How to Choose the Perfect Elopement Photographer
You’ve found yourself dreaming of eloping in a beautiful location with your all-time favorite person, and the first question you have is this:
“Who should we hire to photograph our elopement?!”
Because of the rise of eloping since COVID-19 hit the world, you might feel overwhelmed with tons of photography styles, personalities, editing, creativity, and prices. It can be a lot! But I’m going to break down exactly how to narrow down your options, starting before you’ve even reached out to any photographers all the way up until you’ve spoken with each of your favorites and you’re having to make the hard decision who to hire.
First things first:
What does it mean to elope?
Over time, the definition of eloping has changed in a huge way! You used to elope by running away from your home with your partner, getting married in secret, and telling almost no one. Which sounds exciting but can be rushed and leave out guests and planning (the fun stuff!)
Nowadays, eloping is really the act of getting married with a lot of intention. That means paring down your guest list a lot, having your ceremony somewhere other than a traditional wedding venue like the outdoors, and bringing the focus of the day back to you as a couple.
As for number of guests, the general consensus is somewhere fewer than 20-30 guests, but can be as few as no guests! There’s no hard and fast rule and varies a lot between photographers and other elopement vendors.
Why do I need a photographer for such a short/small wedding?
It’s a great question! Even though eloping typically has very few guests, that doesn’t mean it’s just a quick ceremony, ring exchange, and a smooch to seal the deal. Elopements can be anything from multi-day events that span over states or countries, can include adventurous or relaxing activities such as backpacking or having a wedding picnic, and can even include multiple wedding outfits, pets, fun types of transportation like helicopters and motorcycles, and so much more.
The key here is being intentional with how you spend your day. It’s mean to be 100% about you as a couple, doing the things you love with each other, celebrating a new chapter of your lives, and I think that those acts are worth documenting in full!
Everything from getting ready before your ceremony to having a first look to doing activities in your wedding outfits to having the actual ceremony can all be documented, plus fun portraits at multiple locations you might want documented. This allows for TONS of variety in your final photos, everything from candids to photos that show off the landscape you chose. I promise, a few hours just isn’t going to cut it!
Really consider what you want documented and how you can include your photographer in the meaningful parts of your day, even if you’re not sure how they’ll document it or make it look artistic. We know a thing or two 😉
How do I find an elopement photographer?
There are thousands of photographers out there offering elopement photography, and you definitely don’t have to look at every single one to hire someone that is super knowledgeable and fits what you’re looking for.
Some tips to start your elopement photographer search:
If you know a general region, park, state, or type of scenery you want to be included in your elopement day, Google “XXXX location elopement photographer” and you’ll have a ton of options to start sorting through! My pro tip is to look through images on Google after doing your search and see what stands out to you. Look at those photographers websites or favorite them to come back to later, I’d recommend about 5-10 photographers in total.
You can also search Instagram in a similar way: simply search “XXXX location elopement photographer” or “#XXXlocationelopement.” Follow or save your favorites!
Keep your budget in mind - many photographers will list starting prices or ‘average spend’ on their pricing pages, which will help you narrow down if they’re going to be in your budget range.
2. Look at each photographers website and really spend some time getting a feel for what they offer, such as
Their vibe as a person - you’ll spend more time with this vendor than any other vendor on your elopement day! You want someone you absolutely vibe with.
Their editing style - is it consistent? Does it feel timeless or just trendy?
How people are represented - do you see people who look like you? Does the photographer have 90% one ethnicity/body type/sexual orientation? If you’re not seeing the diversity you’re hoping for, they might not be a good fit!
What will you be delivered when all is said and done? Digital photos, prints, albums, film, videos, behind-the-scenes, etc. Make sure they offer the items you want to receive!
3. Make notes for each photographer about information you couldn’t find or weren’t sure of that you can ask over email or on a phone/video call. It’ll keep you organized and make sure you have all the info you need to make a decision!
Red/yellow flags to keep an eye out for:
Photographers who obviously haven’t updated their website in social media in years - they could be out of the game or have moved on to different endeavors. Check Instagram for recent posts!
Inconsistent editing - if the editing style is all over the place, it will make you question what kind of photos you’ll get back after your elopement. Trendy filters, flash or no flash, etc. should be somewhat consistent.
ONLY posting the best and most epic portraits, scenery, and most generally attractive couples. You want to see photos of candids, the important moments, ceremonies, photos with guests, a variety of lighting situations (not just sunset!!), and more than just portraits in cool locations.
Set up some calls!
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to about 3-5 photographers, it’s time to set up a one-on-one call with them all! I know this can feel like a LOT of calls, but believe me, don’t go with the first photographer you like. You might not even realize something they’re lacking and it’d be a disservice to yourself to not seek out more than one option.
Make sure to write down any questions you have ahead of time that weren’t answered in their initial email or on their website, and take a few notes while on the call.
Things to ask on a call with your potential elopement photographer:
How do you back up our photos after the elopement day? What systems do you have in place to keep them safe?
What happens in the event of an Act of God (natural disaster, serious illness, forced reschedule, etc.) or something like heavy rain, broken equipment, or unexpected location closure?
Have you photographed at our location/a similar location before?
Are there any surprise fees other that what’s listed in your pricing breakdown? Are your travel expenses included in your packages?
Can you help us with our marriage license? Can you officiate for us during the ceremony or just sign our marriage license?
What things can you assist us with when it comes to elopement planning? What things can you not help us with?
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
Do you offer payment plans?
How do you make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
What’s your favorite thing about photographing elopements?
After Your introduction phone calls
You’ve met with your absolute favorite elopement photographers, and now have a hard decision to make! Maybe a couple of them just weren’t vibing with you or maybe one didn’t have your date available anymore. The remaining photographers are going to be hard to choose from, but I’ve got tips for you to narrow it down to the one who you’ll end up hiring.
Right after you get off the call, take note of how you and your partner feel! If you’re both excited, dreaming up new elopement ideas, curious about looking at more of their work, or just feel like you’d be instantly friends with them, you’ll want to remember that gut feeling! If you’re left with questions, can’t stop thinking about one thing they said that felt off, or if you're worried that they have the skills you’re hoping for, take note of that as well.
Review their pricing and see what kind of coverage falls into your budget. They should have a thorough breakdown of how many hours of coverage you’ll get and what that includes (prints, albums, film, extras, etc.) and make sure it aligns with what you’re hoping for.
Compare and contrast highlights and concerns of each photographer and make sure you’re aware of any dealbreakers that might eliminate some of your choices
Make sure their communication style lines up with yours, whether that’s keeping everything to email, being able to schedule FaceTimes or Zoom calls, or being able to shoot a text for a quick question. Many photographers are flexible, but some are strict with their communication and it might not be for you!
If you haven’t already, read reviews from previous couples and see what they have to say. Google is a great place, or they might have a highlight saved on Instagram that has reviews in their Instagram stories. You can see my 40+ five star reviews here!
Before signing an elopement photographer contract
You’re going to want to make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for - how many hours you’ll have your photographer for, when you’ll receive your sneak peeks and final gallery, what’s NOT included in your package by default, and even when payments are due and what taxes will be added.
Read through the entire contract (yes, every clause and every word!) and contact the photographer with questions to clarify anything you’re unsure of.
Do one final gut check to make sure this is the photographer for you!
Washington State Elopement Packages
If you’re looking for the most incredible elopement experience, look no further! I’m Van and I think you’re going to love what we can create together.
Washington elopement packages start at $5,700
And include the following:
A minimum of 4 hours of elopement photography coverage
Travel to ANYWHERE in Washington
Unlimited support (both knowledge and moral!)
Access to my library of resources on how to elope
Detailed and custom location suggestions based on your needs
Elopement day timeline creation
Recommendations for outstanding vendors
High-resolution files that are yours to keep
Complimentary officiating services
Looking for more Elopement Resources?
I GOTCHU. Here are some of my faves that you’ll definitely want to read: