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
THE MIDWEST IS UNDERRATED!
for the couples who know that
what happens when you find a local midwest elopement photographer that puts your experience first?
I'll let a few of my past eloping couples tell you:
This place is part of your story now. And the way we move through it matters. I follow Leave No Trace to help protect the magic so others can feel what you felt when you were here!
- Jordyn & Miranda
"Sam was perfect for our Madeline Island elopement! Our elopement was a bit more of a mini wedding and she stayed with us until we felt like we had every shot we could think of, meaning extra time she by no means needed to, and was great about getting us out of our shells! The prompts were great in getting natural laughs and smiles. The photos are stunning and capture the day beautifully. We’re so lucky to have found such a wonderful photographer, who puts the couple first and can really capture all the emotions we’re having on such a big day! We are so happy she was available to work with us!"
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
midwest 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 the midwest
3. Hire a local Midwest elopement photographer
1. Elope on a weekday
2. Spring is an underrated month!
apostle islands
interstate sp
door county
mn north shore
badlands
michigan u.p.
The Great Lakes, rolling hills, pine trees, overlooks, and more!
some of the best locations for your midwest elopement
midwest 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 $4600
Creating hand-crafted elopements across the Midwest rooted in natural experiences and deep emotions.
midwest 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...
- Ally & Jakob
"She provided lots of insight leading up to the day, leaning on her experience as a photographer and her knowledge of the region and really made the whole process feel seamless and genuinely enjoyable. Alongside her great personality, advice, and help, the photos themselves turned out FANTASTIC. I’ve been obsessed since we’ve gotten our sneak peak. I cannot recommend Sam more. She really captured our special day in such a unique and gorgeous way, and we couldn’t be happier <3"
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 the midwest
What is the best time to elope in the midwest?
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.
Go Back
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.
Go Back
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?!
Go Back
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!
Go Back
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.
Go Back
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:
