HELL NO to planning a big wedding, huh?

So… you’ve decided to say

I’ll be the first to say it:

I’M SO PROUD OF YOU.

You said “this marriage is about us, so let’s kick it off with a wedding we absolutely love.” That’s huge!!

A queer couple jumps for joy in front of their sprinter van headlights after eloping in the North Cascades
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(This is how you should feel about that decision)

Two hikers walking on a narrow trail along a steep, rocky mountainside with coniferous trees and hazy mountain peaks in the background.

You have earned the right to a wedding day that’s 100% about you and your story.

Meet your photog’.

A woman standing on a wooden dock by a calm lake, holding a camera, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

I’m Van, and I’m here to make this shit easy. I have a ton of experience making couples feel like their elopement was a total breeze.

Not only have I been in the biz’ for over a decade, I only photograph elopements now. Wanna know why?

Because I believe with my entire soul that eloping is the way to go. I want this day to be the most YOU thing you’ve ever done.

And I’m ready to do that for you, too!!

A waving rainbow flag with six horizontal stripes in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

queer-owned

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woman-owned

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leave no trace aware

learn more about van

How do I make this happen for you?

Eloping couple holds hands and walks along a distant ridge with a blue lake reflecting below them with beautiful wildflowers all around
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Expert guidance

I’m here to walk you through all the wild, wonderful stuff you’ve probably never done before:

  • Snagging that all-important park permit so your dream ceremony is totally official.

  • Finding the perfect ceremony spot that takes your day from amazing to AMAAAAZING—views, vibes, and all.

  • Figuring out when and how to get your marriage license so you’re fully ready on the big day.

  • Packing like a pro so you stay comfy, fueled, looking incredible, and ready for whatever the outdoors throws at us.

  • Timing the light perfectly so your photos capture those “wow” moments you’ll never forget.

  • PLUS the tiny but crucial stuff: prepping your guests to unplug for the day, attaching your garment bag to your backpack so your outfit stays wrinkle-free, planning for curveballs like long park entrance lines or road closures, having backup locations ready to pivot to instantly… basically, everything you need to feel calm, confident, and totally stoked for your adventure day.

This isn’t just a wedding-it’s a full-on adventure, and I’m here to make sure it’s as epic, effortless, and unforgettable as possible.

A woman with earrings and makeup smiling and hugging someone outdoors.

A stress-free experience

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When I say I’m Type A, I mean it-I come prepared. I’ve got checklists ready to send you, a database of hundreds of hand-picked locations I’ve scouted and fallen in love with, a trusted list of vendors, and a ton of behind-the-scenes prep that you won’t even have to think about.

One thing my clients rave about is Basecamp-your personal portal that keeps everything organized in one place. Checklists, location recommendations, vendor links, contracts, questionnaires, important dates… it’s all there, easy to access whenever you need it.

I also schedule regular email check-ins to make sure you’re on track and checking things off your list without any stress.

And on your elopement day? I’ll be there keeping us on schedule, moving us seamlessly from one part of the day to the next, so you can stay fully present and just enjoy every single moment.

A groom kisses a bride on the forehead in front of a snowy Mount Baker while holding hands and taking a moment
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photos that feel like you

If you’re looking for stiff poses, trendy edits, or cookie-cutter wedding photos, I’m probably not the photographer for you. What I care about most is capturing photos that feel true to you-not the other way around.

You’ll get an incredible gallery that goes beyond just portraits of you and your partner. Expect shots of the landscape, the little moments, the details, and all the in-between magic. Every photo is meant to capture the emotion and energy of your day-that’s intentional, not accidental.

I’ll never make you pose in a way that feels off or force a smile. Instead, I focus on the little authentic moments you already share: how you hold hands in the car, the way your hand rests on the small of their back, that cheeky kiss on the cheek whenever you’re close enough. These are the moments that will fill your gallery.

And because life’s more fun with a little movement, I always sneak in a few .GIFs to keep things playful and memorable!

Standing in front of the dramatic Mount Shuksan, a couple kisses after their elopement ceremony with the sun beaming down on them

“Anyone can find a photographer, but have you had Van as yours? You can tell that she truly loves what she does.”

Contact Van

An All-Day Elopement?What’s that?!

It might sound absolutely wild, but an all-day elopement could be the way to make your wedding truly your biggest adventure yet.

Eloping isn’t just a quick ceremony.

It’s an intentional day that you’re meant to experience fully. Imagine your wedding day as a full day excursion with beautiful sights, seeing the sunrise or sunset, slowing down and stepping away from everyone and everything, and doing something you love together. There’s room for spontaneity, spending time in a new area, creating memories together, or even something as awesome as a power nap in the middle of the day.

So why not go big?

A couple dressed in wedding attire standing on rocky terrain with mountains and snow-capped peaks in the background at sunset.
plan your adventure
  • A woman with long dark hair smiling widely, showing her teeth, standing close to a man with short blond hair and a beard, wearing a suit, in an outdoor setting with greenery and soft sunlight.
  • Queer couple dances on their elopement day with a sunset, mountains, and lakes in the background
  • A newlywed couple holding hands and smiling at each other in front of a waterfall in a forest.
  • Intimate elopement couple loves on each other with a glowing sunset behind them
  • Playing in the snow at sunset, an eloping couple enjoys their day together
  • LGBTQ+ Elopement couple reads vows to each other on a rocky beach and laughs
  • Huge mountaintops loom over eloping couple as they walk through a field of tall grass along a river with their reflection in the water

What about my dog?

A corgi dog wearing a green harness and bow tie lying on a rocky surface. In the background, a bride and groom holding hands stand on a balcony with mountain scenery and sunlight.
Outline drawing of a dog sitting among foliage.
A bride and groom holding hands and umbrellas in a forest, with a dog sitting between them.

Can’t imagine your elopement without your pup? Then they should absolutely be there! Whether they’re rocking cute wedding accessories, joining you for your vows, or just trotting along for the adventure, I’ll help plan all the ways your dog can be part of your day. From treats to photos to snuggles and paw prints, they’ll be your ultimate wedding sidekick.

A person in a black suit and sunglasses is holding a corgi dog dressed in a black bow tie, during a wedding ceremony outdoors. The dog has a certificate and a photograph on the ground nearby, and the person is possibly placing a paw on the photograph.
Woman in white dress kissing a brown dog outdoors on a rocky terrain with trees in the background during sunset.

The Van Gachnang Elopement Experience

No matter what package you book, you’ll get all this good stuff:

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A gallery of stunning, high-resolution photos

Images that are yours to download and keep! You can share the gallery with friends and family and print however and wherever you like

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One-of-a-Kind location recommendations

I’ve spent tons of time researching, exploring, and fully vetting locations that are beautiful and less-traveled. Plus I’ll help you get the proper permits to get married!

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Personalized guidance and suggestions

Think of me as your elopement expert - I’ll share advice and tips that will make your day fun, stress-free, and exactly what you’re hoping for

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A seamless timeline designed just for you

I’ll take timeline planning completely off your hands (I kind of rock at it). I’ll make sure we’re not rushing AND that you have time to slow down and just be with each other

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A database of vendors I love and trust

These are high-quality, queer-affirming, and completely badass vendors. They know their shit and I’d trust them with my own elopement!

Help with posing and feeling comfy

Oh, and these things, too:

A couple dancing on a forest path surrounded by tall pine trees, with the woman in a flowing light pink dress and the man in a light-colored shirt and dark pants.

Lean on me to get gorgeous, candid photos that really show off your love

Officiating services

A couple getting married outdoors, holding hands and smiling at each other, with a woman reading vows from a book. The man has tattoos on his arms and neck, and is wearing a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and suspenders. The woman has long wavy blonde hair, tattoos on her arms, and is wearing a white lace wedding dress. The background features trees and soft sunlight.

I can sign as the officiant on your marriage license and make things legit!

Travel within Washington included!

Two people sitting on top of a white camper van parked on a forest road, surrounded by tall trees with green foliage.

2026 Washington elopement pricing

Here's what’s included in every package:

  • Elopement coverage that feels fluid and covers everything you need without feeling like you’re at an all-day photoshoot

  • No additional travel fees! If you’re saying ‘I do’ in Washington, it’s included. Contact me for out of state pricing (I’ll meet you and your boo anywhere!)

  • A final edited gallery of stunning, versatile images that include a mixture of prompted and totally candid photos, both color and black and white photos, all delivered in an online gallery with high-resolution files to download. They’re yours to keep!

  • The ability to share your gallery with your loved ones and print the photos wherever you like

  • Expert guidance from start to finish - this is where I put my planning hat on and am right next to you every step of the way. We’ll craft the most perfect elopement day you can imagine.

4 hour packages start at $6,200

On average, my couples invest ~$7,900 for their day.
You get aaaaaaall that cool stuff above, plus tons more.

Contact Van now!
A woman in a light blue dress and a man in a light blue shirt and dark pants sit on a rocky surface outdoors, smiling at each other with a house and trees in the background during sunset.

Interested in an engagement session, proposal, or other type of session? I’ve got you. Inquire for more info!

Packages start at $2,400 for a 2 hour session

Are you ready to plan your dream elopement or what?