Shell Creek Photography

Name: Shell Creek Photography
Address: 19826 SE 300th Street, Montrose, CO, 98042, US
Telephone: (402) 615-3061
Price range: $$$$

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Montrose, CO
Shell Creek Photography

Shell Creek Photography Creating adventurous elopement experiences for couples who want bold + colorful images Hey, I’m Malachi! Contact me to get started!

I specialize in elopement photography & help couples create the most amazing wedding days in nature. I include planning assistance with every elopement to help you find amazing locations, the best vendors, coordination of permits, & so much more.

04/08/2025

Is eloping the ultimate flex? It kind of is! Not in a flashy, “look at us” kind of way—but in the quietly confident, self-assured way that says: "we know what we want & we’re choosing that".

Eloping isn’t about skipping out on something. It’s about showing up fully for yourself & each other. It’s about choosing intimacy over performance & connection over tradition. Elopements rewrite the rules of what a wedding "should be", breaking free from expectation, & crafting a wedding day that actually reflects who you are. That takes guts. And that’s why it’s a real power move. 😉 It’s not about excluding anyone, it’s about including only what feels right to you.

Now let’s talk luxury—because eloping may not always be the simple, boring “budget wedding” option people think it is. When you're not footing the bill for a hundred some people (who may or may not even care about your day the way you do) suddenly the possibilities open waaay up. Imagine splurging on a chef-curated meal under the stars, staying in a dreamy Airbnb that feels like a private retreat, or flying to that bucket list destination you’ve always talked about. Luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about intention.

The money you save by skipping the big production doesn’t mean you settle, it means you get to invest in experiences & details that matter to you. Eloping gives you the freedom to go all-in on the kind of celebration that feels deeply personal, wildly adventurous, & all about you, even if some people have loud opinions about it. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about them. It’s about the two of you & the life you’re building together.

04/07/2025

In Arches National Park, the two of you could be standing beneath rust-red arches that have been carved by wind, soaking in golden light, adventuring in the desert!

Here’s how you can elope in Arches National Park in 2025 & make the experience everything you want it to be:

✨ First, pick your season. Spring & fall are the best time of year here in Moab for your elopement—think warm days that aren't too hot, cool nights, & less tourist traffic. But sunrise? No matter the month, that’s where the real magic lives.

✨ Then, snag a permit. Yep, even small, just-the-two-of-you ceremonies in Arches need one. You’ll want to apply early—permits are limited & this place is no secret.

✨ Choose your spot. Whether it’s the iconic Windows Section or a quieter corner with canyon views, each place in this park has it's own charm. Want something totally secluded? I’ll help you find other places in Moab to elope!

✨ Keep it simple (or go wild). You can hike in wedding attire or change at the trailhead. Bring your favorite snacks. Add a picnic, a first dance, relaxing under the stars, or an off-road adventure to your day. This is your story—you get to write it however you want.

✨ And finally, bring someone who gets it. A photographer who knows the terrain, understands the light, and most importantly—knows how to document not just what your day looks like, but what it feels like. (Hi, that’s me! 👋)

Your wedding in Moab doesn’t have to be a big production. It can be a simple experience that will mean the world to the two of you.

03/19/2025

I might be a day late for St. Patrick’s Day, but since green is my favorite color, I had to share some of my favorite green-filled elopements! 🌿

Forests, wildflowers, & mountains that go on for miles—there’s just something about saying your vows surrounded by endless green.

If you’re dreaming of eloping somewhere green, choosing the right season is key—what’s lush & vibrant in one place might be covered in snow or dry in another. Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, & Mount Baker in Washington burst into deep greens & wildflowers in summer, while Oregon’s forests & waterfalls stay mossy year-round. The San Juan Mountains of Western Colorado turn into an alpine paradise in late spring & summer, & the Tetons offer more lush greenery between June & July. If you’re looking for something truly wild, Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes peak in summer & New Zealand has so many epic places that you could explore.

02/24/2025

Take the photo. Because a photograph does something no memory can—it freezes time. A single moment, waiting until one day, you stumble across it & feel everything all over again. I can't tell you how many times I've come across an old photo (or even a not so old photo) & it's brought memories rushing back. Sometimes I smile, sometimes I laugh, & sometimes I get tears in my eyes from those memories just that one photograph brings to my mind.

But we're all our own harshest critics. You see the laugh lines forming. The messy hair, the sunburned cheeks, the clothes you swore you’d never wear again, or the thing you want to change about yourself.

And here’s the thing: when someone loves you, they don’t see the things you critique in the mirror. They see *you*—the way your eyes light up when you’re excited, how your nose scrunches when you laugh, how you held their hand, the way you look at them.

So take the photo. Take it even if you don’t feel ready, even if you’re worried about the angle or the outfit or the lighting. Because years from now, when someone finds that picture, they won’t see what you saw.

They’ll see love. They’ll see you. This is just my advice as a professional photographer & this applies whether it's a photo session or a wedding or an everyday photo you take with your phone. Trust me & just take the photo. 😊

02/04/2025

What if your wedding day felt like a deep breath?

No pressure. No performances. Just you two, completely present, feeling everything—the love, the joy, the absolute rightness of choosing each other in a way that feels like you.

Eloping isn’t about running away, it’s about running toward a day that actually makes sense for you. One where you wake up excited, not anxious. Where you can feel like your heart is full, not weighed down by expectations. Where every single moment feels meaningful.

So if you’re sitting there wondering, Can we really do this? The answer is YES. You can. You should. And I promise—it’s going to feel like the best decision you’ve ever made.

01/31/2025

‼️ BIG NEWS: I’ve officially moved to Washington! 📣

That’s right—I’ve packed up, hit the road, & landed in the PNW, & I am beyond STOKED to explore this wild, moody, & adventure-packed corner of the world. Think towering evergreens, glacier covered mountaintops, rugged coastlines, & more waterfalls than I can count—this place is full of dreamy elopement locations & I cannot wait to capture all the magic here.

But let’s get one thing straight: this does not mean I’m staying put. If you know me, you know I live for the open road, epic landscapes, & documenting love stories wherever your adventure takes you. This year alone, I’ll be shooting in Yosemite, Sedona, Glacier in Montana, all over Colorado, the Tetons, & Moab, & of course, all over Washington and Oregon.

So whether you’re dreaming of eloping in the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula, saying vows on a red rock cliff in Moab, or catching a sunrise in the Tetons, I’m here for all of it!

Drop a comment with your dream elopement spot or shoot me a message—let’s plan something unforgettable!

01/27/2025

I was thinking about our own wedding recently & how it was such a FUN day! Yes, photos were so so so important to me (which is why I had some of my best friends photograph it), but also just let loose, be yourselves, & create a day that you'll enjoy. This is just a friendly reminder to have fun on your wedding day!

01/26/2025

Very excited to be heading to the Tetons again this spring & summer! What makes the Tetons & Jackson Hole a great elopement location?

🏔️ The mountains are epic & the views are easy to access.

🍽️ Jackson Hole has a ton of amazing dining options & fun little stores to check out.

✈️ It's easy to get to Jackson with the airport only minutes from town.

🌅 Alpenglow at sunrise & the sunsets here are both always amazing.

⛰️ Due to the surrounding flat valleys, these mountains just "explode" out of the ground & look very impressive.

📑 The permits for this area are straightforward to get (and I'm here to help with that!)

I have availability for only a couple more elopements in the Tetons this year, if you have questions about getting married here, let's chat!

01/17/2025

Your elopement day, your adventure! 🙌🏼 Whether you're looking for quiet moments or big adventures (or both!), this is your chance to create something special for your day.

Some ideas for a laid-back vibe:
🌄 Off-roading tours with a guide
🌌 Stargazing late into the night
🐴 Horseback rides to explore stunning locations
♨ Relaxing at a hot spring or cozying up at a coffee shop
🍽️ Celebrate at a restaurant or with a private chef
💐 Go to a flower farm to pick your own bouquet

For something more adventurous:
⛺ Backpacking to a remote destination
🚁 Helicopter or hot air balloon tours
❄️ Snowshoeing in the mountains
🏄 Snorkeling, surfing, or paddle boarding
🧗🏼‍♂️ Rock climbing & rappelling
⛵️ Going sailing or taking a boat out

No matter what you choose, your day should be about you—not what anyone else is doing. For even more ideas, check out my guide at www.shellcreekphoto.com/how-to-make-elopement-special

Save this for later and start planning your perfect adventure today!

01/15/2025

Tori & Frank's hiking elopement in the Mt. Baker region of Washington was such a fun adventure! From sunrise to sunset we explored the rugged mountains, lush rainforests, & glacial blue rivers that make these mountains such a special elopement location.

I first got to explore these mountains quite a few years back & now this region is one of my FAVORITE locations to explore! I've been here in all seasons & I can honestly say I would recommend this location year round. Snowshoeing is a lot of fun & the amount of snow the area gets is crazy! Spring & fall are cool & foggy shoulder seasons where it feels like classic PNW. And summer is full of wildflowers, huckleberries, & gorgeous mountain views.

Right now I do have availability for small weddings & elopements for this region in July + August. So if you're still searching for the perfect mountain elopement location in Washington, maybe this is your sign to elope near Mount Baker!

01/13/2025

I remember the very first time I came here it felt like I drove into another planet because all of a sudden the red rocks were surrounding me. There’s something about Moab that feels otherworldly & special, like time just slows down out here a bit. That’s exactly why couples like Erin & Kenny choose to elope in Moab.

Their day was was raw, real, & full of meaning. I’ll never forget the moment Erin reached up & gently wiped away Kenny’s tears while reading her vows, surrounded by their closest family in Arches National Park. You could feel the love between them & that’s the kind of moment you don’t forget. That’s what eloping is about.

Whether you’re adventuring to a hidden arch, standing on the edge of a canyon, or stealing a quiet moment under a sky lit with stars, Moab invites you to make your wedding day exactly what you want it to be. Adventurous, laid-back, emotional, or all of the above—it’s your love story, & there’s no “right” way to tell it.

If you’re dreaming of something like Erin & Kenny’s day—something intimate, emotional, & totally yours—the deserts of Moab, Utah might just be the perfect place.

When you’re ready to plan your Moab elopement, I’ll be here to photograph every laugh, every tear, & every moment that makes your day special.

12/12/2024

Having lived in Colorado for years, & with my family being from here—I’ve discovered so many hidden gems across this beautiful state. One of those gems? The Cimarron Range, near the tiny town of Cimarron in western Colorado. Breinana & Preston found the perfect spot there for their intimate camping wedding. They gathered their friends and family, set up travel trailers in the mountains, & celebrated a whole weekend together. It was such a fun, laid-back experience, & the best part? It proves you can plan your wedding exactly the way you want!

Address

19826 SE 300th Street
Montrose, CO
98042

Telephone

(402) 615-3061

Website

https://www.shellcreekphoto.com/

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Specializing in elopements & intimate weddings

Hey! My name is Malachi & I am so glad you are here! I am a photographer with a love for color specializing in weddings & elopements, although I also enjoy photographing adventure sports, families, & high end realty occasionally as well. I usually call Colorado my home but I am always on the go!

My style of photography is very bright, colorful, and most of all- HAPPY! Life is hard and you deserve amazing photos of you having fun. Read more about me on my website: www.shellcreekphoto.com