The Michaela Mae Elopement Experience
A guide to planning an intentional, beautiful, and deeply personal celebration.
Your elopement is more than a ceremony. It is a moment in time that deserves to be experienced slowly and remembered fully. This guide will walk you through what to expect as we begin planning your day together.
A Personal Welcome
First, thank you.
It truly means the world to me that you chose me to document your elopement. Being invited into such an intimate and meaningful day is something I never take lightly.
Elopements have a special kind of magic to them. They allow space for connection, intention, and authenticity in a way that traditional weddings sometimes cannot. Whether your day includes just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, my goal is always the same. I want you to feel fully present while I document the moments unfolding around you.
Throughout the planning process I will help guide you with location ideas, timeline planning, and creating space for moments that feel meaningful to you. My hope is that your day feels effortless, relaxed, and deeply personal.
I cannot wait to celebrate this chapter with you.
Kindly,
Michaela
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT *
Planning Call / Timeline Collaboration (30 days out)
Together we will create a timeline that allows the day to unfold naturally while still giving us beautiful light and meaningful moments for photographs. I’ll guide you through considerations like lighting, pacing, and buffer time, all with the goal of creating a relaxed, seamless flow that allows you to stay present while everything unfolds naturally.
Shot List Organization (2 weeks out)
As your elopement approaches, we’ll work together to build a thoughtful photography shot list.
Final Check-in and Day of Photography (day before and day of)
In the days leading up to your elopement, I’ll check in to confirm final details and make sure everything feels aligned.
Gallery Delivery Expectations
After your celebration, you’ll receive a small preview of your images within 24 hours, followed by your full, carefully edited gallery delivered within the timeframe outlined in your collection. Every image is refined with intention, preserving the emotion, movement, and atmosphere of your weekend.
One of the most beautiful things about an elopement is that it can truly be whatever you want it to be.
There are no strict expectations or traditions you have to follow unless they feel meaningful to you. Your day can be quiet and intimate, adventurous and spontaneous, or somewhere in between.
Many couples choose to incorporate personal moments such as writing their own vows, exploring a meaningful location together, or sharing a private meal after their ceremony. These experiences often become some of the most memorable parts of the day and the most beautiful to photograph.
Elopement Ideas and Inspiration
If you are still dreaming up what your elopement day might look like, here are a few ideas couples often love incorporating.
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Courthouse ceremony
Garden ceremony
Scenic overlook ceremony
Private vow exchange
Historic building or museum ceremony
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Champagne picnic after the ceremony
Exploring a nearby city together
A quiet walk through a garden or park
Sunset portraits at a scenic location
A celebratory dinner with loved ones
Your day can be simple, adventurous, romantic, or all three.
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Choosing the right location can help shape the entire feel of your elopement.
Some couples are drawn to beautiful architecture and historic spaces. Others feel most at home surrounded by nature.
Some favorite types of locations include:
Historic estates and gardens
Waterfront locations
Mountain overlooks
Charming city streets
Museums and libraries
Vineyards and countryside venues
If you are planning your elopement in Washington DC or Virginia, there are so many stunning options that combine history, architecture, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
During our planning process I am always happy to help guide you toward locations that photograph beautifully and fit the vision you have for your day.
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Your outfits play an important role in the overall feel of your photographs.
Flowing fabrics tend to photograph beautifully because they add movement and softness. Neutral tones and timeless colors also help create a cohesive and elegant look.
Comfort is just as important as style. If your location involves walking or exploring, comfortable shoes can make a big difference in how relaxed you feel throughout the day.
To help you prepare, I have included a style guide with inspiration and outfit suggestions. I have also linked my Amazon storefront where you can browse items similar to what you may see in the guide.
These resources are meant to inspire you. You are always welcome to bring your own creativity and personal style into your outfits.
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One of the most special parts of an elopement is the opportunity to create space for meaningful moments.
Many couples choose to write their own vows and exchange them privately during the ceremony or during a quiet moment together before the ceremony begins.
Some couples also incorporate personal touches such as exchanging handwritten letters, sharing gifts, or including meaningful heirlooms.
These moments often become some of the most emotional and memorable parts of the day.
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Some locations require permits for ceremonies or professional photography.
This can include national parks, certain historic sites, and some city locations. Courthouse ceremonies also sometimes have specific guidelines depending on the location.
If your chosen location requires a permit, we will make sure that process is handled ahead of time so that your day runs smoothly.
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As your elopement day approaches, here are a few helpful reminders.
Bring your marriage license
Bring your rings
Bring your vow books or letters
Allow extra time for travel between locations
If your elopement takes place outdoors, it can also be helpful to bring comfortable walking shoes and a light layer in case the weather changes.
The goal is to create a relaxed environment where you can focus on each other and fully enjoy the experience.
Sample Elopement Timelines
Two Hour Elopement
Ceremony
Couple portraits
Exploring one nearby location
Four Hour Elopement
Getting ready moments or pre ceremony portraits
Ceremony
Portraits at multiple nearby locations
A celebratory toast or champagne moment
Half Day Elopement
Getting ready
First look
Ceremony
Portrait adventure or location exploration
Celebratory dinner or private celebration
Every elopement timeline is unique. We will design a timeline that feels natural and allows you to enjoy each part of your day.
A Thoughtful Approach to Flow
I’ll offer recommendations based on lighting, movement, and transitions throughout the day. In some moments, small shifts in timing or spacing can make a meaningful difference in how your images feel without changing the structure of the day itself.
The goal isn’t perfection or rigidity. It’s creating space for real moments to unfold while protecting your peace and preserving the story of your wedding weekend as it naturally happens.
Timeline Consultations happen about 30 days before your wedding! Ready to schedule your timeline consultation? Use the button below!
Details, Family Portraits/Shot List & Film
A few small details make a meaningful impact. Keeping important items like your invitation suite, rings, heirlooms, vow books, and florals together on the day of allows them to be documented with care.
A simple family photo list helps this portion of the day flow calmly and efficiently, with gentle guidance throughout.
Film photography is thoughtfully woven into your coverage alongside digital, capturing movement, emotion, and texture in a way that adds depth and character to your final gallery.
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If you’re able, keep your invitation suite, rings, heirlooms, vow books, and any meaningful extras together on the morning of.
Florals and intentional details photograph beautifully when they’re easy to access, and this small step helps set the tone for the story of your day.
When possible, keeping the getting ready space clear of unnecessary people and visual clutter allows the room to feel calm and light-filled, which photographs beautifully.
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If you are having a small guest list to witness your elopement, a simple family photo list keeps this portion of the day calm and efficient. Most couples aim for a concise set of groupings. I’ll guide the process, keep things moving, and make sure it feels organized rather than overwhelming. A fillable family photo list is included to make this easy.
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35mm film is woven into your coverage alongside digital photography. Film excels at capturing movement, emotion, and texture, especially in thoughtful light. Because film relies more heavily on timing and lighting, not every moment is photographed on film, but when it is, it adds depth and character to your final gallery. Film scans are delivered after development and carefully integrated into your collection.
My Photography Approach
My approach to photography blends documentary storytelling with an editorial eye.
Throughout your day I focus on capturing genuine moments as they unfold naturally. At the same time, I gently guide you when needed so that your portraits feel relaxed, authentic, and beautiful.
Rather than stiff posing, I use natural prompts and movement to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. This allows your connection and personalities to come through in the images.
Your final gallery will include a mix of candid moments, emotional details, and intentional portraits that tell the story of your day.
On your elopement day my role is to document the story while also helping the experience feel smooth and relaxed.
I will guide you through portraits in a way that feels natural and easy. I will keep an eye on the timeline so that we have beautiful light and enough space for the moments that matter most.
At the same time, I step back whenever possible so that real moments can unfold naturally. Some of the most meaningful photographs happen when you are simply enjoying the day together.
What Your Day Feels Like With Me
After Your Elopement
After your elopement you can expect a few exciting things.
Within the first couple of days you will receive a small preview gallery so that you can relive some of the highlights and share them with family and friends.
Your full gallery will follow after the editing process is complete. Each image is carefully refined to ensure natural skin tones, true to life color, and a timeless finish.
Your gallery will allow you to download high resolution images, share them with loved ones, and order professional prints if you would like to turn your memories into heirlooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Rain can create incredibly romantic photographs. If the weather shifts we can adjust the timeline or embrace the moment.
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Absolutely. Many couples include a small group of loved ones for their ceremony or celebration.
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Of course. Pets are always welcome as long as the location allows them.
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Yes. Many couples choose to explore two or three nearby locations depending on the coverage time.
Important Links
Stay Connected
If you have questions at any point during the planning process, I am always happy to help.
Email: Hello@michaelamaeandco.com
Instagram: @michaelamae.co
You can typically expect a response within 24 to 48 hours during the week.
