8 Questions To Ask Your Elopement Photographer
When it comes to planning an elopement wedding, there are so many choices and decisions to be made. Do I want mountains? Do I want beachy vibes, or even ice caves? Do I need permits? Can we hike in a dress and suit 8 miles? Do I even want a dress and suit?
I may not be able to answer every single one of your questions, but below are 8 of my most commonly asked questions!
Do we need to have our location picked before we book our elopement photographer?
It’s perfectly ok if you don’t have a specific location in mind, but I do recommend having one of two things figured out: your location or your landscape. For example, if you know you want an alpine lake with some potential hiking or fire pit spots, awesome! Or maybe, you want a sprawling desert with a cute and cozy, photo ready unique Airbnb to go home to. If you aren’t sure about the landscape, maybe you know you want it to be in Washington or Hawaii. All of these details are helpful info for your elopement photographer and they can help you finalize your location
Can they help us get any required permits for our location?
They may be able to point you in the right direction, but at the end of the day, it’s your responsibility to get whatever type of permit you need. Your photographer will probably have to get their own permit. As a side note, any permit costs will be included in their pricing so don’t be surprised if you see that line item.
I recommend getting this as soon as possible so you don’t run into any issues. Depending on the location, there may also be entrance or park fees. If you’re planning on having guests at your ceremony, you’ll want to either plan on paying for them as well, or at least letting them know so they can plan accordingly.
Why is it important to see a full gallery?
Most photographers will blog or post highlights from their shoots, but that is only a small amount of their best work from that session. When you first start talking to a photographer, ask if you can see a full gallery from one of their previous elopements so you know exactly what you’re getting when you hire them.
Keep in mind that everyone’s elopement day is different, landscapes and lighting will vary, but seeing a full gallery will show you what kind of moments they docs on, how they handle harsh or low lighting, and of course, if they are the best ones for you and your loved one to capture your special day.
Can we include children and pets?
This is a good question to ask upfront, especially since some photographers have a guest count limit on elopements. Some photographers might be ok with additional guests, but don’t be surprised if there’s an additional cost per guest beyond their advertised limit.
When it comes to pets or children, having them there may limit which locations you have access to for not only your ceremony, but also portraits and other activities.
If you want your dogs involved every step of the way, you should consider locations outside of national parks since they are generally more strict with allowing pets. Look at private properties, state parks, or even BLM land.
How do they handle bad weather?
Mother nature has her own ideas when it comes to elopement day weather, but since it is your wedding day, the ceremony must proceed. Any knowledgeable photographer will show up with the necessary tools needed to make some quick adjustments. You can ask about waterproof casings so they can keep shooting if it starts to rain, or other lenses and lights to deal with sudden changes in lighting.
Unexpected weather changes are usually a truly enjoyable experience in an elopement. It all depends on how it’s handled. Your photographer should help keep an upbeat and positive atmosphere to ensure that the day is joyful and memorable.
Above all else, you should also have a backup plan. You and your whole group, photographer included, can be prepared as possible, but when Mother Nature decides what she wants to do, there’s no stopping her. Your photographer can help you find alternatives that still get you your wedding of your dreams.
How adventurous are they willing to be?
Just like you, photographers have their limits too. This is something that’s best to bring up as soon as possible. If you’re a thrill seeker and are wanting to have skydiving part of your day, make sure your photographer is both ok and prepared for that type of shoot.
It’s best to let everyone know, photographers, guests, other vendors, etc, know ahead of time what they should expect and make sure it’s even possible
How soon should I inquire?
As soon as possible. If you’re a planner and your special day is a year from now, great. Let’s talk now. If it’s a last minute thing or your plans changed, reach out, and if available, the photographer will more than likely take it on. I know I would!
What are their fees?
Photographers usually have base fees, but when adding in travel and potential accommodations, things can and will change. Go in with a budget in mind, but know you might have to make some adjustments. You and your photographer need to be upfront about all costs and work together so you are both having a good experience.
At the end of the day, you and your partner need to be happy with the entire process, from start to finish. Be honest with your photographer because they will be honest with you. They want you to be happy and to have the best experience possible.
Take your time, talk things through, be ready to adjust, and just have fun!
