As an elopement photographer, I get asked all the time: “Why do you love shooting elopements so much?” The answer is simple, but it’s also layered with emotion, passion, and the unique experiences I’ve been lucky enough to witness over the years.
Elopements are intimate, raw, and real. They strip away all the pomp and circumstance, and instead, focus on what truly matters: the couple and their love. There’s something so pure about capturing two people, in a breathtaking setting, pledging their lives to each other without distraction. And that’s just the beginning.
Here’s why I absolutely adore being a part of these incredible days:
1. The Intimacy
Elopements are deeply personal, and that’s what makes them so special. Unlike large weddings, which can feel like an event with dozens (or even hundreds) of people, elopements are stripped down to the bare essentials: the couple and their love. With no distractions or outside pressures, the moments I capture are full of authenticity. I’m able to focus solely on the couple’s connection—whether it’s a soft touch, a shared laugh, or the quiet moment before their vows. The intimacy creates images that are so much more than just photos; they’re windows into their love story.
2. The Freedom
I absolutely love the flexibility that elopements offer. Many couples choose to elope because they want to break free from the traditional wedding formula. There’s no “right” way to do it. Whether they’re hiking up a mountain, exchanging vows on a remote beach, or saying “I do” in a cozy, intimate cabin, elopements allow for so much creativity and personal expression. As a photographer, it’s a dream. I get to document their love in a way that’s unique to them, in a setting that speaks to who they are as a couple. And for the couple, there’s a sense of liberation in choosing exactly what they want for their day, free from the weight of societal expectations.
3. The Adventure
Elopements are often an adventure in themselves! A couple might decide to say their vows in a place they’ve always dreamed of visiting, or they might seek a location that matches their adventurous spirit—like a mountaintop, a desert landscape, or deep in the forest. These types of locations not only create jaw-dropping photos, but they also provide an atmosphere that allows the couple to fully immerse themselves in the experience. It’s about capturing those moments when the couple feels completely in the moment, with no distractions, only the beauty of the world around them and their connection to each other.
4. The Stress-Free Vibe
Let’s be honest—weddings can be stressful. The guest list, the decor, the seating arrangements, the catering, the weather—all of these factors can add up to an overwhelming experience. With elopements, though, it’s a completely different vibe. There’s no need for a huge guest list, no long months of planning, and no pressure to meet anyone’s expectations. It’s a much more relaxed and personal approach, and that feeling of ease makes for more genuine moments. Couples are often more in the moment, more relaxed, and therefore more authentic in their emotions. It’s a beautiful thing to witness and capture.
5. The Focus on the Couple
In many traditional weddings, the focus is on the event itself. There’s a lot of attention paid to the reception, the speeches, and the grand entrance. But with an elopement, the focus is where it should be: on the couple and their commitment to each other. There’s no need to juggle the demands of a large crowd. It’s all about them, and that’s something that resonates deeply with me as a photographer. I get to document their love in a way that’s undistracted and real. And I get to witness, firsthand, the profound emotion that often comes with eloping—whether it’s the joy of the moment, the tears of happiness, or the excitement of starting a new chapter in life together.
6. The Memories
Every couple who elopes shares a unique story, and every story deserves to be told. What I love most about elopements is how personal they are, how each wedding day feels like an intimate, one-of-a-kind adventure. There’s something so meaningful about preserving the moments when the couple’s journey is still so fresh and new. The memories I help create for these couples—through photos—are often the ones they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives. The laughter, the joy, and the vulnerability they experience on that day is something that will never fade.
7. The Celebration of Imperfection
In a world where Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards often promote an idealized version of weddings, elopements are a beautiful reminder that perfection isn’t the goal. Elopements aren’t about a flawless, cookie-cutter day; they’re about making the day reflect the couple’s true selves. No rigid timeline. No over-the-top centerpieces. Just love, in its rawest form. And as a photographer, it’s incredibly refreshing to document moments that are imperfectly perfect. The beauty of elopements lies in their authenticity.
As an elopement photographer, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of so many couples’ special moments. I get to document love stories that are unique, adventurous, and so deeply meaningful. Every elopement I capture is a reminder of why I do what I do.
So, to all the couples out there considering eloping: know that your love is worth celebrating in a way that’s true to you. And as your photographer, I can’t wait to help you capture every beautiful moment of it.
Here’s to love, adventure, and all the breathtaking elopements to come!
