Do I Need an Elopement Portrait Photographer? | Mount Charleston Elopement Photography
Horsey Disclaimer: I do not condone or wish to encourage any interactions with wildlife—this wild foal just refused to walk away! Always keep your distance from unknown animals and leave nature just as you found it. Enjoy!
Choosing to elope often means cutting back on all the “extras” that come with a wedding. Fewer guests, fewer vendors, fewer events—all in the name of enjoying the raw, uncomplicated joy that comes from marrying the love of your life. If you’re considering cutting an elopement photography package out of the picture (pun totally not intended) let me just stop you right there.
As a photographer with more than a decade of experience focused on elopements and weddings in Las Vegas and at destinations around the world, I can tell you with no bias whatsoever that investing in a professional elopement photographer is worth every penny. When people learn what I do, you’d be surprised how often I hear “Oh, I wish we had gotten better pictures of our wedding!” My role in your day is entirely focused on documenting all the little moments that create your memories but so often fade into the background blur of all the excitement.
If you’re thinking that guests can take photos on their phones, that’s absolutely true! But let’s be honest: the majority of those pictures could have stray thumbs in the corner or turn out blurry (especially as the party ramps up!) Leave it to me to zip around and document all the memories, laughs, and tears of joy while your guests focus on celebrating the moment with you. If you still want a way for friends and family to get involved, you can create a QR code that links to a shared album so that, combined with professional documentary-style pictures, everyone’s memories come together to craft a complete story from many points of view.
A photographer often takes on the role of planner and coordinator when you don’t already have one on call. One of the biggest breaks you can catch amid all the chaos and nerves is taking stress off your plate. That’s one of my favorite parts of the job! For Kenna and Kyle, I convinced them to take their portraits the same day as their elopement instead of the day prior. The benefit? They only had to sit through hair and makeup once! Plus, we had an entire day filled with memories and moments of connection that nobody can take away from them.
Having a photographer at your side is about more than taking pictures. This is a huge moment in your life! Give yourself the gift of being able to enjoy and, down the road, relive every second through beautiful pictures that capture the feeling or your elopement, putting you right back in the moment when you page through them. It will all be worth it—you can trust me on this!
Amber is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer who is available in Mt. Charleston and beyond for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.
Photographer: Amber Garrett Photography
Flowers: Flowers by Michelle
Hair and Makeup: Amelia C and Co
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Groom's Ring: Elysium
Bride's Rings: MJ Christensen
Every elopement needs a photographer, and Kenna and Kyle’s beautiful Mt. Charleston elopement was no exception! Enjoy a stroll in the fresh air and read all about why elopement portraits are a must.