It’s important to connect with both the images AND the person behind the lens! You should dig into portfolios to ensure their style matches what you envision, as well as making sure you’re a personality match. After all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with this person. You not only want to be able to trust them to capture your day and make you look your best, but they should also make you feel totally at ease around the camera. In the end, this comfort in front of the lens will make the whole process, including the final photographic result, the best it can possibly be!

It’s also helpful to know how experienced they are with photographing elopements vs traditional weddings – they’re totally different beasts! Elopement photography requires knowledge of the permitting process (which can be a total bureaucratic nightmare), comfort in the outdoors in unpredictable scenarios, as well as an understanding of how to design timelines and coordinate logistics for adventurous activities. A “show up and shoot” mentality definitely doesn’t apply here. Elopement-specific photographers will provide invaluable expertise from start to finish to ensure your day goes smoothly!

Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of weather that’s less than ideal. Once you’ve decided on a location, you’ll review potential issues that could arise based on the season and discuss potential day-of backup plans accordingly. If your elopement is scheduled during a stormy season, you’ll receive updates as conditions develop, as well as a suggested packing list of things that may come in handy depending on the forecast (skin-toned leggings to layer, waterproof hiking boots, clear umbrellas, extra sunscreen and water, gloves and scarves, etc.).

These days, July through October is considered the worst part of “fire season” in the Western US. California, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon and Washington have all suffered from blazes that start earlier and spread further each year. Some areas are more likely to be at risk than others, so you’ll want to keep this in mind when selecting your location, which may require having a comprehensive backup travel plan in place.

Elopements aren’t canceled or postponed due to less-than-ideal weather unless it’s too dangerous to travel and/or be outdoors so please pick your location and date accordingly!

Because this day is all about you, it’s important to find vendors who match your style, click with your personalities and have the experience to make your dream elopement a reality.

When you first start planning how you envision your day coming together, one way to develop your vision is to create a Pinterest board that the two of you can both contribute to. That way the process is collaborative from the onset, ensuring there are no miscommunications or confusions along the way. Pinterest is such a great way to explore all of your options and start narrowing things down, which will help keep you from getting overwhelmed as you’re looking to hire specific vendors.

As a dog lover, it’s always VERY exciting when someone wants to bring along their puppers to be a part of the day! They’re a part of your family, and it’s so great that you want to incorporate them in your elopement…especially if you get them a little canine tuxedo.

However, you’ll want to consider a few things before fully committing. First: does the location allow dogs? For example, some national parks and forests don’t allow dogs on the trails or left behind in vehicles – so this could greatly limit your location options. Second: What’s your dog’s general disposition? Is he relaxed and comfortable around strangers? Or does he get anxiety and tend to act out, which will then cause you both a bit of stress when he’s a total jerk? If your dog is well-behaved and the area allows it, definitely bring him along! Also, if you’re having guests attend, they can be put on pooch patrol so you don’t have to worry about him as much.