As a Colorado wedding photographer, there’s a lot to love about the 104,094 square miles that make up the 8th largest state of the US.

There are so many beautiful locations to celebrate and document love stories, indoors and out. Mountain peaks, forests, prairies, low-lying plains, red-rock and desert canyons, mesas, rivers, and cityscapes are all within reach. And, interestingly enough, the best location of all may be someplace you’ve overlooked–under your feet, right in your own backyard.

While I love Colorado’s diversity, I seem to gravitate toward venues that speak of Colorado’s history or directly tie back to family roots. Or maybe, that’s just because the people who choose me to photograph their milestone moments are family-focused like myself. In any case, here are a few of my favorite recent wedding stories for your inspiration.