YOUR LOVE IS THE STORY. LET'S TURN IT INTO ART.
ELOPEMENT + INTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGES
Maybe that means hiking through golden cliffs, soaking in a hot tub under the stars, or slow dancing by lantern light deep in the redwoods.
However it looks, your elopement should feel cinematic, meaningful, and completely your own.
That’s where I come in — with stunning photos, creative direction, and experience design that gives you the freedom to be yourselves.
YOU'RE NOT HERE FOR COOKIE-CUTTER
"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, and 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!"
What Awaits You when we work together:
Ready to plan an elopement that's as wild as your love story? We'll get to know each other, dive into your vision, and come up with an experience that screams 'you.' Whether it's a sunrise hike or a cozy beach bonfire, let's make some magic happen.
built-in backup
Rest easy knowing I'll be in your location at least a full day before and after your booked date(s) in case of bad weather.
No travel fees
Zero, zilch, nada. All elopement and intimate wedding packages come with my travel included in the price for all locations.
A new friend
I don't bite! I want you to feel comfortable on your day and I'd love to get to know you. Chat with me anytime :)
4. A Custom-Designed Experience + Activity Ideas
5. Smooth Sailing from Paperwork to Picture-Perfect Stays
3. Hand-Picked Locations for Beautiful Images
The perfect spots can make your day unforgettable. With your input and preferences in mind, I'll scout out hidden gems and iconic landscapes that are not only stunning for photos but also perfect for creating those once-in-a-lifetime memories.
I’m ordained and can help with everything from photo permits and marriage licenses to connecting you with awesome local vendors and the coolest places to stay. You just focus on being in the moment and having the time of your lives.
1. Cinematic, Hand-Crafted Edits
Every image is intentionally refined — rich tones, punchy contrast, preserved highlights, and that subtle filmic texture that brings your story to life.
2. Natural Direction Without the Awkward
GIFs bring your story to life, capturing laughter, movement, and those fleeting moments in a way photos can’t. Drone shots add epic, sweeping views (where allowed), giving your gallery a whole 'nother perspective.
elopement + intimate wedding packages
luke
payne
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
elopements + intimate weddings
MINNESOTA
From four 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 four 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 four hours to two days of coverage.
no extra travel fees
Wherever we’re headed, it’s already covered.
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."
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 time together.
see the entire process
Honestly, it's never too early to book with me if my calendar is open for that year. I hate having to turn people away! My books are currently open for 2025-2026, so tell me all about what you're thinking and I'll be in touch asap!
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 $14–$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).
- Pay in full and save 5%
- Split into two payments (halves)
- Split into three payments (thirds)
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: 8-10 Weeks
Engagements & Couples Sessions: 4-6 Weeks
Bigger Weddings: 10-12 Weeks
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 I might do a touch of skin smoothing at my discretion. But I don’t reshape bodies or faces — I believe in keeping things real and showing off how authentically beautiful you are, just the way you are.
While elopements and intimate weddings have my heart, I do take on a limited number of weddings each year. Get in touch for consideration.
