YOUR LOVE IS THE STORY. LET'S TURN IT INTO ART.
ELOPEMENT + INTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGES
Maybe that means wiping away a happy tear on a cliff at sunset, soaking in a hot spring, serenading your partner on the guitar, or slow dancing by lantern light deep in a misty forest.
However it looks, your elopement should feel raw, cinematic, + completely your own.
That’s where I come in — with unforgettable images, creative direction, and experience design that gives you the freedom to be your real, unfiltered selves.
YOU'RE NOT HERE FOR COOKIE-CUTTER
I say this with 10000% honesty – Luke is worth every single penny.
If you want a truly magical, but also laid back experience with a photographer who will capture you and your partner's unique love, someone who is just truly kind and cool and will deliver stunning photos then look no further.
Rest assured your search is over. Hire Luke, you will laugh, you will cry, you will walk away with photos that are truly art.
– Ashley + Ben
"You will laugh, you will cry, you will walk away with photos that are truly art."
"Luke is hands down one of the most real, raw, and kind people we have ever met, and it was such a pleasure to be able to work with him. His work is just breathtaking."
– Sam + Tanner
"Luke has this ability to make you feel like you've always known him, then turns around and creates magic! I’m unsure there are words for the happiness... he is worth every penny!"
– Chantal + Tim
Hey there – I'm Luke
Elopement photographer, lover of Mean Girls, unsolved mysteries, dry humor + turning fleeting moments into lasting art.
Your memories deserve more than pretty pictures — they deserve to feel like you. I’m here to make sure your day feels safe, fun, and true to who you are, so we can create something real together.
Photos that aren’t just beautiful — they mean something. That’s where the magic is.
"He has managed to capture the very essence of the true love me and my husband share. I also think it’s important to note how wonderful Luke is as a person."
– Alisia + Eric
"He's real, raw, & kind – his work is just breathtaking."
"He captured the very essence of our true love."
"It was like we'd always known him. Worth every penny!"
Fun Fact: I cap my elopement bookings at 17 elopements a year – my ideal number for delivering the connection and cinematic art your unique story deserves.
this is how i show up for you
This isn’t just about pretty photos. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and safe to be your full, quirky, sentimental, romantic self. I’m here for all of it.
5. someone who gets you
4. Chill Planning Support + Backup
From timelines to dreamy stays and permit help, I’ll walk you through what you need — and I always pad in a backup day in case weather hits. No pressure, no panic, just peace of mind.
1. raw, cinematic art
Bold, emotional, and artful — your gallery will look like a dream but feel like real life. Raw moments, quiet details, and wild love, captured with intention.
2. Direction That Feels Like You
You won’t be stiff or overly posed. I’ll guide you when it matters and give you space to just be when it doesn’t — so your connection stays honest and true.
3. Epic Locations, No 10-Mile Hikes
You don’t have to hike for hours to get cinematic views. I’ll help you find stunning, meaningful spots that match your vibe and are easy to access.
1. YOU REACH OUT & we chat
You're probably already excited.
2. WE BRAINSTORM YOUR DAY
Slow morning at your Airbnb? Road-tripping to the most stunning spots? Night portraits with lanterns and stars overhead? Let's explore the possibilities.
3. GUIDANCE AS NEEDED
The journey: How it all unfolds
I'm here to offer insights on timeline flow, location ideas, and permit considerations, ensuring you can stay present in the magic.
4. live your best day
Gentle direction meets go-with-the-flow freedom. We vibe. We shoot. We laugh.
5. YOU get photos that move you
Bold, emotional, cinematic. Stuff you’ll stare at for years.
elopement + micro-wedding packages
luke
payne
up to twenty people
Whether you're saying your vows in the desert at golden hour, dancing under the stars, or road-tripping to your favorite coast, you're not just planning a day. You're creating a memory, and I’m here to help you make it unforgettable.
- Art-forward, cinematic storytelling
- Thoughtful location suggestions & collaborative brainstorming
- Flexible timeline flow, permit guidance, + backup day
- Planning guidebook and unlimited emails/texts/video calls
- Optional officiant services (for solo U.S. elopements)
- Sneak peeks within one week, full gallery in twelve weeks
- Online gallery w/high-res downloads + premium print shop access
- Travel included anywhere in the U.S., no extra fees
- Supportive, creative collaboration that invites self-expression
cinematic, meaningful, and real – just like you
what's always included:
A full day gives you space to slow down, soak it all in, and visit multiple incredible spots without feeling rushed.
Start easy. Spend the morning making breakfast, cuddling in your Airbnb, or exploring in your non-wedding outfits. Take a midday break. Change into a second outfit. Drive somewhere new. Watch the light shift. End the day under the stars, by a bonfire or in the hot tub — whatever feels right for you.
Whether it’s just the two of you or you're including some loved ones, we’ll have time to capture the whole story, not just the highlight reel.
Because the day will go by fast.
The little glances, the inside jokes, the shifting light, the stunning views — they’re gone in a blink.
Full-day coverage gives you the time and space to soak it in and remember it all.
FULL DAY = FULLY YOU
elopements + intimate weddings
international
INSPIRING, INTENTIONAL LOCATIONS
A Day That Actually Flows
chill planning support
Loosely planned around great light, views, and what feels right — no rigid schedules here, and my directing style is the same: a mix of relaxed direction and real moments.
Need help with permits, finding an Airbnb, or vendors? Let me know – I'm more than happy to help.
Your love story, on repeat
A full online gallery of images and GIFs that feel like your memories — true to the moment, easy to download, and made to be re-lived. Sneak peeks delivered within a week.
I’ll help you find spots that you'll remember forever and fit your vibe — moody, wild, intimate, or offbeat.
elopements + intimate WEDDINGS
UNITED STATES
From six hours to two days of coverage.
no extra travel fees
Wherever we’re headed, it’s already covered.
INSPIRING, INTENTIONAL LOCATIONS
A Day That Actually Flows
chill planning support
Loosely planned around great light, views, and what feels right — no rigid schedules here, and my directing style is the same: a mix of relaxed direction and real moments.
Need help with permits, finding an Airbnb, or vendors? Hit me up! If you're eloping solo, I can even sign your license or whip up a short-and-sweet ceremony.
Your love story, on repeat
A full online gallery of images and GIFs that feel like your memories — true to the moment, easy to download, and made to be re-lived. Sneak peeks delivered within a week.
I’ll help you find spots that you'll remember forever and fit your vibe — moody, wild, intimate, or offbeat.
From six hours to two days of coverage.
no extra travel fees
Wherever we’re headed, it’s already covered.
Our biggest fear was our day being uncomfortable or awkward, but Luke made it so enjoyable and effortless.
We told Luke the vibe we were looking for and he exceeded our expectations. I thought our elopement was going to need more planning, scheduling, or attention.
He knew all the best places to go and gave us so many different options — from beach, woods, waterfalls to a cliffside where we said our vows.
This experience was unbelievable, I wouldn’t change a thing about it or do it any other way. He truly made our day so special and one of a kind.
I can’t even choose which photo is my favorite because they are all so beautiful!
– Kasondra + Brett, Oregon Coast
"Luke made it so easy and simple – it was literally no stress."
They’re the kinds of couples who:
- Trust the process and are excited to co-create a day that reflects them
- Prioritize authenticity without sacrificing beauty
- Are flexible, lean creative + think the best moments are the ones you can’t fully plan
- Want their wedding to feel like their true, unfiltered selves
- Prefer light direction, space to breathe, and a few cool ideas over a mile-long shot list
- Are down for anything (even dancing in the rain)
If that sounds like you, we’re probably going to get along great. :)
Who I Work WITH BEST
My books are currently open for 2026 and 2027. I've helped couples plan elopements in under a month, and I've also planned them over 12-18 months. Ideally, you'll want to reach out 3+ months in advance for domestic elopements, and 6+ months in advance for international.
Fall tends to be my busiest time of year and books out earlier, but it never hurts to check.
Eloping isn’t just a “cheap” alternative to a wedding — it’s an intentional choice to create a wedding day that’s fully about you. Most couples spend between $12–$20K+ on their destination elopement when factoring in photography, attire, travel, accommodations, florals, an officiant, and any unique experiences they want to include.
But unlike a traditional wedding, every dollar goes toward what *actually* matters to you — whether that’s a bucket list location, an unforgettable experience, or an intimate day focused on just the two of you. And at the end of the day, it’s still considerably less than the average $36,000 cost of a wedding in the U.S. (according to Zola).
If you ever have questions about timing or need a different arrangement, let me know — I can sometimes offer custom plans for special situations.
Don't worry, almost everyone feels a little awkward at first! My approach is all about natural, gentle direction – no stiff posing, just prompts that bring out genuine emotion and interaction. We'll laugh, we'll move, and you'll forget the camera is even there. You just need to show up as yourselves, and I'll handle the rest.
Not at all! I don't actually do long hiking elopements. My approach focuses on driving to different lookouts and shorter, easy to medium-difficulty hikes to get to the best scenery.
You'll receive sneak peeks within a week, and I'll surprise drop your gallery on you Folklore-style via your email.
Elopements & Intimate Weddings:
10-12 Weeks
Engagements & Couples Sessions:
4-6 Weeks
Your images are delivered to you in an online gallery with high-res downloads and access to an online store where you can purchase prints, design your own album, and more.
There are a couple different things you can do! It's becoming more popular for folks to have a two-day elopement, where one day is just the two of you and one day is spent with your closest family and friends. You can also ask them to write you letters and you can read them on your day! Alternatively, hold a separate reception (or "Happily Ever After Party!") later on.
My editing focuses on storytelling and making sure the colors, tones, and lighting pop. I’ll fix little things like blemishes and removing distractions, and I might do a touch of skin smoothing at my discretion. But I don’t alter bodies or faces because I believe your real, authentic self is beautiful as-is.
While elopements and intimate weddings have my heart, I do take on 2 to 4 weddings each year. Get in touch for consideration.
Honestly, my favorite shoots feel more like we’re just hanging out and vibing. I want you to feel at ease — like you’re with a friend who just happens to be documenting something meaningful. We’ll laugh, explore, slow down, and create something real together.
I’ll give you gentle direction when needed, but there’s no pressure to perform. If we end up swapping ghost stories or sitting in silence to soak up the view, that’s part of the magic too.
When it comes to planning, I keep things flexible and low-pressure. I’ll help with the big stuff — dreamy location ideas, timelines, permits — but I don’t run things with a clipboard. Outside of that, just let me know what kind of support you want. Your day can be spontaneous, structured, or a little of both. Whether we’re chasing the sunset or following the vibe, I’ll help it all flow naturally.
You’ll hear from me when it matters, and you’re always welcome to text me if you’ve got a fun idea, need advice, or want to hop on Zoom to talk through things. Need a little more guidance or want to bounce ideas around? I’m always happy to hop in and support wherever you need it.
As a neurodivergent human, I work in bursts of creativity and clarity, which means I value honesty, flexibility, and connection without pressure. If you ever need more communication, just let me know. You’re never bugging me. :)
If you’re looking for a grounded, open-hearted guide who’ll support you without micromanaging your day, you’re in the right place.
I’m currently based in Minnesota, but my heart lives in the Pacific Northwest — and that’s where I’m moving soon.
Most of my work already takes place there, so you’re in the right spot.
SNAG YOUR FREE 30-PAGE GUIDE TO CRAFTING AN UNFORGETTABLE ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
Planning your elopement can feel like a lot — but it doesn’t have to be. This free guide is filled with inspiration, location ideas, tips and tricks, and gentle guidance to help you create a day that feels cinematic, personal, and deeply you.
Download it now and start dreaming up something real.
READY TO PLAN A DAY THAT FEELS LIKE YOU?
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from me and agree to my Privacy Policy.
Curious about what to expect & how this whole process works?
Good news! I wrote an article about just that. From the moment you submit your contact form to the day you receive your final gallery, here's *everything* you can expect from our journey together.
