You’re dreaming of a destination elopement because you want to escape it all, right? No stress, no distractions—just pure joy, adventure, and the two of you surrounded by nature. This is your chance to create a day that’s entirely about your love, free from the pressures of a traditional wedding. As you're destination elopement photographer, I'll help you create your bucket-list elopement experience.
Maybe you're envisioning a dramatic cliffside ceremony in Yosemite at sunrise, or along Big Sur’s rugged coastline or maybe a cozy vow exchange beneath towering redwoods. Perhaps you’re dreaming of a laid-back beach elopement in Hawaii, a simple “I do” at the San Francisco courthouse, or an intimate lakeside celebration at Lake Tahoe. Whatever your vision, you've come to the right place!
Yeah, I’m your destination elopement photographer, but I’m so much more than that too. My top priority is making sure your day feels effortless and unforgettable. I’ll help you stress less, explore more, and soak in every incredible moment together.
It’s just you two and me (and if you want to include some of your favorite people, I’ll help you pick the perfect spot, brainstorm the best ways to make it extra special for a small group too). Sounds like a dream, right?
We'll feel like friends by the big day. Through the planning process, we'll hang and get to know each other so I’ll be a friend capturing your day, making it easy to relax, laugh, and be fully in the moment.
A balance of candid and natural posing. I capture the real, unscripted moments while giving just enough direction to make sure you look amazing—without the awkward, stiff poses.
Timeless editing: My images have true-to-life colors with a cinematic touch, so your photos will always feel authentic and never like an outdated Instagram trend. In 10 years, they’ll still bring you right back to the way your day felt.
Real moments over forced poses. Whether it’s laughing at hearing his vows, sharing a picnic spread of your fav foods, or sneaking in a sweet hand squeeze, your elopement should feel like you—because that’s what makes the best photos.
- CHARIESE & MATTHEW
- bryanna and alex
- bryanna and alex
Everything you need to know to start planning your Yosemite Elopement
Yosemite Valley Elopement on a moody and rainy December day.
Discover the best waterfall elopement spots in the US!
Read my step-by-step guide on how to plan your Big Sur Elopement
I'll help you brainstorm your dream California elopement and pick the best spot!
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN ELOPEMENT LOCATION?
will we need to obtain a permit for our elopement?
Do we need to hire an officiant?
WHAT DOES AN ELOPEMENT TIMELINE LOOK LIKE?
How many hours will I need my photographer?
How many photos will we receive?
Can I include family at my elopement?
When should we book our photographer?
Of course! If the location allows, we can plan for up to 20 guests. Just keep in mind that as the guest count grows, factors like parking, seating, and bathroom access may limit the locations we can choose. Just make sure they are up for the adventure! I recommend inviting only the people you know will help keep the day’s focus on YOU! Some couples prefer to include a very small group (or no one) at the elopement ceremony and then they plan a reception or party to follow on the date or at a later date. There are no rules when it comes to elopement weddings, and that’s part of the freedom!
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I typically deliver an average of 50 photos per hour of coverage, but it all depends on the activities throughout your day, and how much time we spend shooting and making memories versus traveling in between locations.
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Most couples really value having all the memories from their elopement day together, from getting ready, until sunset, which is why most of my elopement packages include all-day photography coverage. A few couples may just want some photos from their ceremony, as well as bridal photos inside the park, which can take some time when you're traveling through Yosemite's vast regions. For less photography coverage opt for 6-hours or a "half-day" package.
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Your day can be exactly what you want to make of it, but in most cases we will need to plan out travel time to the locations (including drive time, parking, and hiking to the spot) time for getting ready, the vows, and the post-ceremony celebration, as well as any special activities you want to plan to share together on your big day.
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In California you are required to have an officiant for a legal marriage. You can have a friend or family member get ordained and officiate your ceremony. If you prefer to exchange your own set of written vows, I am ordained and would be happy to officiate!
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For most locations, including national parks, state parks, and BLM land, a permit is required. I’ll handle the paperwork for you by reaching out to the parks and securing the necessary permits, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I also know of some secret areas where a permit isn’t required!
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This is the fun part, but if you're not sure then that's what I'm here for! During our initial consult I'll help you brainstorm some locations based on the information you share about yourselves, your relationship, interests, hobbies, etc, and I'll help you find the perfect spot to elope based on those things! I've captured elopements in California and Hawaii, and have traveled to all corners of this state, so I'm confident with the variety California has to offer, we are going to find the absolute perfect spot for you!
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FAQs