The Elopement Experience

You two are so excited to be married! But the idea of having a wedding with all the people watching you? Not so much. But still, signing papers at the courthouse and calling it a day doesn’t seem right to you either. What are your other options?

Anything and everything!

I’m so excited to help you create a day that’s private, unique to you, and everything you want it to be. Keep scrolling to read about what it’s like to have me as your elopement photographer!

You’re about to have the best day ever!

Here’s a taste of what I’ve helped plan for couples like you:

The Process

1. First, we’ll meet over a Zoom call. You can tell me about the two of you and your plans for the day so far, and we can come up with ideas for how you want to spend the day.

2. Once you’re ready to move forward, I’ll send an agreement and an invoice for a retainer fee to save your date. 

3. We’ll start planning the first of your many adventures as a married couple! I’ll help you find a place that’s perfect for you, find the best lighting, and help you choose your vendors!  We’ll come up with a timeline for getting ready, traveling to your ceremony spot, and having a mini reception to celebrate.

4. Optional, but highly recommended: Engagement photos are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera together before the wedding day in a location that’s special to you. This will give you photos to have together besides your wedding photos!

5. BEST DAY EVER!

6. Within 24 hours, you’ll see a sneak peek of your wedding photos. Within 30 days, I will email you a link to an online gallery where you can download the edited digital files. You have the option to purchase prints (more on that here) and I’ll start designing your album.

7. We will have a Zoom call to review the proofs of your album. After we finalize the design, the album will arrive at your house within two weeks, and you can show it to everyone you see! 

Investment

For every elopement and intimate wedding, I include:

Are you getting excited now?

Let’s start putting together a wedding day that just feels right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I just want an hour or so to take a few photos?

I’ve learned from experience how much time it takes to capture everything without you feeling rushed. I always hear couples say that the day goes by so quickly, and I want you to be able to enjoy every moment without worrying about how much time you have left.

Do we need to go to the courthouse?

You have two options. One is for you to get the marriage license beforehand and have a certified wedding officiant or a pastor sign it at the ceremony location. The other is for you to go to the courthouse on a different day from the ceremony to “make it legal.”

Do we need witnesses?

You’re welcome to bring a few friends and family members, but South Carolina doesn’t require any witnesses to sign a marriage license. North Carolina and Georgia both require two witnesses. I can count as one, and the other can be anyone from a videographer to a passerby.

How do I pick a location?

As a photographer, and as someone who’s visited all 48 state parks in South Carolina, I know where the most photogenic places are and what the crowds are like there. When you tell me what you’re envisioning for your ceremony, I can help you pick the perfect spot.

Do we have to pay extra for certain locations?

Some places require a fee to use their space, or you may need to pay to reserve the spot to make sure other people aren’t around.

Can I bring my dog?

Please do! I love animals and I’ve done photos with dogs, a chicken, a pig, and a snake before. I have a few suggestions here to make it easier.

When should we get married?

When it comes to the time of day, the lighting is usually best close to sunrise or sunset. If you don’t know what time of year to get married, I’ll help you choose the best time and date, depending on the location you choose, operating hours for certain places, and the timing of events.

Should we do engagement photos?

I highly recommend it! If you do engagement photos with me, you’ll be more comfortable in front of the camera and with me by the time you get married. Plus, you’ll have more photos than just your wedding photos to have in your home.

How much would it cost for you to travel outside of Upstate South Carolina?

We will work that out based on the driving time and whether I would need to spend a night or two at a hotel or campsite.

How long have you been doing this?

I took a photography class in my last year of high school and was active in the photography club during my time at Clemson. My first actual portrait sessions were after I graduated from college in 2015. The first wedding I photographed was in 2017, and the first elopement I photographed was in 2020.

What’s the Next Step?

Planning Resources