Meet Elijah House-Daluge | Colorado Elopement & Micro Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elijah House-Daluge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elijah, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing outsiders are often unaware of about the elopement industry is how deeply logistical and emotional the planning process can be, even for just the two of you.

From the outside, adventure elopements and micro weddings often seem spontaneous, easy, and stress-free. But in reality, they can involve just as much planning as a traditional wedding. The difference is that the planning is more fun and meaningful. Instead of choosing napkin colors and dealing with pricey venues, you get to choose epic locations and craft intentional experiences that span over multiple days (if you want!), not just one.

Of course, there’s still plenty to plan: finding accessible yet private locations, navigating permits, factoring in weather, lighting, travel, and more. In my eyes, it’s a much richer experience for couples. But when done right, it’s a more freeing and personal experience for them as well.

That’s why a photographer who’s experienced in planning elopements, like myself, goes far beyond just being a wedding photographer. I’m part photographer, part guide, part therapist (family dynamics don’t disappear in the mountains), part travel agent, and part experience designer. That’s the side of elopements people don’t see in the Pinterest-perfect version, but it’s the part that makes it unforgettable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My business is all about helping couples elope to the beat of their heart, intentionally, authentically, and in places that make them feel alive. I specialize in adventure elopements and intimate weddings, guiding couples toward meaningful experiences that reflect who they truly are, not just what tradition expects of them.

What sets me apart is how much I care about the experience, not just the photos. I’m not just a photographer who shows up and snaps pretty pictures and goes home. I’m also a location scout, timeline and travel planner, emotional support human, and hype person. I get just as excited about helping couples find that perfect alpine lake or wildflower meadow as I do about capturing their vows at sunset. I deeply believe your wedding day should feel like you, and that belief runs through everything I do.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I didn’t follow a straight path or have it all figured out from day one. I’ve had seasons of doubt, burnout, comparison, and imposter syndrome, plus all the unglamorous behind-the-scenes stuff that comes with running your own business. But I kept showing up, learning from every mistake, and refining what mattered to me: creating space for people to be themselves and celebrate love their way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from staying rooted in your values. When you’re building something that feels true to you, people connect with that. I also learned to stop waiting until things are perfect. Progress beats perfection every time.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: your elopement can be anything you want it to be. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules. I’ll help you plan something honest, unforgettable, and wildly you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Colorado and I wanted to show them the absolute best this state has to offer, we’d skip the crowded I-70 corridor and head straight to the San Juan Mountains and Crested Butte. These areas are hands-down the most breathtaking, untouched, and wild Colorado places in the entire state. If you’re looking for those jaw-dropping postcard views with rugged, volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and charming mountain towns, this is where you’ll find them. This area of Colorado is unmatched in my opinion!

Here’s how I’d plan our week:

Day 1–3: Crested Butte

We’d kick things off in Crested Butte, especially if it’s wildflower season (mid-July = literal magic). We’d hike and wander the colorful main street, and grab coffee (or iced matcha, my personal favorite) every morning. For food, we would track down some great options since I’m a big foodie! Evenings would mean catching sunset on Gothic Road for those iconic golden hour mountain views. This is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets and one of my favorite places to be!

Day 4–7: San Juan Mountains (Ouray, Silverton, Telluride)

Next stop: the San Juans. These mountains are dramatic. They feel like the Alps dropped into Colorado. We’d base out of Ouray and road trip the Million Dollar Highway (stopping every five seconds for photos). We’d hike to Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride because this is one of my favorite hikes! Ouray hot springs are perfect for relaxing after a long day. We’d grab food from the famous The Butcher & The Baker in Telluride and finish the day with delicious pizza at Goldbelt Bar & Grill in Ouray. We would also do some off-roading, because how could you not! I would also LOVE to grab a paddleboard and hit up a beautiful lake and relax with views and lunch on some boards.

What I love most about these areas isn’t just the views, it’s the vibe. People here are down-to-earth, outdoorsy, and genuinely in love with where they live. It’s slower-paced, more intentional, and honestly feels like what Colorado used to be.

If you want the true Colorado mountain experience, this is it. You won’t want to leave.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out two very important people: my husband, Matt, and my mom, Heather.

Growing up, my mom taught me to dance to the beat of my own heart. She always encouraged me to be fully myself, no matter what, and now, that’s exactly what I help couples do on their wedding day. It’s become such a core part of who I am and how I run my business that it’s even become a motto: elope to the beat of your heart. I want every couple to design a day that’s deeply personal and a true reflection of who they are together.

And Matt, my husband, my partner in everything, has been by my side since the very beginning. He’s been my biggest encourager throughout my journey as a business owner, always pushing me to grow and believe in myself. He’s my sounding board when I need to talk through ideas, and he’s even joined me on location scouting trips. He’s played such a big role in my story, and I couldn’t do this without him.

Website: https://rootedrebelselope.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedrebelsphoto/?hl=en