Olympic National Park Elopement Photographer_Ruby Beach-08416

Planning Process and Frequently Asked Questions

I'm here to make your elopement planning stress free

You deserve an amazing day for your elopement.

You get to be the visionary of your epic wedding day....Incorporate what is uniquely you.

It's a lot to plan an elopement and I'm here to help you through the entire elopement planning process...from deciding upon your ceremony location...to incorporating special activities into your elopement...to making sure you have a complete packing list.

Not only am I your photographer...I'm also your elopement planner

Follow the four easy steps below, so that I may help you have the most amazing elopement day of your dreams!

STEP 01

Outshined Photography captures engaged couple enjoying time together on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park

Once you've decided that you'd like to talk to me about photographing your elopement, simply fill out the contact form found on this website.

I will review your request and respond to you within 48 hours.

Fill out Contact Form

STEP 02

Couple on bridge next to Drift Creek Falls in Oregon

After I receive your contact form, I will review your photography needs and gather the appropriate information.

I then contact you, via the email you provided, to find a time that we can all get together to talk either in person or over the phone or using Zoom.

I like to schedule our contact no less than 7 days from when you reached out.

Your request is very important and I want to start working with you as quickly as possible to start the next step.

Have Initial Meeting

STEP 03

After you sign a contract with me to secure your date, we will start the planning process.

- First of all, I will share an extensive planning guide made just for you!

- Take time to envision your dream elopement.

- Then fill out a questionnaire that will help me put together a detailed and customized list of locations for you.

- Next, we decide on the big details, like your final date and the location(s).

- Then, we get to focus on the small details, such as the activities for your special day, your other vendors & your wedding day attire.

- With all that information, I create a detailed timeline for your elopement (with backup options).

This is also the time to find your ideal attire, work through the packing list, purchase any required permits, and think about any surprises or family traditions you want to incorporate.

Outshined Photography photographs memory box in Kitsap Peninsula

Plan your

Dream Elopement

access a detailed elopement planning resource by clicking here

STEP 04

This is the day(s) you've been dreaming of for a long time and I am here to make it uniquely yours and as stress free as possible.

We've already done all the hard work, so now you and your partner just focus on each other.

Share your heart felt vows with each other, exchange rings and have

your First Kiss and First Dance.

Then celebrate how you want to, with no expectations.

Have an Epic Elopement

check out the available elopement packages

Are you as excited as I am to start planning your Elopement or Adventure Session?

BELOW ARE ANSWERS TO SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm ready...take me to the contact form

FAQ

ANSWER:

QUESTION:

An elopement is a unique day where you and your partner say your handwritten vows to each other in nature and in front of your very closest friends or just your photographer. It can include adventures and definitely includes your favorite activities to do together.

A small, intimate wedding can still be uniquely yours in nature, but includes up to 50 of your closest family and friends. It may also include some indoor activities.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELOPEMENT AND A SMALL, INTIMATE WEDDING?

ANSWER:

QUESTION:

That is the fun part of the elopement planning process. When we have our initial meeting, I will ask you questions that help you think through what you want to incorporate into your ceremony and then what other types of activities you want to have and the best locations for those activities. Once we have that figured out, I will lay out a detailed timeline and that will define how much time we will allocate for your elopement.

HOW DO WE DECIDE HOW MUCH TIME WE NEED FOR OUR ELOPEMENT?

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

WHAT DO WE DO IF THE WEATHER IS BAD ON THE DAY WE SELECTED FOR OUR ELOPEMENT?

We can't control Mother Nature, so we will make sure to have a primary plan for your elopement, as well as multiple backup options. I will also help you develop a packing list that includes such items as umbrellas, warm jackets, boots, snowshoes...whatever we may need to ensure you still have a fun and safe day. I always carry sunscreen, ibuprofen, and hand/feet warmers to help with changes in our day we didn't expect.

If the weather is going to prevent a safe day, then we will work on another day that can work.

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

WHAT IF WE CAN'T HIKE. CAN WE STILL HAVE AN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT?

The best part about your elopement is that you can do whatever you want!

If hiking isn't your thing, you can kayak in an alpine lake or ride your bicycles on an exhilarating mountain pass or ride in a helicopter over a glacier or take a private tour through your favorite museum or all of the above. You can also cook your favorite meals, drive to your favorite overlook and say your vows as the sun sets. The options are endless.

ANSWER:

QUESTION:

Just as you are able to write your own vows to each other, we are also able to craft the ceremony however you want it.

To make your marriage official, I only need to proclaim your marriage to each other at the end of your ceremony. I can do that from any location. I also sign the marriage license and we can do that back at the car or your lodging.

Each state has different rules, so I help you with that in advance. In the states where you can self solemnize, all I need to do is sign your license.

HOW DO YOU OFFICIATE AT THE SAME TIME YOU ARE PHOTOGRAPHING OUR ELOPEMENT?

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

CAN WE INCLUDE OUR DOG IN OUR WEDDING CEREMONY?

I love dogs! I have a big, fluffy labrador retriever myself. As much as possible, we will work to include your dog in your ceremony or any part of your elopement. Many National Parks don't allow dogs on their main trails though. So if your dog can't be incorporated into your adventuring or ceremony, we'll incorporate them at some part of your day. They want to celebrate with you just as much as you want them there!

QUESTION:

ANSWER:

WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR WITH MY WEDDING ATTIRE?

If we are walking at all, then I recommend that you wear a very comfortable pair of shoes or boots for walking long distances in (and that you've broken in before your wedding day).

If you want to have a special pair of shoes for your pictures, make sure they fit in your backpack.

And if we're going to be on a beach, have a pair of flip flops that you can leave in the car. Just don't wear socks with your Tevas. :-)