for the wild ones

the ultimate guide for elopements & intimate weddings

 Oregon Elopement
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Why I made this guide

And what’s in it

Over half of the 30+ weddings that I shoot every year are elopements or intimate weddings. In fact, its what I specialize in! And I want to help take some of the guess work out of planning an elopement or intimate wedding by answering some of the most common questions that I get about them!

My pricing is at the end, so please take some time to look through some of the elopements I’ve shot, as well as read through the common FAQs, before scrolling to the end to see how much your investment with me would be!

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 Elopement FAQs

Some of the most common elopement faqs I get asked

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Why Elope?

Your wedding day only comes around once and it’s a day that is meant to be just about the two of you. 
And that means doing what YOU want to do. 

If you want to celebrate your love in front of 200 of your closest friends & family members, then that is exactly what you should do!

But if the thought of all that planning, all that time, and all that money doesn’t sound appealing to you, then eloping could be the perfect fit for you guys!

Eloping is for couples who want to celebrate their love in an intimate and beautiful setting either by themselves or with just a handful of their closest friends and family.

It is for couples who want to focus their resources on themselves instead of a large number of guests.

Eloping is also for couples who want save money.

Eloping is a big decision and it is one you should feel totally comfortable with making before pulling the trigger.
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what kind of elopements do you offer?

While there are traditional elopements for couples who just want to go down to the courthouse, that is not the type of elopement that I specialize in.

I offer elopements for couples who place a value on being outside in nature and want to get married in a beautiful and scenic location. 

And in particular, I specialize in planning, styling, and shooting elopements for couples that still want all the beauty of a traditional wedding (cake, small table set-up, some dancing, champagne toasts, etc) but are wanting to go the non-traditional route of eloping.

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WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT?

JUST YOU TWO? OR ARE YOU HAVING SOME GUESTS?

I think the first thing you need to think about it do you want it to just be you two, or do you want a few guests? If you want a few guests, do you want them all to hike out somewhere epic with you? Or would you rather do a small ceremony followed by an adventure sessions for just the two of you the following day? Either way is completely fine, and you can even divide your day into two parts! One part with just the two of you and then one part with your guests! I have a lot of couples who opt for that kind of combination type day and we will do a sunrise adventure together and then they will say their vows with their small guest group later on in the day. But that’s really the beauty of eloping, you can truly make the day your own!

WHERE DO YOU WANT IT TO BE?

Maybe it’s a place that is important to you both, or maybe it’s just a really scenic spot that you’ve seen in pictures. Regardless, think about where you want it to be, what you want your photos to look like (red deserts as a backdrop, big mountain views, etc), and let your photographer know your reasons if you don’t already have your location picked out. There are plenty of wild and beautiful spaces out there to choose from!

Keep in mind that if you want to elope in a National Park, that you will need to apply for a permit to do so. Every National Park has it’s own application process and the cost is usually between $100 - $300.

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HOW MUCH SHOULD You EXPECT TO SPEND?

While you won’t be paying for a fully catered dinner for 200 people + venue expenses + all the other expenses associated with a traditional wedding, there are still other expenses associated with an elopement. But at the end of the day this is your wedding and you should want to make it the best experience as possible! 
  • This means hair & make-up if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself ($200-$500).

  • You definitely still need a gorgeous bouquet ($100-$500).

  • And a witness or minister for your vows ($200-$300), unless you are getting married somewhere like Colorado that does not require one.

  • If you do have a few friends and family coming, it would still be nice to buy them dinner after your vows have been said.

  • Do you want that dinner to styled to look like a traditional wedding set-up?

  • Do you also want to cover your friends and family’s hotel/airbnb if you’re asking them to travel?

  • What about your flights and rental car?

  • Maybe you’ll want some cake after as well?

  • And obviously your attire – dress for you, suit for him.

Since costs are all dependent on where you are traveling from and how in depth you want your elopement, the total expenses for an elopement can range quite a bit.

But a safe estimate to start with would be $5,000 - $15,000.

elopement resource guides

helpful guides for different elopement locations & general tips

Bisti Badlands Adventure Session
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Investment

Average Investment

$3,000 - $3,400

What’s included?

• coverage starting at 4 hours

• preview of your elopement within 72 hours

• all final images delivered within 60 days

• personal copyrights to all final images

• your own personal landing page to view your images, download, and purchase prints

• custom designed 10X10 linen bound flat lay photo album, wooden keepsake box, and USB to showcase your day ($600 value)

• unlimited consultation, styling, vendor recommendations, and help planning your day

• access to my entire Wild West Collective of table + styling décor for an intimate dinner + cake

• 33% due at signing / 33% due midway to your wedding date / final 33% due 30 day prior

• travel fees assessed by location

Now what?

Honestly, elopements and their planning are best discussed in person/over the phone.

So even if you have no idea where to start with planning yours, feel free to contact me any ways and I’ll get in touch to discuss all the potential options that you guys have!