Elopement Packages & Information
Authentic Wedding Experiences For You, By You
So... you want to get married in a way that represents who you truly are, is stress-free, and is actually fun?! You're not satisfied with having a "cookie-cutter" wedding experience that doesn't feel like you at all? Tired of having the wedding industry and society tell you of what you "have" to do in order to get married? Sick of feeling the pressure to make everyone else happy? Want to say your vows in a beautiful place, surrounded by the most incredible scenery imaginable? You're not alone.
There's more than just one way to get married, and it's entirely possible to have exactly the type of day you're looking for. You can elope!
Hi, I'm Kathleen and I'm your elopement photographer (and new friend!). I'm here to help you plan a wedding experience that is an authentic representation of your relationship and a day where you can have the absolute time of your lives! Your wedding day shouldn't be something you stress about. It should be a day you want to live over and over again.
What is an Adventure Elopement?
An elopement is an intimate, experience-driven, intentional celebration of your relationship that focuses on what matters most- two people exchanging their vows and committing their lives to one another. There are many types of elopements, but adventure elopements are typically outside in nature and involve some element of adventure.
Eloping allows you to set aside stress, expectations, and throw out any traditions you don't feel connected to. You can elope just the two of you, or you can elope surrounded by your very closest family and friends. The beautiful thing about eloping? There are no rules.
The day you get married matters!
Nobody deserves to feel pressured into a type of wedding day that they don't want or that doesn't feel like them. Your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are and a unique celebration of your love. The experience in which you say your vows to your partner, when you commit the rest of your life to them, MATTERS. You deserve to have a wedding experience that is authentically you and everything you've ever dreamed of. If a traditional wedding doesn't align with who you are, or what you want- that's perfectly okay!
Instead, you could have an adventurous elopement.
Why Should Your Elopement Last All Day?
I get it. At first glance the idea of having an all day elopement (and having the entire experience documented) sounds absolutely wild. But trust me, it's really not!
The way you get married is important! Your wedding day will be your anniversary for the rest of your life- your elopement is so incredibly special. You deserve to have your ENTIRE adventure captured (not just your vows and some quick portraits!) for you to relive time and time again. Traditional weddings get their entire story told, from the time they're getting ready to the time they leave the venue. Even though the activities and timeline of an elopement are completely different, your story still deserves to be told. So why not make the day you get married the best day you can possibly imagine?
This is not an all-day photo shoot, you won't have a camera in your face the entire time. We'll be hiking, laughing, doing whatever adventures and activities you want, exploring some really epic places, and at some point along the way you'll get married! This is about documenting the fun and excitement that is your wedding day and the two of you having the time of your lives.
So, what would we even do all day?
Honestly? Anything you want. The great thing about eloping is that you are deciding to get married your way. There's no pre set expectations or "rules" that you have to follow. You can do anything you want.
You could adventure in the desert or explore a remote beach. You can take a leisurely stroll by a lake or hike deep into the mountains. You can ride in a helicopter or kayak in an alpine lake. You can elope in the front country or take a backpacking trip deep into the wilderness. You can stay close to home or travel somewhere far away. You can elope surrounded by colorful wildflowers, autumn foliage or even in the snow!
You can elope with just you and your partner or with your closest family and friends. You could have a picnic on a mountaintop or have a private chef cook dinner for you in your Airbnb. You can write each other letters or sing each other songs. You can have a first look or get ready together. You can have an elaborate ceremony or a very simple one.
The point is? It's your elopement day- do what you want! Make it the best day for you imaginable. Don't let anyone tell you what your day should or shouldn't look like. No elopement is exactly like another- so don't get caught in the trap of doing it a certain way. I mean isn't that one of the reasons you decided to elope anyways? To get married in a way that is fun and authentically represents you? Have the type of wedding day that makes you happy and feel full.
Close Your Eyes...
and imagine all of the possibilities. What does your perfect day together look like? Where are you going and what are you doing? Are you on top of a mountain that you just hiked up? Are you sitting on the beach, watching the sunset and enjoying a picnic together? What kinds of foods are you eating and drinks are you drinking? What types of activities do you imagine doing together? Are there any special or meaningful things in your relationship that you want to incorporate?
Really feel free to dream big here, the possibilities and choices for your elopement are endless. You can design your wedding experience however you want! There's no right or wrong way to elope- only what feels right for you.
What Your Elopement Day Could Look Like
If you were creating the best, most fully enjoyable day of your life together, how would that go? What would it look like?
I truly believe that no single elopement is exactly alike. Just like no two couples are the same. So don't limit yourself to what you may have seen in the past, or what you feel an elopement or wedding day "should" look like. Your wedding day is about creating a day that will make you feel alive, happy, completely relaxed, and in love.
So, dream big! Reflect on what's truly important to you, your partner, and your relationship and see where that takes you.
There's no right or wrong way to elope- just what makes you happy.
However.... if you're looking for a place to start, here's some tangible ideas of what your elopement day could possibly look like!
Your elopement day isn't just about the highlights. It's a whole day of memories. I want to tell a story. Your story.
Less posing, more you.
I'm not here to capture forced emotions, faked moments or the same shots over and over again, I'm here to capture the real you and your real love. No forced poses, no fake smiles, no saying crazy things to get a reaction just for "the shot". In fact, this isn't about me at all. It's all about you. It's all about you having an incredible experience and having the best day imaginable. I truly believe that when you're having the time of your lives, beautiful photos will follow. I'm here to tell the story of your day, to capture images full of real emotion, laughter, adventure, love, and most importantly images that are an authentic representation of you and your relationship. I want you to look back at your photos and think "yes, this is us".
Feeling awkward in front of the camera is a very real fear, one that I understand very personally. I hate being in front of the camera myself, and have had some very uncomfortable times when my husband and I have been photographed. I get it. Which is why I never want you to feel that way. Almost everyone I photograph has this concern, being in front of the camera can be uncomfortable or even scary. Which is why I take a documentary or storytelling approach to photography. Photos don't have to be a stressful thing, they can be so much fun and easier to do than you've ever imagined. I have a very relaxed, natural posing style where my main focus is capturing the real you in the most authentic & fun way possible! My goal is that you get so comfortable, you forget the camera is even there, and feel 100% confident to truly be yourself, be deeply connected with one another and let your personalities shine. Which is why getting to know the real you is so important to me and is why I want to get to know you and connect before we ever meet in person. After all, it's much easier to be photographed by a friend than some random stranger! If you're still worried, check out my reviews to see what couples say about working with me.
Meet Your Elopement Photographer
Hi I'm Kathleen! If you hire me as your elopement photographer, I'll be with you every step of the way to help you have the most amazing elopement experience possible. I'll help you find an incredible location, give you lots of planning advice, be a trusted friend throughout the process, and document your wedding day in a beautiful, authentic way possible so you can relive your experience time and time again.
I love the outdoors and being in nature every second I can. I'm happiest when I'm out hiking a new trail or camping with my dog Ranger! I also love tea, binge watching The Office for the millionth time, eating good food, reading, or traveling to new places (and hanging out with my awesome husband!).
I became an elopement photographer to pursue my biggest passions in life- spending more time outdoors and photographing couples on the day they get married! I'm a storyteller at heart and I'm here to tell your story of your love & the day you get married.
What Couples Are Saying:
"I cannot gush enough about Kathleen or our incredible photos. Even from the beginning she exceeded every expectation. I've never experienced anything so personal and I've never been so happy with photos before"
-Aubrey & John
"We had such a great experience with Kathleen! We needed someone who would be helpful, informative, and confident presence throughout the process and who has a knack for capturing those special moments on camera. We found all this and more with Kathleen"
-Chellie & Blake
"She continued to exceed expectations despite the high bar she had set herself... Kathleen is warm and easy to be around. It felt like she was genuinely excited to be there with us. She managed a good balance between letting us enjoy ourselves and directing us to capture the moments we wanted documented."
-Brandon & Lena
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How This All Works
1. Contact Me
Ready to do this? Send me an inquiry and tell me a little bit about yourselves. I'll get back to you with more information and we can get started with planning your day!
2. Set up a Phone Call
Set up your complimentary consultation call and we can get to know one another a little better, you can share more about what you envision your elopement day looking like, and you can ask any questions around elopements you may have!
3.Book Your Date
After signing a contract and paying a retainer- you're officially booked! I'll send you my VIP 96-page Elopement Planning Guide (filled with tons of advice and will help you with your planning step-by-step) and a questionnaire to get to know you better and to get a clearer picture of your vision for your day. Based on those answers, I'll create a customized location list full of ideas to help you find your perfect place to elope. I'll also send you any vendor recommendations you request too! Once you select a location, I'll help walk you through the process of applying for a wedding permit (if needed) and send you my Leave No Trace Guide for Eloping Couples. When we get a little closer to your date, I'll help you create the perfect timeline for your day accounting for all of your fun activities you have planned! I'll also walk you through the process of applying for a marriage license.
4. Get Married!
Have the best day of your lives, adventuring in a beautiful place with the one you love most in the world. Today's the day you've been waiting for- the day you get to commit your lives to one another!
5. Relive Your Incredible Experience Through Your Photos
You'll get your beautiful photos back within 4-6 weeks after your elopement (not including the sneak peeks you'll get within 48 hours!). Share them with friends and family, hang them on your walls, and relive your elopement day again and again for years to come.
Your Customized Elopement Experience
Because your elopement shouldn't fit in any box
Every Package Includes:
Help crafting and planning your elopement step by step
I'll give you tons of advice to help you plan your perfect elopement experience through unlimited consultations while planning. I'll also give you access to my 96-page Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide!
Location scouting and customized location suggestions
I love location scouting! Being an avid hiker, I love finding secret, hidden spots to explore. Many of the places my couples decide to elope at are places they had no idea even existed before I sent it to them! I'll help you find an amazing location to say your vows and get married at- no matter what type of scenery or length of hike you desire.
Vendor Recommendations
I'll help you find the perfect vendors that can help you craft the experience you're looking for.
Help acquiring permits & navigating the legalities
Most outdoor places do require a special use permit in order for you to legally say your vows. But not to worry, I'm experienced with the process and can help guide you on all the legalities! And on that note, I'll also help you with applying for your marriage license and making it all legal.
Help creating a timeline & finding fun activities for your day
I'll help you craft the perfect timeline for your day- taking into account all your fun activities (which I've got loads of ideas for!) and the best lighting for the most flattering images & experience possible.
Optional Officiant Services
I can legally sign as your officiant (in most states) if you want a more private experience. If you want someone to lead your ceremony in a way with more structure, I can help you find a fantastic officiant who offers that!
All photographer travel and taxes included
If it's accessible with a commercial airline & 2WD car, there's no extra travel charges. Additionally, sales tax is included so there's no surprise fees.
Candid, relaxed documentation of your day
I take a very natural, storytelling approach to photography. I want to tell your story in an authentic way and capture all of the emotion of your day so you can look back at your photos and feel present in that moment and relive your experience over and over again. I also want you to have a lot of fun! So no stiff, overly posed, awkward photos- just the real you.
Digital gallery of high-resolution images
You will get unlimited downloads of your gallery and personal printing rights- meaning you can share with friends and family and print at whichever shop of your choosing.
And I'll bring the coffee & snacks too.
Elopement & Intimate Wedding Packages
Worldwide Elopements & Intimate Weddings
Whether you dream of saying your vows in front of a waterfall in Iceland, in the African safari, in the lupines of New Zealand, or in front of jagged, granite peaks in Patagonia, there's a place for you out there. If you dream of travel and want to say your vows in a unique corner of the globe- I'm here for you.
What's included:
6+ hours photo coverage
and a digital gallery of high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and personal printing rights.
Unlimited help planning your elopement
I'll help you plan your elopement step by step and will give you tons of advice & unlimited consultations. You'll get a 96-page Elopement Planning Guide, help finding the perfect location to say your vows, vendor recommendations, timeline suggestions, help acquiring permits, and more!
Photographer travel fees included
anywhere in the world accessible by commercial airlines & 2WD
Optional Officiant Services
when applicable!
Packages Starting at $7,000
Stunning mountain ranges, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, impressive volcanoes, rugged coastal beaches, mossy rainforests, colorful wildflowers, waterfalls and glaciers- Washington is so diverse and makes an incredible elopement destination. Washington is one of my favorite places in the world and I'd love to help you plan your perfect adventure.
What's included:
4+ hours photo coverage
and a digital gallery of high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and personal printing rights.
Unlimited help planning your elopement
I'll help you plan your elopement step by step and will give you tons of advice & unlimited consultations. You'll get a 96-page Elopement Planning Guide, help finding the perfect location to say your vows, vendor recommendations, timeline suggestions, help acquiring permits, and more!
Photographer travel fees included
anywhere in Washington accessible by 2WD
Optional Officiant Services
when applicable!
Packages Starting at $4,200
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Impressive slot canyons, massive red rocks & arches, breathtaking overlooks, lakes, colorful desert, turquoise waterfalls, cacti, mountains, and more- Arizona and Utah are both filled with stunning elopement destinations. If you're looking for a desert adventure- come to Arizona or Utah!
What's included:
4+ hours photo coverage
and a digital gallery of high-resolution images with unlimited downloads and personal printing rights.
Unlimited help planning your elopement
I'll help you plan your elopement step by step and will give you tons of advice & unlimited consultations. You'll get a 96-page Elopement Planning Guide, help finding the perfect location to say your vows, vendor recommendations, timeline suggestions, help acquiring permits, and more!
Photographer travel fees included
anywhere in Arizona or Utah accessible by 2WD
Optional Officiant Services
when applicable!
Packages Starting at $4,000
2023 Travel Schedule
If you want to elope or have an adventure session in one of these places, reach out to me today and we can talk about your day! I'm also available to add other destinations outside the U.S. if there's somewhere else you want to elope that is not on this list. Reach out to me today and we can get started planning your dream elopement!
April
Sedona
Northern Arizona
Southern Utah
Moab
May *BOOKED*
Italy
Puerto Rico
June *BOOKED*
Washington
July
Alaska
August & September
Washington
October- December
Sedona
Northern Arizona
Southern Utah
Moab
What's it like to work with me?
"We had such a great experience with Kathleen! My partner (and now wife) and I were looking to elope during the pandemic. We wanted a fun, sweet, adventurous wedding day. We needed someone who would be a helpful, informative, and confident presence throughout the process and who has a knack for capturing those special moments on camera. We found all of this and more with Kathleen.
We reached out to Kathleen just weeks before our proposed elopement date and she immediately got us set up with a consultation appointment with her. Kathleen was a flexible and supportive partner in the process, from working around the logistics we had planned, to encouraging our imaginations for how we could make our special day uniquely ours. Kathleen used her knowledge of the area to recommend several locations based on the ideas we brainstormed and she also provided guidance for the preparation and materials we'd need for the day. Some of our favorite memories of the day--playing board games, exploring the coast, and an impromptu dance party--stem from the inspiration Kathleen gave us that allowed us to be ourselves and celebrate who we are as a couple.
On the day of, Kathleen arrived on time and ready to help, equipped with extra snacks and hand-warmers. She gave suggestions when we asked and otherwise gave us the space to be vulnerable, silly, and focus on one another. Throughout, she was a steady, encouraging, and quiet presence.
We are thrilled with our pictures and how Kathleen captured so many special moments—the emotions on each of our faces, the little ways my partner and I relate to each other, and the beauty of our chosen locations and activities. We especially appreciate the sneak peak Kathleen sent us the day after to help us share our joy with family and friends.
We felt safe and comfortable in Kathleen's adaptable, capable, and competent professionalism, and we would recommend her to all of our friends and family.
Thank you Kathleen for helping make our day so special!" -Chellie and Blake
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between an elopement, intimate wedding, and adventure wedding?
I use these words fairly interchangeably, and there are many definitions out there. An elopement is when you have 0 guests, just you and your partner getting married and having the time of your lives! An intimate wedding is when you include guests on your day, typically no more than 25-30. Both an elopement and intimate wedding are adventure weddings!
How do I plan an elopement?
Planning an elopement can be daunting- there aren't a whole ton of resources out there for couples choosing to go a nontraditional route! I created a general Elopement Planning Guide to help adventurous couples plan their elopements with ease. I also have created several location specific elopement guides! Check out How to Elope in Arizona: A Complete Guide & How to Elope in Washington: A Complete Guide. Hopefully these planning devices help you! If you have any additional questions or want to get started planning your elopement, you can contact me!
How far in advance should I start planning?
I start booking couples 18 months out. Most couples take around 6-10 months to plan their adventure elopement. However, you can still pull off an epic elopement in a month or less! No matter how far in advance or last minute, I'd love to chat with you about your wedding.
What if I'm not an avid hiker, can I still elope somewhere outdoors that's not too crowded?
Yes! There are countless locations that are easy to access and don't require extensive hiking. Additionally, you can choose to adventure in other ways besides hiking (helicopter & air tours, dog sled rides, off-roading, kayaking, hot air balloons, etc.)
Can I invite my friends and family?
Yes, of course! One of the best parts of eloping is that you get to do whatever you want. And if that includes inviting your closest friends and family members? I'm here for it 100%.
Note: I only photograph intimate weddings with up to 10 people. This is due to increasingly strict permit regulations and Leave No Trace Considerations. In most desired elopement spots it simply isn't possible to have more than 15 guests due to impacting the fragile vegetation (i.e. wildflowers, tundra, cryptobiotic soil, etc.) or impacting other visitors. However, if you are interested in renting a small, private venue for your guests and splitting your day into an "adventure" portion for the two of you and a ceremony with your guests on private land- I would love to talk with you more!
Elopement Planning Resources
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Want more? Follow Me On Instagram @kathleen.elizabeth.photography!
