sunset elopement in south Utah, Arizona boarder. Couple in wedding attire standing on rocky cliff.

Northern California Adventure Elopement Photographer

& WORLDWIDE

Unscripted, Untamed, and Utterly Unforgettable

Hi, I’m Joel


Here’s the scoop, guys! My goal isn’t just about getting you those stunning photos that make your friends go ‘Wow!’. I’m in this to create an experience for you – something that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear every time you think back. And yeah, a little rush of excitement is totally part of the deal!

Think of me as your adventure guide. I’m there with you, knee-deep in the planning, giving you the inside scoop on weather conditions, suggesting the best paths to take, and even giving you pro tips on managing that gorgeous wedding outfit while we’re atop a Mountain, Canyon, in the Salt Flats, in an ice cave etc!

You can count on me to be there, ready to bounce ideas around or to step in and sort things out if anything gets tricky. I will make sure this adventure is as smooth as it is thrilling.

So, let’s do this! Let’s make your dream adventure a reality!

Your Love Story, Unscripted. Begin Your Adventure

WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT?

An elopement is a wedding celebration that diverges from traditional norms, favoring a more intimate, personalized, and adventurous approach. It involves a couple choosing to marry in a private ceremony, often in a unique or non-traditional setting, focusing on the experience rather than the event. This might include a small group of close family and friends. Elopements can take place anywhere, from city halls to mountain tops, symbolizing the couple’s shared journey and reflecting their unique story. The elopement emphasizes the bond between the couple, making the day truly about them and their commitment to each other.

  1. Intimacy: An elopement prioritizes the couple, creating a deeply personal and intimate experience that is entirely about their connection and commitment to each other.
  2. Flexibility: Eloping allows couples the freedom to marry where they want, when they want, and how they want – whether that’s a sunrise ceremony on a mountaintop, an afternoon exchange of vows in a forest, or a simple declaration of love in a city hall.
  3. Budget-friendly: Traditional weddings can be costly. Eloping can help save significant funds, which could be redirected to other important life goals or a phenomenal honeymoon.
  4. Stress reduction: With fewer guests and less focus on traditional expectations, eloping can reduce the stress of planning a large wedding.
  5. Adventure: Eloping opens up opportunities for unique, adventurous experiences that traditional venues may not provide, like saying your vows on a beach at sunset or in a cozy cabin under the stars.
  6. Authenticity: By eloping, couples can ensure that their wedding day reflects their true selves and shared values, rather than conforming to societal or familial expectations.

Remember, the choice to have a traditional wedding or to elope is deeply personal and should reflect what is most important to the couple. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate your love and commitment.

Elopement

Eloping has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional weddings. With an emphasis on the couple’s unique love story and shared experiences, elopements are deeply personal and intimate.

  1. Authenticity: Eloping allows the couple to express their love in a way that truly reflects their personalities and values, free from societal or familial expectations.
  2. Adventure: Eloping often involves traveling to unique locations, offering couples an adventurous experience that a traditional venue might not provide.
  3. Simplicity: With less emphasis on planning large-scale events, eloping can significantly reduce the stress and pressure associated with wedding preparations.
  4. Budget-Friendly: Eloping can be a more affordable option, saving couples from the high costs of a traditional wedding. These savings can be redirected towards other life goals or a memorable honeymoon.

Traditional Wedding

Despite the growing popularity of elopements, traditional weddings continue to hold significant appeal for many couples. They offer a grand celebration of love that includes family and friends.

  1. Community Celebration: Traditional weddings allow couples to share their special day with a larger circle of loved ones, creating shared memories and a sense of community.
  2. Ritual and Tradition: For many, the rituals and customs associated with traditional weddings hold deep personal and cultural significance.
  3. Detailed Planning: While planning a traditional wedding can be complex, it also offers couples the opportunity to customize every detail of their day, from the menu to the music and décor.
  4. Generational Connection: Traditional weddings often involve practices handed down through generations, providing a sense of continuity and connection to the couple’s roots.

In conclusion, both elopements and traditional weddings have their own unique appeals. It’s a matter of personal preference and what feels right for the couple. Whether they choose a grand ceremony surrounded by loved ones or a private vow exchange in a stunning location, the key is that the day should reflect their love and commitment to each other.

E·LOPE

/əˈlōp/ Verb

For a consciously curated, real wedding day that keeps the essence of your relationship as a couple at its core.

My Services


Featured In


wedding blog feature

Your Most Important Resource Or Guide

Introduce a helpful guide for potential clients. For a wedding phtographer this might be your area’s best wedding venues or a guide about eloping in your area.

Why Work With Me

Knowledge

My extensive knowledge of diverse landscapes and weather conditions ensures your elopement is safe and spectacular.

Creativity

I infuse creativity in every shot, turning your unique love story into a visual masterpiece that defies the conventional.

Experience

With years under my belt, I’ve mastered capturing love amidst wild terrains. Trust me to guide your adventure with ease.

Stress-Free

You deserve a photo experience as joyful as your love story. I’m committed to making your journey worry-free and fun-filled.

Next Steps

01

Contact me to kickstart our adventure! I’m here to address all your questions and walk you through what to expect before you book your epic Elopement

02

Select your package or have me craft a custom package for an even more tailored experience. Once Booked, we can start exploring options for your elopement location. This is where the fun begins.

03

You get to sit back and relax, envisioning how you will spend the rest of your days together while I send you location guides, packing lists, vendor recs, and more resources to make this a breeze.

Testimonials

“Joel exceeded any and all of our expectations and then some! From first contact, he was the perfect balance of professional and personable. It was easy to see that he truly cares for both his craft and our needs/wants. He presented different packages to us with multiple locations to choose from and was VERY responsive whenever we had a question or concern. Joel even monitored the weather regularly and was able to quickly pivot in order to give us the best shoot possible.”
Jordan LeViness
I used Joel for my Wedding and it was the first time my husband and I had been in front of a professional photographer together, and Joel made us feel comfortable and gave us lots of tips for posing.
Kelsey
My wife and I shared a wonderful experience with Joel. He is an excellent professional with an authentic view of elopements. He made us comfortable every step of the way. We cannot recommend Joel more highly for your elopement video and photo needs.”
Raj Dharmapal
Joel was not only super patient working with us but also our toddler. He always made sure we were comfortable doing whatever he asked of us (to get THE shot). I had a specific location in mind and he recommended another location for sunset photos, both locations worked out great! Photos and overall experience were amazing and fun, filled with lots of memories!.
Amanda & Tyler

Planning Resources

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Pricing & Information


All-Inclusive Elopements Begin at $27,990 USD
Elopements Begin at:

WEST COAST US – $4990 ( CA, OR, WA, UT, AZ )


*** All-Inclusive Package is a set-it-and-forget-it.
I take care of booking your flights, transportation,
hotel/BNB, and an Adventure Activity such as
Helicopter, Ice Caves, Safari, and Sailing to name a few all for 1 price & peace of mind.

bride and groom hugging on glacier

Frequently Asked Questions

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I have more answers! Send me a message and we’ll chat.

Get In Touch

If you’re looking for a photographer and you connect with my work, I would love to hear from you!

Why I Became A Photographer in California

I have been a Photographer for over a decade, but it was 4 years ago when I photographed my first adventure elopement in Northern California. It was a Big Sur Elopement and I was so thrilled that I would finally be able to document not only an elopement but a coastal elopement. Soon after that, I traveled to Iceland to document a few other Adventure elopements. Iceland Elopements are where it turned around for me as it was in that moment that I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then I have built a name for myself when it comes to eloping in Iceland as an Iceland elopement photographer and videographer. I have also been fortunate to travel to other countries like Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, the Faroe Islands, Morocco, and Mexico to document elopements. Still, places like Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington are some of the most beautiful locations to elope in and places that I would love to keep photographing couples at.


Pricing

Check out my complete 2024 and beyond pricing guide

The Elopement Guide

Everything you need to know before eloping in 2024

Choosing the right Date for your Elopement

The best places to shop for a wedding dress in [your area]