So, you and your partner have decided on an elopement day full of connection, adventure, and intention— all grounded in the place you both love most: the magical beauty of the North Shore.
Here's the thing: The limitless possibilities for crafting your dream elopement experience can feel a little overwhelming!
Take a deep breath. I'm here to turn your dreams into reality while documenting the art of your love story with authentic, heartfelt imagery.
Are you ready to celebrate your love in the raw beauty of Minnesota's wilderness?
Chase The Extraordinary
For those who
are you ready to embrace the wild?
where minnesotans go to connect with nature
what happens when you find a local minnesota elopement photographer that puts your experience first?
I'll let a few of my past eloping couples tell you:
I believe in the importance of preserving our beautiful Earth, and respecting the lands we are so lucky to experience. We will be following Leave No Trace practices to preserve the beauty of Minnesota.
- Ling & Roy
An elopement should be these things; simple, strategic, and stress-free, all while meeting your needs and making you the most organic genuine comfortable being on camera and I can say whole heartedly ALL of these things Samantha accomplished for us and MORE. EVERYTHING; from the communication, detail planning, she made us absolutely feel ensured every detail was perfect!"
Testimonials
- Marena & Alex
"Where do I even begin?? Samantha was a dream come true for our wedding. On top of being extremely talented; she was attentive, energetic and caring - exactly what we were looking for in a photographer! She was extremely flexible with us through many date changes due to the pandemic and made the planning process very smooth. She took the time to get to know us and made us feel comfortable every step of the way. Our photos were a dream come true and even more!! RUN, don't walk to book Sam as your photographer!"
Testimonials
minnesota elopement planning that's centered around you & your vision
+ timeline creation based on YOUR vision
+ custom packing list
+ officiant services
+ custom planning app
+ a mini gallery in 1 week
+ permit obtainer
+ personalized location recommendations
+ your elopement suriel aka jedi aka guide aka consultant
+ a mary poppins trunk with everything you could ever need
Here's a look at how I help you craft your experience:
tips for eloping in on the mn north shore:
3. Hire a local MN elopement photographer
1. Elope on a weekday
2. Plan a unique experience
palisade head
two harbors
duluth
Black Beach
grand marais
Tofte
Lake Superior, waterfalls, pine trees, overlooks, and more!
some of the best locations for your minnesota elopement
minnesota elopement & intimate wedding packages
every package includes:
experience creation
After spending the last 7+ years photographing elopements and weddings, I've created such an intentional process to hone in on your vision, and then help you make it come to life! This includes intentional questionnaires, location scouting, custom recommendations, unlimited planning calls, etc.
local expert planning
After living in the Midwest for the last 15 years, I've spent LOTS all around Minnesota and Wisconsin. Which means you get access to ALL the knowledge and expertise I have for your day. This includes knowing state park busy times, where the hidden locations are, what to expect with weather, etc etc.
custom planning portal
Access your custom client portal where all your elopement details live in one organized space. Your planning portal includes location guides, timeline details, vendor recommendations, and a checklist to keep you on track. This makes planning seamless and stress-free, allowing you to access important information anytime, anywhere!
click here to see melissa & seth's full elopement!
travel costs
Focus on planning your perfect day without worrying about additional travel fees. All my travel costs are included in your package price – no hidden fees or surprises.
back up plans
Weather can be unpredictable, but your elopement doesn't have to be. Every package includes thoroughly researched backup locations and alternative timelines. I'll monitor weather conditions leading up to your day and have contingency plans ready, ensuring your elopement is beautiful regardless of what Mother Nature has in store!
- Coverage ranging from 4 hours to 2 days
- Expert planning guidance
- Custom planning portal
- Travel fees included
- Sneak peeks within 1 week
- Full online gallery within 12 weeks
Starting at $4500
Creating hand-crafted elopements across the Minnesota North Shore rooted in natural experiences and deep emotions.
north shore mn elopement packages
Includes
step one
Step Two
Step Three
contact me
consult call
BOOK BABY!
The first step in this journey is to fill out my contact form and then send it over! I'll respond back to you via email & text within 48 hours!
We'll hop on a consultation call to get to know each other better and start your journey of crafting your elopement experience together!
Once your date and general location is finalized, I'll send over a contract and invoice! A flat fee retainer of $2,000 is due to reserve your date!
Here are the next steps in your north shore elopement journey!
we're obsessed.
let's do this!
If you're thinking...
- Stephanie + Reid
"Sam was awesome to work with for our elopement! We booked with her in advance (over a year) and she continued to reach out to us throughout as we got closer to our date. The planning process was easy, her suggestions and expertise were great to have, and our pictures turned out so so good! She always made sure we got the pictures/poses we wanted and came us with ideas as well that we loved! So grateful to have picked Sam to be our elopement photographer and to have such wonderful photos to look back on forever to remember our day!"
Testimonials
- Allison & Eric
Sam was such a dream to work with! The photos she took of our elopement were absolutely incredible. She captured the exact feel we were hoping for. Plus, not only was she maybe the most positive and upbeat person I have ever met (and prepared when weather threatens to be uncooperative!), she was so helpful in planning the details of our elopement from 500 miles away! Highly recommend Sam for your elopement adventure!
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions about eloping in minnesota
What is the best time to elope in minnesota?
how long until we receive our "ooo bish" photos?
what does it mean to create an intentional elopement experience?
what happens if the weather doesn't cooperate with us?
So how involved are you in planning? do you do everything?
what is the best time to elope in minnesota?
Great question!! This will depend on your vision and what matters most to you, but here's a general run down of the 4 seasons!
Spring (April-May): You can get a little bit of everything in spring. You can still get some snow, sleet, right, but you also have a chance for sunshine. The average temperature in the spring is 32-50 degrees F.
Summer (June-August): The days are extra long (hello neverending sunshine) and temperatures can range from 41-77 degrees F. It's important to note that summer is Iceland's busiest tourism season!
Fall (September-October): Looking for some gorgeous fall colors?! Fall might be the perfect time! But be aware that it can be windy, wet, and cold! The average temperatures are 32-50 degrees F.
Winter (November-March): Daylight in Iceland becomes scarce in the winter season. The shortest day of the year (Dec. 21st) only gets about 4-5 hours of sunlight! It's also important to know that Iceland has strong winter storms that can happen out of nowhere. Roads close, and average winter temps are anywhere from 14-41 degrees F.
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HOW LONG UNTIL WE RECEIVE OUR "OOO BISH" PHOTOS?
Within 48 hours of your elopement day, you'll receive 20+ high-resolution sneak peek images to share with your family, friends, and on social media! You'll receive your full gallery within 8 weeks.
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CREATE AN INTENTIONAL ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE?
I'm so glad you asked! An intentional elopement experience is all about creating an authentic elopement day that speaks to who you are as a couple. It aligns with your values, your vision, and what makes you... you!
It's all about incorporating traditions you actually care about (and ditching the ones you don't), incorporating your love languages, doing things that you both love (or trying something new if that speaks to you), and really just being intentional with your wedding day decisions.
Are you ready to unleash your creativity beast now and starting dreaming?!
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what happens if the weather doesn't cooperate with us?
Iceland's weather can change suddenly and without a warning. The storms are not to be taken lightly here! If there's a storm alert ahead or the conditions are too dangerous, we will postpone for a different day! I also make sure to provide you with some Plan B options for your day, if possible given the weather situation!
If we have to postpone, it's no additional cost for you!
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SO HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU IN PLANNING? DO YOU DO EVERYTHING?
I'm here to help you every step along the way in your elopement planning. The only thing I don't do is place orders/book things for you like an all inclusive planner would! But I give you suggestions and recommendations for everything you could ever need inside your planning app.
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REACH OUT HERE!
Hello, hello! I'm so excited to hear from you :) If you're ready to inquire, this is the place to be! Have a quick question? Shoot me an email at samantha@sburkephotography.com
You can expect to hear back from me within 48 hours.
Within 48 hours, you can expect detailed next steps via email! Please be sure to check your spam and promotions email folders, sometimes emails like to end up there! If you don't receive an email from me within 48 hours, please don't hesitate to reach out directly at samantha@sburkephotography.com.
Until then, feel free to have a look around and explore! :)
I can't WAIT to chat with you and your partner!!!
My Instagram
Free Elopement Resources
The Blog
HOLY FUCK! DO YOU HEAR THAT? THAT'S THE SOUND OF THE UNIVERSE CHEERING YOU ON!
HERE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:
