Now booking elopements + intimate weddings for 2026/2027

How to Start Planning Your Elopement

Bride and groom posed elegantly on a fallen tree trunk with towering pine trees and forest backdrop in Mount Rainier National Park.

Bride and groom posed elegantly on a fallen tree trunk with towering pine trees and forest backdrop in Mount Rainier National Park.

Your Elopement Photographer

HEY HEY! I’M MANDIE!

With 7 years of traditional wedding experience, I’ve seen a few things. Traditional weddings and elopements are different animals, but both bring unexpected twists that need quick thinking and solid backup plans. That’s where I come in.

I’m more than just your hype woman. I come prepared with backup plans A through Z, know which trails are dog-friendly, and can guide you to both epic overlooks and the best tacos in town. My job? To make your desert elopement easy, fun, and unforgettable—no matter what the day throws our way.

Bride and groom captured in a romantic pose near a forest waterfall at Grove of the Patriarchs, Mount Rainier National Park.

So… you picked the view over the venue and want to exchange vows in a way that feels authentically you.

Best. Decision. Ever. But now you’re wondering: Where do we even start? The beauty of eloping is the freedom—but that same freedom can feel overwhelming when you have endless options.

I get it. Planning something totally unique can feel overwhelming. The good news? I’m a pro at breaking things down into easy steps and helping couples create a day that feels effortless and so them. Once you nail these first few pieces, the rest comes together beautifully.

Bride and groom chasing each other along the shoreline during their whimsical Rialto Beach elopement in Washington

Dream Up Your Day

You know you want something intimate and meaningful, but it’s hard to picture what that looks like.

Close your eyes and imagine waking up on your elopement morning. Where are you? What’s the weather like? Are you hiking to a sunrise overlook, saying vows barefoot on the beach, or cozying up by a cabin fire? Write down a three words to describe it—those will guide every decision.

ouple sitting together on a Jeep in Moab, Utah, enjoying a relaxed moment during their intimate desert elopement.

Pick a Location + Date That Fit

Too many gorgeous places = decision overload.

Narrow it down by season, scenery, and accessibility. And if you’re feeling stuck? That’s where your elopement photographer (hi, that’s me!) comes in. I’ve got location lists and secret spots that don’t make it to Instagram.

Groom holds the bride’s train as they walk hand in hand through vibrant alpine meadows with snow-capped peaks in Grand Teton National Park.

Book Your Key Vendors Early

People assume elopements can be planned in a week… but the good ones? They still book fast.

Lock in your elopement photographer first—they’ll help with permits, timelines, and connecting you with amazing local florists, officiants, and more.

Bride twirling in a dramatic spin while groom watches, capturing joyful movement during their elopement at Corona Arch, Moab.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun stuff and forget about marriage licenses or permits.

Research marriage laws where you’re eloping and get any permits months in advance. Always have a Plan B for weather—because nature does her own thing.

Elopement couple celebrating and showing off their wedding bands in Grand Teton National Park, surrounded by alpine scenery.

Let’s Make This Happen

If you’re ready to stop Googling how to elope and actually start planning, I’m your girl. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can just show up and have the best day of your lives. Let’s start planning your dream elopement—you bring the love, I’ll bring the camera.

Bride and groom sharing a tender embrace at Hauer Ranch, capturing romantic candid moments in Moab.

Elopement Tips

December 28, 2025

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