How to Elope
(Even if all you have right now is a feeling)
You don’t need a detailed plan to elope. But you do need to feel the call.
Couples often tell me:
“We want this to be by us, for us.”
“We don’t want to feel like we’re on stage all day.”
“We want the day to feel calm, meaningful, and like us.”
That intuition is all you need to start planning your elopement. I’ll guide you through the rest.
“When I look at those photos, I’m transported to a different place — the world calms, and I’m pulled right back into that moment.”
— Denielle + Daniel
On your elopement day, you’ll be able to relax and be present with one another in nature
It’s an experience I intentionally create for each of my couples through hard work and careful planning.
When you look back on your elopement, I want you to feel as if it was:
This is how we get there — step by step
Step 1: Reach out to me
You don’t need to have it figured out. Maybe you only know that you want to get married in fall, or elope in the Tetons, or just that the idea of a big, traditional wedding makes you feel itchy.
On my contact form, I ask a few simple questions:
Once I know a little more about you, I’ll be back in your inbox with my current starting rates and a link to book a Zoom call.
Step 2: Dream together on Zoom
This is where the wheels start turning.
On our call, we’ll talk through:
Expect your “aha, this is what we actually want” moment. This is when couples often realize “We don’t have to stress so much about the logistics. We just need to focus on what kind of day we want.”
Assuming it feels like a good fit, we’ll talk through which package aligns best with your vision. After the call, you’ll get an email with complete pricing details.
Step 3: Choose your package & make it official
Once you’re ready, here’s what happens:
We decide whether you’re:
Exhale. The hardest part is over. Promise.
Step 4: Planning, made simple
This is the part my couples rave about most.
As soon as you reserve your date, I’ll share with you:
Your answers allow me to choose the right locations for your ceremony, portraits, and other adventures. We’ll also build a timeline that’s both realistic and spacious, balancing time together and time with guests (if you’re bringing them).
Don’t worry about showing me a vision board or saved Instagram posts. Just be honest about how you want to feel and I’ll take care of the logistics.
“My partner and I went into this experience completely blind and without a plan, but Corey really helped us figure out what we wanted out of our elopement day.”
— Cheyenne & Keith, Acadia National Park
Step 5: We design your elopement timeline
Think of this like a flexible script for your day. We’ll meet on Zoom to map out what your day will look like—you tell me what you want to do, and I’ll handle the timing and logistics.
Your timeline explains:
I always build in buffer time so you’re never rushing, plus space for little moments like reading letters or stargazing. And I’ll also note backup locations in case Mother Nature (or crowds) have different ideas.
Step 6: Your elopement day
When the day arrives, there’s no pressure to remember what’s next. You simply do, while I document and guide you. At the same time, I’ll hold space so you never feel like you’re attracting more attention than you want.
You’ll experience moments like:
“On our way down to the beach, my biggest fear was being the weird guy in a suit in a national park. Corey immediately shifted, became our bodyguard, and the attention moved off of us and onto her. That moment meant so much to us.”
— Jen & Travis
Step 7: Relive it all over again
Within 24-48 hours, I’ll send sneak peeks so you can share with loved ones (or keep them just for you for a bit).
Your full galleries arrive in up to 8 weeks, which includes a mix of digital, film, and Super 8 (if you’ve booked it).
Couples have told me,“It was like you plucked the images straight out of our memory.”
You’ll get:
I specialize in just-us elopements and tiny gatherings
Why?
Because the more people you add, the more logistics you’re managing—and the more you risk slipping back into “event mode.”
I work best with:
That way, we can stay nimble, prioritizing safety, privacy, and your elopement-day experience. When we’re a smaller group, we also make less of an impact on the land.
If you want something bigger, like an intimate wedding with 25–50 guests, I’m probably not your person—and that’s okay.
How much time do we really need?
Every couple is different, but here’s a quick guide:
half day elopement
Perfect if you want:
Think:
Sunrise cliffs or sunset mountains, with a bit of wandering and portraits.
Split Day elopement – “Sunrise + Sunset Story” my most popular package
Best for couples who:
Think:
Sunrise first look and private vows, a mid-day nap and lunch, an afternoon ceremony with family, and then a sunset adventure just the two of you.
2-Day Experience – stay awhile
For couples who want:
Think:
Day 1: Hiking, horseback riding + private vows
Day 2: An intimate ceremony, an afternoon sail, and a relaxed dinner under the stars
“Corey, my heart says yes—but I don’t know how to let go of everyone else’s expectations.”
For so long, there’s been a script for what a wedding “should” be.
But if that doesn’t suit you, I want you to know that you’re allowed to:
The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m here for you.
