How to Pick a Photographer for your Elopement
Your elopement photographer arguably plays one of the biggest roles in your elopement. You’re going to spend a LOT of time with this person on one of the most important, meaningful days of your life, and you are entrusting them with being the sole person who captures all the details of your wedding day. It’s no wonder that couples take choosing an elopement photographer so seriously!
Of course, if you’re reading this, you already know how big of a decision it truly is. If you’re wondering exactly how you’re ever going to pick a photographer for your elopement, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I go over the best questions to ask as you research elopement photographers, plus what to expect. So take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
What is an elopement photographer?
A good place to start as you’re trying to choose an elopement photographer is answering the question: what exactly is an elopement photographer, anyway? How is it any different from being a traditional wedding photographer?
Elopement photographers like myself specialize in more intimate, meaningful, adventurous wedding days. To be clear, I could shoot a traditional wedding, sure, just like a traditional wedding photographer technically could shoot an elopement — but there are some distinct differences.
Whereas traditional wedding photographers tend to focus more on getting formal, posed shots, elopement photography is all about capturing the day’s raw moments and emotions. Rather than documenting a day, we hone in on the little details that symbolize you as a couple…which probably sounds exactly why you decided to elope to begin with, right? The overarching idea is to tell your unique story.
In addition to providing photography services, many elopement photographers (again, like myself!) also serve as your wedding planner. Speaking for my own services and what I increasingly see throughout the industry, elopement photographers scout locations and provide customized insight based on the vision you have in mind, recommend and help plan activities like hikes or off-roading, assist in applying for necessary permits, and can even help find local vendors.
What to ask your elopement photographer
Once you’ve made the decision to elope, the next big step is actually choosing your elopement photographer. I know this may seem overwhelming, but asking some (or all!) of these questions will help you start narrowing it down.
Experience – Does the photographer have experience — specifically with elopements? Is this their specialty?
Galleries – Does the photographer have full elopement galleries to show you? Do you like their editing style?
Reviews – What do the photographers' reviews say? Insider tip: if you see any negative reviews, don’t be afraid to ask the photographer about that situation!
Travel – What’s their policy on traveling? Do they shoot in specific areas, or will they go anywhere?
Camera gear – Does the photographer have back-up gear?
Back-ups – What is the photographer's back-up process for image files?
Insurance – Does the photographer carry insurance?
Contracts – Will we be signing a contract? Hint: the answer should 150% be YES! Be sure you read every single line to ensure you know and are comfortable with all the photographer’s policies. This is not a situation when you should skim through the contract.
Prompts & posing – How does the photographer create their images? Are you looking for someone who directs your every move, or would you prefer someone who allows you to interact naturally with your significant other?
Gallery return – How long will it take to receive your gallery? Will you get sneak peeks? How will you receive your gallery?
Images – How many images can you expect in your gallery? Will you need to purchase additional images? What about prints? Will you receive printing and social media rights for personal use? What rights does the photographer retain to use your images (this is where the contract comes into play!)?
Personality – Will you get along well with your photographer? Do they make you BOTH feel comfortable? This is a crucial detail, because if you two aren’t 100% comfortable, it will reflect in your photos. How well you “mesh” with a photographer is just as important as any other detail, including photography style, price, and experience!
How much does an elopement photographer cost?
Because every elopement (and every elopement photographer!) is so vastly different, it’s difficult to calculate a true average cost. However, Brides seems to have the most accurate data: anywhere from $5,000-15,000. Keep in mind, that’s a very rough average, and it’s just that —an average. A simple elopement on public land where the bride does her own hair and makeup is going to cost significantly less than a large national park elopement with a wedding party who all gets hair and makeup done.
Along the same lines, if you fly somewhere for your elopement, you’re going to spend a lot more than if you get married nearby. Hiring vendors for flowers, a wedding cake, or a catered dinner all add to the overall cost as well.
With that in mind, I’m going to share my elopement package pricing. All of the prices listed below include my travel to anywhere in the United States, plus the services I mentioned earlier. I help you pick a location, then scout it for the best lighting and photo spots, walk you through any necessary permits, and work with you to create a custom timeline that includes activities that are meaningful to you as a couple.
4-hour package ~ $3000 - A great option for minimalist elopements; this includes getting ready and ceremony photos, and factors in enough time for a short hike or a similar activity.
8-hour package ~ $5000 - My “classic” adventure elopement package, best for couples who want their full day documented. There’s enough time in this package to visit multiple locations or document a longer activity like off-roading or a hot-air balloon ride, as well as a small reception or other celebration after your ceremony.
12-hour package ~ $7000 - I call this the “ultimate storytelling experience,” because I’m with you from dawn (often pre-dawn!) until the very end of the day, documenting every detail.
Multi-day package ~ $9000 - The most adventurous couples who travel far from home typically choose this package to document some adventure, in addition to their elopement. This may include eloping in one epic location one day, then exploring another the following day. Think eloping in the Redwoods on the first day, then road-tripping along the northern California/southern Oregon coast the following day!
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you still have tons of lingering questions or you’re ready to commit, I’d absolutely love to chat with you! After a quick initial phone call, my couples often tell me I answered questions they didn’t even realize they had. So let’s hop on the phone, you can share your dream elopement ideas with me, and we’ll go from there!