All too often when planning a wedding, you've got people telling you what to do, what to wear, where to go, how to act. Before you know it, it's all gotten way from you, and you don't recognize yourself or your relationship any more.
And then on top of that, trying to find vendors who understand eloping as more than just some "lesser wedding"...??
Gross. No one wants to look back on their wedding day and have those kinds of memories.
You deserve much better than that.
Elopement packages for the PNW and beyond
You're in the right place. Welcome home.
The wedding industry can be...weird sometimes
The wedding industry can be...weird sometimes
BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO PUT UP WITH IT
"I can never stop thanking you enough. Know that you are appreciated and adored by us. "
— Allison & Bella
“You gave us a dream and the best day of our lives."
I'm Rachel, your elopement photographer
I photograph elopements in Washington for all love. Couples just like you who want to be exactly who they are on their wedding day.
To me, being your elopement photographer is so much more than just turning up on the day and taking pretty pictures. I work with each of my couples one-on-one to make sure that your day is truly you, and everything you've been dreaming of.
hey there!
Elopements are deeply personal, and having a stranger show up waving a camera in your face is...not ideal. And probably not what you're looking for.
Getting to know more about you and your relationship before your elopement is a big part of the whole process and makes your day that much more enjoyable!
We're not here for only the most popular trails on social media, where you'll have a big audience. After getting to know precisely what you're looking for, I spend hours and hours finding the best locations for your elopement day, presented in a custom guide for you to choose from, with all the info you'd ever need. I'm here to help, but the final decision is always up to you.
Your Elopement Experience: What's Included
Getting to know you
Custom locations
one
My ultimate goal is to help you create the best day for you and your partner, one that gives you the space to be exactly who you are and enjoy every minute. This isn't like a traditional timeline where "you must be here at 2 pm or the day is ruined." This is a roadmap for your wedding day, taking everything into account, including the very best times for photos.
A bespoke timeline
four
My magnum opus.
This VIP guide is an exclusive bonus for my couples, and it's. got. everything. Seriously, it's almost 80 pages of all the info in my brain and everything you need to dream up the perfect elopement day!
The "VIP Client Guide"
Three
"Photography Plus"
"A photograph isn't a photograph until it's a print."
I'd quote someone on that, but everyone and their sister has said some variation because it's true. Your elopement photos deserve so much more than getting lost deep in your phone storage. Getting a storyteller album printed adds life to your images, encourages you to flip through them all the time, and preserves them for generations in these gorgeous museum-quality books.
Albums
SIX
You didn't think I'd send you the client guide with a "good luck" and disappear, did you?
I'm here for you every step of the way, both to answer your questions and back your choices. Send me photos of your outfits, ask for help with picking lodging, bounce some ideas off me. It's what I'm here for!
Unlimited consults
FIVE
TWO
All too often, I've wished I had more time. To photograph all the moments of your day, to suggest an incredible experience I know you would have loved.
Does anyone question it when couples having big weddings hire photographers for a full day? Nope, no one bats an eye. "It's their wedding day."
This is your wedding day. Not your "15 minute ceremony, maybe some pictures, and then I guess pick up groceries on the way home."
Because no one ever said, "Our elopement was too good, I wish we did less."
Let's talk all-day elopements
How It Works
Send me a message! I'll do an honest-to-goodness happy dance, get back to you within a few hours, and schedule a call with you and your partner
reach out
On the call, we'll start dreaming up the perfect day for you both, and once we have a date and general location, I'll send over a contract
start dreaming
With a contract and retainer, I'm all yours, for keeps. You'll get the VIP Client Guide ASAP, and I'll get to work!
I'm all yours
"Finding a photographer that we were comfortable with was a priority for us, and by the day of our ceremony, we felt like we had known them for ages. By the end of our time together, we were in pain from smiling and laughing so much."
caryn & amanda:
“She captures real people in real moments at amazing locations. Love, love, love her.”
SARA & KAYLA
“We would give 6 Stars if we could! We loved our experience from start to finish.”
ALICIA & RYAN:
“Rachel was hands down the best photographer we've had. We are the most awkward couple and she made us look amazing."
HANNA & JOHN:
“Rachel had a great way of making us feel comfortable enough to be ourselves and was able to capture who we are as a couple.”
alexis & kay:
rave reviews
“Rachel had a great way of making us feel comfortable enough to be ourselves and was able to capture who we are as a couple.”
ALEXIS & KAY:
“She captures real people in real moments at amazing locations. Love, love, love her.”
SARA & KAYLA:
“We would give 6 Stars if we could! We loved our experience from start to finish.”
ALICIA & RYAN:
“Rachel was hands down the best photographer we've had. We are the most awkward couple and she made us look amazing."
HANNA & JOHN
rave reviews
The Details: What's Included, And How Much Does it Cost?
Washington Elopements
Up to 15 people. My travel anywhere in Washington (accessible by 2WD or a commercial flight) is included!
INCLUDES:
- Continuous photography coverage. (This means I'm with you for everything, not that I have a camera in your face every minute.)
- All your images displayed in a beautiful, online gallery, where you can share with anyone you like and download web-sized and high-res versions of the images. The online gallery also gives you access to carefully selected, professional print labs.
- Location suggestions based on your requirements and preferences.
- Custom timeline building and activity suggestions to both make sure you get to do everything you're planning and keep the stress levels low.
- No commercial travel fees within the state of Washington
- The full Elopement Guide: all the info you could ever need to plan the elopement of your dreams. Exclusively for Solar Rose couples.
- Film photography as an additional, nostalgic way to remember your wedding.
- An heirloom album. custom, storytelling album design, online proofing to make sure it's perfect, and an album cover design video chat with me so you see it come to life before it's ordered.
Local
AVG SPEND $4-5k
U.S. + International Elopements
Starting at 8 hours of photography, up to however many days you fancy.
Up to 15 people. I'll go wherever you go, my darlings.
Outside Washington
Normal rates + flat fee to cover my travel
I'm also available for portrait sessions depending on the elopement schedule--perfect for travel adventures, engagements, honeymoons, or whatever you like. Message me for more info!
What if we don't know how much time we need?
Very common question! And understandable. I've got some example timelines for you to help with the decision making. I also chat with my couples to understand your specific needs, desires, and plans. We'll figure it all out together.
You Might Have Some Questions...
Can we invite guests? How many people can we bring?
You can absolutely invite people! Eloping doesn't mean you have to be alone (although plenty of my couples love going that route).
I cap things around 10-15 guests, depending on how much time you book. Have to draw a line somewhere, you know? Your elopement day is about you, your partner, and your love. Not having to worry about 200 people's opinions is one of the perks!
We want to hire you, but we don't know where we want to elope yet. Should we wait till we know?
Fun fact: most of my couples don't know where they want to elope! Not specifically, anyway. If you really have zero idea, please email me. Part of my job is helping couples find the perfect place for their elopement, the best place to suit them, so I can absolutely help you narrow things down!
You can definitely keep hunting for places on your own, but...why?
What if we want something custom, something that doesn't fit neatly into an elopement package?
That's my jam. I have some easy-to-choose packages based on hours of coverage. Most couples book me for 8-12 hours, but I have packages up to two full days. ...And I mean, we can make it a full-blown, week-long adventure if that's what you're into.
I'm not here to put anyone in a box. If you want to make something totally custom, I'm on board. We'll make it happen.
Can we do [fill in the blank] on our elopement day?
99% of the time? Yes.
I don't care who's told you "no" in the past, I'm all about "yes." Who cares if other people aren't doing what you're doing; there aren't any rules. I'm fully in your corner when it comes to your elopement plans!
How far out from our date should we book you?
The earlier the better (up to 18 months). I can plan and pull off an elopement in a week, but the longer you wait, the less likely it is that I'll have your date available! (And the harder it is to get a permit.) Most of my couples book me 4-8 months out.
*NOTE: I do still have 2023 availability. If you can see this, I still have room in the calendar. Don't fret, this isn't a high-pressure situation.
Do you only work in Washington?
Nope! Most of my couples elope here in the PNW, but I'm a traveler at heart. Always have been. I've visited 16(?) countries and travel all the time. Let's just say: I'm good at travel, I'll fly wherever for you, and I'll help you travel better if you need tips.
And if you want to elope in Ireland, there are very special packages just for you:
Do you charge extra travel fees after we've booked you?
Not for most travel, no! Your elopement package includes all my "typical" travel. Anything outside of the usual, commercial travel (e.g. 2WD or commercial flight accessible) is going to be extra.
Like...helicopters, float planes, 4WD Jeep adventures, hot air balloons, whale watching boats, etc. All I ask in those scenarios is that you cover my tickets/whatever and we're good to go; no "additional fees." (:
Still on the Fence?
let's do this
I get it, it's a big deal! So here's what I'm going to do: click that button below to schedule a free consult with me to talk things through. No catch, no strings. Just a listening ear to help you find what you're really looking for.
