STILLS & MOTION
BY THE WEST
Vail Wedding Photographer and Videographer
A balance of raw emotion and refined composition. Immersive storytelling shaped by alpine light, mountain movement, and connection.
We blend documentary storytelling with cinematic, editorial restraint to create imagery that feels refined, timeless, and deeply personal. As a Vail wedding photographer and videographer, whether you are exchanging vows on Vail Mountain, hosting a rehearsal dinner at Beano’s Cabin, or planning a multi-day celebration across Beaver Creek and the Gore Range, our focus is on capturing how your wedding felt, not just how it looked.
By The West works with couples planning intentional, experience-driven weddings throughout the Vail Valley — from intimate mountain elopements to grand celebrations at Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, and the surrounding alpine venues.
FEATURED IN
The
Storyteller
Behind The Scenes
Some moments define a lifetime. They unfold in the stillness of a mountaintop, in the warmth of candlelit celebrations, in the echo of laughter shared with your closest friends. These are the moments that deserve to be more than remembered. They deserve to be felt forever.
As a Vail wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve spent the last decade working with couples who come to the valley because they want something that feels as significant as the setting. From intimate ceremonies at Donovan Pavilion and The Sonnenalp to grand multi-day celebrations at Beano’s Cabin, Park Hyatt, and Grand Hyatt Bachelor’s Gulch — the valley draws some of the most remarkable weddings in Colorado.
Every story we tell is intentionally crafted to feel distinct, immersive, and undeniably yours. Not just how it looked, but how it felt.
—Mark Blake
Vail. Beaver Creek. The Gore Range.
The Vail Valley is Colorado’s most established luxury wedding region — and one of the most photographically distinct. Ceremonies at the Donovan Pavilion beside Gore Creek, mountaintop vows on the Vail Wedding Deck at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, alpine receptions at Beano’s Cabin accessible only by shuttle, and full resort weekends at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek each present a different visual character — and each rewards a photographer who knows the specific light, timing, and terrain.
The distinction between Vail Village and Beaver Creek matters here: Vail offers walkable village access and the Beaver Creek Chapel draws couples who want the gondola transition as part of the day. We’ve documented celebrations across the full range of the valley, from intimate ceremonies above the treeline to multi-day destination weekends that span both resorts. Browse the complete Vail and Beaver Creek venue guide for a firsthand look at what each setting offers across seasons.
FROM VOWS TO
THE AFTER PARTY
“so grateful to have had such an awesome photographer
on our day”
Mark is truly the BEST photographer and such a wonderful person to work with!! My husband and I didn’t know exactly what we wanted in terms of wedding photos but we knew we loved Mark’s work. Mark’s easygoing & professional attitude helped guide us to the services that were best for us, and when our venue cancelled on us and we had to entirely re-plan our wedding, he was SO flexible and helped us restructure our package to accommodate a new location and timeline. Throughout the entire planning process he was super communicative and thoughtful. The day of, he and his team ran things incredibly smoothly, took advantage of every moment and helped us get in some extra shots, and made everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera (something my husband and I struggle with) – we received a ton of compliments from our already-married friends about how professional they were throughout the day. Not to mention – he and his team stuck it out through a freak hailstorm during our ceremony with us!! We really can’t recommend Mark enough, & are so grateful to have had such an awesome photographer on our day!!
“Mark delivered something beyond our wildest dreams. His art form is unique yet has a timeless feel.”
Mark Blake was the very first choice we made for our big day and it turned out to be the best one we would make! Creating a story and true art though photos was our highest priority and Mark delivered something beyond our wildest dreams. His art form is unique yet has a timeless feel. The emotion of our moments really came through and you can see the rawness and beauty of the memory. His use of light and dark is truly an art. He was able to direct us to create every shot and we felt completely comfortable with his kind energy. Everyone can’t stop commenting on how stunning our photos are and says they look like they are from a magazine. He really captured both the amazing mountain backdrops and us in every shot. I cried many tears of joy when I saw our photos!
“Mark stole our hearts from the first photo we saw, and he’s lived up to that expectation.”
Where do I start. Mark really helped us plan our wedding in a sense. We knew we wanted something small, out West, natural, and easy. Mark helped us narrow down where we wanted to get married, was there to bounce ideas off of, and had an amazing attitude throughout the whole thing. Day of, he was on the ball, quick to keep things going when we inevitably ran out of time, and was well organized. Not to mention, he has a corgi, so you know he’s good people. Mark stole our hearts from the first photo we saw, and he’s lived up to that expectation. Get ready Denver area, Mark’s about to take the town by storm.
Questions About Vail Wedding Photography
What is it like to photograph a wedding in Vail?
Vail weddings are defined by the tension between mountain grandeur and genuine intimacy. The landscape provides extraordinary visual material — aspen groves, alpine light, dramatic elevation shifts — while venues like Donovan Pavilion and Beano’s Cabin create conditions where guests are present, unhurried, and emotionally engaged. From a photographer’s perspective, the combination of strong natural light, contained venue spaces, and a genuinely celebratory atmosphere consistently produces some of the most compelling work we create anywhere in Colorado.
When is the best time of year for Vail wedding photography?
September is the strongest single month for photography in the Vail Valley. Aspen color peaks in the final two weeks, the light is directional and golden throughout the day, and the cooler temperatures keep everyone comfortable during outdoor portraits. July and August offer the longest evenings — essential for golden hour timing — and the most reliable outdoor ceremony conditions. Winter under fresh snow at Beano’s Cabin or Park Hyatt produces some of the most striking imagery we create, but requires a photographer experienced in mountain low-light conditions.
Do you photograph at all Vail and Beaver Creek venues?
We photograph regularly at Beano’s Cabin, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Donovan Pavilion, and the Westin Riverfront — the four primary wedding venues in Eagle County. We have also documented elopements and smaller celebrations at private properties throughout the valley. Our full Vail Valley venue guide covers each property in detail, including photography-specific notes on light, portrait settings, and what to expect from each location across seasons.
How far in advance should I book a Vail wedding photographer?
For peak summer Saturdays, 12 to 18 months in advance is standard. September weekends, which offer the strongest photography conditions, tend to book at a similar timeline. We take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure the same level of presence and attention at every celebration. If you have a date and venue in mind, the best first step is reaching out through our booking page to confirm availability.
Do you also film wedding videos in Vail?
Yes — By The West offers both photography and cinematic wedding films. Our motion work is documentary-led and editorially restrained, following the same visual approach as our stills. The Vail Valley’s natural light, landscape, and alpine atmosphere translate exceptionally well to film. Couples who book both photography and film receive a fully integrated experience — one creative team, one visual sensibility, one seamless presence throughout the day. You can explore our film work on the Motion page.
Framed, By The West.