elopement + intimate wedding photography
for couples who seek the extraordinary
Destination Wedding Photographer
Specializing in authentic, intentional love stories
that cherish the experience
At Matlai Photography, it’s never just about the photos—it’s about the experience.
With over 100 couples and countless wild places behind me, I bring more than a camera. I’m your guide, planner, calm in the chaos, and the friend who makes it all feel easy.
If you’re dreaming of an intimate, intentional day that’s all about your love and adventure, you’re in the right place. Let’s make it unforgettable.
I specialize in crafting heartfelt moments that make you feel, quite simply, like you. Let your destination wedding start right here.
BEGIN YOUR EXPERIENCE
Home BasE: Denver, cO available worldwide
I am so glad we found Rose, who turned out to be not just the ultimate photographer and elopement planning partner, but also an awesome person and dear friend.
I don’t even know where to start expressing my gratitude, adoration, respect, and awe for Rose and her work. Rose’s calm demeanor, love for a documentary-inspired approach to photography, and endless enthusiasm for her people are infectious. She provided a steady presence that helped calm my nerves while at the same time being the ultimate hype woman. She captured our whole day beautifully, and looking at our photos transports us back to the sights and feelings we had on our wedding day.
TARA TUBB
With a lifetime of global adventures,
I bring unparalleled experience to help you navigate and capture your unique love story, wherever it unfolds
I was born in Kenya and had already lived in four countries by the time I was ten. Safe to say, the wanderlust kicked in early. Now, after decades of globe-trotting—from the Colorado Rockies to Icelandic fjords—I bring that same adventurous spirit (and a ton of travel know-how) to every elopement I photograph.
Planning a wedding is hard enough. Planning one in a place you've never been? That’s where I come in. I help you figure out the logistics, avoid the stress, and feel totally grounded—no matter how remote your "I do" is. And yes, I’ll be there to capture every wild, wonderful, emotional moment with photos that feel just like you.
I lead with humor, patience, and curiosity—because that's what turns a great trip (and a great wedding) into something unforgettable. So yeah, I’m your guide, your expert, and your calm in the storm… but mostly, I just love people and chasing beautiful stories in wild places.
Let’s make your dream elopement one for the books.
Im ready for adventure
We want to elope but don't know where to start.
You've made the pros and cons lists.
You've debated the various scenarios and landed on something that recognizes your distinct relationship.
Sweet.
Now what?
Lets talk! Whether its a 50 person weekend in the mountains of Colorado, a remote cottage in the countryside in England or a 2 person adventurous elopement in Iceland - I've seen it all.
And I am here to help.
BOOK YOUR DAY
We made this experience so amazing and captured every moment beautifully
My husband and I booked Rose for our elopement and couldn’t have asked for a better photographer! We immediately felt like she was a friend we had known for years. She made this experience so amazing and captured every moment beautifully. Thank you so much for making our day so special! I’d give 10 stars if I could!
ERIN JOINER
A traditional wedding wasn’t for me
THEN
MY PARTNER & I ELOPED
(AND WE NEVER LOOKED BACK)
I’m Rose, the artist behind Matlai Photography. My partner and I decided to elope years ago, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Fueled by my own experience living overseas and expertise traveling the world, I’ve now made it my mission to help all couples create a day that ignores what they’re ‘supposed’ to do, and focuses on what feels right.
So if you’re ready to marry the love of your life on top of a mountain or in the middle of the desert, I’ll be there. My bag is packed and ready to go, so let’s start planning your adventure.
LEARN ABOUT MY LIFE
FEATURED BY AND HAVE WORKED WITH
JOURNEY
THE
BEGINS
Wondering where to start?
Planning an adventurous or destination weddings can feel overwhelming. With years of travel and over 100 planned weddings under my belt, I’ll walk you through the entire process seamlessly and will always listen to your needs.
From choosing the perfect location to planning logistics and final details, I’m here for you. And when the day finally arrives, I’ll give you breathtaking photos that bring you back to your best day again and again.
Afterall, you deserve to feel like the most authentic self on your wedding day.
Because here's the thing - with over 100 elopements and weddings in my back pocket, you can rest assured that youre in the best hands.
I’M HERE TO LEND AN EXPERT HAND
BEGIN YOUR EXPERIENCE
VIEW MY PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
WHERE WILL YOUR LOVE TAKE YOU?
Destination WEDDINGS
Colorado weddings
There’s nothing more intimate than saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the beauty of untouched wilderness. If you desire to say your vows and have the adventure of a lifetime with your favorite person, I would be honored to capture it all. Together, we’ll design the day you’ve always hoped for and get breathtaking photos you can keep forever.
LEARN MORE
In my home state of Colorado, you simply cannot beat the incredible mountain peaks or the near endless supply of craft breweries. I have lived and worked in this great state for over 20 years - so can guide you on the best places to go!
Whether its taking to the skies like Irmina + Brian in this photo or you need more inspiration
For more inspo from this elopement in the Rockies, check out the Featured Blog post on Green Wedding Shoes!
LEARN MORE
