Where to find and how to choose your elopement photographer

So you decided to elope and now you’re searching for a photographer and have NO idea where to find them and how to choose them, I got ya!

First, I’m very happy that you’re considering having a photographer with you during your elopement because I promise you, you won’t regret it.

It’s your wedding day!! You’re only going to live this day once! And you deserve to have pictures to keep for a lifetime.

Eloping is nothing different from traditional weddings regarding the pictures, except that they are even more important since there will not be 100 guests taking pictures of you all day.

This is why choosing a photographer who really represents what you’re looking for is super important. This person will be with you during some of the most emotional and intimate moments of your life!

Where to find your elopement photographer

Google

You might think this is old school but google always has the best recommendations for the photographer you’re searching for depending on your research.

If you already have a location in mind try searching for : *location* elopement photographer. Or if you know you want an adventure elopement you can search for: adventure elopement photographer.

You can also hire someone who does destination elopements if you like their style and want to work with them. It’s always better if they include travel fees in their packages so that you don’t have to pay extra fees.

Also, an easy way to find your photographer on google is through their blog posts. If you have a question and you type it in google, like you maybe did for this article, you’re going to find many resources, and the majority of them are written by photographers, like me :). You can then check their website and see if you two could be a match.

Social media

Finding a photographer on social media is easier than you think, especially on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. These are the 4 apps I would recommend you to use to do your research.

For Instagram, you can either search for hashtags (such as *your destination* elopement photographer, or elopement photographer or even try searching for wedding photographer and see if they have elopement packages). Or you can search directly in the search bar on the explorer page. You will certainly find some reels of elopement photographers that would correspond to what you’re looking for.

For tiktok, it’s easy. Do the same thing and you’ll find many tiktoks photographer create.

For Pinterest, you only have to search for the kind of elopement you would like to have or the destination. For example: nature elopement, Spain beach elopement, France mountain elopement etc. Then, the pictures you will see are 99% of the time posted by photographers. You just have to contact them on their Instagram page or on their website if it is linked on their Pinterest profile.

Facebook has these amazing groups where hundreds and thousands of photographers share their services and where clients ask for help. Try searching in the ‘’groups’’ category for: *your location* elopement photographer. They usually work by location.

These 4 apps will continue to show you many different photographers if you continue to interact and to search for them. Their algorithm is very powerful so don’t worry if you don’t find what you’re looking for on the first try.

Also if you have a more specific narrowed need, don’t hesitate to write all the details in your request. You will definitely have more chances to find what you’re looking for by being as specific as you can.

ChatGPT

Of course, how can we not talk about chatGPT in 2026?

I’m personally always skeptical when I read its recommendations because I heard so many stories telling that ChatGPT is not always relevant and right but it surely can be!

So check what it lists you and make your own research afterward, to make sure you’re convinced and you like the photographer’s work.

Word of mouth

You heard a friend of your cousin has eloped 3 years ago?

Don’t hesitate to ask who their photographer was, it could be very helpful.

And even if you don’t know anyone who has eloped, ask someone who got married traditionally, maybe their photographer also does elopement weddings (even though I always recommend hiring a photographer who only does elopement rather than a photographer who does both, I’ll explain it more in debt later in this article).

Here are 5 things to look for in your elopement photographer

Their personality

Of course, images are important and we’re going to talk about them in the next point but having someone with who you match personality wise, is super crucial.

This person is going to be with you and your partner during your whole wedding day and trust me, you don’t want to have someone who you can’t stand, be with you all day.

It needs to be someone who you feel you can trust to make your day the best of your lives. Someone who gives you happy vibes, who’s always smiling, who’s here to cheer you up and to reassure you when you’re stressed out.

Now to do that, you will have to make sure that:

• You are on a call with them at least one time (even better if it’s a video call so that you can see their face expressions)
• You check their social media or website and see if there are some reviews about their personality (usually there should be, take it as a red flag if you don’t find any)
• You feel at ease with them even before meeting them in person. You don’t feel like you’re bothering them if you text/e-mail them.

You don’t need your photographer to be your best-friend but you do need to feel safe and understood. Especially if you’re not used to being in front of a camera.

Their work

This seems to be obvious, but I know some couples that only base their opinion on what they see on the photographer’s social media. Of course it’s a good way to know if the images you see fit your vibe but checking their website is es-sen-tial. Their website is supposed to be their baby and it should be obvious that they put effort into it. If they didn’t, this can give you a red flag about how your pictures are going to be treated too.

Usually a photographer who takes time and puts effort in their pictures, does the same on their website. It goes together.

About their images, check if the style they’re editing with corresponds to what you’re looking for: documentary, candid, film, colorful…

Ask yourself: do these photos feel consistent from start to finish? Do the moments look natural, not forced?
It’s very important you’re convinced that you like their work, because the style you see on their social media and website is 99% what you will get for your pictures.

I would also say to check their experience, but sometimes a 1 year photographer will have better work than a 20 years photographer. However, it’s important to know if this person has already worked with a couple on their elopement before, even as a second shooter. Experience matters no matter what.

Also, make sure they actually specialize in elopements. Shooting elopements is very different from shooting big weddings. There’s more flexibility, more movement, and often more unpredictability. An elopement photographer should be comfortable adapting, guiding, and working with nature and light. Experience in this format really shows on the day.

Their differentiators

Now, it will happen that you will find 2 or more photographers who have a great personality and whose style is what you’re looking for. So, how to choose between them?

First, check in their packages, what do they offer that is different from other photographers? How do they help you beyond taking photos? Do they offer planning help? Do they offer albums? Do they offer travel costs that are included in their packages? Or is it a separate expense?

Now if you would ask me personally, I would tell you that for your elopement, you NEED to have a photographer that helps with planning, except if you already planned everything. My couples always tell me that they are really relieved I help them with the location, lodging, vendors scouting because it takes a big stress off their shoulders. They feel comfortable looking forward to their wedding day without having to worry about anything.

All these things matter and these will make you decide which photographer to choose.

And if you’re still hesitant, inquire with those who you really like and then depending on the conversation you have with them, the amount of time they take to answer you, the help they give you, you will surely feel more at ease and convinced about one photographer more than another.

Their price

Don’t choose based on price alone.

I put this factor last because it’s really subjective and depending on your budget and on the kind of elopement you want to have.

Budget matters, but choosing the cheapest option isn’t always the best idea. Your photographer is one of the only things that stays with you after the day. Photos are how you’ll remember your elopement years from now. It’s worth investing in someone whose work and approach truly fit you.

Usually, packages are based on the hours of coverage. You can find packages for 2 hours and you can find packages for 24 hours.

I personally offer packages that start at 4 hours (for France), 6 hours (for Europe), and 8 hours (international) and you can find everything you get in these packages, in my pricing page.

If I have one advice to give you is: always check what’s the value you’re going to get and if it is more or less than what you’re expecting and the price you’re paying.

Your gut

Trust your gut. After talking with a photographer, ask yourself one simple question: ‘’do I feel excited and reassured, or stressed and unsure?’’.

Most couples know pretty quickly when it feels right. That feeling is often more reliable than any checklist.

I hope this article helped you figure out how to find and to choose your elopement photographer. If you need guidance and you’re not sure what are next steps when you find your photographer, my resource: how far in advance should you plan your elopement could be very helpful.

And if you’re looking for someone who guides you gently, adapts to your story, and captures your elopement as it really unfolds, that’s exactly how I work with my couples.
So if you have any questions or need help to plan your elopement, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be more than happy to be part of your journey.

Let me help you plan your unique elopement!