I promise - you’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion around what “eloping” is, means and looks like. I’m here to tell you that there’s not an exact formula across the board. Everyone does and thinks a little differently when it comes to the exact “term.” I can tell you, it does not mean you want to rush your wedding, that you’re pregnant, that you want to run off to Vegas, that you’re not willing to invest in your wedding day. It does not mean you’re just taking the easy way out. 

To me, elopements and adventure weddings are low key. Intentional. Rooted in how you want to feel vs. what you “should” do. They make space for sipping good coffee in the morning, putting on your best dress (with hiking boots, if you want), and promising your vows in locations that take your breath away. Every time I photograph an elopement I think, “Why don’t more people do this?” and it’s because they are genuine, natural, and true.

An elopement grants you the ability to commit your life in whichever manner you see fit. It does NOT mean that you’re lonely, isolated, or selfish. It means you’re choosing to get married intentionally and preparing for the best adventure yet. You’re setting the state for your marriage with intentionality. 

Elopements can be just the three of us (I’m the best third wheel), Us plus your kids or fur babies, or you can invite your closest friends and family.

You can book an intimate “venue” or you can run off to the rocky shorelines or climb to a rocky peak. 

Elopement, Adventure Wedding, Intimate wedding, micro-wedding, private ceremony before your delayed party next year, whatever it is, I’m here for it. 

Absolutely not! While some of my couples get married on mountaintops or love to spend their wedding days hiking...that’s their story. Elopements and intimate weddings just mean that you want a smaller scale, more personal wedding that is focused on what YOU value.

I totally understand that fear because I’ve been there! My husband and I’s wedding day was planned more out of obligation and fear than what we truly wanted and if I could go back in time? I would tell myself to trust my intuition. Your wedding day will be beautiful no matter what, but remember it is YOUR story and if you’re feeling the pull to do something off the beaten path? You’ll never regret the memories.

Yes! This is your day and you can invite whomever you’d like. Some of my elopements are just the three of us while others invite their closest family and friends. 

I’ve noticed that when numbers grow past 15 people, it can become more difficult to keep the focus on the two of you and can limit ceremony location options based on permit requiring of the specific area. For this reason, the amount of people you invite can determine specific ceremony locations or a need for more coverage.

If you want to include your loved ones but still want one-on-one time with your partner, you can choose a “split” day to have your guest present for getting ready and the ceremony then we can run off to the mountains afterwards. You can also make your elopement 2-days. There are no limits or rules when it comes to YOUR day. 

Nope - this is your wedding day and we take the adventure we’re given! Don’t worry though, that’s why we have a plan A and plan B! 

The way I see it - you have three options.
1. Hire an officiant to perform a ceremony.
2. Have a friend or family member get ordained and perform your ceremony. 
3. Privately read vows and I can legalize your paperwork if you’re getting married in the state of Washington. 

Yes! If you want to get legally married on the day we meet. A marriage license is a legal document you need to get married, whereas the marriage permit is what you obtain in order to have permission to get married at certain locations (mostly National Parks!) Commercial photography permits are NOT required but a Special Use Permit for over 5 guests is required, should it be applicable to your day. Important information regarding the marriage license: 

-Washington has a three-day waiting period so plan ahead to apply for your marriage license.
-Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days.
-Marriage licenses cost $69 and are non-refundable.
-HERE’s a link to more info and King County (where Seattle resides) license.

Legal marriages require two witness signatures. It is not that uncommon for fellow hikers to “witness” my clients weddings. 

Yes - easy as pie! The only difference is obtaining the marriage license in Washington instead of your home state.

This is your story so anything you would like! I’ve seen everything from ceremonies similar to those of traditional weddings to couples silently reading vows written to one another. You can incorporate a ceremonial act or keep it simple! Let’s chat further about your options! 

Want to know a secret? I didn’t! This is actually more common than you think! Many times people need that legal doc earlier for whatever reason. It doesn’t change the sentiment of the day you choose to solidify your marriage. 

Ya it does. But guess what - regardless of how many hours of coverage you select, you will not have a camera in your face the entire time. WHAT?! Yup. Your coverage includes time for the in-between, pause, guidance and more. An 8 hour day looks different for each couple but here’s a quick example of what a Mt. Rainier elopement could look like:

Slow morning getting ready together while enjoying coffee soaking in the atmosphere
I arrive at the Airbnb + take photos of environmental + bridal details and ya'll getting ready
First look and photos outside the cabin in the evergreen forest and along the riverside
We hop in the car + travel to our trailhead.  Quiet time enjoyed together before you say I do
Arrive at trailhead + casually hike while taking some time to enjoy capture along the way
Private picnic along the wildflowers overlooking the view
An intimate ceremony overlooking the mountains and changing colors in the sky
Pop the champagne and sunset portraits begin along the peak
Actual sunset | First dance as a married couple + hike down with headlamp photos
We part ways and you have the evening to enjoy quietly together by the campfire

8-12 am
12:00 pm
1:00 pm
2:00 pm
3:00 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
8:00 pm

Slow morning getting ready together while enjoying coffee soaking in the atmosphere

I arrive at the Airbnb + take photos of environmental + bridal details and ya'll getting ready

First look and photos outside the cabin in the evergreen forest and along the riverside

We hop in the car + travel to our trailhead. Quiet time enjoyed together before you say I do

Arrive at trailhead + casually hike while taking some time to enjoy capture along the way

Private picnic along the wildflowers overlooking the view

An intimate ceremony overlooking the mountains and changing colors in the sky
Pop the champagne and sunset portraits begin along the peak

Actual sunset | First dance as a married couple + hike down with headlamp photos

We part ways and you have the evening to enjoy quietly together by the campfire

8-12 am

12:00 pm

1:00 pm

2:00 pm

3:00 pm

5:00 pm

6:00 pm

7:00 pm

8:00 pm

The short answer: Me, my brain, all of my resources, consult and planning session(s) | Hours of coverage | Travel | All Edited Photos in an online high-resolution gallery | Choose to use access to the professional print shop for anyone with gallery access. 

The long answer: 
Your gallery size is based on many different things: the length of the day, amount of coverage, guest size, travel times between locations. Because of that, I share an “average” image amount per hour. Engagement sessions usually result in 60+ images and weddings about 50+ per hour.
All digital files are delivered through a secure online gallery link. The gallery allows you to download, favorite and share the link with whoever you choose. You can even order amazing quality prints that will ship straight to your home. Custom USBs are also available.

Great question! We live in Black Diamond, Washington...about 30 minutes from Seattle, Tacoma and North Bend! 

I would say I hear this from 90% of my clients. There’s a difference between standing in front of an iphone grabbing a photo and hiring a professional to capture your day. It will feel different - promise! I will document, play games, direct, be goofy to make you laugh, encourage interaction with each other and your environment. These are the secret sauce to why you ended up here in the first place!

Genuine, authentic and with you as the priority. I always edit for client’s skin tones FIRST. You will not be orange, green or grey - promise! I like to keep editing simple yet polished so it’s a true representation of your day and not just a trend passing by. If you have a bright and sunny day - your photos will reflect that. If you have a rainy/moody day - your photos will be a little richer. I do minimal retouching with extensive retouching by request and for an additional fee. 

A sneak peak will be available within a week of your wedding date. Your final gallery of images will be delivered within about 4-6 weeks. Engagement and Adventure sessions are ready within 3 weeks.

4-6 weeks before your wedding, I send out a detailed questionnaire to ensure we're on the same page and I'm well informed of all the good stuff! This will include sections about important events, extra special details and of course, a family list. So while I don't work from a "pinterest" shot list, I do make sure that I've got down your preferences! If there’s any “must-haves” outside of the usual, I of course want to know about it!