If you’re wondering how to become an elopement photographer – I’ve got you! Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to pivot your wedding photography business, we’ll go over all the basics! The photography industry is in a beautiful place now where weddings + elopements are both equally as common and incredible. However, they do differ in quite a few ways an the path to becoming an elopement photography pro can be challenging to navigate in the beginning!

So what even is an elopement? My Definition of an Elopement is: An elopement is a meaningful, personal and intimate experience created specifically for you and your partner to celebrate your journey together. That looks different for each couple I serve. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure experience or a private ceremony with a few friends, it has a lot less, and a lot more than a traditional wedding day.

As an elopement photographer, we get the honor of coming alongside couples and witnessing their love (in addition to telling their story through photography! Often times that means we are one of the few, if not THE only guest on their day. How freakin special is that? If being a part of an intimate couple-focused wedding day sounds IDEAL to you – then being an elopement photographer might be your next step!

Ready to dive into my guide on how to become an elopement photographer? Lets go!

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Misconceptions About Being an Elopement Photographer

Before we jump into the steps, let’s clear up some common myths about this career:

Myth #1: It’s easier than big weddings – While elopements might have fewer guests, they often require a lot of planning, potentially hiking or traveling long distances, and handling unpredictable outdoor conditions. Not necessarily harder, but they are a lot of work and differ from traditional weddings

Myth #2: They don’t make as much money – This depends on YOU as the photographer and your goals. Elopements are no longer just a quick, simple budget option for getting married. Rather, couples are choose to ditch the big traditional wedding and invest their budgets in unique and more intimate ceremonies. Being an an elopement photographer doesn’t mean the value of your work and time is less than at any other wedding day.

Myth #3: The couples are cheap – Many couples are willing to invest in an unforgettable adventure and top-tier photography, not just quick cheap “I do’s” at the courthouse. However, you book what you market for, and there are definitely still folks just looks for a short shoot that may not book you out.

Myth #4: It’s just a quick 2-hour gig – Elopements can last all day, from sunrise hikes to sunset vows, and sometimes even span multiple days! Again, some couples may be looking for a quick ceremony and be done with it. However, lots of folks are choosing to extend their wedding day and create their dream elopement experience.

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Steps to Becoming an Elopement Photographer

1. Understand Your Ideal Client

Who do you want to work with? This can be unique to each and every photographer. Define the type of couples you want to attract—are they adventurous hikers, luxury travelers, or intimate backyard elopers? Once you narrow down who you’re marketing to, it will be a lot easier to attract the clients you WANT to be booking!

2. Niche Down – If You Want to Solely Shoot Elopements

If you’re serious about becoming a full-time elopement photographer, commit to the niche. Specializing will help you market yourself more effectively and attract the right couples. While you can totally shoot anything and everything, you’ll find that once you niche down, your overall workflow and client experience will be easier to manage.

3. Focus on One Location, Then Expand

Some photographers prefer to shoot anywhere, but others build their reputation by mastering a specific region first (like the Dolomites, Iceland, or New Hampshire). This can help you dominate SEO and become the go-to expert before expanding to more destinations. If you don’t want to shoot a certain location, stop marketing for it! Show your potential clients real examples and information (via blogging, Reels, Pinterest, etc). And if you don’t yet have the content for the locations you want to shoot at? Get out and explore!

4. Create the Content You Want to Document

Similar to #3 if you don’t have the content you want, make it happen and get it! If you want to shoot mountain elopements, show mountain elopements! Travel to the places you want to photograph and become the expert! Plan styled shoots or adventure sessions to build a portfolio that reflects your dream work, offer shoots while you’re traveling and don’t be afraid to collaborate with other while you’re there!

5. Create an Amazing Client Experience

Don’t just book and then bail during the planning process. Offer your clients assistance every step of the way as the plan their elopement. From start to finish, make your clients feel seen, heard, and taken care of. Check out more on my blog on How to Create an Amazing Elopement Client Experience.

6. Find Your Unique Voice & Brand

There are many elopement photographers out there, so what makes you stand out? Your branding, voice, editing style, and personality all play a role in attracting the right clients. No one can replicate YOU as a person – so don’t be afraid to show up exactly as you are. Spend some time identifying what make you, your business, and your work unique – and market that!

7. Become an Elopement Expert

As an elopement photographer, you’re not just taking photos—you’re guiding couples through one of the biggest days of their lives. That can often mean you are the ONLY ONE with them on their day! Chances are, they haven’t done this before – therefore YOU are their guide! Help them with:

• Location scouting & permits
• Timeline planning
• Vendor recommendations
• Personalized adventure ideas
• Offering guides for packing, weather, trail rules, etc.

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Top Resources for Elopement Photographers

Gear You Need

Canon, Nikon, Sony, ahh – there are SO MANY OPTIONS NOW!! If you’re not loving your current setup and want to upgrade – don’t be afraid to rent some gear to experiment. And while every photographer’s gear bag can vary – there are a few elopement photography staples I recommend! Check out my Amazon gear list for camera bodies, lenses, drones, and must-have hiking essentials!

Contracts

Having solid contracts in place protects both you, your biz, and your couples. I highly recommend The Legal Paige for legally sound, easy-to-use contracts for elopement photographers!

Emergency Kit

Be prepared for anything! I’ve compiled a list of must-have emergency items for elopements on my Amazon storefront. Especially if you’re an adventure elopement photographer, being prepared will save you and your clients so much stress if/when something goes wrong!

Elopement photography coach

If you find yourself stuck moving into elopement photography and want help and accountability from an expert – hire an elopement photography-specific coach or mentor! Having someone who has successfully built their own business to the place you want to be at and knows the exact steps you need to take will give you a HUGE step up in reaching your goals.

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More Elopement Photography Education

Becoming an elopement photographer is an exciting journey filled with adventure, creativity, and connection. Seriously, if you feel the pull to pursue it – you will not be disappointed! And while you may have doubts now, I promise you CAN build a thriving career capturing love stories in breathtaking places. If you find yourself struggling to get started, or transition from traditional weddings – I’ve got you!

Whether you’re just starting out or you want to take your elopement photography business to the next level – I have something for everyone! Join my Mastermind for insider tips, coaching, and a supportive community. Or simply follow along and take advantage of all the elopement photography tips and freebies I offer!

Wishing you all the best as an elopement photographer!