Washington Elopement
Photographer
From Mount Rainier to the North Cascades, I’ll find the exact spot your elopement was meant to happen.
(this could
be you)
Bring a vibe, not a vision.
That’s enough to get started!
Elopement packages from $6,500.
View pricing→
Not sure where you’re supposed to start?
Two reads that answer 90% of the questions you’re about to Google:
Go ahead.
Fall down the rabbit hole.
I'll be here when you come up for air.
Not vibing with the idea of a big wedding?
Eloping is probably more your speed if…
…planning a whole day around everyone else’s expectations sounds exhausting (because it is)
…you want to say your vows to each other, not perform them for a crowd
…your dream wedding involves a view and fresh air with zero seating charts
…you’d rather put the budget towards an incredible trip than a dinner for your parents’ coworkers
A location picked out.
Any amount of hiking experience.
A curated Pinterest board.
Honestly, you don’t even need a plan.
Most couples come to me with a feeling and a season, and that’s plenty! Figuring out where you’re allowed to say your vows and take photos, which permits you need, what’s realistic in October, and which trailhead has a real bathroom?
That’s my job.
What you don’t need:
“Our minds were put at ease about our decision to elope.”
“It felt like adventuring around with a friend who just happened to be a magician with a camera.”
-N + V
What’s new on the blog?
I’m Van, and I think we’re about to be BFFs.
(It’s pronounced like minivan or the shoes)
I’m a Washington adventure elopement photographer based in Seattle. I’m here to help you reclaim what it means to get married to your person and give you an elopement experience that’s 1,000,000% you. Whether you’re looking for reassurance that eloping is right for you, or you’re set on eloping but need help with the details, I’m your adventure buddy 👋🏻
My goals with every single couple are to 1. Make sure you are in love with every part of your wedding day, 2. Create an adventure with you that you’ll be thinking about for years and years, and 3. Leave you with photos that feel like YOU and show off how stinkin’ fun and intentional your elopement day was.
When I’m not in photographer mode, you’ll find me on a hike with my dog Fern, planning a backpacking trip with friends, or trying to squeeze in one more paddleboarding sesh even if it’s already getting dark out.
*18+ years’ experience photographing people in love
*Woman and queer-owned business 🏳️🌈
*Leave No Trace Aware and steward of Mother Natch’
Things I give a shit about:
The outdoors are for everyone. You don’t have to be an expert and you definitely don’t have to meet some bullshit standard of ‘outdoorsperson’ or ‘hiker’ to roll with me. If you want to get married outdoors, then you deserve to get married outdoors. LET’S GO.
Taking care of the planet when and where I can. This means following Leave No Trace ethics and educating clients about what that looks and feels like! Mother Natch’ is a real treasure, so let’s take care of her together. Deal?
You should feel empowered to be 1,000% YOU on your wedding day. Throw societal norms and traditions out the window because this whole thing is about you and your boo. I’m here to support your love, your ideas, and who you are as people. Bring your authentic selves to your elopement day - nothing more, nothing less.
What if you hired someone to be your
Elopement Tour Guide?
Someone who….
Takes the planning burden off of you so you can be fully present for your entire elopement day rather than worry about a timeline
or where your guests should beHelps you find the most PERFECT location to say your vows, whether that’s on top of a mountain, standing next to the ocean, or deep in a PNW rainforest (or all three!)
Hooks you up with totally badass vendors that are affirming, supportive, creative, and all-around just great small businesses
Provides you with a portal where all your elopement day information can be found - documents, questionnaires, checklists, important dates, and tons of other tips to keep you organized
Brings snacks (the good ones) and things like a lint roller, bug spray, extra tissues, hand warmers, dry shampoo, and tons of other emergency items to make sure you’re comfortable and feeling your absolute best
Is well-versed in the PNW seasons, terrain, high-elevation areas, trails, hiking safety, views, and is generally comfortable and knowledgeable outdoors and away from the city!
Is your personal hype woman who oozes excitement and encouragement the entire day (lil bit of golden retriever energy here!!)
(Pssst. I do all of those things up there)
Essentially, you’re hiring someone who gives a shit about you and your wedding day.
A few places I photograph
elopements:
Elopement Location Guides
Past Client Lovin’
“Our minds were put at ease about our decision to elope.”
R & C
“We wish we had another event coming up so we could work with Van again.”
S & E
“It felt like adventuring around with a friend who just happened to be a magician with a camera.”
N & V
“BOOK WITH VAN ASAP!!! Seriously I’m already asking my husband if we could book Van when we renew our vows.”
S & N
This is where it all starts to click.
Lace up your hiking boots folks.
Things are about to get goooooooooooood.
Wildflowers are Washington’s hidden advantage for elopement photos. But timing and location matter, and so does protecting the meadows you’ll be enjoying. Here’s exactly where to elope for wildflowers across Washington, when each region peaks, and how we’ll capture those dreamy shots without trampling the very thing that makes them magic.