Choosing the perfect elopement photographer for your wedding is crucial to capturing the essence and emotion of your intimate wedding. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to look for in an elopement photographer. Also, some red flags to watch out for.

What to Look for in an Elopement Photographer

Professional Website

A professional website is not just a sign of a photographer’s credibility. It’s a reassurance of their dedication to their craft. It’s a place where they can showcase their portfolio. But also, provide detailed information about their services, and give you a glimpse into their style and approach. A well-maintained website often reflects a photographer’s professionalism. Plus, their attention to detail, giving you confidence in their ability to capture your special day.

Wedding Photographer Strong Reviews

Reviews from previous clients can offer valuable insights into a photographer’s reliability and the quality of their work. Look for strong, positive reviews on platforms like Google, The Knot, or those featured on a professional’s website or social media.

While reviews are never necessary, they’re always appreciated! Here are a few quotes from my own Google reviews:

I can’t say enough positive things about Kelly. She photographed our wedding in June of 2023 and did an incredible job – we truly adore our wedding gallery and are so happy with the mix of photos. Looking back on our gallery is like re-living the best day of our lives, largely thanks to Kelly’s talent! Her eye for composition and her true-to-life editing made us fall in love with her, and she certainly delivered on those skills in our photos.

Kelly does a lot of amazing outdoor photography – you can tell from her portfolio that she’s your gal if you are looking for an adventurous elopement. But she’s also an incredible wedding photographer for a larger wedding, too – we booked her for our ~110-person wedding, and she absolutely nailed it. Something that really surprised me was how much I adore the dance party photos she took – she captured so many fun moments of our friends and family that we’ll cherish forever. Kelly also managed to find time to take lovely photos of our friends, and of moments we weren’t present for. It was so much fun to see new POVs of the day, and our friends and family were so excited and surprised when we sent them professional photos of themselves from our day.

Kelly is also a gem of a person. She was easygoing, fun, and made us feel incredibly comfortable in front of the camera. On our wedding day, my bridesmaids and I ran into construction that made us over an hour late to the venue, but Kelly managed to make me feel like we didn’t miss out on anything in our timeline at all. I’m still not sure how she did it, but she truly mitigated a meltdown for me by keeping calm and positive. :)

If you’re lucky enough that Kelly has availability for your wedding, don’t hesitate to book her! <3

– K Miller

Kelly is amazing, fantastic, wonderful – there aren’t enough words to describe how awesome she is! Working with her was so easy, she was friendly and down to earth and easy to talk to and connect with from the very beginning. Her guidance leading up to and on our elopement day was invaluable and, as a result, we have INCREDIBLE photos from the day. We never felt rushed or pressured, and there was always time/chances to redo a shot if need be to make sure we have the perfect coverage of every location or activity. Our families were present for a total of 8 of us, and Kelly felt like one of the family the entire time. She directed all of us and helped us feel comfortable and genuinely authentic the entire day.

Even though an elopement is just as exhausting as a traditional wedding, Kelly remained positive and kind throughout the day, checking in with us and making sure we had what we needed. She also has wonderful connections with vendors, such as flowers and hair and makeup, and each person that we worked with through Kelly’s recommendation was exceptional. My now husband and I interviewed a lot of people for the elopement photographer role, and Kelly knocked it out of the park on day one. You CANNOT go wrong if you choose to work with her. She’s the best.

– M. Farias

I tell you what, Kelly is absolutely amazing at what she does. I had followed her for some time, always admiring her work from afar and truly thinking I could never even have the possibility to work with her due to how much of a pedestal I had her work on! Truly breathtaking. When I got engaged, I had remembered her making a post about elopements on social media — and I immediately went to check out the details she had wrote, as well as her website for packages. Given the post-COVID and 2020 climate we were in, I knew I wanted to get married ASAP, as well as extremely memorable.

I quickly realized that Kelly’s amazing talent was within our reach – and quickly booked a consultation. WOW! Her personality and demeanor was so welcoming and inviting. She was open to every idea we had and gave me encouragement through this tough planning season amid COVID. We knew she was our girl! We quickly booked our date and began planning our elopement. She made the MOST FABULOUS elopement guide for us to review and draw ideas from. It was great for so many reasons, especially for letting our imagination take over the process! She also calmed my nerves and gave me encouragement when I would get stressed or overwhelmed with the process (or lack there of).

The day came – and we met, and truly, she is the most kind, personable woman! She is AMAZING. We woke up at 2am to start getting ready for our sunrise hike and she was SO excited and happy to be joining. She gave us helpful tips as we prepared to take off, reminded me to eat breakfast and we were on our way! The hike we decided on was no easy feat — and she rocked it out! 1500 feet incline- in snow, wind and 15-20 degree temperatures – in the dark! We summited our location and she guided us on poses, suggested different ideas and was truly so wonderful to work with. She made it fun, did not complain about the terrible conditions (like I did every 2 minutes) — and was stoked on the time together the entire day!

We continued down the mountain to our ceremony location, and once again, perfection!

But, honestly, these words don’t even truly do justice to her finished work. Our images were breathtaking! She truly made magic. We were in the middle of a fog storm and she somehow made us look like we were in the perfect place at the perfect moment. Her vision and ability combined saved our elopement! The pictures brought tears to my eyes and I truly have received more compliments on them than anything else in my life. Her work is amazing, but Kelly is truly unparalleled – she is an amazing woman, wonderful friend and the most kind individual. I cannot wait to work with her again and again. You will NOT EVER regret meeting and working with her!

– L. Lipker

Experienced Photographer

Experience is not just a number; it’s a guarantee of quality. With 14 years in the wedding industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each session. An experienced photographer will know how to handle various lighting conditions, unpredictable weather, and other challenges. Plus, an experienced elopement photographer knows what it takes to help you plan and execute your intimate wedding. This experience is your security, ensuring that your special day will be captured beautifully, no matter what.

Elopement Photographers Full Galleries

While social media can showcase some of a photographer’s best work, they only represent a small fraction of their portfolio. Always ask to see full galleries from past elopements. This will give you a comprehensive view of their style, consistency, and ability to capture an entire event.

Importance of a Photographer Who Knows the Area

When searching for the perfect elopement photographer, find someone who knows the area where you plan to say your vows. A photographer with local expertise can provide invaluable insights and recommendations, enhancing your elopement experience. For instance, I specialize in both Washington and Tuscany, Italy—two stunning regions where I have invested significant time to understand their unique landscapes, lighting, and hidden gems.

My in-depth knowledge of these areas allows me to suggest picturesque locations. Not to mention, the best times for optimal lighting, and even local vendors and activities to make your elopement unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of a forest setting in Washington or a vineyard in Tuscany, my lived experience in these regions ensures that your elopement is beautifully captured and authentically celebrated.

Red Flags to Avoid in your Elopement Photographer

No Website

A lack of a professional website can be a red flag. It may indicate that the photographer needs to be fully committed to their business or needs more skills and professionalism. A website provides a platform for wedding and elopement photographers to display their work. Also, they can share their services, and communicate with potential clients.

No Contract Required

A contract is essential to protect both you and the photographer. It outlines the terms and conditions of the service, ensuring that both parties are clear on what to expect. A photographer who does not require a contract may not be operating professionally or may be trying to avoid accountability.

Willing to Break Rules

Elopements often take place in beautiful, natural settings. If you’ve seen my work or read any of my blogs, you know I take care of the PNW. Photographers must follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and other regulations to preserve these environments. Be wary of photographers willing to break rules or disregard environmental guidelines. This behavior is unethical and can lead to legal issues and fines.

Finding the perfect elopement photographer involves more than just admiring their photos on social media. Look for a professional website with solid reviews and extensive experience. Always ask to see total galleries to ensure consistency in their work. Be cautious of red flags such as no website, no contract, and a willingness to break rules. By following these guidelines, you can find a photographer who will beautifully capture the magic of your elopement. And, provide you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.