INFORMATION & PROCESS

Michigan Elopement Experience

MICHIGAN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

So what is an elopement?

Eloping isn’t just about “bucking tradition”, it’s about focusing on the moments of a wedding day that mean the most to you! It’s about shaking off the parts of a wedding day you feel like you have to do and not feeling the need to meet anyone else’s expectations but your own. It’s about more than just being in beautiful places, it’s starting this new adventure with the love of your life in the most authentic, meaningful way.

Your wedding day is one you will look back on for the rest of your life, so it should be about creating the most personal, intentional, and unique experience – whatever that may look like to you!! Whether it’s just the two of you, or with some of your family and friends, somewhere new or an old sentimental spot, it’s about following your heart and making the day your own.

Do you picture yourself waking up in a beautiful A-Frame cabin in the woods? Feeling the mist from a waterfall while you say your vows? Or maybe going for a boat ride with your dog to a private beach? Let’s do it! I can help you find the perfect location that speaks to your soul, and help piece together everything you can dream up to create your perfect, 100% unique experience you will love every moment of.

Intimate Copper Harbor Elopement in Michigan - Steph Pickard Photo

What’s the difference between elopements and intimate weddings?

Both are beautiful and intentional ways to celebrate your love! The difference comes down to the number of loved ones you are having join you in your celebrations.

I consider elopements to be typically under 10-15 people. and intimate weddings to be anything above that – up to 100 people! Bigger gatherings of course call for different accommodations and timelines, and some national parks do have guest limits for how many people can join. Just let me know how many of your loved ones you’re hoping to have along on your experience, and I’m happy to help you find an area or venue to accommodate everyone!

HOW TO BOOK

This one sounds obvious, but the contact form is a huge step! My form has lots of questions, and answering as many questions you can only helps me help you and get to know you better so I can photograph you better! Feel free to ask any and all questions you might have, and provide as much detail as possible!!

Like I’ve mentioned, a connection between you and your photographer is so important, so I like to get started with a video call! I’ll ask you all about your story together, hear all that you’ve been dreaming up, and tell you all the ways I’m here to help you create an intentional, unique experience!

After we chat, I’ll send over a brochure with the contract + invoice to make it official! I don’t require you to have a location or a day to book. All that’s needed to book is a signed contract and a flat rate $1500 retainer and then we are good to go!

Grab that celebratory marg or pop that bottle of champagne because once the contract/invoice is all set we are OFFICIAL! Right away you can expect to get the fun rolling with jumping into planning together wherever we left off on the phone. I am a constant resource to you throughout this entire process and will be there for you every step to help you along the way!

BOOK YOUR ELOPEMENT

My Process

Once we are all booked and official is when the fun begins! Here’s what you can expect:

One – We get to work on planning

’ll get to work where on right where we left off after our call! I’ll send over a location questionnaire to help me make a custom location guide for you so we can find that perfect area (if needed)! Once we have a location, I’ll get to work on creating your other custom guides – including lodging, vendor referrals, activity ideas, and packing lists!

Two – Be a resource every step

When I say I’m here for you every step of the way, I mean it! I’m here to help with anything you may need. I’ll check in every few months to let you know what to expect next, and send over a planning questionnaire about 2 months before your day. This questionnaire will include lots of questions about you so I can get to know you a little better and to fine tune details of your day!!

Three – On your wedding day

All of the planning and amazing dreams are finally here!! I will be there to help walk you through your day, so that you can focus on each moment and taking it all in. I will help guide you (and your guests) into the perfect spots for ceremonies, have backup plans for if things go rogue, and just help make sure you enjoy every second.

Four – After the wedding

You’ll have a full sneak peek gallery within your inbox within 48 hours of your wedding day. This gallery will have highlights of the big moments of your day, and you’ll be able to share this link with your loved ones! I’ll also help you build a custom album for your coffee table if you are interested in preserving your memories in print!

FAQ

Believe me, so many people who decide where to start and it can feel overwhelming – which is why I am here! I’ll help you piece your day together to make it exactly what you want it to be. From location scouting, to timelines, activity ideas, lodging, vendors, you name it – I’ve got your back and I’m ready to help you every step!

How much it costs very much depends on what you want to incorporate into your day! The average cost for a full wedding in 2024 is projected to be $33,000. Eloping generally costs half of that or less, depending on what you choose to invest it (i.e. caliber of photographer, flowers, decor, permits, travel, lodging, etc.)

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Hahah. Rest assured I can find plenty of beautiful areas that won’t require hiking. In my location questionnaire I’ll ask a few different questions about locations, which will help me narrow down on spots you will love – including accessibility information for how far we’d have to walk to each spot!

Rain makes for some incredible photos!! We will take photos rain or shine, we can always go to an area with thick woods, or bring some cute clear umbrellas with us. If the weather gets really bad and any areas end up being inaccessible, I will have one or two backup locations so your day will still be be perfect!

I am a licensed officiant, so if we are in an area that requires an officiant (like Michigan) I will absolutely fill out that portion for you! Or if you’re in need of a witness, I’m happy to sign there as well – although in Michigan I can’t legally be both simultaneously! If you are hoping for someone to officiate you through a ceremony, let me know and I am happy to send over local recommendations for officiants!

I photograph weddings as well as elopements!! I specialize in elopements and intimate gatherings, so my expertise lies in helping couples with 100 guests or less!

You can pretty much book whenever! Having more guests might make it tougher to find a venue or location on a short notice, but I’ve helped couples pull together a beautiful elopement within just a few weeks!

YES! I focus more on “directing” than just standard posing. This is how we’ll make your session and your photos feel like you. I love to incorporate lots of movement and action, so you’ll have something to do and your personalities will shine trough! I also have a posing questionnaire I send out to make sure everything we do together feels genuine to your personalities & relationship.

Yes! I focus mainly on Michigan elopements & Michigan weddings, but I am absolutely willing to travel wherever you’d like to go!

This is one of the first things I will help you out with when you inquire with me! We will go over your general vision for your day, and discuss all the possibilities of what it could look like. From there you’ll book a package, and you can always add time if needed as the planning process continues!

book your elopement