Bitch, YES!

So, let me get this straight: you’ve decided to toss the giant wedding extravaganza out the window and take the plunge with an elopement. (First of all—hell yeah. You’re doing your day your way, and I love that.) But now, you’re faced with the big question: do I need an elopement photographer? Do I need photos? Is an elopement photographer worth it? Let’s cut to the chase, bestie: Your elopement photographer is, without a doubt, one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Right after you decide the when and where, the who needs to be your next pick because the who is going to be there to document your day. Y’know, the day you never get to redo? And that matters a hell of a lot. Here’s why choosing the right one is essential.

The Power of Photos on Your Big Day

Okay, let’s be real for a second. You’re probably not going to remember every single detail of your elopement. That’s completely normal! These one-of-a-kind moments—they’re intense and beautiful, but they go by in a blur, especially if you’ve opted out of a long, drawn out wedding day full of socializing and partying (YIKES!). During this day, you’re gonna be wrapped up in all the love, nerves, and excitement, so THAT is where your photographer comes in. We’re the ones who will freeze those moments, those small details in time for you to look back on for years to come.

Now, are you ready for your nightly hard-to-swallow pill?

I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this: If you go for the cheapest option or hire someone who doesn’t get your vibe or click with you, the photos you end up with could leave you feeling very fucking empty.

I’ve heard way too many couples say they regret going the budget route just to save a few bucks. But why?? After booking the venue/finding the location is when most couples start searching for a photographer, so it’s your #2 priority, but you wanna pay bottom-dollar price? Make it make sense, babe! Trust me, it’s a regret you don’t want. Because when you’re looking at your photos when you’re all old and wrinkly, you’ll wish you had invested a little more to get something that makes your heart skip a beat.

As a Southwest Missouri elopement photographer, I’m all about giving you top-tier, unforgettable photos that are worth every fucking penny. You deserve imagery that makes you feel everything—from those quiet, intimate moments to the bursts of wild joy. I’m not here to just take some pictures; I’m here to give you a true reflection of your love, the kind of work that’ll have you reliving your day every time you look at it. Quality isn’t just an add-on; it’s the foundation of everything I do. This is an investment that pays off for a lifetime, and I’m here to make sure your memories are captured with nothing less than the best.

Why Your Elopement Photographer Matters So Much

While we’re at it: choosing a photographer isn’t like picking out a dress or a cake. A photographer doesn’t just take pictures—they’re capturing the entire energy of your day. Your photographer will be with you during some of the most intimate and emotional moments of your life. That’s a lot of trust to put in someone! A good photographer will not only make you feel comfortable but will also know how to work with you to get the most you moments, without forcing it.

It’s simple: when you hire someone who understands the value of humor, fun wedding photography, and connection, you’ll get images that tell the real story of your day. Not some stiff, awkward, stock-photo version of your love story. You’re going to laugh, cry, dance, and be fully immersed in your elopement, and I promise you: a great photographer will catch all that. (Read more about that here. I’m passionate about this shit!)

But, to get those true-to-you moments, you need someone who understands what you’re all about. That means hiring someone who takes the time to understand your connection, your vibe, and your story. You want a photographer who will ask the right questions, make you feel at ease, and know exactly how to capture the chaos (and beauty) of your elopement day. (Promise you, if you’ve read this far, I’m your girl.)

Regret Sucks, But It’s All Too Common When It Comes to Photography

Now, I get it. You want to save money on your elopement. I mean, holy shit, part of the reason you’re even opting out of a big production of a wedding day is to cut costs, right? So I understand that you might be tempted to book that super cheap photographer you kinda know from high school who looks like they can do the job. But listen, I’m not here to sugarcoat it: bad photos are a regret that lasts a lifetime. There’s nothing worse than looking at your wedding photos and feeling meh about them. Am I fear-mongering? Maybe, but I’m not fucking lying either!

If I had a dollar for every family member, friend, or client who came to me after their initial photographer missed the mark—poor lighting, bad angles, awkward smiles, the works—I wouldn’t be sitting here trying to write a high-ranking blog about why you should give me money. I’d be richer than Jeff fucking Bezos! These folks that I’ve talked to: they’re folks who didn’t want to take the extra leap of faith to invest a little more into their big day, and they were left with photos that don’t do their day justice. As much as they love the memories, the photos don’t have the same energy or spark that reflects who they are as a couple or how intoxicating their day was.

You know what I hear from people who regret going cheap? They say things like, “I wish I’d spent more on a photographer who actually got us.”

That’s the last thing I want you to say, bestie.

Booking Your Photographer—It’s Like Booking Your Venue (But Better Because I’m a Person and Not a Random Building)

Alright, I know your venue is going to be amazing, and you’re probably stressing out over all the little details of your elopement. But here’s the thing: once the when and where are settled, your photographer is the next thing you need to lock down.

Why? Because your photographer is with you the entire day, from the early jitters to the final dance (or maybe just that last sip of whiskey or takeout noodles, let’s be real). You need someone who will be just as invested in your day as you are—someone who will blend in with the ambience, give you space when you need it, and capture everything in a way that feels fresh, fun, and full of life.

Once you get your venue figured out, booking your photographer should be your next step. I’ve had couples tell me they waited to book a photographer because they thought it was no big deal—until they were scrolling through bland, lifeless portfolios and realized how wrong they were. That’s when the panic sets in, and I’ll tell you: by the time you reach out to me, the good dates are already filling up. Don’t be that couple.

By locking in your photographer early (which, by the way, I offer a discount for!), you’re setting yourself up for success—and those beautiful memories you’ll cherish forever.

Great, But How Do I Find a Good Elopement Photographer?

Now that we’ve established how important this decision is, let’s dive into what makes a photographer right for you and how you can have an easier time separating the boys from the men. A great elopement photographer should:

1. Get your vibe: You want someone who understands what your love looks like, not what society says it should look like. Whether that means capturing intimate moments or funny, goofy shots, they should know how to blend in while still getting all those killer shots.
2. Be a storyteller: This isn’t just about taking good photos; it’s about capturing the story of your day, from the nervous laughs to the quiet moments of connection. A great photographer doesn’t just take pictures—they document the full arc of your day.
3. Be relaxed and fun: This is especially important for an elopement. You’re not dealing with a big wedding party and a million other things; it’s just you two, doing your thing. The photographer needs to make it feel natural, fun, and free from stress.
4. Understand the value of humor: No one wants forced, stiff smiles in their wedding photos. Humor makes everything lighter, and when you’re able to laugh together, the photos reflect that. A photographer who brings the fun will always get the best, most candid moments.
5. Be experienced: While we’re all about affordable wedding photography, there’s no substitute for experience. Someone who’s been in the game for a while will know how to anticipate those moments, manage lighting, and work their magic to get the best photos.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Settle for Boring Photos

The bottom line is this: your photographer is a huge part of your elopement experience. You don’t want to risk getting stuck with bland photos that don’t speak to your unique love story. You want images that make you feel something—that is the power of a great photographer.

If you’re ready to work with a Southwest Missouri elopement photographer who’s all about fun wedding photography, unique photography, and capturing your love story as it really is, I’m your girl. I’ll make sure your day is filled with belly laughs, moments that make you feel all the feels, and photos you’ll cherish forever.

Let’s make your elopement unforgettable.