Find a Utah Elopement Photographer

So you’re looking FOr a Utah Elopement Photographer…

YOU’RE ELOPING!!! (Can I get a HELL yeah?)

I’m so excited for you, and so proud of you for doing this, because let’s be real… eloping is about your LOVE, and less about proving your love with a big SHOW. (Don’t get me wrong, we love both… but something about elopements screams genuine, beautiful, lasting love, and I am HERE FOR IT.)

So you’re at the next phase, looking for someone to join you and document this thing. How do you find the best elopement photographer for you?

Well, first of all, you’ve come to the right place if you like moodier, emotional elopement photography. Second of all, if that’s not your thing, that’s ok. I’m here to help you with your next steps, regardless of what kind of elopement photographer you’re looking for .

What qualifies someone as a great elopement photographer?

  • Experience with elopements in various climates, weather, and lighting

  • Has business insurance and ability to prove said insurance to the area you are hoping to elope

  • Experience obtaining elopement permits

  • Knows how to make their clients feel comfortable, and provide a great elopement experience

  • Knows the area you’re eloping at, and helps with planning steps along the way

  • Has a contract, and is prompt with emails and staying connected with couples

  • Has a photography style you resonate with

If you are looking for a Utah elopement photographer, you have lots of options! There are various places couples love to elope, and the scenery in Southern Utah is very different from Northern Utah. You’ll want a Utah elopement photographer who is familiar with the area you’ll be eloping, and can help you with the planning process, as well as obtaining permits for your elopement.

Are you hoping to elope during a busy time in the summer? You’ll want an elopement photographer who knows where to go and at what times to avoid huge crowds.

Are you hoping to elope at a Utah National Park? There are restrictions throughout the year, and some can be challenging to get a permit for. Make sure you find a Utah elopement photographer who knows the ins and outs and is willing to help you make the process smooth.

Planning your elopement

  • Find an elopement photographer who is familiar with your lodging options, dining options, and vendors who are close by. If you’re not familiar with Utah, you may think you’re hiring a wedding vendor who is close to your elopement site, only to find out they live 3 hours away and can’t travel to your destination, or charge a hefty travel fee.

  • Collaborate with your elopement photographer to make sure both of your expectations are clear for how your elopement will go, and what moments are important to you.

  • Can your elopement photographer officiate or do you need to bring someone who is ordained to officiate?

  • Are you doing a symbolic elopement or eloping and also obtaining a marriage license? Your elopement photographer should be able to help you with these questions, and should know beforehand if you need the ceremony officiated, or if it is symbolic only.

Deciding on a Style

  • What elopement photography style do you resonate with? Do you like bright and airy and creamy tones? Do you like moodier images with deep tones and emotive storytelling? Do you like something more rustic and country feeling, with warm sepia-like editing?

  • Ask your elopement photographer if you can view several FULL galleries of elopements they have photographed, ideally in similar places to the one you’re eloping at. Some photographers choose to only advertise styled photoshoots, and use paid models to advertise their wedding photography, and it’s important to see what their work looks like for their paying clients. And if it matches your expectations and resonates with you.

Come up with a Budget

  • You’ll be saving SO much money on a venue and catering by eloping. So focus on your love story and what is important to you. I may be biased, but I recommend splurging on elopement photography and videography, as well as your experience and location. Then work your way through the list of details you need. Trust me, the permit for eloping is SO much less than any venue I have photographed weddings at. You can afford to splurge a bit on your elopement. Make it special, because it truly IS special.

If you are eloping in Utah and are on the hunt for an experienced elopement photographer, and you like candid and emotional photos with personality, fill out that inquiry form babes, and let’s chat!


Datura Photo (Jules) is an award winning wedding and elopement photographer in Utah, the PNW, and worldwide.

Artsy + moody wedding photos in an art museum? Let’s GOOOO!

I am swooning over this bridal session, and so excited to share these!

A + L wanted vibey bridal photos with personality, and I couldn’t be happier with the aesthetic.

The springville art museum has so many great areas for bridal photos, and the venue can also be used for your wedding venue. (My older sister got married there in 2001! And it’s still just as vibey.)

The springville art museum does require a fee and reservation to book photos there, and the photographer and/or videographer needs to sign some paperwork, but that’s all there is to it!

When planning your photo session for an art museum, keep in mind these tips for the best art museum photos:

  • Keep your wardrobe neutral so that you stand out with the artwork and don’t clash with your surroundings

  • Focus on finding interesting light, textures, walls, and architecture to show off the artistic elements of the museum

  • Plan an overall vibe or aesthetic for how you want your photos to feel, and commit to the vibe. Wedding attire is amazing with most museums, and vintage pieces look gorgeous. Other outfits that look great for art museum photos could be an overcoat and trousers, a satin cocktail dress, velvet suit jacket, or even a casual hipster outfit.

This bride wanted a mix of vibey aesthetic photos that are more “moody” and a few natural & timeless photos. So I focused on the overall vibe, and then included some brighter, but still vibey photos, and they still fit well together.

My absolute favorites of their art museum bridal photos are the moodier, indoor photos:

An art museum is a great indoor location for wedding photos during the winter. You can get a ton of variety with your photos, and can get a few outdoor photos as well.

In Utah, the springville art museum is one of the best indoor locations for photos. The mix of artwork, architecture, and lighting, makes it the perfect spot for couple photos any time of the year.

If this is your vibe, I would LOVE to be your photographer! Feel free to fill out a contact form and let’s chat! You can see more work at https://www.instagram.com/daturaphoto

XOXO

Jules

Utah wedding & elopement photographer | Datura Photo is an artsy wedding photographer capturing authentic moments and emotions worldwide

LGBTQ+ trans fem Elopement in Washington

LGBTQ+ friendly elopement photographer in Washington

It can be daunting to find an elopement photographer, regardless of your sexual orientation. But it can be even more daunting to find an LGBTQ+ friendly elopement photographer.

I want you to know I see it as an HONOR to celebrate your love, and believe all love is worthy of being celebrated. I don’t care who you love or how you love. Your love story is YOURS, and that love story is precious.

I had the honor of photographing K + A’s intimate LGBTQ+ elopement in Olympic National Park. K + A are a trans fem couple who wanted to find an accepting photographer who would produce beautiful elopement photos. I’m so glad they found me and that I got to spend the day documenting their LGBTQ elopement story. It was definitely an elopement for the books! Watching their sweetness and genuine love for one another was beautiful. We were able to provide photos as well as video of their elopement, and it was truly an honor.

Eloping in Washington can be hard to plan, as the weather can change last minute and you never know what you’ll get. K + A were hoping for sunshine for a gorgeous golden hour and clear skies for star-gazing. What they got instead was pouring rain, full cloud cover, and freezing cold in the middle of July. But it was an intimate, beautiful, moody, and secluded elopement day.

As an LGBTQ+ elopement photographer, I have the privilege of planning an adventurous elopement with my couples. For K + A, we went with our plan B adventure, to accommodate the weather.

trans couple eloping at ruby beach

Rainy LGBTQ+ elopement in Olympic National Park

LGBTQ couple eloping at ruby beach in washington

For their perfect LGBTQ+ elopement, we:
-Started with a first look (they kept robes on and we had clear umbrellas ready for them) and gave them a few intimate moments to take each other in
-Took a few portraits along the beach as we went to the perfect spot to exchange vows
-Had a vow exchange ceremony, where the two exchanged vows and rings and had their first kiss as a married couple. I am ordained as an officiant and was able to officially “marry” them with legal documents.
-Had a first dance as we played their personal curated playlist on a bluetooth speaker
-Did a champagne spray to celebrate their official marriage
-Spent some intimate time doing boudoir photos away from the crowds with candlelight and another curated playlist
-Took more portraits along the beach

LGBTQ couple getting married on beach

At this point, the two of them were too cold to continue at the beach. (Honestly, they lasted longer than I imagined they would! Especially doing boudoir photos in the cold.)

So we finished at their air bnb in Forks, where they had charcuterie and wine, and wrote love letters to each other in candlelight. We then took a few last portraits outside of their air bnb once they warmed up.

LGBTQ couple ruby beach elopement

It was the sweetest LGBTQ+ elopement experience, and the two brides were amazing to work with.

Ways you can make your LGBTQ+ elopement extra special:

-Gather sand from the beach to put in a time capsule box or to keep in your home
-Bring things that are special to the two of you, like photos from when you first met, and spend a few moments talking about your memories and how special it is to be making this commitment together
-Curate a personalized playlist of songs that feel like your relationship.
-Go with the flow and try to not sweat the small things. This makes a big difference, since there will always be things out of your control. (I photograph a lot of weddings and elopements, and just trust me on this one.)
-Bring your favorite foods to share together. Especially foods or drinks that have sweet memories.

All elopements are special, but your LGBTQ elopement is extra special. It’s a big deal that you get to seal the deal legally. And it’s a big deal for me to document your day in a way that preserves every emotion from your day.

If you’re thinking of having an elopement or micro-wedding, and are vibing with what you see, get in touch!

I’m an elopement photographer in Utah, Washington, and all over the world. I believe every love story is a work of art, and that photos are meant to bring out emotions and feelings, and feel like art.

Datura Photo | LGBTQ+ friendly Wedding and Elopement photographer in Washington and worldwide

How to Elope in Yosemite National Park

Tips for Eloping in Yosemite National Park | California Elopement

Yosemite Elopement

If you and your partner dream of an elopement filled with natural beauty, adventure, and intimacy, eloping at Yosemite National Park might be the perfect place for you. Yosemite National Park is filled with granite cliffs, sequoias, waterfalls, and overlooks of the park. But before you start planning your adventure elopement in Yosemite, there are some things you should know, and I’m here to help!

Here are some tips to help you plan your perfect elopement at Yosemite National Park:

1. Choose the Best Time to Elope in Yosemite

Yosemite is gorgeous all year, but the park’s different seasons can impact the feel and ease of your elopement, especially when it comes to your photos! Here’s a look at what each season is like in Yosemite:

- Spring (April-May):Waterfalls are at their fullest due to the snowmelt, making it the best time for dramatic waterfall photos. However, some higher elevations and roads may still be closed.

- Summer (June-August): You’ll enjoy warm weather and access to most areas, but the park can be crowded. Consider an early morning or weekday elopement to avoid peak visitor times. Summer typically requires a reservation to get into the park.

- Fall (September-October): With fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors, this is a favorite time for many. It’s also cooler, making it ideal for long hikes.

- Winter (November-March): Yosemite turns into a winter wonderland. If you love the idea of snow-covered landscapes and cozy vibes, this could be perfect. Keep in mind, Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are closed during winter.

I recommend spring, summer, or fall for your adventure elopement in Yosemite. The time of day we take photos is also extremely important. Sunrise and sunset are my favorite times for photos, and I tend to shoot until it’s fully dark for a dramatic setting and experience.

#2. Get the Necessary Permits

To elope in Yosemite National Park, you’ll need a special use permit. The permit ensures that your ceremony does not interfere with the natural beauty or public enjoyment of the park. I’m happy to help get the permit for my couples. You’ll want to have your top 3 elopement spots in mind and the time you hope to elope. The sooner you send in your permit application, the sooner you’ll get approval, and the more likely you are to secure your favorite spot at the best time for photos.

- Cost: As of 2024, the special use permit fee is $150. I highly recommend applying for the permit at LEAST 3 months in advance, but ideally 6+ months prior to your elopement.

Additionally, if you’re hiring a photographer or any other vendor who will be operating in the park, they’ll need a commercial use authorization (CUA) permit.

Adventure elopement in Yosemite

#3 Decide which Location is Perfect for your Yosemite Elopement

Yosemite has countless breathtaking areas, so deciding on where to say your vows can be challenging. Here are some popular (and some less known) elopement spots in the park:

- Tunnel View: Famous for its sweeping views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, this is an iconic spot for a Yosemite elopement. Star-gazing at Tunnel View is especially stunning.

- Glacier Point: For one of the most dramatic views in the park, head here. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. However, access is typically limited to late spring through fall.

- Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in North America provides a jaw-dropping background. The falls are most powerful in the spring and early summer.

- Taft Point: A less crowded alternative to Glacier Point, this spot offers epic views of Yosemite Valley with a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. This spot does require hiking there and back, approximately 45 minutes each way.

- Cathedral Beach: If you prefer a serene riverside setting with El Capitan towering in the background, this might be your spot.

Adventure elopement at Cathedral Beach in Yosemite

-El Capitan Meadow: The easiest spot for photos and most picturesque in the summer is the meadow by El Capitan. It’s easy to access, requires no hiking, and has far fewer people than the other spots I’ve listed. (Hoping this post doesn’t reach too many people so it stays that way!)

Yosemite elopement photographer

For a more private and intimate experience, consider venturing off the beaten path. You can always ask park rangers for recommendations for lesser-known locations.


#4. Plan for the Elements

Yosemite's weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Here are some things to consider when planning your day:

-Bring layers: Even in the summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly in Yosemite. Make sure to pack some warm layers to keep comfortable between photos.

- Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be walking or hiking to your ceremony location. Opt for shoes that are both comfortable and stylish (or bring a second pair for photos). You might even have to cross over water in some areas.

- Prepare for wildlife:*While it’s rare to have any wildlife disruptions, be mindful of Yosemite’s bears. Don’t leave food or scented items out. And make sure to follow “leave no trace” principles.

Yosemite adventure elopement

#5. Consider Your Guest List (or Lack Thereof)

One of the beauties of eloping is that you get to decide whether to keep it just the two of you or include a small group of family and friends. If you do invite guests, keep it small to avoid overcrowding and minimize your environmental impact.

Yosemite has specific rules about group sizes in certain areas, so make sure to check with the park if you plan to have a few guests present.

#6 Hire an Adventure Elopement Photographer who knows the park

Yosemite is a big park, and working with a photographer who knows the ins and outs of the best locations will make your day go much more smoothly. I specialize in adventure elopements and can guide you to hidden gems in the park.

If you’re planning to bring in any other vendors, like a florist or hair/makeup artist, consider using someone local to the area.

#7. Leave No Trace (LNT)

Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s important to minimize your impact on this precious ecosystem. Follow the Leave No Trace principles:

- Pack out everything you bring in, including decorations, food, and waste.

- Avoid using confetti, rice, or anything else that can harm the environment.

#8. Embrace the Adventure

One of the greatest things about eloping in a place like Yosemite is the sense of adventure. Don’t stress about small details. Whether it’s a sudden shift in weather or an unexpected wildlife sighting, remember that these moments make your day unique. Embrace the spontaneity and go with the flow.

Cathedral Beach Elopement in Yosemite

An elopement in Yosemite is the perfect spot for adventurous couples who want an epic backdrop for an elopement. With the right planning, you can create a wedding day that feels true to who you are as a couple while surrounded by one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Yosemite is a stunning place for eloping!

If you’re thinking of eloping at Yosemite National Park, I would love to chat more with you! I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer and my husband is a wedding and elopement videographer. Fill out a contact form and let’s chat!