What to Look for When Choosing a Photographer for Your Spruce Mountain Ranch Wedding

Photography credit: Epic Imagery

What to Look for When Choosing a Photographer for Your Spruce Mountain Ranch Wedding

With wide mountain views, tree-lined paths, rustic buildings, and open fields, Spruce Mountain Ranch provides a beautiful setting for a Colorado wedding. There are photo opportunities all across the property, from quiet wooded walkways to expansive views of the Front Range.

Because the venue offers so many scenic backdrops, choosing the right photographer is an important part of the planning process. Beyond simply photographing the setting, your photographer will capture the moments, emotions, and interactions that make your wedding day memorable.

If you're planning a wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch, here are several important things to consider when choosing the photographer who will tell the story of your day.

Start by Understanding Photography Styles

One of the first things couples notice when exploring photographers is that everyone has a slightly different style. Understanding these approaches can help you find someone whose work matches the look and feel you want for your wedding memories.

Photography credit: Tina Joiner Photography

Editorial photography often looks polished and magazine-inspired. These images are carefully composed, using light, framing, and direction to create elegant, artistic photographs. At a venue like Spruce Mountain Ranch, editorial shots might highlight the dramatic mountainside ceremony site, the warm glow of twinkle lights in the courtyard, or a couple framed against the ranch’s handcrafted architecture.

Photography credit: Amazing Colorado Photography

Candid photography focuses on real, unscripted moments. Instead of directing every pose, photographers watch for natural interactions: laughter between friends, a quiet moment between family members, or the excitement just before walking down the aisle. These photos often become some of the most emotional and memorable images of the day.

Photography credit: Girard Photography & Films

Portrait photography is the classic approach many people expect from wedding albums. This includes posed photos of the couple, the wedding party, and family members. Well-crafted portraits ensure you have timeless images to frame or include in your album.

Photography credit: Tyler Freear Photography

Documentary photography (also called photojournalism) aims to capture the day as it unfolds. Instead of staging moments, the photographer quietly observes and records the story of the celebration from getting ready in the morning to the final dance at night.

Most wedding photographers don’t stick to just one style for the entire day. A typical wedding includes a mix of moments that call for different approaches. Family portraits and couple photos might require a bit of direction, while the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception often lend themselves to more natural, candid images. Looking through a photographer’s portfolio can give you a better sense of how they move between these styles and what their overall storytelling approach looks like.

Review Full Wedding Galleries

When couples start searching for photographers, the first thing they usually see is a photographer’s best work: those standout images featured on websites or social media. While those photos can be stunning, they represent only a small slice of what a full wedding day looks like.

That’s why it’s helpful to ask photographers to share a complete wedding gallery. Seeing a full set of images, especially from weddings held at Spruce Mountain Ranch or similar venues, gives you a much clearer idea of how they document the entire event.

A wedding day moves through many different lighting situations. There may be bright afternoon sunshine during the ceremony, shaded outdoor portraits, softly lit indoor spaces, and darker reception environments later in the evening. Looking at a full gallery lets you see how a photographer handles all those transitions.

It also shows how they capture the flow of the day from quiet moments before the ceremony to the energy of the dance floor rather than just a handful of highlight photos.

Look for Experience With Weddings

Wedding photography is very different from portrait sessions or lifestyle photography. The timeline moves quickly, and many moments happen only once.

Experienced photographers know how to anticipate these moments while managing changing lighting conditions, tight timelines, and unexpected surprises. They’re also comfortable coordinating with planners, venue staff, and other vendors to keep the day running smoothly.

At a large venue like Spruce Mountain Ranch, familiarity with the property can also be helpful. Photographers who have worked there before often know how to use the ranch’s landscapes, structures, and natural light to create beautiful images.

From sweeping views of the ceremony sites to quiet paths lined with trees, the property offers many unique photo opportunities.

Consider Whether You Want a Second Photographer

Many wedding photography teams recommend having a second photographer, sometimes called a second shooter, for the day. This allows two perspectives to be captured simultaneously.

For example, while one photographer is documenting the couple getting ready, another can photograph guests arriving or the wedding party preparing elsewhere. During the ceremony, one photographer may focus on the couple while the other captures reactions from family and friends.

A second photographer can also help ensure that smaller moments like candid guest interactions or emotional reactions are captured throughout the day.

That said, some couples choose a single photographer depending on their timeline and priorities. The best approach often depends on the size of your wedding and how much coverage you want. Ask your preferred photographer if they use second shooters in some or all of their packages!

Think About Timeline and Coverage

Most weddings require 8 to 10 hours of photography coverage, though this can vary depending on your plans for the day.

Photography coverage usually starts as the couple gets ready and continues through the major moments of the reception. That often includes the ceremony, portraits, toasts, and the first dances. Some couples decide to extend coverage a little longer so their photographer can capture the grand exit or the later parts of the celebration once the dance floor really gets going.

When you’re talking with potential photographers, it’s worth asking how they typically structure a wedding-day timeline and how many hours of coverage they suggest. Photographers who regularly shoot weddings can help you build a schedule that allows enough time for portraits, family photos, and the natural moments that happen throughout the day without making the timeline feel rushed.

Make Sure You Feel Comfortable With Your Photographer

One detail couples sometimes overlook is how much time they will spend with their photographer on the wedding day. From early morning preparations to the reception celebration, your photographer will be nearby for many of the most meaningful moments.

Because of this, personal connection matters. Feeling comfortable with your photographer helps you relax in front of the camera, which, in turn, leads to better photos.

During consultations or engagement sessions, pay attention to how they communicate and whether their personality feels like a good fit for you and your partner.

A photographer who makes you feel confident and at ease will help the entire day flow more naturally.

Ask the Right Questions

Before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to ask photographers a few questions that go beyond simply looking at their photos. The goal is to understand how they work and what the overall experience will be like.

A few helpful questions might include:

• How do you typically approach photographing a wedding day?  
• What does communication look like between booking and the wedding?  
• What’s included in your photography packages?  
• How long does it usually take to receive the final images?  
• How do you handle unexpected situations or timeline changes?

Conversations like these can give you a clearer picture of what it’s like to work with a photographer, from the planning stages all the way through photo delivery.

Start Your Search Early

Wedding photographers tend to book their calendars well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. Because of that, many couples begin looking for a photographer around 9 to 12 months before their wedding date. In some cases, popular dates can fill even earlier.

Once your venue and wedding date are secured, it’s a good idea to begin researching photographers whose work resonates with you.

This also gives you time to schedule engagement photos if they are included in your package.

Choosing the Photographer Who Fits Your Vision

At the end of the day, the most important factor is finding a photographer whose work you love and whose presence feels comfortable and supportive.

After the music fades and the flowers are gone, your photographs will be the lasting record of your wedding celebration. They will be the images you return to when remembering the people, emotions, and moments that made the day special.

With the natural beauty and variety of backdrops at Spruce Mountain Ranch, the right photographer can help ensure every part of your wedding story is preserved in a way that feels authentic to you.

We recently asked several photographers who have documented weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch their thoughts on wedding photography and shooting pictures at our venues. Here’s what they had to say!

Tina Joiner Photography

Social Media: IG: @tinajoinerphotography

Website: http://www.tinajoinerphotography.com

How long have you been a photographer? 13 years

What is your favorite thing about being a wedding photographer?   I love being with couples and creating amazing memories on the happiest day of their lives!

What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch?   I absolutely love all of the different photo locations at Spruce Mountain Ranch. You will never run out of amazing backdrops for wedding photos. Also, the staff is the best to work with! They are wonderful!

In your opinion, what are the best spots on the ranch to take photos?   I love the wide open fields with mountains in the background. It is always fun when the cows are out for a photo op! My favorite spots are really all of the pretty pathways with beautiful, lush trees and flowers. The wood pile at the lower ranch and the big doors as you enter the ceremony at the upper ranch are both favorites!

How many hours are recommended for photographing a wedding? 8-10 hours

Do you recommend having a second photographer for wedding photography? Do you ever utilize a second photographer in your business?   Absolutely!  All of my packages have two photographers because I believe it allows the day to run much smoother.  

What is your wedding photography style?   My photography style is a mix of documentary, posed, and candid.

What do you recommend couples ask when looking for a wedding photographer?   Ask to see full wedding galleries from their venue. It helps to see it all from the sunny ceremony to the reception at night.  

In your opinion, when should couples start looking for a wedding photographer?   9-12 months before the wedding, but I do have couples that book 18 months to 2 years out

What is one thing you think couples should know when choosing a wedding photographer?   You will spend more time with your wedding photographer on the day of your wedding than any other vendor. It is important that you enjoy spending time with your photographer for that reason. You will spend a lot of money on all of the details of your wedding day. It is important to hire an experienced photographer who knows how to capture every aspect of your wedding. After the flowers have wilted, the DJ goes home, and your dress is tucked away, your wedding photos are what will help you relive your day.  

Epic Imagery

Social Media: IG: @epicimagery -  FB: @Epic Imagery Photography 

Website: http://www.epicimagery.com 

How long have you been a photographer? 20-plus years

What is your favorite thing about being a wedding photographer?   We love building relationships with our clients and having the privilege of telling their stories.

What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch?   Spruce Mountain Ranch is an incredible venue to photograph events at because of the incredible visual diversity it provides. From the inside of each structure, to the varying landscapes at [Spruce Mountain Ranch], each wedding or event is able to have a look and feel all its own.

In your opinion, what are the best spots on the ranch to take photos?   We love the unique vignettes and sweeping landscapes at the ranch. Some of our favorites are the treelined walkway at the mountainside ceremony location, the log-covered dock at the pond near the lower ranch, as well as the sweeping views from Trey’s Vista and the Mountainside meadow overlooking the entire property.

How many hours are recommended for photographing a wedding? 8-9 hours

Do you recommend having a second photographer for wedding photography? Do you ever utilize a second photographer in your business?   Yes, we always recommend a second shooter! Having two photographers is a key element in capturing differing perspectives on a Wedding Day in order to document the full story.  

What is your wedding photography style?   Our style is photojournalistic with a mix of both candid moments and classic portraiture.

What do you recommend couples ask when looking for a wedding photographer?   Couples should ask their prospective photographer about their approach from the time of booking to the fulfillment of their contract.  Clients should never be confused or left wondering when they will next hear from their photographer, how the Wedding Day will be structured in terms of photography, or what to expect in terms of delivery times.

In your opinion, when should couples start looking for a wedding photographer?   A photographer should be contracted soon after your date is set and your wedding venue is chosen.

What is one thing you think couples should know when choosing a wedding photographer?   When choosing a photographer for your wedding, experience matters! Aspects of the day, such as variations in light, time management, preparing for the unexpected, etc., are all important details of a wedding day which come with time and wisdom. Choose a photographer who makes you feel confident that they are well-qualified and will provide you with an outstanding outcome, no matter what the circumstances!

Amazing Davis/Amazing Colorado Photography

Social Media: IG: @amazingcoloradophotography 

Website: http://amazingcoloradophotography.com 

How long have you been a photographer? Professionally, 5 Years

What is your favorite thing about being a wedding photographer?   Capturing unique love stories and seeing how each person fits their partner so perfectly. Hopeless romantic over here!

What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch?   The venues are STUNNING, and they have beautiful get-ready spaces as well as a variety of scenic options outside for portraits. The lighting inside is breathtaking, and you get so much bang for your buck at Spruce Mountain Ranch! The venue is relatively close to me, so I definitely love less travel, AND I am familiar with the lower and upper ranch, so I feel incredibly comfortable photographing weddings at either!

In your opinion, what are the best spots on the ranch to take photos?   Mountainside, Trey's Vista, and by the lake.

How many hours are recommended for photographing a wedding? Most couples book 8-10 hours of wedding photography. I recommend 10 to capture the wedding day to the fullest!

Do you recommend having a second photographer for wedding photography? Do you ever utilize a second photographer in your business?   100% YES!! Having a second shooter is crucial to make sure we don't miss any moments during your day! Most of my wedding packages include a second photographer.

What is your wedding photography style?   I am a mix of candid, artistic, and documentary. Your day is full of variety, so I believe your photos should be too.

What do you recommend couples ask when looking for a wedding photographer?   Ask about the wedding photographer as a person. The photographer is going to be with you more than anyone else on your wedding day. You want to vibe with them! I think it is more important booking a photographer that you genuinely like as a person and that you think will be a good fit around you as well as your family and friends. When you are enjoying your day to the fullest because you are both comfortable and trust your photographer, it makes everything else effortless! 

In your opinion, when should couples start looking for a wedding photographer?   I would say around 12-16 months out! Popular dates get booked fast, so the sooner for popular dates, the better! Plus, it gives you a chance to do your Engagement photos with your wedding photographer too!

What is one thing you think couples should know when choosing a wedding photographer?   Find a wedding photographer you LOVE! You love their vibe, you love their portfolio, and you are beyond excited to chat with them! If you are going to splurge on ANYTHING, splurge on wedding photography.

Britni Girard, Girard Photography & Films

Social Media: @Girardphotoandfilms 

Website: https://girardphotoandfilm.com 

How long have you been a photographer? Over 10 years

What is your favorite thing about being a wedding photographer?   Our favorite thing is getting to witness real, unfiltered human connection. Weddings have a way of stripping things down to what actually matters—love, family, commitment, and the people who show up for you. Being invited into that space is something we never take lightly. We also love the trust. Couples allow us to step into some of the most meaningful, emotional, and joy-filled moments of their lives, and there’s something incredibly powerful about preserving those memories in a way that lets them feel it all over again years from now. It’s never just about photos for us—it’s about people, story, and the legacy those moments become over time.

What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch?   One of our favorite things about photographing weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch is the balance it offers—both in people and in place. The team there is consistently kind, helpful, and deeply invested in making the day run smoothly, which creates such a calm and supportive environment for everyone involved.

Artistically, the property gives you so much to work with. You can fully embrace the rustic charm of the ranch, or lean into a more elevated, al fresco feel in the courtyard with the fireplaces and twinkle lights. The mountainside ceremony views are always stunning, but there’s something especially timeless about the trees surrounding Grace’s Chapel—it has a quiet kind of magic that never gets old.

What we love most, though, is how flexible the space is. Even though it’s a ranch, every wedding there feels different. It allows us to lean into each couple’s vision and use the property to help tell their story in a way that feels personal and true to them.

In your opinion, what are the best spots on the ranch to take photos?   I'm always drawn to the roads around the property lined with trees. They provide so much beauty, while occasionally helping with the beating sun. The grassy fields behind the ceremony sites are always beautiful with clear mountain views. But golden hour by either of the ponds always seems to be a client favorite, too.

How many hours are recommended for photographing a wedding?    It depends on how the couple wants to experience the day. But I'd say that 8 hours allows for all of the key moments to be captured (getting in the dress, reveals and first looks, portraits, ceremony, family portraits, cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, dances and a little bit of the party). When couples want to have the exit captured and more time at the beginning of the day for bride & groom portraits, especially if they want to join cocktail hour, we suggest 10.

Do you recommend having a second photographer for wedding photography? Do you ever utilize a second photographer in your business?   In most cases, yes—we do recommend having a second photographer. Weddings are layered and fast-moving, and having a second perspective allows more of the story to be captured in real time. While one of us may be focused on the couple, the other can document reactions, in-between moments, and the wider atmosphere of the day. It adds depth and gives couples a more complete view of their experience.  As a husband-and-wife team, we naturally work from two perspectives, which is one of the strengths of how we approach weddings. Depending on the size, timeline, and complexity of the celebration, we also bring in trusted second photographers from our team when additional coverage is needed. Our goal is always the same—to make sure nothing meaningful is missed while keeping the experience seamless and unobtrusive for our couples.

What is your wedding photography style?   Our style is best described as a blend of documentary and editorial. We focus heavily on real, unscripted moments—the emotion, connection, and in-between interactions that tell the true story of the day. At the same time, we bring a refined, artistic eye to composition, light, and atmosphere so the images feel timeless and elevated without ever feeling forced.  We gently guide when it matters, especially during portraits, but much of the day is captured as it naturally unfolds. The goal is for couples to feel present, not posed—so when they look back, they don’t just see how it looked, they remember how it felt.  (Timeless, True to life Color, Editorial and Documentary)

What do you recommend couples ask when looking for a wedding photographer?   We always encourage couples to look beyond just the photos and ask questions that help them understand the experience they’ll have. A few important ones are: How do you approach a wedding day? How do you help couples feel comfortable in front of the camera? What does communication and planning look like leading up to the wedding? And how do you handle unexpected moments or changes on the day itself?    It’s also important to ask to see full galleries, not just highlight images, so you can understand how a photographer tells the story of an entire day—from quiet moments to big celebrations. Style matters, but consistency, presence, and trust matter just as much.   Most importantly, couples should ask themselves how they feel when they interact with a photographer. You’ll spend a lot of your wedding day with this person, so connection, comfort, and confidence in how they lead and care for you are just as important as the final images.

In your opinion, when should couples start looking for a wedding photographer?   As soon as they have their wedding date confirmed with a wedding venue. But starting to browse and look at styles early on is always helpful. We typically book weddings 6-18 months out from the date!

What is one thing you think couples should know when choosing a wedding photographer?   One thing we’d want couples—especially today’s brides—to know is this: you don’t have to perform for your wedding photos. The right photographer won’t try to turn you into someone else or force you into a version of your day that doesn’t feel like you. Your wedding isn’t a production—it’s your real story, and it deserves to be documented honestly.   Choose someone who helps you feel comfortable, understood, and fully yourself. When you feel safe and seen, the photos naturally become more meaningful, more beautiful, and more you. Trends will come and go, but the way your day felt—the people, the emotion, the connection—that’s what lasts. The best photos don’t come from perfection. They come from presence.

Tyler Freear Photography

Social Media: @tylerfreearphotography 

Website: https://www.tylerfreear.com/  

How long have you been a photographer? 

18 years

What is your favorite thing about being a wedding photographer?   Being able to capture the special moments and watching couples build their lives together. I particularly love being called after the wedding for their family and Christmas photos.

What is your favorite thing about photographing weddings at Spruce Mountain Ranch?   Spruce Mountain holds a special place with me because it was one of the first venues I worked when I moved to Colorado. It now feels like family. The locations across the property and scenery is second to none.

In your opinion, what are the best spots on the ranch to take photos?   I have two areas that are my go-to on the property. The upper pond has given me some amazing photos with couples, and what makes it great is you can have a different background with just a slight turn or positioning. I also love the main road leading up to the lower ranch with the trees lining both sides of the road. It has wonderful depth and frames couples perfectly..

How many hours are recommended for photographing a wedding?    I find most couples choose my 6 or 7 hour packages, and that seems to work perfectly.

Do you recommend having a second photographer for wedding photography? Do you ever utilize a second photographer in your business?   A second photographer can be helpful, but certainly not necessary. As long as a solid timeline is established, one photographer can certainly be fine. Having a good wedding planner is helpful as well. 

What is your wedding photography style?   I provide several styles throughout the day since a wedding has different aspects to it. Portraits for families, couples, and bridal party. Candids for the ceremony and reception. Artistic for those images you'll want to hang on your wall.

What do you recommend couples ask when looking for a wedding photographer?   It's important for couples to ask about how a photographer approaches the wedding and their level of experience. There is nothing wrong with hiring someone getting into photography but how obstacles are handled that can come up that couples don't think of can be crucial.

In your opinion, when should couples start looking for a wedding photographer?   One year out. Venue first, then photographer. Since we are usually the person shooting the wedding and unable to send just anyone, it's important to reserve the date once you know it.

What is one thing you think couples should know when choosing a wedding photographer?   You'll want to know exactly what's included with the photograph package you've selected. Find out what you're paying for so there are no surprises after the wedding day. Also, get referrals and do your research.```