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 the redwoods.
However it looks, your elopement should feel cinematic, meaningful, and completely your own.
That’s where I come in — with unforgettable images, creative direction, and tailored experience design that gives you the freedom to be yourselves.
YOU'RE NOT HERE FOR COOKIE-CUTTER
fun fact: I cap my bookings at 17 elopements a year – my ideal number for delivering the deep connection and cinematic art your unique story deserves
"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!"
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, weird, 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 dream up the day
Sunrise ceremony? Road-tripping to the most stunning spots? Night portraits with lanterns and stars overhead? Let’s go.
3. PLANNING GUIDANCE
The journey: How it all goes down
I'm here to help with the hard stuff (timeline flow, location scouting, permits, etc.) so you can stay 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 + intimate wedding packages
luke
payne
up to 20 people
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 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 journey together.
see the entire journey
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)
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: 8-10 Weeks
Engagements & Couples Sessions: 4-6 Weeks
Bigger Weddings: 10-12 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 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 2 to 4 weddings each year. Get in touch for consideration.
I’m currently based in Minnesota, but my heart lives in the Pacific Northwest — and that’s where I’ll be moving in the next couple years. I’ve spent so much time exploring its wild landscapes that it already feels like home, and most of my work takes place out there anyway.
