Feeling a lil’ stressy about planning an elopement?
Whether you come to me saying “we just decided yesterday we want to elope!!!” or “we’ve pretty much got it figured out, but could use some advice!”, I’m gonna be the one to spill the beans about eeeeeeeverything you need to know. From introducing you lesser-known locations, to showing you how to pack your dress in a backpack, to signing a marriage license, and every little thing in between, I’m here to help make this simple and straightforward but still completely and utterly ✨thrilling✨
I’ve got you, babes.
This part is, like…
kinda my thing.
(so I can alleviate your stress, duh)
“Van made our literal dreams come true for our elopement. Could never, would never, recommend anything more highly than we would working with Van.”
-L&T
Still unsure about eloping?
Picture yourselves in this moment. Really put yourselves there.
What do you feel?
Do you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the cool breeze carrying the scent of pine or ocean salt as you read your vows? Can you hear the stillness - the kind that makes your heart slow down and reminds you this is exactly where you’re meant to be?
Let go of everything you’ve been told a wedding “should” be. Forget the pressure of guest lists, opinions, and expectations. Forget about wearing something that doesn’t feel like you, or spending money on things that don’t matter to you. This day doesn’t have to be about performing for others. It can be about the two of you - fully, unapologetically.
Now picture you and your love.
Your best friend. Your partner in every adventure. If you could be anywhere in the world, just the two of you, holding hands and promising forever - where would it be?
Would you be tucked away in a rainforest, surrounded by emerald moss and the quiet hush of ferns? On top of a mountain, with the horizon stretching endlessly around you? On a rocky beach with waves crashing in rhythm to your heartbeat? Close your eyes and think about what feels the most like home to you as a couple.
Now, think about the perfect Saturday together - a day with no obligations, no “shoulds,” nothing on your list but being together. What does that look like? Cooking brunch side by side? Setting up camp chairs after a long hike to soak in the view? Taking the motorcycle out, hair in the wind? Sleeping in and staying out until the stars rise? Tossing a ball for your dogs? Kayaking across still waters and stopping for lunch in the middle of nowhere?
Here’s the secret: your elopement can look exactly like that.
There is no script. No rules. No timeline you have to follow. Eloping means taking your wedding day back and filling it with everything that feels real to you. My job? To help you dream it up, bring it to life, and then document every wild, quiet, joyful, messy, beautiful moment of it.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about tradition. It’s about you two, the way you love, and the story you want to tell.
Are you ready to choose each other, fully and completely?
“But…We’re awkward in front of the camera”
Hey, so am I. You wanna know a secret?
Just about every couple you see on this website has voiced the same concern. Do they look super awkward and not sure where to put their hands? Nahhh, and you won’t feel like that either.
A huge part of my job is connecting with my couples directly so that we have a foundation already in place. That way when your elopement day comes around, it’ll be a walk in the park (literally, hehe) to feel comfy in front of the camera.
There’s no guesswork when it comes to having me as your elopement photog’ - I’ll be busy documenting you two having a blast and lovin’ on each other, and I’ll always be there to guide you through the parts you’re unsure of.
And I’m very good at my job.
So much room for ✨activities✨
If there’s something you love doing together, chances are we can weave it into your elopement day. It could be as simple as hiking a favorite trail or as playful as paddling out in your canoe to share a lakeside picnic. I’ve photographed couples who made time for an afternoon nap (yes, that totally counts), cooked breakfast for their guests, or wandered the tidepools searching for the brightest sea anemone. The point is—your day can look like you. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine that?
And if there’s something you’ve been dreaming about for years—like soaring in a helicopter over the Cascades, riding horses along the shoreline, or setting up the most over-the-top picnic with twinkle lights, champagne, and all your favorite snacks—why not make it part of your wedding? Your elopement is the perfect chance to splurge on yourselves, to create memories you’ll never forget. I already know, without even meeting you, that you deserve a day that feels extraordinary.
Build a Timeline!
I know that this part can stress some couples out, but don’t you worry - I’ve made enough timelines throughout my career that I know what works and what doesn’t.
I’ll give you advice on how much time to plan for things like getting ready and traveling between locations, when to plan breaks to just spend some time alone with your partner, and what time to head to your favorite spot for sunset. I can write your entire timeline and then tweak it with you, or you can write up what you want to do on your elopement day and I can make suggestions so it’s fluid and stress-free.
Here are a few examples of timelines I’ve used with my couples before that have helped us maximize our time together taking photos while also giving you time to explore and adventure with each other.
**These are just examples! You can plan for any time of day with any of these.
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4:00am - Van meets couple at cabin for detail and getting ready photos
5:00am - Depart cabin and drive to location #1
5:30am - Begin couple’s photos around location #1
6:00am - Nautical sunrise
6:30am - Couple makes coffee and watches the sunrise
7:00am - Head to location #2 for photos
8:00am - Wrap up morning photography coverage
Couple breaks to recharge!
4:00pm - Begin hike to ceremony spot
5:45pm - Arrive at ceremony location, couple makes their fave dinner over camp stove
6:30pm - Change into wedding outfits
6:45pm - Ceremony
7:00pm - Photos around location
8:30pm - Nautical sunset
8:45pm - Finish photos at location, hike back to car (with headlamps!)
10:00pm - Wrap up evening photography coverage
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2:45pm - Van meets couple at cabin for detail and getting ready photos
3:30pm - Depart cabin for helicopter tour
4:00pm - Start helicopter tour, land at a remote location for private vows and photos
5:30pm - Return to airport, drive to meet guests at ceremony location
6:00pm - Ceremony with guests
6:15pm - Group photos with guests
6:30pm - Break for snacks and alone time for couple
7:00pm - Golden hour photos at location #1 and location #2
9:30pm - Nautical sunset
9:45pm - Wrap up photography coverage
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11:00am - Meet Van at trailhead, take a leisurely walk 1/2 mile with guests to ceremony spot
11:30am - Ceremony!
11:45am - Pop some bubbly and make trail mimosas
12:00pm - Take group photos with guests, followed by couple’s photos around the area while guests relax
1:00pm - Head back to trailhead with guests
1:30pm - Drive to location #2
2:00pm - Couple’s photos around location #2
3:00pm - Wrap up photography coverage
Other steps to planning one unforgettable elopement:
Start thinking about who, if anyone, you want to have witness your elopement. No pressure-this day is completely about you, so only invite people who will truly make it feel special. It’s your moment, and it should be spent with people who lift you up and make you feel celebrated.
Next, consider whether you’d like to hire any vendors to help bring your vision to life. Totally optional, but if you want a lil extra magic-like a private dinner setup, hair and makeup, or fun design touches-vendors can be your best friends. I have a whole database of trusted recommendations to help make your planning easy, so you can focus on enjoying the process.
And of course… what are you going to wear?! A custom suit with a playful jacket lining? A flowy skirt paired with a crop top? A veil that’s fun to twirl in all day? Don’t forget shoes and accessories—they’re the small details that make your look completely you. Every choice is part of the experience, and this is your chance to dream big, get creative, and have a day that’s uniquely yours from start to finish.
