
Why Elope?
(or have a “micro-wedding”)
The quick answer? Because this is your wedding day and you should celebrate exactly however you two as a couple want to! Long gone is the connotation of “running away to Vegas to get hitched” - Today, elopements take on many different shapes, but the common denominator here is that the day is about your incredible love story and not necessarily the production that goes along with it. It’s your wedding, but stripped down. (Think acoustic coffee shop cover, as opposed to sold out stadium tour; intimate, heartfelt and dynamic.) Instead of a ballroom of guests, maybe you’re surrounded by a trees in a century old forest. Perhaps the ocean waves crashing upon the shore replaces a DJ’s playlist. Whether it’s just the two of you together on a rugged Whidbey beach, or a tight knit gathering of loved ones on the cliffs of Rosario, elopements are intentional, private and highly personal celebrations of love.

view more elopement stories here
debunking an “adventure elopement” myth
“You have to be a master hiker and go on a 3 day backpacking journey to get stunning wedding day images.”
FALSE - if that’s your thing, go for it! But Whidbey Island, Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands are such hidden gems, that you can get jaw-dropping landscapes, while still making it back to your hotel that night for a celebratory drink. With our experience and knowledge of the area from years of exploring and shooting, we know all of the most scenic locations that will give you those epic photos, without making you hike 8 miles with a headlamp, eat from your campfire skillet and sleep in a tent. (No shade to anyone who wants to go that route, of course.)
Additionally, our “favorite places” includes a range of locations and trails, ranging from wheelchair accessible to more strenuous and advanced, so couples and guests of all physical abilities are guaranteed incredible landscapes and photos, regardless of any limiting physical factors.
visualize this
The pacific mist is cool and refreshing, bringing you a sense of calm, even as your heart beats faster with each step you take. The sand is warm on your bare feet from the northern sun, and the sound of the Salish Sea dancing upon the shoreline is the perfect rhythm as you step closer to the one you love. You lock eyes, smile, and freeze this moment in your memory forever. This is your wedding, your way. And it couldn’t be more perfect.
dream it, plan it, do it
Envisioning your vows at the top of a mountain with Mount Shuksan standing proudly in the background? Is a private cove of turquoise water hitting jagged dark rocks your ideal ceremony location? As a photographer, guide, and planner by nature, we’ll help create your wedding day vision into a reality. Our experience is so much more than just the photos (which will be epic, by the way)! From finding you the perfect ceremony spot to match your vision, going over the terrain, monitoring weather, to gathering the right permits you’ll need, we’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure that your day is absolutely unforgettable.
is this you?
- If your relationship was a novel, it wouldn't just be a love story but an adventure! Dynamic and emotional.
- You can see yourself rocking hiking boots underneath your wedding dress.
- You can’t imagine having a big audience on your wedding day. A handful of your most favorite people feels much more comfortable.
- Stress free wedding planning sounds pretty rad.
- You don't mind getting your feet sandy, taking the path less traveled or climbing rocks.
- You’ve never been a big fan of banquet wedding cuisine. Pizza and a beer at the ski lodge after a day of exploring, or a bowl of Penn Cove mussels at the Captain Whidbey Inn is just what you’re craving.
- The great outdoors makes your soul come alive. The only that makes your heart beat faster is the one you’re about to marry.

Elopement + intimate weddings also include:
LOCATION, TIMELINE, LODGING & VENDOR RECOMMENDATIONS
PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL EDITING OF IMAGES
PRIVATE VIEWING GALLERY
UNLIMITED DIGITAL DOWNLOADS OF PHOTO SET
SLIDESHOW SET TO MUSIC
OPTIONAL ALBUM DESIGN SESSION
ACCESS TO OUR PRO-LAB PRINT SHOP
Whether you’re looking for full day coverage, or a few hours at sunset, we have several options for capturing your perfect day. Contact for more information + package options.
elopement packages starting at 1400

The process
1. Consult & Booking
You’re engaged! Once you’ve got your wedding date locked down, let’s grab a cup of coffee and talk about your intimate wedding day vision over a complimentary and pressure-free consultation! Not in the area? No problem. Let’s arrange a FaceTime or phone call instead.
2. Engagement Session
One of the best ways to get to know each other (and get you comfy in front of the camera) before your big day is through an engagement session! Let’s create gorgeous photos together all while exploring the Pacific Northwest’s incredible landscapes. The more we know about you two as a couple, the better we can tell your love story.
3. Wedding Timeline + Location Guide
We’ve got you! We’ll chat about what your dream wedding day looks like, and craft a custom blueprint that fits you perfectly. From location scouting and sharing super secret trails, to creating a tailored timeline to best tell your love story, we’ll make sure you’re set every step of the way.
4. Celebrate
The day is finally here, and it’s time to make it official! With 10 years of wedding photography experience, we are excited, and most importantly, prepared to capture your wedding day memories, and turn them into fine-art photographs to cherish for a lifetime.
5. Your Image Gallery
You did it! You’re married! We’ll give you a sneak peek of your wedding images within 48 hours, and within 4 - 6 weeks your full gallery will arrive along with a highlight slideshow to share with family and friends.
6. Fine-art Albums
Digital photos are amazing, but nothing beats tangible heirloom albums filled with stunning imagery of your wedding day printed on professional paper. If an album is something you’re interested in, we’ll work together to create a gorgeous storybook that displays your love story beautifully. With dozens of cover, paper and design options, we’re sure to create something uniquely you.
Most clients invest between 600 - 1500 on fine art albums
follow JHP on instagram