How do we help you plan your elopement?

You reach out to us with questions and ideas for your elopement and we then connect via phone and chat about your vision. Using our expertise and resources, we help you craft a magical experience for your elopement day. Instead of worrying about linens and limos, we’re discussing lovely adventures and experiences.

We’ll help you choreograph your elopement to be filled with delight and adventure and celebrate the love you share in an authentic way. By the time your elopement day happens, the stage is set for you to have an epic day.

We want to elope but we are not sure where to start. Can you help us?

We can! With over 25 years of experience photographing and traveling in the southwest and beyond, we can help you find the perfect location and suggest ideas for your elopement day that will be fun and meaningful to you. We specialize in off-the-beaten-path kinds of places. It could be a wild landscape that you love, a place you’ve dreamed of visiting, a private chapel, or a romantic private rental home with a view.

Can we bring our friends and family?

The short answer is yes, an elopement is most definitely about having it your way. Please keep in mind that including more people may involve more complicated planning and could limit your location options. Logistics like bathrooms, transportation, parking, etc. become more involved with more guests. Our package pricing accommodates up to 4 guests. **Contact us for custom pricing if you are interested in including more than 4 guests.

What does it mean to elope and how does elopement work?

The modern definition of elopement is way more enticing than running off to Vegas! An elopement is a personal, intimate, and meaningful way to get married. It’s a magical day for the two of you to exchange vows and celebrate. If you want to spend your wedding day in a beautiful setting and enjoy your union without convention or limitations, eloping is for you!

You can have an officiant conduct your elopement ceremony or you do your own (we can help with suggestions). Your ceremony could include exchanging vows, rings, a first kiss, handfasting, breaking of the glass, candle lighting, readings, a moment of prayer, sharing a drink of your favorite adult beverage, or popping a bottle of champagne afterward! It’s your ceremony and you can design it your way!

What does an elopement day look like?

Every elopement is unique. While your elopement day will be fully customized and unique to you, most elopements share some of the same components. Your elopement day could start out watching the sun rise over a stunning vista while enjoying your morning coffee. It could include a special space to get ready, a “first look”, a vow exchange or ceremony, a fun adventure, a post-elopement meal and toast, a first dance, reading letters from family and friends, watching the sunset with a glass of champagne, dancing under the stars, enjoying some cake or a cupcake or a donut or…

Can we be legally married without an officiant if we elope?

Each state has different requirements for making your marriage legal. Typically you will have a certain amount of time to get married from your filing date for a marriage license at the courthouse. Some states allow a self-solemnizing marriage license (no officiants or witnesses needed) while other states require an officiant to sign your license. You can do the signing process at the courthouse and then stand on a mountaintop to say your vows to each other. We can help guide you through the specifics.

How do we tell our friends and family that we want to elope?

You’ve decided to elope and nothing feels like a better fit for you and your beloved. Now how to tell your family and inner circle? This article provides some great advice for sharing your news with those you love the most.

And be sure to share your beautiful images by creating a photo book for those closest to you. As this mother-of-the-groom says, it will help them feel like they had a front-row seat!

Do we have to be experienced hikers and outdoors people?

Nope! There are so many amazingly beautiful places that don’t require hiking to access. We’re well versed in backroads that lead to wild places. We’ll help you customize your elopement day to make it fun and magical and as adventurous as you want to be. That might include renting a 4WD vehicle or even a helicopter if you want a truly remote location!

Is planning an elopement less stressful than a big wedding?

Yup! Need we say more?

Can you help us with ideas of what to do on our elopement day?

Absolutely, we can suggest ideas, and activities and help you find your dream ceremony location, a bespoke meal, the backdrop for your vows, and what music to play as you dance together under the stars.

What if we feel self-conscious, unphotogenic, or awkward being photographed? Will you be able to get good photos of us?

Know that you are not alone! Some of the couples I work with tell me they normally are uncomfortable or awkward having their photo taken. With years of experience photographing couples and business execs, I’m really good at helping put you at ease with me and my camera. And because we’ve been planning your elopement adventure we already have a fun and friendly rapport and connection. I’ll give you prompts and cues to help you feel natural, relaxed, and focused on each other.

My laid-back directing style makes being photographed light and fun and engaging. Many of the couples I’ve worked with tell me that it was actually one of their favorite parts of their special day.

What do we need to do to reserve you to photograph our elopement?

I require a signed contract and 50% payment as a retainer to reserve your elopement date.

How long should I hire a photographer for my elopement?

That depends on the experiences you want to share on your wedding day. Most couples want me to cover the entire story of their day, from getting ready, hiking or traveling to the ceremony site, exchanging vows, and celebrating. Some couples want to include certain activities or adventures and others want to experience the sunrise, the sunset, or dance under the stars. All-day coverage is not about having a camera in your face all day. It’s about taking the time to enjoy your wedding and location.

It’s all about having a fun, stress-free and exciting day where you can relax and be yourself. Instead of a tight timeline, you can savor every moment of your celebration.

I’m the fly on the wall, giving you plenty of opportunity just to be you, be together, and document all those fun moments and adventures along the way.

Why should we elope on a weekday?

In the last few years, many outdoor locations, and even off-the-beaten-path and less well-known places have become very busy. If your elopement will take place on public lands, getting married on a weekday helps ensure that it won’t be crowded.

What is an Adventure Elopement?

Skipping a traditional wedding, and getting married your way in a stress-free way in a beautiful location.

Why elope instead of having a wedding?

Eloping gives you the freedom to celebrate your wedding in an intimate, authentic way and skip the stress of planning a big event. Planning an elopement is less time-consuming and much more FUN than a big wedding!

Do you only photograph elopements in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

No! We specialize in photographing elopements across the Southwest. Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California are all places we regularly work and photograph. We have also photographed weddings and elopements across the U.S. Have a dream destination? We can’t wait to hear about it!