Elopements are such an intimate and special event shared between you and the person you love! So getting every detail right is so important to ensure your day is everything you dreamed it would be – and this includes hiring the right vendors that match your personality and plans.

When my husband and I eloped in Big Sur back in 2016, I’d never heard of an elopement-specific photographer at that time. So, we navigated the entire process ourselves, from researching other local vendors, to location scouting, and then timeline planning. And let me tell you, it was pretty stressful at times! When it came to finding a photographer, I spent countless hours digging into different portfolios, scouring the internet people who had a natural editing style that not only showcased the emotion of the day but also captured the beauty of the location. I mean, we picked Big Sur for a reason, and we wanted to make sure our families could see photos of our elopement that reflected the day as it actually happened.

Having experienced elopement planning from the other side of the camera lens as a bride, really helped me figure out what I wanted to offer my own clients once I transitioned from larger weddings. (Although, fun fact, the first event I was ever “hired” to photograph was my friends’ sunrise elopement in Malibu back in 2010!)

So how do you make sure you find the elopement photographer that is just right for you? Here are some tips to help you navigate the process!

Connecting with your photographer is key! In such an intimate setting, you want to make sure that everyone sharing part in your elopement is someone you trust and feel connected with. Oftentimes, simply visiting a photographer’s website and social media accounts can help you get a feel for their personality and will give you an idea if they seem like someone you can connect with. There are a lot of factors to consider, especially if someone’s values and business ethics are important to you! Are they inclusive? Do they follow Leave No Trace principles? Do you like big personalities or do you vibe better with someone a little more low key? Is their approach hands-on from start to finish – available to assist you with non-photo related questions? Or do you want someone who will just show up and shoot because you’ve got everything handled?

After learning all you can online, the next step is to contact the photographer and, through your correspondences, continue to gauge if you both connect! Don’t be afraid to ask if you can schedule a call or video chat so you can really assess if this is your person. I love speaking and connecting with potential clients. I feel we both get so much from it and it helps us get to know one another before the big day! You want your day to be filled with people you love, and that includes your photographer.

Elopements are not in all photographer’s portfolios and you want to find a photographer that has experience photographing these specific types of events. There are so many beautiful, intimate moments during an elopement, and you want to make sure your photographer is ready to capture them all. Prior experience is also essential so they can help guide you through those special moments that you will want to be photographed. Most photographers who specialize in traditional weddings aren’t experienced in outdoor, distant location scouting, contacting park services and filing for permits, how to protect the environment (Leave No Trace) during your ceremony and photos, or how to plan for any weather/hiking issues that may arise.

Besides knowing ways to really enhance your elopement and make it totally “you,” I’m also very experienced navigating the unique challenges that elopements pose (from both planning my own and photographing others). I love to help my clients plan out their special day with insight and experience that goes beyond the ceremony.

There is a wide variety of elopement and photography styles out there and you want to make sure you and your photographer’s styles are a match. Will you and your partner need/want a lot of specific guidance for posing in photos? Or are you both more of a relaxed and candid type? Maybe you want a mix of fun prompts, poses and documentary style shots? For the final photos, do you have a specific editing style that you love most? Are these images true to life with their representation of color?
Light and dreamy? Dark and moody?

Whatever your elopement style is, you need to find a photographer that understands your vision and has the ability to photograph in a way that compliments your style. I pride myself on having the ability to adapt to my couple’s needs for posing and candid shots and am able to give you a unique, custom experience. Unsure of what you like? Do a search on Pinterest or Google Images to see if there’s a particular look you most connect with as that plays a huge factor in being happy with the end result!

Many elopement photographers offer packages that include travel to places outside of their local city. After striking up your initial conversation, be sure to ask if the location you are planning to be married at is one they are able and willing to travel to. Also, ask if they charge any additional fees beyond their package rates to shoot at this location. It’s also helpful to know if they’ve been there before – either for work or personal exploration! If they haven’t been, they may have a strong system in place to locations scout from afar, ensuring you still get the dreamiest backdrop for your “I Do’s.”

Personally, I love to travel for my clients and my packages include the cost of travel for your convenience – no surprise fees here! I only occasionally charge extra for out-of-the-ordinary expenses like helicopters, ferries, specialty rental cars, etc. (and will definitely give you the heads up far in advance)! It is important when booking an elopement photographer that you know their travel costs and what you will be expected to pay for so you don’t end up with a surprise bill later down the road!

Referrals and reviews are everything! Find a photographer that people absolutely rave about! Other people’s experience will likely be your experience! Talk to someone that has worked with the photographer you are considering and find out how they were to work with. This is the best way to ensure you find a photographer that is not only talented, but also professional and fun to be around! Nobody wants a really disorganized downer hanging out on their elopement day!

I get it – there can be a bit of a sticker shock when you first start planning and working on your elopement budget! I always suggest that you have a general idea of what you can/want to pay and that will help you narrow the down your search for photographers.

However, it’s also important to keep in mind the value of what you are getting as you delve into this search. How many hours will they be needed? How involved will they be during the planning process – like location scouting, permit research, timeline creation, etc.? Do they provide a service that’s above and beyond the typical? How many photos will be edited and when will you receive them? Do you get an online gallery? Are prints included? Do they make an album? There is a lot more value to a photographer than just the price you are paying for their time.

Find out what their time entails and make sure it’s a value worth investing in. With all that said, I think photography is the most important part of your elopement that you will pay for and you will never regret spending a little more than you planned on for the photographer of your dreams!

Your elopement should be a day you will never forget that will be full of perfect and happy memories. Hiring the right photographer will help ensure every aspect of your day is special and every moment is beautifully captured. Follow these tips and you are guaranteed to have the very best elopement photographer for the very best day of your life!

If you want more information about how I assist my clients to plan their dream elopement, please reach out below!