invest in an
EXPERIENCE
Whether your elopement takes places in the North Cascades of Washington state,
the rocky coastline of southern Oregon, or under the northern lights in Iceland,
the magic of an elopement is in the experience you have together.
How to Elope
one
contact us
Imagine your elopement day. Take a minute to think about it now. Imagine waking up next to your partner. The sun is just starting to come through the large windows. What kind of beautiful scenery are you looking at? What's the season? What's the overall feel? What are you excited to go do with your partner today?
When you begin to figure out even a basic idea of where you might want to elope, it's time to start the conversation with us. We'll help you start turning your thoughts and feelings into a tangible plan. A location, a date, and all the things you will do together. The overwhelming feelings of planning such an incredible day will only last until our first phone call. Click here to get started!
two
partners in planning
You and your partner might choose to elope by yourselves, but you don't have to plan it that way! We're here to help you dream big and make the most of your elopement experience.
We'll create a custom timeline that allows you to take in every moment while getting the most out of your day. We'll send you organized lists, reminders and suggestions. We'll watch the weather, double check the trail conditions, and make sure we have a backup if we need one.
Most importantly, we'll pay attention to your unique story. You are the inspiration for the images we create. Not a Pinterest board, or other photographers, or our own feelings. We want to find the art in you, in your love, and in your story.
three
vows and views
We'll meet for drinks, coffee or a game of disk golf the day before your elopement if your schedule allows. ;) Then we'll spend the next day together, making memories and getting incredible photos. You'll have the best day of your lives together in the middle of the most beautiful landscape you can imagine. And we'll be there to document the whole thing. At the end of the day, you'll be married (yesss!!) and wondering how it all went by so quickly (boooo!!). We'll share hugs. Chuck and I will try not to cry. Then, within a day or two, you'll have a preview to prove to yourselves and everyone else that it really DID happen!
“Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.”
Not sure what to do on your elopement day?
Here are over 75 ideas of things to get you started!
- Go on a leisurely hike through the forest
- Eat wedding cake on the beach
- Play a board game
- Hire a private chef to make you dinner
- Go off-roading
- Jump off of a pier into the lake
- Get ready together
- Sit on the edge of a cliff
- Hike to a mountain summit
- Forage for mushrooms
- Do a nature scavenger hunt
- Pop champagne
- Brewery hopping
- Eat pizza (eat pizza with your dog!)
- Go skinny dipping
- Order room service
- Paddle board
- Do shots from a shotski
- Stay overnight in a tent
- Cliff jump
- Go for a run
- Dance under the stars
- Build a campfire on the beach
- Explore waterfalls
- Listen your favorite love songs
- Eat at a food truck in your wedding clothes
- Explore another country
- Create your own craft beer tasting
- Smoke cigars
- Visit an arcade
- Explore a national park
- Write each other a poem
- Dig for clams
- Soak in hot springs
- Make breakfast together
- Go berry picking
- Enjoy a picnic
- Pick wildflowers
- Go fishing
- Do yoga
- Make leaf piles to jump in together
- Build a snowman
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
- Take a flying lessons
- Charter a helicopter
- Dance under the northern lights
- Explore a glacial cave
- Write your vows together
- Visit a flower farm
- Paint on the beach together
- Get matching tattoos
- Rent dune buggies
- Look for agates or seashells on the beach
- Play frisbee
- Set up a projector and watch a movie under the stars
- Visit a distillery
- Go sledding
- Go rock climbing
- Go canoeing
- Go kayaking
- Visit a working farm
- Try a new type of cuisine
- Paint each other’s faces
- Goat yoga
- Explore a small town in your wedding clothes
- Eat ice cream
- Hike to a waterfall
- Walk your dog on the beach
- Go paragliding
- Roast marshmallows
- Smoke a bong
- Go ziplining
- Sing karaoke
- Soak in a hot tub
- Charter a yacht
- Visit a winery
- Stay in a remote cabin in the woods
what's it like to work with us?
“Amy Zumwalt is EXTREMELY talented, confident, and hilarious. She knows what she's doing and it was easy to trust her when it came to suggestions about the photography timeline for the day of. I feel like we can relive our day over and over again by looking at our pictures.”
“We love Amy!! Not only does she have tremendous talent, unique eye, and obvious passion for what she does, but she is a total goob! We had so much fun every time we were around Amy, mostly because of her goofy and personable self, but also because we trusted her so much. Her images completely speak for themselves. There is no doubt that she knows what she is doing and that allowed us to enjoy ourselves and not worry..."”
elopement resources
Best Waterfall Elopements in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge might be my favorite place in the country...There's an incredible feeling of peace and vitality that comes over me as I head east of Portland. The drive along the majestic Columbia River always sets the mood for what's to come...
Should We Invite Guests to Our Elopement?
In the past, eloping meant running off in secret to get married in Vegas, or a courthouse. But that has absolutely changed! And although you can still elope without any guests (and sometimes it's definitely the best way to go), there’s no rule that says you can’t invite the important people in your life...
Eloping in Northern Ireland
You probably know by now that eloping internationally is an incredible option for couples who want to save money by combining their elopement with their honeymoon. It's smart, savvy, and ... well.. pretty freakin' amazing to choose a country from your travel bucket list, and turn it into your elopement and honeymoon destination! '
FAQ
Can we invite guests?
Of course! While some couples want the intimacy and privacy of an elopement that is just for them, that's not the case for everyone.
How many guests you bring along does make a difference, however. Here's how:
If you plan to invite more than 4-5 guests, your locations will be more limited. You'll need to choose places that are more easily accessible, have bathrooms, etc.
You'll also need at least 8 hours if you have more than just a few guests. That gives you time to spend a couple of hours with them, and still break away for your wedding adventure.
All in all, we do recommend you include no more than 25-30 guests tops. Any more than that and we suggest considering a venue or booking a multi-day elopement so you can have one day to yourselves, and one day with your guests.
How many hours do we need for our elopement?
Most of our elopements are between 7 and 12 hours. How many hours you need depends on your location(s), how many guests you have, and what things you want to do on your wedding day.
A half day elopement is about 7-8 hours. This works for couples who have 5 guests or fewer, and who's excursions and locations fit easily into this time frame.
Couples who want both sunrise and sunset, more than one major location, or have more than 5 guests usually need a full day (10-12 hours). This allows time to do everything on their list, and time to spend with their guests.
We also offer two-day elopements. These are great for couples who want to have a day together, just the two of them, and then a day where their guests are included.
Click on "pricing" above to see our packages in more detail. We are here to help you work through the packages to see what makes the most sense for you!
what is your turnaround time for our photos?
When you elope, most of your friends and family arent there to share it with you. That's why we send you a whopping 20-30 preview photos almost immediately! The rest of your photos will be delivered within 8 weeks.
Do you offer printed photos and albums?
Yes! Professional photos can be ordered through your online gallery. We also include an album in every package with 8 hours or more. These albums are the highest quality we've seen in 15 years, and are handbound in the US. The quality of our albums is something you have to see to believe. Additional albums and album upgrades and can be purchased anytime, even after your gallery has been delivered.
Do we have the printing rights to our photos?
Absolutely. You have the rights to printing your photos personally anywhere you'd like!
What happens if we have bad weather?
In most circumstance, we are able embrace all kinds of weather. In fact, some of our favorite shoots have happened during the light rain or on pretty windy days. However, we always keep a close eye on the local forecast and radars, especially if we will be in the mountains where the weather can be unpredictable. We also keep days free around your date so that we have a weather backup if necessary.
Will you help us find locations?
Without a doubt! This is one of the most important parts of our job. Once we get an idea of what you like as a couple, we will put together a list of locations which we feel are the best fit for you!
Do both of you come to every elopement?
Amy shoots every elopement, and Chuck comes along to assist on all of the full day and two day elopements. If you want to work with both of us but are only booking a half day, let us know you want to add a photographer to your package.
THIS SOUNDS AMAZING, BUT THE IDEA OF TAKING PHOTOS FOR 8 HOURS SOUNDS...EHHH... NOT SO GREAT
Don't worry, this is not a hours-long photo shoot. Here is some insight into how we work during an elopement day
1) Your ceremony and vows:
During this time, you won't be worried about the camera. We'll have a place that's private so you can focus on each other, and we will respect the moment by getting beautiful photos without causing any distractions.
2) The 'pick-your-jaw-up-off-the-floor" photos:
We'll have times set aside create those stunning images that show off the landscape, with you and your partner right in the middle of it all. This is usually the hour or two before sunset, or during the sunrise, or both.
3) The in-between moments:
A lot of our photos come from moments when the couple doesn't feel like they have to be "on". For example, while you are hiking, picnicking, playing on the beach, and doing all the things that we helped you plan for your day together. These will be the photos that will bring back so many emotions year after year.
4) The no-photos moments
We know it is really overwhelming to have cameras around all day. That's why we set aside some time here and there where we will put the cameras away completely and let you take a break. We'll give you time alone, or hang and relax with you, whatever you prefer.
We promise the whole process will be really fun, and when it's done you'll wish we had more time!