you've decided you're not a "traditional wedding" kind of couple
seize the effin' day
You want nature, connection, laughter, and happy tears. I mean, who knew a wedding day could be so much more than place settings, timelines and guest lists? The very idea of a wedding day full of adventure is getting more exciting by the minute. Your mind is probably racing through all the possibilities. You can do anything, anywhere!
So. Many. Possibilities.
Where on earth do you even start?
You start right here with us!
we're amy & chuck
We know you're going to love all the killer photos we take on your elopement day.
But THAT'S NOT ALL WE DO!
hiking buddies,
location scouts,
logistics guides,
timeline makers,
back-up plan creators,
personal cheerleaders,
dad-joke tellers, and
summit beer sharers!
We are here to offer help and guidance FOR every aspect of your elopement.
(Keep scrolling to check out our elopement packages!)
What's it like to work with us?
"We thought the best thing about eloping was going to be traveling somewhere really beautiful and having all of these really amazing photos. But after ONE conversation with Amy, we realized it was going to be so much more than that! She helped us plan a whole day that was based around some of our favorite memories from over the years. It's like she saw all of these beautiful parts of our story that we didn't notice before, and then turned them into a day that really felt like the best possible way to honor our relationship."
B + H
Best Adventure Yet
why elope with us?
Well, first of all, "this ain't our first rodeo". In fact, we've been shooting weddings & elopements for 15 years!
But here are 8 more reasons...
1
co-crafting your adventure
One of the first things we'll do is help you plan your perfect elopement day. Most couples start out with an idea of WHERE they want to elope, but the rest can be a little overwhelming. But don't worry! We're here to inspire you! We'll get to know your personalities, preferences and concerns, and then present a vision we think you'll love.
2
custom timeline
We will create a custom elopement day timeline that allows you to make the most of your day. We'll include time for the most epic photos, genuine experiences, and real connection.
3
COMPLIMENTARY
OFFICIANT SERVICES
Amy is an ordained officiant and can sign your marriage license in most US states.
4
LOCATION SCOUTING
We will visit your locations beforehand, looking for the best views, creative perspectives and unexpected closures or obstacles. We'll even find backup locations so we am ultra-prepared!
5
our travel fees are included
Whether we meet you by car, plane, or flying unicorn, there are never any extra travel fees. That means even if our costs go up you won’t pay an extra penny for our travel expenses!
6
24-hour sneak peek
You'll get a preview within 24-48 hours with 20-30 images (yeah.. it's a lot for a preview!). That means you'll be able to send photos to your family and friends before you even get home!
7
HELP WITH PERMITS & LOGISTICS
We'll help you with marriage licenses, permits, dog-friendly trails, and things to bring. We also collaborate with an elopement collective all across the country. We get constant updates on weather, trails, cool photo spots, interesting places to stay and anything else that will help us serve you even better.
8
UNLIMITED COMMUNICATION
We get it. Questions can come up anytime! You'll have access to us throughout the entire process. We are always here for you to email, text or schedule a video call. (And we'll also check in with you regularly to make sure you aren't stressing out about a thing!)
there's one more thing we think you'll love
We're gonna send your sneak peek images in a
Custom App
designed just for you!
No scrolling through hundreds of photos on your phone trying to find your elopement images. You'll be able to see and share your photos by tapping the app on your home screen!
(You can even share the app for others to download it too! Moms looooove this!)
every elopement includes
- Ridiculously amazing and creative photos
- Unlimited planning help
- Location scouting and research
- Custom timeline and logistics help
- 24-hour sneak peek
- Secure online gallery + personal printing rights
- a photographer and friend who values you, your elopement experience, and the memories you take with you
Elopement Packages
Rates start at $4500
sunrise & sunset elopement
10-12 hours of coverage
This package is perfect for couples that want a day full of adventure and exploration. We love this package for getting both sunrise and sunset photos, or to add starry night-sky photos to a full elopement day! This package can be split into morning and evening with a nice break in between.
By the way, an elopement isn't an all-day photo shoot. It's making breakfast together, hiking epic trails, canoeing or paddle-boarding, going up in a hot air balloon, brewery-hopping, getting small matching tattoos, or building a campfire under the stars. It's all the things you want to do, with a friend and photographer capturing it all along the way!
For 10-hour elopements, we book out the following date as a backup for extreme weather.
Example 10-hr Timeline
5:00 am: Meet at the trailhead and begin the hike to a beautiful alpine lake before sunrise.
6:00 am: Reach the turquoise lake, and begin changing into your wedding clothes.
6:30 am: Experience your first look in the pre-sunrise alpenglow. Read private letters to each other and/or exchange special wedding day gifts.
7:00 am: Epic couple photos as the sun rises.
7:30 am: Exchange vows surrounded by mountain peaks and wildflowers.
7:45 am: Relax together with a breakfast picnic of local coffee and pastries. Lay out together on a blanket and take in the view.
8:30 am: Hike back down, stopping for photos along the way. Ask a couple of hikers to sign your marriage license.
11:00 am: Meet up with your close friends or family at a local brewery or cafe for lunch, cake and a toast. Share stories about your morning together. I'll take some documentary style photos and group photos with you and your guests.
11:30 pm - 6:00 pm : Spend the afternoon with your guests, take a nap or relax at your Airbnb.
6:00 pm: Meet Amy for a drive out to an incredible sunset location.
6:30 pm: Stop at a small town market for local beer or cider to take to our destination - fun paparazzi style photos of your stop (you're in wedding clothes after all!)
7:00 pm: Short hike to an insane mountain view
7:15 pm: Photos in the mountains at sunset
8:15 pm: Cheers together with summit beers!
8:30 pm: Pull out headlamps or lanterns and take night photos.
9:30 pm: Hike back out to trailhead
9:45 pm: Coverage ends
half day elopement
8 hours of coverage
*this is our most commonly booked package
This package is perfect for the couples that want a relaxing, stress-free day with multiple locations and plenty of time for real moments to happen organically. We’ll have time for getting ready photos, vows, guest photos, multiple locations and activities, a picnic, first dance, sunrise or sunset, et cetera.
For half-day elopements, we book out the following date as a backup for extreme weather.
Example 8-hr Timeline
12:30 pm: Amy arrives and starts taking photos of the details of your cabin, your attire, your jewelry, your dog.. ;)
1:00 pm: Help each other get dressed
1:30 pm: Cool photos in and around your cabin
2:30 pm: Travel to your hiking trail
3:00 pm: Explore the trail together and take photos with stunning backdrops
4:30 pm: Drive to the coast
5:00 pm: Explore the beach while Amy takes candids, and choose a spot for your ceremony.
5:45 pm: Ceremony
6:00 pm: Find two witnesses to sign your license
6:15 pm: Play some music on a portable speaker and have a romantic and private first dance
6:30 pm Celebrate together with a picnic and champagne, cut a cake together
7:00 pm: Head to chosen location for sunset portraits
7:30 pm: Sunset portraits
8:30 pm: Coverage ends
mini elopement
4 hours of coverage
*Washington/Oregon Only.
Limited availability based on our travel schedule.
This sweet and simple elopement package is perfect for the couples that want to get straight to the point, with a short adventure and vows along the way.
Example 4-hr Timeline
5:30 pm - Meet on the coast in your wedding clothes.
5:45 pm - Walk along the coastal trail to a bike shop where we'll rent bikes to ride along the beach.
6:30 pm - Ride and explore until you decide on the perfect ceremony spot. Of course I'm getting incredible photos throughout the processes.
7:30 - Park your bikes on the beach and exchange vows. You're married!
8:00 - Head across the street to a cute local bakery. Choose a "wedding day" cupcake and champagne to celebrate!
8:30 - Drive up to a nearby coastal bluff and take sunset photos with the Pacific Ocean below.
9:30 - Coverage ends
Sounds pretty amazing right?
So what comes next?
1
Contact Us
Fill out the contact form and we'll get back to you as fast as humanly possible. (Usually within 24 hours unless we are with another couple out on a glacier or hiking in the backcountry with no cell service!) We'll send you some basic info and a link where you can schedule a zoom call so we can meet you!
2
SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL
We'll meet on zoom and get to know each other! We like to ask questions about how you met, when you got engaged, what you like to do, and hear your elopement plans so far!
If everything clicks, we'll get a date and location set, and then make it official with your digital contract and retainer. We require a 50% retainer to book your date. Payment plans are available as well.
3
Let's plan this thing!
Now that you're officially booked, the planning can begin. (This is the fun part!) We'll send you a couple of questionnaires throughout the process so that we can help you craft an elopement day that you'll be doing cartwheels over! You'll have access to us via text, email and zoom meetings throughout the entire process - as often as you need us!
4
It's heeerre!
Your elopement will be here before you know it, and we will celebrate right beside you - with laughter, tears, and hugs (if that's okay.) ;) And when all is said and done, you'll have hundreds of timeless images that will tell your story for generations.
She can make even the most nervous and self-conscious bride feel at ease
"I cannot say enough amazing and wonderful things about Amy. She has this amazing ability to find and capture your best self. Not only are her pictures downright stunning... but she can make even the most nervous and self-conscious bride feel at ease.
If you want to actually have fun with your photographer, get pictures you will treasure for a lifetime, and not have to stress about anything, hire Amy."
Allison + Chris
"The moments she captures are real and pure..."
"I spotted Amy's work on a friend’s Instagram and knew immediately that she was the photographer for our micro wedding in Maine. What I love most about Amy’s style is that it’s organic, natural, not overly "bridal" or posed. (yuck!) She finds fun ways to make you and your partner laugh. So the moments she captures are real and pure, and you end up looking way cooler than you really are.. haha!"
Jess + Adam
"One more thing... we feel pretty awkward in front of a camera. Will you help us?"
Guess what. No matter how uncomfortable you might feel having your picture taken, I'll bet you a bottle of my favorite Oregon wine that I'm even worse than you are! ;)
"Ok, that's nice, but what does your anxiety have to do with us?"
Weeelllll... it means I get it! I know exactly how nerve-racking it can be, so helping you get comfortable is the first thing I focus on during any session or elopement. It's one of the most important parts of my job to help you have fun, feel comfortable and look amazing in your photos! So trust me, I promise I'll make it fun and easy.
Let's start planning!
Fill out the info below, and we'll respond within 24 hours (but usually faster!)
I reply to every inquiry within 24 hours or less! If you haven’t heard from me, your email might not have gotten through, so please email me directly at info (at) amyzumwalt.com!
Good stuff to know:
Can we invite guests?
Of course! While some couples want the intimacy and privacy of an elopement that is just for them, that's not the case for everyone.
How many guests you bring along does make a difference, however. Here's how:
If you plan to invite more than 4-5 guests, your locations will be more limited. You'll need to choose places that are more easily accessible, have bathrooms, etc.
You'll also need at least 8 hours if you have more than just a few guests. That gives you time to spend a couple of hours with them, and still break away for your wedding adventure.
All in all, we do recommend you include no more than 25-30 guests tops. Any more than that and we suggest considering a venue or booking a multi-day elopement so you can have one day to yourselves, and one day with your guests.
How many hours do we need for our elopement?
Most of our elopements are between 7 and 12 hours. How many hours you need depends on your location(s), how many guests you have, and what things you want to do on your wedding day.
A half day elopement is about 7-8 hours. This works for couples who have 5 guests or fewer, and who's excursions and locations fit easily into this time frame.
Couples who want both sunrise and sunset, more than one major location, or have more than 5 guests usually need a full day (10-12 hours). This allows time to do everything on their list, and time to spend with their guests.
We also offer two-day elopements. These are great for couples who want to have a day together, just the two of them, and then a day where their guests are included.
Click on "pricing" above to see our packages in more detail. We are here to help you work through the packages to see what makes the most sense for you!
What if we arent big hikers?
You dont have to hike a single step if you don't want to. Adventure elopements dont have to include any hiking at all. Here are just a few ideas for other things to do for your adventure elopement: snowshoeing, enjoying the sunset, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, fishing, camping, backpacking, skiing, hot air balloon ride, cliff jumping, helicopter ride, soaking in hot springs, off-roading, biking, road tripping, rock climbing, horseback riding, stargazing, waterfall picnic, make a bonfire, dancing, cooking together, snorkeling, brewery hopping, get tattoos together, or forage for mushrooms. The options are endless!
What happens if we have bad weather?
In most circumstance, we are able embrace all kinds of weather. In fact, some of our favorite shoots have happened during the light rain or on pretty windy days. However, we always keep a close eye on the local forecast and radars, especially if we will be in the mountains where the weather can be unpredictable. We also keep days free around your date so that we have a weather backup if necessary.
What if we have no idea where we want to elope?
We're here to help with that too! We'll ask you some questions to help get the inspiration flowing. Then we'll help you with suggestions on places that align with your imagination!
Who will be hanging with us on our elopement day?
Amy will be the photographer for your elopement, no matter what package you choose. Chuck jumps in as a second photographer and assistant for all multi-day elopements so that there are two of us for those awesome backpacking overnights, or more involved multi-day elopements.
This sounds amazing, but the idea of taking photos for 8 hours sounds... ehhhh.. not so great?
Don't worry, this is not a hours-long photo shoot. Here is some insight into how we work during an elopement day
1) Your ceremony and vows:
During this time, you won't be worried about the camera. We'll have a place that's private so you can focus on each other, and we will respect the moment by getting beautiful photos without causing any distractions.
2) The 'pick-your-jaw-up-off-the-floor" photos:
We'll have times set aside create those stunning images that show off the landscape, with you and your partner right in the middle of it all. This is usually the hour or two before sunset, or during the sunrise, or both.
3) The in-between moments:
A lot of our photos come from moments when the couple doesn't feel like they have to be "on". For example, while you are hiking, picnicking, playing on the beach, and doing all the things that we helped you plan for your day together. These will be the photos that will bring back so many emotions year after year.
4) The no-photos moments
We know it is really overwhelming to have cameras around all day. That's why we set aside some time here and there where we will put the cameras away completely and let you take a break. We'll give you time alone, or hang and relax with you, whatever you prefer.
We promise the whole process will be really fun, and when it's done you'll wish we had more time!
Amy felt like an extension of our family
“Amy felt like an extension of our family. From the first zoom meeting she was so friendly and fun, as well as professional, that my wife and I felt an instant connection with her. Throughout the process she was so helpful, going above and beyond... My wife and I are both normally so awkward, but she made us both feel so comfortable in front of the camera and captured the most beautiful and amazing photos! Watching her work, and be inspired, made us both excited and helped us enjoy the process even more. I look through our album almost weekly. The emotions she captured take me right back to our special day. I can't gush about her enough. Love you Amy!"