telluride, colorado
explore the san juan mountains
SO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE THE RUGGED san juan mountains & blue alpine lakes?
telluride, colorado
welcome to...
imagine booking a colorado elopement like this
Mountain-Top Vows at San Sophia Overlook: The couple exchanged vows at one of Colorado’s most iconic venue, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains. The air was crisp, the alpine wildflowers swayed in the breeze, and the endless mountain views made their promises feel as boundless as the horizon.
Gondola Ride Into the Clouds: Before their ceremony, they ascended by gondola from the heart of Telluride to a remote mountain village. The journey felt like floating above a postcard - waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, aspen groves for miles, and the valley stretching far below.
Private 4x4 Jeep Adventure: After the ceremony, we loaded into a private jeep for a high-country adventure. Winding our way up rugged trails above treeline, the couple laughed with the wind in their hair as the road opened up to panoramic views few ever get to see.
Alpine Pass Portraits: At the summit, the mountains unfolded in every direction - peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and ridgelines glowing in the afternoon light. The couple explored hand-in-hand, pausing to soak it all in while we captured every candid, windswept moment.
Golden Hour in the San Juans: As the day faded, we found a quiet overlook where the last rays of sun turned the mountains to molten gold. They shared a toast, wrapped in blankets, watching the sky fade to deep indigo as the first stars began to appear.
all you really want is to have an entire year solely booked out with dream all-day elopements in bucket-list locations just like this one — you see other elopement photographer’s living this every single day, and you’re discouraged that that’s not your reality yet.
and at the end of the day -
Believe me when I say I get it… because I’ve been exactly where you are right now.
You don’t have actual photos of realistic all-day Adventure Elopements in the epic-AF destinations you want to book.
And the missing key? The reason you aren’t getting epic inquiries like this?
You can book out your calendar with all-day adventure elopements in those epic-AF bucket-list destinations like colorado even if you haven’t booked an elopement yet.
But here’s the good news…
Just imagine what that would actually be like:
No more spinning your wheels, shouting from rooftops that you’re a “Destination Elopement Photographer” – now you get to show-up with REAL epic destination elopement content and prove that you’ve been the destination expert all-along.
You got your very first international elopement inquiry, and your heart drops – it’s in COLORADO .. a destination that you visited, know well and are confident you can guide your couple. And the couple is so stoked to find you through all of your expertise and guidance.
Your couple sees all of the adventure elopement experiences you've documented in Colorado, and they're wildly inspired. They see all of the epic locations & excursions and boom - they want to book a 2-DAY ELOPEMENT!
You dive into elopement planning - you've been practicing and rehearsing your incredible location-finding skills and just waiting for this day to come. You find the most dramatic, remote locations and your couple loves them.
You step off of the plane and your whole body tingles with goose bumps - "could this really be my job?"
A “pinch me” moment… you’re photographing this dream elopement, you're exploring the mountains in a 4x4 with the wildest sunset you've ever seen. And the best part? You're with two people who truly value who you are & the monumental memories you're creating for them.
all of that can be your reality
after you attend...
telluride, co
telluride, colorado
august 24th-27th, 2026
what we have
planned
3 MULTI-DAY ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS:
3 COUPLES / 6 SHOOTS / 3 ELOPEMENTS / 3 CASUAL SHOOTS
But let’s not just call them “Styled Shoots”. These shoots mimic real elopements. They are planned out from beginning to end, just like an actual elopement. You’re walking away with so much more than “pretty photos” for your hero website image and viral-potential insta post. You’re walking away with a full realistic gallery of a real elopement experience. We’re creating intentional images built upon our storytelling methods – allowing your potential clients to truly envision themselves in this story.
check out where we're going:
4x4 tour to a remote mountain pass
telluride, co
We’re heading deep into the high country on a private 4x4 tour, chasing the kind of views you can’t see from the highway - or even from most trails. Think narrow, winding switchbacks climbing above the treeline, alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and jaw-dropping drop-offs that make your heart race in the best way. At the summit, you’ll be standing at over 13,000 feet with a full 360 degrees of rugged colorful peaks & glacial valleys. It’s raw, untamed Colorado at its absolute best - and you’ll be there with your camera in hand and two couples in elopement attire.
check out what we're doing:
san sophia overlook: sunset small wedding
telluride, co
We’ll be photographing at Colorado’s most iconic adventure wedding venue, San Sophia Overlook, where the sweeping San Juan Mountains create a backdrop that couples fly in from around the world to say “I do.” For this shoot, we’re going all out with a heavily styled floral ceremony installation designed to stop people mid-scroll. This isn’t just a dream portfolio piece - it’s a fast-track to getting booked at this sought-after venue, with images that prove you can deliver epic, high-altitude weddings that belong in the luxury Colorado market.
check out what we're doing:
gondola to a remote mountain village
telluride, co
We’ll ride the gondolas high above Telluride, gliding over waterfalls, aspen groves, and rugged canyon walls on our way to a remote mountain village that feels worlds away. This is Colorado’s most scenic commute - no cars, no traffic, just panoramic views in every direction. It’s the perfect blend of alpine charm and adventure, and you’ll have the kind of shots that instantly transport anyone looking at your portfolio straight into the San Juan magic.
check out what we're doing:
3 NIGHTS, 4 DAYS STAY in a luxury mountain home
telluride / Mountain village, co
We’ll be calling a luxury mountain home in Telluride our base for the week - perched high in Mountain Village with jaw-dropping views of the San Juans from every angle. This modern alpine retreat is where we’ll recharge after epic shoot days, swap stories over dinner, and watch the mountains glow at sunset. It’s spacious, private, and designed for gathering - so whether you’re sipping coffee with the sunrise or unwinding in the evening with your new favorite people, it’s the kind of place that makes you wish the retreat lasted just a little bit longer.
If you prefer to bunk solo, you can choose to book a non-lodging ticket!
check out where we're STAYING:
The telluride Intensive: From One Sunset to a Full colorado Adventure – Your Blueprint for Multi-Day Elopement Bookings
This isn’t your standard “take notes and hope it sticks” workshop. The Telluride Intensive is where we get real about what’s possible when you stop selling single-day coverage and start creating multi-day Colorado adventures that tell the full story.
We’ll break down how to transform your current packages into multi-day, high-value experiences - without feeling pushy, without second-guessing your prices, and without waiting for “perfect” inquiries to land in your inbox. You’ll learn how to position yourself so couples want to fly you to Colorado, 4x4 up the mountains, and keep you documenting every moment from their mountainside vows to gondolas down the mountain.
This is hands-on, no-fluff coaching for photographers ready to elevate their portfolio, attract bigger adventures, and book the kind of experiences that light you up. You’ll leave Telluride with a done-for-you roadmap and the tools to actually make multi-day elopements happen - whether you’re starting with zero inquiries or already booking full calendars.
This session is exclusive to the Telluride retreat—and it’s built to change the way you think about your offers, your clients, and what’s possible when you turn one day into an unforgettable Colorado story.
Colorado elopement resources: seo blogging template, location guide, vendor/activity recommendations, lodging recommendations, timeline recommendations and more
I want you to walk away from this retreat with EVERY resource you possibly need to successfully market, plan and execute an elopement in Western CO. You are going to leave this retreat as an ELOPEMENT EXPERT on all-things Colorado. I am giving you a free SEO Blogging Template that is specific to successfully blogging the multi-day adventure elopements that you will be photographing this week.
I am also supplying you with a full-comprehensive list of all of the top elopement locations within Colorado - something that YOU can provide your couples as an added value into your CO Elopement packages. I am also providing you with every vendor, activity, and accommodation recommendation for when you are assisting in planning an elopement with your couples. And to finish it off, you'll also receive example timelines of pairing locations & activities of how you can craft your DREAM Colorado elopements for your couples. You are walking away with MORE than you can imagine - and truly setting yourself up for success.
3 Multi-day Adventure Elopements:
3 Couples / 6 shoots / 6 Elopements / 6 Casual shoots
But let’s not just call them “Styled Shoots”. These shoots mimic real elopements. They are planned out from beginning to end, just like an actual elopement. You’re walking away with so much more than “pretty photos” for your hero website image and viral-potential insta post. You’re walking away with a full realistic gallery of a real elopement experience. We’re creating intentional images built upon our storytelling methods – allowing your potential clients to truly envision themselves in this story.
3 Nights + 4 Days of Overnight Lodging at a luxury mountain home
We’ll stay in a luxury mountain home in Telluride, perched high in Mountain Village with sweeping San Juan views. It’s our place to recharge after shoot days, share meals, and watch the mountains glow - spacious, private, and made for gathering.
If you prefer to bunk solo, you can choose to book a non-lodging ticket!
A focus on diversity and inclusivity
Eloping is for everyone. And it’s important for us to showcase that in every single aspect of our businesses. Elope Academy prioritizes couples that are local to the culture of the area that we are traveling to, as well as BIPOC & LGBTQ+ couples.
An Informational Guide of the Area
I’ll send you a full informational guide with everything you need to know. The best way to travel to our retreat, activities in the area if you’re choosing to extend your stay, favorite recreational hikes & things to see – everything that you (and your future elopement couples 😉) would need to know traveling to the area for the very first time!
VIP Attendee chat Group
You’ll get immediate access to a VIP group with all of your fellow attendee friends! Most attendees come alone – not knowing anyone that’s going! This is a great way to meet the others & plan any carpools/coordinate travel!
Networking & Community
You’re going to be immersed in this retreat experience with other elopement photographers who are exactly where you are. You’re going to leave this retreat with so much more than just content & a unique experience. You’re going to leave with lifelong friends and elopement-industry connections. It’s not something that most attendees think about before attending, but it’s a takeaway that ends up becoming priceless.
experience
the Elope Academy Telluride Retreat is a 4-Day Elopement Retreat consisting of epic-AF realistic multi-day Adventure Elopement content shoots, thrilling local adventures, luxury overnight lodging, and entirely immersive experience of the local culture.
let's breakdown the elope academy retreat
western colorado elopement resources
SEO blogging template, location guide, vendor/activity recommendations, lodging recommendations, timeline recommendations and more.
An Intimate Retreat Experience
Because we’ve all been there – knocking elbows and fighting for the center shot. But that won’t be here. Our shooting groups will stay small. And the photographer’s you’re shooting alongside? You’ll call those your friends. An intimate setting for fun adventurous excursions, exploring the local cuisine and creating an adventure of a lifetime.
4x4 tour to a remote mountain pass
We’ll head high into the San Juan backcountry on a private 4x4 tour, climbing above the treeline to alpine meadows, wildflowers, and heart-pounding drop-offs. At over 13,000 feet, you’ll be surrounded by a 360° panorama of rugged peaks and glacial valleys - photographing two couples in elopement attire against Colorado’s wildest backdrop.
san sophia overlook: sunset small wedding
We’ll photograph at Colorado’s most iconic adventure wedding venue, San Sophia Overlook, with the San Juan Mountains as our backdrop. A fully styled floral ceremony installation will give you scroll-stopping portfolio images—and a fast track to booking high-altitude luxury weddings.
Not included: Flights, Transportation to/from shoot locations and retreat (rental car or carpool), and Meals.
Must be comfortable with hiking.
"the telluride intensive"
The Telluride Intensive is your blueprint for turning single-day coverage into multi-day Colorado mountain adventures couples can’t wait to book. We’ll dig into how to rework your packages, pricing, and sales process so you’re the go-to photographer for alpine vows, high-country jeep tours, gondola rides, and everything in between - without feeling salesy or waiting for “perfect” inquiries. This is hands-on, no-fluff coaching built to give you a clear, actionable roadmap to start booking high-value, multi-day elopements as soon as you get home - exclusive to the Telluride retreat.
gondola to a remote mountain village
We’ll ride gondolas high above Telluride, floating over waterfalls, aspen groves, and rugged canyon walls to a remote mountain village. With panoramic views in every direction, it’s the perfect mix of alpine charm and adventure - and a chance to capture portfolio shots that radiate San Juan magic.
day 1 - AUGUST 24
Attendees should fly into one of the following airports: TEX, MTJ, CEZ, DRO, GJT or DEN
Check-in begins at 4:30pm
Welcome Party
The Telluride Intensive Coaching Workshop
Relax for the evening, hang out at the fire & hot-tub & get to know everyone!
day 2 - AUGUST 25
Sunrise Elopement I & Casual Adventure Session I in the village of Telluride
4x4 Tour to a remote mountain pass - Elopement I and II
day 3 - AUGUST 26
Sunrise Elopement II & Casual Adventure Session II
Gondola Elopement III & Casual III
San Sophia Overlook Sunset Wedding/Elopement III
day 4 - AUGUST 27
Hugs & Goodbyes, Check-out by 10:00am
the itinerary for the week:
You’re going to be immersed in this retreat experience with other elopement photographers who are exactly where you are. You’re going to leave this retreat with so much more than just content & a unique experience. You’re going to leave with lifelong friends and elopement-industry connections. It’s not something that most attendees think about before attending, but it’s a takeaway that ends up becoming priceless.
Please note that this is a tentative timeline & may vary. Exact shoot locations are not disclosed to the public (only to attendees) to preserve the environment and abide by Leave No Trace.
Attending an Elope Academy Retreat is the missing link that will help you finally become a Destination Adventure Elopement Photographer.
- JUST LIKE THESE ONES
You’ll get real-world elopement experience, gain cultural insight from exploring COLORADO, learn the logistics of photographing in COLORADO, and leave with bounds of knowledge to be able to bring in destination elopements
meet your retreat host
First hi, I’m Kasey Jo
I used to be exactly where you are... feeling like I wasn’t good enough and never understanding what I was doing wrong, and getting nowhere trying to become that photographer traveling the world to most remote locations & photographing the most epic elopements.
I spent YEARS and more money than I can count doing allllll the things… offering my services for basically free, attending random workshops/retreats/content days that left me unfulfilled and frustrated, applying every bit of knowledge that I got from any industry “educator” ... you name it, I tried it.
Then I learned the power of attending intentional and realistic adventure elopement retreats. And boom – it all clicked for me.
I’ve taken everything that I learned on my journey and put it into Elope Academy Retreats because it’s exactly what I wish I had when I was on my path to becoming a destination adventure elopement photographer.
It’s my mission to help as many elopement photographers as possible skip past by simply focusing on what works.
The Elope Academy Retreats would have saved me SO MUCH time & energy. I can’t wait for it to do the same for you.
meet kasey
there is a reason that I, like so many others, keep coming back!
I have attended seven of Kasey's retreats/content days and let me tell you one thing - there is a reason that I, like so many others, keep coming back!! My business would not be where it is today if I didn't invest time and time again in Elope Academy's retreat and content days. I have gained so much knowledge in the craft of photography at its core, in business education, posing, location scouting, the list goes on. I have also made so many connections and made amazing friends that I never would have met without these events. 5 years ago I took a leap of faith in attending my first ever retreat with Kasey, and today I am a successful, six figure business woman who gets paid to travel and capture love stories. I am truly living my dream, and I could not have gotten here if it weren't for everything that I have gained attending seven of these events! <3
- Emily Watkins, Emily Watkins Photo
Most of all, Kasey ACTUALLY cares about your success.
“I have been on a few different styled shoots to help build my photography business, but Elope Academy’s styled shoot COMPLETELY stands out. That shoot was, by far, my favorite that I have attended because of several reasons.
1. The locations that they chose are amazing. They know how to handle the logistics so that you are able to take full advantage of the destination and walk away with truly beautiful photos for your portfolio. They have 3 separate couples, 3 different locations, and each couple had an outfit change so you really got 6-9 different shoots out of the one day. It was AMAZING. She took her time seriously and made it really worth it.
2. The culture of friendship amongst every attendee at the styled shoot was amazing. Most styled shoots can feel awkward or even competitive..They created a space that felt safe so ask questions and learn from each other. I was a very green photographer as I felt affirmed in my abilities by every single person who attended. I completely give credit to them for choosing individuals and setting the tone so that it unlocked everyone's barriers. We were all good friends, fast. This detail alone allowed me to feel brave and experimental with my art and I learned more because of it.
3. Most of all, Kasey ACTUALLY cares about your success. She stopped and gave me 1-on-1 attention to learn new techniques so that I could succeed. She encouraged and offered any and all wisdom... AND she took the time to grab headshots of me so that I could have that for my business too! She is truly in this for the right reasons and wants to help photographers build their dream careers and feel confident in it!
I cannot say enough good things. I loved every second of my experience. Thank you for being a launching pad for my, now, full-time photography career!”
- Kait Hubbard, Kait Hubbard Photography
These retreats are pure magic, offering both professional growth and unforgettable experiences.
“Attending Kasey Jo's retreats and content days has been an incredibly uplifting experience. Kasey's relaxed and welcoming energy, combined with her creativity, makes every event special. It's amazing to photograph real couples in stunning locations and to connect with fellow photographers. I've been to four of her content days and the Dolomites Retreat, each unique and beautiful, especially the ones in Dolomites and Grand Teton with their majestic mountains and horses.
These events have helped me grow my network, leading to new bookings and an increase in my social media engagement. A highlight was booking a surprise proposal in the Dolomites, a chance that came directly from attending the retreat. My work from these retreats has significantly boosted my elopements bookings in Upstate NY and the Catskills.
One of my favorite moments was encountering draft horses in the mountains, creating magical photo opportunities, and the joy of sharing dinner and laughs with everyone, especially during a memorable palm reading session with lemoncellos in the Dolomites. These retreats are pure magic, offering both professional growth and unforgettable experiences.”
- Corey Lynn Tucker, Elope with Corey
epic elopement experience?
are you ready for this
if is the right answer for you,
get ready to experience results like:
"yes"
✔️ Become a destination adventure elopement expert by showcasing REAL imagery paired with real world experience in the iconic destination of Colorado
✔️ Inspire your elopement couples to choose epic adventure excursions through your storytelling imagery
✔️ Book out your travel schedule with all-day adventure elopements in your bucket-list locations
✔️ And finally have that epic elopement photography business that you've always dreamt of.
here's everything you'll walk away with:
Photos of 3 Multi-Day Adventure Elopements in telluride, colorado
3 Nights, 4 Days in a luxury mountain home
4x4 tour to a remote mountain pass
gondola to a remote mountain village
san sophia overlook: sunset small wedding
the telluride intensive coaching
colorado elopement resource bundle
An Informational Guide of the Area
Access to the VIP Attendee Group
Friends for a Lifetime
you'll get all of this (and more) for only...
apply for your spot!
1 payment of $4995
5 payments of $1100
10 payments of $570
Save $700!
Save $200!
extended financing available!
book your spot as low as $150/month
Request to finance your ticket with Affirm! Subject to approval & APR.
how it works:
apply today, monday 8/18!
step one
I’ll review your application – if accepted you’ll receive a “You’re accepted!” email
step two
You’ll have 24 hours to sign your retreat contract & make your first payment
step three
You’re IN! And I’m so stoked to have you along
step four
Can’t make it to this Retreat? Sign up for the waitlist at the bottom of this page for future Retreats or check out one of the other retreat locations!
At the retreat, you could be experiencing life-changing moments photographing the most epic adventure elopements which means that this could be the key-turning point for your business.
2 months after the retreat, you could be reeling in destination adventure elopement inquiries with the abundance of content & knowledge from the retreat which means you’re one step closer to the dream job that you’ve been asking for.
And in a year after the retreat, you could have an entire bucket-list destination travel schedule booked out with the most epic adventure elopements.
now you've got choices:
two
one:
Close this page and keep doing what you’ve been doing... exhausting all of your energy, discounting your services, and wishing you were where you want to be.
two:
Apply for your spot in the Elope Academy Telluride Retreat and take the first step towards becoming the destination adventure elopement photographer.
you know which option i'm voting for.
because...
But that’s ONLY IF you choose option 2 and follow the proven roadmap to becoming the adventure elopement photographer.
apply for your spot!
you might be wondering...
These retreats are put on with INTENTION. Intentional, realistic elopement content that your ideal client can truly see themselves in. My drive as a host and business coach is seeing my students succeed – everything that is showcased in each content day is very meticulously planned out and strategically mapped out to bring your business exactly where you want it to be.
Absolutely 100%! It’s not only important to showcase diversity in your portfolio – but it’s also important to show that eloping is for everyone. Elope Academy prioritizes couples that are local to the culture of the area that we are traveling to, as well as BIPOC & LGBTQ+ couples.
Leave No Trace is very important for us to understand & educate our attendees – especially since we are often working in nature. I am a Leave No Trace certified photographer – having researched and completed a course. Beyond this, Elope Academy educates each and every attendee on best practices for our impact on the environment and continues to educate while on the “field”.
It's very important to us to keep the shooting groups small, and include two of our couples at each shoot location! This ensures that we can break the group up into two small groups, and rotate equally between each couple. We want to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity at shooting, and that everyone has the opportunity to be photographing at all times during the shoots! This process has worked SO well!
If tickets are available, apply for the retreat. If tickets are sold-out, put your info on the waitlist. If you are accepted, you’ll receive an email with the contract & invoice for the first payment. The contract must be signed & invoice paid within 24 hours of receiving to secure your spot.
As soon as you sign the contract & pay the first payment, you’re officially in! You’ll receive the informational guide to the area, access to the VIP attendee group as well as everything you need to know to prepare for the retreat!
Payment dates are dependent on which payment plan you choose. Payments are evenly spread out between signing up & 30 days prior to the retreat.
You can sell your ticket to another interested attendee! All previous paid payments will be transferred to you from the new attendee, and they will take over all future payments! If you can no longer attend, inform us via email and we have resources for selling tickets & will outline the next steps.
Absolutely! All attendees will have access to the VIP attendee group – where you can coordinate travel and/or carpools with other attendees! Attendees often come to retreats not knowing anyone else, so this is a great way to meet beforehand!
All of the hikes for this Retreat are either drive-up/walk-up views with no hiking - or minimal hikes (you can expect no more than 2 miles one way). These "hikes" are all rated as easy - so no worries if you're a beginner! We strive to make this accessible for everyone - because we believe that adventure is for everyone!
Yes! You are more than welcome to bring someone along to the shoots as long as they're not photographing (it's on land that's open for the public!) However, overnight lodging with us is for attendees only. You can opt for a non-lodging discounted ticket (per request only) if you'd prefer to stay off-site!
Yes! If you prefer to lodge alone (or if you have a partner you're bringing along) and don't have a need for the overnight stay at our hotel, you can book a discounted ticket without lodging! You must request this before booking!
Great! Please send me an email via the contact form here!
If you’re all the way at the bottom of this page, it means you’re having a hard time deciding whether or not an Elope Academy retreat is right for you.
Here’s exactly how to know:
An Elope Academy retreat
is for you if:
You desire to book bucket-list destination adventure elopements
You want to showcase the potential of multi-day elopements with adventure excursions to your couples
You’re dreaming of visiting Greece paired with an epic 4-day itinerary filled with the things you love most.
You’re longing for a group of industry lifelong friends and networking opportunities (because hey, we don’t have any co-workers!)
An Elope Academy retreat
isn't for you if:
You have no desire to book bucket-list destination adventure elopements
You’re so booked out that you don’t have the availability in your calendar to make time for attending a 4-Day retreat.
You don’t enjoy traveling or adventure
You aren't open to being in a group setting with other like-minded photographers
If you read through that list and you’re STILL unsure…
If your #1 business goal is to become a destination adventure elopement photographer… What is your next move on reaching that goal? Do you have a solid, actionable plan? Or are you trying what you can, and seeing what sticks? If it’s the latter, then it’s time to make a real move towards that goal. Buying your ticket to this retreat will mean you'll pay yourself back with only 1 elopement booking (and the goal is to get you SO many more bookings). I’m here with the solution for you, but it’s your turn to take that next step.
download the free
From Inquiry To Raving Client:
The Ultimate Elopement Workflow
Craft a workflow that works for you and YOUR business, step-by-step!
Gain your time (and energy!) back by automating every step possible
Create a raving 5-star client experience (even with your very first elopement!) - hello, 5-star Google reviews! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Take an afternoon to implement my proven workflow into your business, and you’ll never have to worry how to best serve your elopement couples again!
