My Dream Wedding
Weddings are for dreamers.
The term “Dream Wedding” exists for a reason.
Everyone loves to dream about the what-ifs and the concept of the perfect wedding — where you don’t have to worry about pesky things like logistics and budget constraints — has been with a lot of us since we were children. Whether you’re dreaming about who you will say your “I do” with, what you will be wearing, or in the case of this blog post, the location.
To be honest, like many guys, I never really dreamed about my wedding day. And as of 2024, I have been a happily married man for almost 12 years. So you may be wondering how I’m just now talking about my dream wedding. Didn't it already happen?
Well, if you think you're confused, imagine being my wife (who just so happens to also be the editor of this very blog). Let me explain.
Although I never had a dream wedding before, now that I am a wedding photographer, I absolutely do. If brides and grooms can have dream weddings so can wedding photographers! My dream wedding is more of a dream location. A venue at the top of my bucket list of places where I need to put my skills as a professional wedding photographer to work capturing a magical day for another couple.
So join me on a trip down Texas Highway 287 to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where I’m determined to be part of a couple’s wedding day, taking wedding photos in one of the most beautiful places in the Lone Star State.
The Location
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States (I will give you one “grand” guess as to what the biggest is).
For anyone interested in a quick history lesson, the state of Texas purchased the land for the park from Fred S. Emory in 1933 and it was not long after that the Civilian Conservation Corps (for my hiking and mountain biking fans, these are the OG trail builders) arrived in the canyon to start construction of the first daunting task: a road to the bottom of the canyon!
As soon as you pass through the park gates, you are greeted by a stunning sight of rock formations that demonstrate the incredible power of nature. After making your way down the winding road to the bottom of the canyon, you have 28,000 acres of Texas wildlife to explore.
Check out all the awesome different types of wildlife you may encounter at the park!
The second largest state park system, Palo Duro Canyon is filled with breathtaking views and a rich history of life that dates back to almost 12,000 years ago. Miles of trails for hiking and biking (the preferred RFP way to explore). Caves and wildlife and plenty to observe. And one heck of a dang good burger at the trading post! (Trust me, that last one is not an opinion. It is a validated, verified, and backed up fact.)
After Dani and I visited Palo Duro Canyon on our recent trip for 24 Hours in the Canyon, we both fell in love with what we found all around us. The unique color of the rock formations offers incredible photo opportunities for an adventurous couple willing to make the hikes.
Over the course of the four days we spent in the park, we never ceased to be awed by the beauty and the power of nature witnessed throughout the park.
The Experience
Cave Hiking
Even novice hikers like us got to feel like true adventurers on a perilous journey
Plan the timeline in your head how you want, but I would love to spend a couple of days on location with a client who has a healthy appetite for exploring and seeking adventure.
Nature at work
Small caves embedded in the canyon walls offer a glimpse of how water and rain erosion have created the region’s landmarks over tens of thousands of years.
Elopement pictures at one of the caves.
Pictures hiking to one of the many iconic rock features, like the famous Lighthouse.
Photos taken at sunrise and sunset.
And let's not forget all the campfire cuddles and laughs in between.
Bonus points if the couple also happens to be mountain bikers and we can do some trail shots of them holding hands!
Think about it.
People take expeditions to places all over the world for all kinds of reasons. So why not a full documentary wedding photo session for a couple of days? And while I picked Palo Duro Canyon State Park as the location in the post, it doesn't stop there. The Grand Canyon, Redwood National Forest, standing at the base or top of El Cap. Nothing would make me happier than the opportunity to work with couples to take pictures at some of the most beautiful places in the world.
What better way to start a new chapter of your life than with the heart of an adventurer in timeless, epic photos with the world's most magical outdoor locations as a wedding venue backdrop?
