Three things to discuss with your photographer before your elopement
No matter the size of the celebration you’re planning, your wedding day will be an occasion worth treasuring, and should leave you with stunning photos to look back on. Each and every wedding is unique and will require an individualized approach to document it – so having good rapport with your photographer is crucial for an enjoyable experience.
You should book your wedding photographer around 9-12 months before your special day, to leave time for the rest of your planning and prep. This also leaves plenty of time to communicate with your chosen professional, and have any queries answered – here, we list a few practical aspects of your elopement that you may want to discuss together.
Their packages and pricing
It’s important to be clear about the service your photographer is offering and to understand any fees it may incur. Most photographers will offer their services as a package deal, which can be tailored to meet your needs and requirements.
It’s most crucial to consider how many hours of coverage you’ll need on your wedding day. While it can be tempting to opt for the cheapest package on offer, this may not be suitable if you want your elopement to be recorded from morning through night – particularly if you’re only keeping the ceremony portion of your day under wraps. If you’re going to be celebrating into the evening hours with your new spouse or are planning on surprising your loved ones later in the day, you may need additional hours of coverage to ensure it’s captured on camera.
Talk to your photographer about which parts of your day you’d like photographed, and give them an idea of your budget for those services. They’ll then be able to recommend the package that’ll best suit your needs, or alternatively, direct you to someone else who can help – it’s okay to change your mind so long as you haven’t entered into a formal agreement and you give plenty of notice.
Your timeline and expectations
Just as your photographer will give you lots of information about the way they work, they’ll want to know more about your expectations, too. Your timeline is key information you’ll want to share – your photographer won’t be able to get organised or prepare for different photo opportunities if they don’t know exactly when each part of your elopement is beginning or ending.
Talk to your photographer about what’s going to be happening where and when, as well as if there are certain shots you’d like to get during your elopement. This will give your photographer an idea of the kind of equipment they’ll need to prepare throughout the day, as well as the schedule they’ll need to stick to so that it runs smoothly.
What they need from you
Great elopement photos require collaboration between the photographer and the happy couple – you’ll need to work harmoniously for the day to go as planned. Rest assured that your photographer will let you know if there’s anything in particular they need from you. For example, a designated area to set up their camera equipment at your venue, or a hot meal if you’re planning on having a surprise reception after tying the knot.
An elopement wedding can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s all about staying true to the traditional definition – having a celebration that feels extra private and special, shared between the couple and their witnesses only. For others, it simply means having a smaller wedding celebration – micro weddings are great if you want the intimacy that comes with an elopement, along with all the bells and whistles of a traditional wedding that can make for great photos.
An easy, enjoyable experience
Remember to choose a professional with experience photographing elopements, and don’t be afraid to hold back if you have questions you want to ask them. The goal is to capture beautiful moments in a way that feels easy and authentic to you and your love.