Chart your own course:
The Ultimate Intimate Wedding and Elopement Guide
A roadmap for couples rewriting the rules and chasing something real
Plan the Wedding You ACTUALLY WANT
You’re not planning a traditional wedding — you’re planning a you-shaped day. Maybe that means hiking to a quiet mountain overlook. Maybe it’s a cozy gathering with your closest people by the water. No pressure, no performance — just real moments that feel true to your relationship.
This guide is for the couples who want something intentional, unconventional, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or celebrating with a tight-knit group, this is your permission to do it differently — and the roadmap to help you pull it off.
Why Your Photographer Matters More Than You Think
Let’s be real — eloping or planning a small wedding isn’t about skipping the photos. It’s about capturing the right ones.
When you’re choosing to have an intimate celebration, you’re choosing to focus on what truly matters: your connection, your people, your story. And the right photographer doesn’t just show up and snap a few pretty pictures — they help you live the day fully, while making sure every meaningful, fleeting moment gets remembered.
I’m not just here to pose you in front of a mountain and call it a day. I’m here to:
• Help you feel comfortable and confident, even in front of the camera
• Guide you with prompts and direction that still feel natural
• Capture candid, unfiltered moments as they unfold
• Make space for emotion, spontaneity, and the unexpected
• Tell your story with care, honesty, and a whole lot of heart
With the right photographer by your side, you won’t just remember how your day looked — you’ll remember exactly how it felt.
So… What Is an Elopement, Really?
Eloping isn’t about running away or keeping things secret anymore. Not in this era.
An elopement today is about freedom — to choose what matters most, and to leave behind everything that doesn’t. It’s an intentional decision to trade pressure and performance for presence and meaning. Whether it’s just the two of you on a mountaintop or you’re surrounded by a few of your closest people in a quiet forest clearing, an elopement is simply this:
A wedding day built around your story — not tradition.
It can look like:
• A slow morning at your Airbnb followed by a foggy hike to your ceremony spot
• A courthouse vow exchange and a dinner party with the people who know you best
• A full-day adventure across your favorite places, ending barefoot on the beach at sunset
There’s no right way to elope — only your way. And that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
Elopement or Intimate Wedding — What’s the Difference?
This is a question I get all the time — and honestly? When you’re working with me, the answer is: not much.
Traditionally, an elopement is a wedding day with just the couple, or sometimes a few guests — usually under 10. It’s quiet, deeply personal, and focused entirely on your connection. An intimate wedding, on the other hand, tends to include a slightly larger guest list — close family, a few best friends — but still keeps things small, intentional, and low-stress.
But here’s the thing:
I don’t believe in charging more just because you invite a few more people.
What matters to me is the experience — not the headcount. Whether it’s just the two of you exchanging vows on a trail, or you’re celebrating with your 15 favorite people around a dinner table, you’re getting the same level of care, attention, and storytelling from me.
So don’t worry about fitting into a label.
If your day is centered around connection, authenticity, and a sense of adventure — you’re exactly where you need to be.
Should We Elope?
If you’re even asking the question — chances are, there’s something about the traditional wedding blueprint that just doesn’t feel like you.
Maybe the idea of being the center of attention in front of 150 people makes your stomach turn. Maybe you want to focus on the experience of getting married, not just the production. Or maybe you’re dreaming of something slower, more personal, more you.
Eloping doesn’t mean missing out. It means choosing something more meaningful — and letting go of everything that doesn’t serve that.
You should consider eloping if:
• You want a day that feels relaxed, connected, and totally true to your relationship
• You care more about experience than tradition or expectations
• You’d rather spend the day together exploring, hiking, eating, laughing, and making memories than managing a strict schedule
• You want space for real emotion, quiet moments, and spontaneity
• You value the why behind your wedding just as much as the how
At the end of the day, it’s not about doing less — it’s about doing what matters most.
And if that speaks to you, then yeah… maybe you should elope.
Where Should We Elope?
One of the most exciting parts of planning an elopement is choosing the backdrop for your story. Do you imagine towering trees and moody coastal cliffs? A quiet alpine lake at sunrise? A mossy trail that winds into a secluded ceremony spot?
The best location is one that reflects you — your vibe, your pace, your idea of a perfect day. It doesn’t need to be grand or remote (though it totally can be). It just needs to feel right.
If you’re dreaming of something wild, romantic, and a little untamed, Washington is full of magic.
From misty beaches to mountain peaks to lush forests that feel like something out of a fairytale, the Pacific Northwest has no shortage of breathtaking places to say your vows.
Need help choosing the perfect spot?
Get in touch with me and I can help you pick the perfect location!
Wherever your heart’s pulling you — we’ll find the perfect place to make it happen.
Ready to elope?
Here's How to Get Started
Reach Out & Say Hey
Fill out my contact form and tell me a little bit about you two and what you're dreaming up. Whether you have a date and location or just a feeling — we’ll start there.
Let’s Chat
We’ll hop on a relaxed call to get to know each other, talk through ideas, and see if we’re the right fit. I’ll answer any questions you’ve got and help you start visualizing what your day could look like.
Make It Official
Once you're ready, you'll sign a contract and pay a retainer to lock in your date. Then we pop some metaphorical champagne and start dreaming up the details!
Plan Your Elopement
I’ll guide you through everything — from personalized location ideas to timeline planning, permits, and questionnaires to help shape the experience around you. You’ll feel supported every step of the way.
Live Your Best Day Ever
All that’s left is to show up, be fully present, and experience the day you truly wanted. I’ll be there documenting every real, meaningful, beautiful moment so you can relive it for years to come.