Because of this, elopements have become popular alternatives to traditional weddings and can be a great way for couples to have an intimate, low-stress celebration of love. But smaller in scale doesn’t mean an elopement deserves any less attention when it comes to photography.
A Beautifully Captured Elopement With the Ultimate Elopement Photography Planning Guide
Making sure everything is photographed so you can capture the moments that tell your love story is important while planning for your elopement.
This guide will walk you through the necessary ways to plan the Picture-Perfect Elopement Photography experience from selecting the right photographer to the second-warmest locations, sultriest outfits, and optimal time of day for being photographed. If collaborating with your longtime fairy-tale comes to be a sunlit shore, a wooded summit, or an elegant metropolitan backdrop, Ra Weddings Photography will be by your side capturing every moment.
Book a Professional Elopement Photographer
Choose the Right Photographer The first and most important step in planning a Picture-Perfect Elopement Photography session. Elopements tend to involve an influx of intimate, unscripted moments within a variety of settings, and therefore require a photographer used to getting creative.
How to Choose an Elopement Photographer
Elopements – Elopements are different than a large wedding day — they require a great eye for storytelling without too much prompt.
Style and Aesthetic — Review portfolios to see if the work reflects your vision.
Knowledge of Places – An incredible elopement photog will recommend gorgeous, tucked away places.
Personality and Comfort – It’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer so you can have candid, genuine photos.
Focusing on the beautiful raw emotion and dramatic backdrops that make elopements so special, Ra Weddings Photography are dedicated to capturing your special day. Done, and their expertise fills your photos with love, joy, and adventure.
Choose your Ideal Destination
The location of your elopement greatly affects the look of your photos! Whether you dream of saying “I do” on a mountaintop at sunrise or by the ocean at sunset, your location should tell your love story.
[…] Top Elopement Photography Locations in the US […]
Mountains & National Parks — For nature-loving couples, spots like the Great Smoky Mountains or Yosemite provide epic, postcard-worthy views.
Beaches & Coastal Cliffs – A sunset elopement on a secluded beach makes for gorgeous golden-hour shots.
Forests & Waterfalls – Green forests and fall make it magical.
Urban & Historic Settings – A European-style cityscape or quaint, old town adds its own romantic flair.
Ensure that your location is easily accessible, preferably during ideal weather and at the right time of year to maximise your photography potential.
Schedule Photos at the Best Time
Good lighting can be the difference between a Picture-Perfect Elopement Photography session and a ruined memory. Correct timing allows you to have photos with the best natural light, giving them a magical, dreamy touch.
Time of Day for Elopement Photography
Golden Hour (Morning or Evening) – The mellow, natural light creates stunning, dreamy photos.
Blue Hour (Just After Sunset or Before Sunrise) – A melancholic, movie-like glow creates a dreamlike vibe.
Midday (For Adventure Elopements) – If you’re hiking or out in the woods, this light works well in shaded areas.
Your photographer will help you pick the perfect time for your location so you have the most flattering lighting.
Select Your Elopement Clothes
Your elopement photos will be heavily influenced by your wardrobe. Your ensembles should enhance the environment yet let you move easily.
How to Choose Your Elopement Clothing
Choose Loose Fabrics — Soft, flowing dresses and light suits lend a sense of movement and elegance.
Think of the Setting — A beach elopement requires barefoot simplicity, while a mountain one might necessitate layers.
Retain Neutral or Earthy Tones – These colours highlight the natural beauty of your SEO.
Dress Up With A Purpose — Adding hats, floral crowns, or just simple jewelry can elevate an outfit and add personality.
Ra Weddings Photography will help create your look the best way it can work with your vision, whilst allowing you to also move freely and naturally for every shot.
But before we get to that, let’s break down the 5 steps of planning your elopement:
When creating the perfect wedding timeline, it should be planned out to provide ample time for every important moment to be photographed without stressing the bride and groom out on their special day.
Sample Timeline for Elopement Photography
Super early new day (Morning Elopement)
5:30 AM – Getting ready & detail shots
6:30 AM – First look & couple portrait
7:00 AM – Ceremony & vows
7:30 AM – Candid session & adventure session
Sunset Session (Evening Elopement)
4 PM — Preparation & detail shots
5:30 PM – First look & pre-ceremony portraits
6:00 PM – Ceremony & vows
6:30 PM — Photograph in the golden hour
Your elopement photographer will walk you through the day and make sure each moment happens organically but is beautifully documented as well.
Take Candid & Storytelling Shots
Although posed portraits are an important element, the spark of elopement photography thrives in candid moments. The way you look at one another, the laughter and off-the-cuff responses are what make your photographs authentic.
The Secrets to Natural, Candid Elopement Photos
Real Interaction – Whisper inside jokes, hold hands and dance with abandon.
Trust Your Photog – They know what they’re doing, so follow their lead, but remain in the moment.
Include Activities That Matter – Be it hiking, toasting champagne, or dancing under the stars, let your personalities be part of the celebration.
Ra Weddings Photography is all about storytelling, capturing every look, every touch and every emotion through beautiful images that will last a lifetime.
Confirm Details and Enjoy Your Day
Confirm all logistics with your photographer ahead of your big day. Talk through backup plans in case of sudden changes in the weather and make sure all necessary location permits are in place.
The Ultimate Elopement Photography Checklist
- Booked a photographer and a wedding timeline
- Location & travel arrangements made
- Assembled outfits and accessories
- Weather considerations
- Backup plan prepared
A little planning will allow you to free up your mind to be fully present in the moment while your photographer is busy documenting those details that are so special.
Conclusion
Your elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and investing in a Picture Perfect Elopement Photography session ensures that every emotion, every stunning backdrop, and every candid moment will be captured forever. Ra Weddings Photography is here to help you turn your love story into beautiful images you will treasure for a lifetime whether you are exchanging vows on a mountaintop, the edge of the ocean, or in a secluded forest.
Want to plan your elopement photos + elopement photography session? Step no further, contact Ra Weddings Photography and let’s make some magic together!
