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Hey there, friend!
So, you’re thinking about eloping or having an intimate wedding (or maybe you’ve already decided) — congrats on being badasses! You’re stepping into a world where traditions take a backseat, and your love story gets to take center stage. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a rugged coastline, in the middle of a desert, or surrounded by ancient redwoods, you deserve a day that’s as unique as you are.
But if you’re anything like most couples I work with, you might be wondering, How does this all work? I get it — choosing an elopement isn’t just about picking a place and showing up. There are questions about planning, timelines, permits, marriage licenses, what the day will feel like, and yes, even what happens after the photos are taken.
If your curiosity is piqued, don’t worry — I’ve got you! Here’s the step-by-step guide to how we’ll make magic together, from the first email to the moment you receive your stunning gallery. Let’s dive in!
First Contact đź‘˝
The road to your unforgettable elopement begins with my handy-dandy contact form. You’ll find it here on my website, ready and waiting for your story.
Here’s your chance to tell me everything: how you met, what you love about each other, and all the quirky little details that make your relationship unique. Are you both obsessed with sci-fi? Do you spend your weekends hitting every hiking trail within a 100-mile radius? Did you bond over a mutual love of cryptid documentaries? (If so, let’s be besties.) What kinds of things do you dream of being able to do on your wedding day?
No need to have every detail figured out — if you’re still unsure about where or how you want to elope, that’s totally fine! Just hit “send,” and I’ll take it from there.
Let’s Connect
After I receive your inquiry, I’ll reach out within three days with my pricing guide. This is where you can take a gander at my packages and what’s all included. Once you’ve looked everything over, we’ll schedule a video call. Think of this as less of a formal consultation and more of a fun chat!
I’ll answer all your questions, we’ll talk about your vision, and make sure we’re a good fit. It’s super important to me that you feel comfortable and excited about working together — it’s your day, after all! By the end of the call, you’ll know exactly what to expect and (hopefully!) be even more stoked for what’s to come.
Book It, Baby
If we’re vibing and you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to make things official. I’ll send over a proposal that includes your contract and a payment portal. Once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid, you’re officially booked!
At this point, you’re not just planning an elopement — you’re planning a goddamn adventure. Pop the champagne, do a lil’ happy dance, or even eat an entire pizza (no judgment here). Your beautiful, intentional wedding day is officially in the works.
You’re Booked!
Now that you’re booked, it’s time to dive into the fun stuff! You’ll receive your Ultimate Elopement Guidebook — 90 pages of tips, ideas, and resources to help you dream up your experience.
This isn’t just another wedding guide. It’s tailored to elopements and intimate weddings and packed with everything you need to know, from timeline tips to how to get legally married in your chosen location.
I’ll also send you your custom elopement questionnaire. Spend a cozy night in together and tell me all about your dream experience: the activities you love, the type of scenery you’re drawn to, and how you want your elopement to feel. Cozy, intimate and intentional? Big exhilarating adventure vibes? A mix of both? This is your chance to put it all on paper, and I’ll take it from there.
Planning Begins
Once you’ve filled out your elopement questionnaire, I’ll have everything I need to start designing your custom-tailored elopement experience. This step is all about getting to know your vision — whether it’s the kind of scenery you’re drawn to, activities you love, or the overall vibe you’re imagining. From there, I’ll handle the logistics, from finding dreamy ceremony locations and rad places to stay, to curating an elopement timeline that feels authentic to you.
I’ll also guide you through the nitty-gritty details, like recommending the perfect ceremony spots and helping you navigate any paperwork needed — whether that’s filing for permits, applying for a marriage license, or double-checking the rules for your chosen location. Need to chat about an idea or have questions along the way? No problemo — just let me know, and we can hop on a call anytime! By the time we’re ready to move to the next phase, you’ll have peace of mind knowing an incredible experience is coming together just for you.
A Vision Emerges
After brainstorming and narrowing down your preferences, I’ll get to work designing your custom experience. Using the details from your questionnaire and everything we’ve talked about, I’ll go into full-on virtual location scout mode to handpick the perfect spots and create a tailored, flexible timeline just for you. This isn’t just some rigid schedule — it’s a thoughtfully crafted blueprint for a day that feels natural, adventurous, and totally you.
When I create your timeline, I use my expertise to plan every detail for a seamless experience. I’ll calculate drive and hike times, pick the best moments to avoid crowds, and ensure the lighting is perfect for those breathtaking shots. Everything is designed with care so your day flows effortlessly from one magical moment to the next.
Once the timeline is ready, I’ll share it with you to confirm everything and make sure it feels right. From there, all you have to do is show up, soak it all in, and enjoy the adventure. Trust me, this is going to be unforgettable!
Two to Three Days Before Your Elopement
Here’s where the adventure kicks into high gear. I’ll touch down at your elopement location a couple of days early to get my boots on the ground. This is when I scout the trails and lookouts, check accessibility, and make sure everything is picture-perfect for your big day. If needed, I’ll make small adjustments to the timeline to ensure everything flows with the conditions on the ground.
If I haven’t been to the area before (or if it’s been a while), this is my chance to refresh my memory and get a feel for the space. I want to ensure I’m fully prepared so your day runs smoothly and stress-free.
If you’re planning a legal ceremony, you should also plan to arrive at least three days before your elopement. Marriage license requirements differ depending on the state, but three days beforehand is a safe window to get everything squared away at the local clerk’s office. It’s just one more way to make sure your adventure unfolds without a hitch — well, except for the getting hitched part!
The Day Before
Let’s hang out! If you’re up for it, we can meet up the day before your elopement to break the ice. Whether we go for a short hike, grab some food, or chill at your Airbnb, this is a great way to get comfortable and shake off any pre-wedding jitters. And if you’re having an intimate wedding, I’d love to meet your loved ones!
This little pre-elopement hangout isn’t required, but it’s a fun way to connect and make sure you feel at ease. 🙂
Your Magical Elopement!
Whether your elopement lasts one day or stretches across multiple days, it’s finally here — and it’s all about you! From hiking to a hidden waterfall to exchanging vows at sunrise on the Oregon coast or sharing quiet moments in the desert, your elopement is going to be unforgettable — and fun!
I’ll be there to guide you with relaxed, creative direction when needed — no stiff poses or forced smiles here. My goal is to help you feel super comfortable, present, and truly enjoy yourselves so the day unfolds naturally and joyfully. If we’ve talked about doing something a little more creative or artsy, we’ll weave that in too. (Lantern photos, anyone?)
Otherwise, the day will be a beautiful mix of candid moments, stunning scenery, genuine laughter, and the magic of your connection. Let’s make it an adventure you’ll love every second of!
The Day After (Backup Day)
Hopefully, everything goes perfectly on your elopement day, but I always stay an extra day just in case. While moody weather can create some of the most stunning and dramatic photos, if the conditions aren’t right for you to fully enjoy your day, we’ll use this backup day to make it happen.
If the extra day isn’t needed, I’ll spend it working on your sneak peeks and backing up your photos to two drives and the cloud — because your memories deserve triple protection.
Sneak Peeks
Within a week of your elopement (usually just a few days), I’ll send you a mini highlight gallery of some of my favorite shots from your day. These sneak peeks are perfect for sharing with friends, family, and your social media followers while you wait for your full gallery!
Full Gallery Delivery
Within 90 days of your elopement, your full gallery will be ready. This is soooo much more than just a collection of photos — it’s the story of your day, told through every laugh, tear, and breathtaking view. You’ll be able to download high-resolution files, reliving your adventure to your hearts’ content.
Order Your Album + Prints
Your elopement photos deserve more than just a spot on your hard drive. They belong in a luxurious album, on your walls, or wherever you’ll see them every day. Through your online store, you can order heirloom-quality prints and custom-design your own album that will last a lifetime.
Unlike mass-market prints, these are made from the highest quality materials and cardstock, crafted to keep their vibrancy and quality for decades. (Decades!!) Whether it’s a gallery wall in your home or an album you can flip through with your grandkids, these are the memories that will stand the test of time.
Ready to Make Magic Together?
Aaaand that’s how it all goes down! From your first email to the moment you’re reliving your incredible day through your gallery, my goal is to make this process as seamless, fun, and unforgettable as possible.
Whatcha think? Are you ready to create not just a wedding day, but an unreal experience and new core memories you’ll want to relive over and over? Hit me up and let’s make it happen!
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