One of the benefits to eloping is the cost. Without mincing words, traditional weddings are really really expensive these days. Like……… really expensive. For some people it’s in the budget to spend $15,000, $30,000 or more on their wedding. For some, it’s just not realistic or maybe it is but they’d rather not.
If you are looking to save some green on your wedding day, you’re amongst friends. However, as someone who chose elopement (and of course as a biased photographer) I’m telling you right now, put a professional photographer in the budget no matter what.
Reasons why:
I repeat, DO NOT TRUST THEM!
Fjallfoto
- Yes, iPhones take great photos. But I’m promising you the portrait mode photos will not be timeless and in a few years it will be major cringe, especially for any kind of wedding. If you have a friend saying “I could do that for free with an iPhone” do not trust them. I repeat, DO NOT TRUST THEM!
- Self timer is effective, but not ideal. Can you imagine having a perfect little ceremony but then needing to take a selfie to document it or self timer?! Ugh, such a shame.
- Your hobbyist photographer uncle or friend from college who has a “nice camera” may not be your style, or worse… they may not be as good as they think they are! True story: I cannot tell you how many people I know went with the free option for their photos and are stuck with photos they despise. It makes me sad.
- If you choose the right photographer that matches your personality and tastes, you can guarantee good photos without having to think about it. What a weight off your shoulders!
- This is your wedding! If you elope, very few people will be there and you’ll want to share that moment afterwards with your loved ones.
- Here’s the big one: Photos will be what survives your big day longer than anything else. Spend the money on a photographer you love so you can look back fondly on one of the best days of your life!
I offer one elopement collection, because I truly believe it is all you need and then some. In complete transparency, it’s $1,500. I get it, that does sound like a lot for a small ceremony. But hear me out. This price is actually two sessions. A 1 hour “engagement” session and up to 6 hours of coverage on your elopement day.
Here is my take on choosing an elopement wedding vs. a traditional wedding.
You may be thinking, I’ve already done engagement photos, or I don’t need engagement photos, but it’s not just about receiving the extra pictures, it’s about us getting to know each other. If we’ve done a shoot together before your wedding day, it means we’re way more likely to get even better photos on the big day when it really counts. I can get to know you and learn the best way to approach picture taking with you and your partner! It may not seem important but it will elevate your pictures drastically! Plus it’s nice to have a different set of photos with a different vibe to hang on your wall, who doesn’t love variety!?
Another thing I hear a lot is “We don’t need 4, 5 or 6 hours of coverage for our elopement.” But having that time as an option really opens the door to get the “big wedding” results at a “little wedding” price point. Those extra hours are also perfect for getting ready shots beforehand, a toast with your people after or even a hike to an overlook for sunset in your wedding attire. Those 6 hours are for you to do whatever you want with! Use your imagination! I’m down for it all.
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