, allowing access to remote and picturesque locations.
With over 400 couples photographed and a deep connection to the mountains they call home, Joe and Kari bring experience, local expertise, and a relaxed, down-to-earth approach to every story they document—focusing on real moments, genuine connection, and the wild beauty of the outdoors.
A few of our favorite places in Rocky Mountain National Park for small weddings
The Elopement Leader:
For couples seeking smaller ceremonies, Estes Park is one of the most popular locations globally for elopements and micro-weddings, and we are so happy to call this small town home!
ESTES PARK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ESTES PARK ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | MOUNTAIN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | PHOTOGRAPHER IN ESTES PARK COLORADO