A good elopement is shaped as much by what happens on either side of it as by the session itself.
Before: confirm the brief in writing, sort out what you’re wearing or bringing, and build in time either side of the session so there’s no rushing in or straight back out again the moment it wraps.
During: trust the direction. Most people relax within ten minutes.
After: review the proofing gallery properly rather than rushing a decision, and flag any specific retouching requests clearly so nothing gets missed in the final files.
See also: What a lot of photographers get wrong about an elopement.
The Elopements & Small Weddings page covers pricing in full. Get in touch for anything specific to your situation.
FAQs
The short version follows.
What counts as an elopement or small wedding?
Anything from two people at a registry office to a wedding breakfast with twenty guests. If it is intimate by choice rather than by necessity, this is the coverage built for it.
How much coverage do we actually need?
Usually two to four hours is plenty for a small wedding, covering getting ready, the ceremony and a short portrait session afterwards.
Further reading
Worth reading next.
- The complete planning checklist for your elopement
- How lighting changes the result of an elopement
- Can I request a specific style or mood for my elopement?
- What a lot of photographers get wrong about an elopement
The steps
The short version, step by step.
- Before. Confirm the brief in writing, sort out what to wear or bring, and build in time either side.
- During. Trust the direction you're given. Most people relax within the first ten minutes.
- After. Review the proofing gallery properly and flag retouching requests clearly.