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!!

(This is how you should feel about that decision)

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

And I’m here to help you do exactly that.

Are you so totally ready for the adventure of a lifetime?!

Meet your photog’.

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!!

queer-owned

woman-owned

leave no trace aware

learn more about van

How do I make this happen for you?

Expert guidance

I’m here to walk you through the things you’ve probably never done before:

Applying for a permit with the proper park service that allows you to get married in the park
Finding a ceremony location based on your needs that will make the vibe of your day go from amazing to AMAAAAAAZING
Knowing when to get your marriage license and how to fill it out on the elopement day
Giving you a checklist of items to pack on your elopement day to keep you comfy, looking incredible, fueled up, and prepared for anything the outdoors can throw at us
Knowing what time the light is going to make for some awe-inspiring views (and photos!)
Helping you with things like preparing your guests to be out of service all day, showing you how to attach a garment bag to your backpack so your outfit stays wrinkle-free, planning extra time for curveballs like long park entrance delays or road closures, offering backup locations that we can pivot to at a moments’ notice, and SO much more that will help you feel confident about your wedding day.

A stress-free experience

When I say I’m type A, I mean that I already have checklists waiting to send you, a database of hundreds of locations that I’ve scouted and fallen in love with, a list of vendors that is tried and true, and that I have a ton of behind-the-scenes prep that goes into your elopement that you won’t even need to think about.

Something that I’ve had clients absolutely rave about is what I call Basecamp: The portal that keeps eeeeeeevery last thing organized. I’m talking checklists, your location recommendations, vendors I love, links to your contracts and questionnaires, important dates to remember, and so much more.

I schedule regular email check-ins with my couples to make sure you’re on the right track and checking things off your list!

Plus, throughout the elopement day I’ll be the one keeping track of time and moving us along throughout different parts of the day so you won’t need to stress over it one bit!

photos that feel like you

If you want photos that feel like your average wedding day with stiff posing, trendy editing, or rinse-and-repeat photos, then I’m not the photographer for you. Something I really take pride in is making sure that the photos fit YOU, not the other way around.

You’ll get an incredible gallery of photos that not only includes photos of you, your partner, and your guests, but photos of the landscape, the little moments, the details of your day, and everything in between. You’ll feel the emotion pouring out of every photo. That’s intentional.

I’ll never make you pose in a way that doesn’t feel quite right or force you to smile, because these photos are going to be a true representation of you as a couple and your love. The way you hold hands in the car, the way you put your hand on the small of their back, the way you kiss their cheek every time you’re close enough to - all of those things you already do with each other are going to be the type of photos you get from me.

Plus, I always throw in a few .GIF images to make things even more fun!!

“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?

plan your adventure

What about my dog?

If you can’t picture your day without your pet, you absolutely can (and should) bring them to your elopement!

Whether you dress them up with cute wedding accessories or just have them by your side when reading your vows, I’m here to help you plan out exactly how to include them in your wedding day adventure!

The Van Gachnang Elopement Experience

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

Oh, and these things, too:

Help with posing and feeling comfy

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

Officiating services

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

Travel within Washington included!

2025 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.