intentional midwest WEDDING EXPERIENCES & PHOTOGRAPHY
midwest wedding and elopement photographer
are you ready to create an experience that's true to you?!
You and your partner decided that a traditional big wedding just isn't who you are, and you both are wanting something that's more intimate, intentional, and connected outside in nature, where you both feel most grounded.
But you both realize how overwhelming it is to plan your elopement when you have a blank canvas for your day.
When you work with me, not only do I photograph and tell the story of your elopement day, but I also help you narrow down your vision and help you plan an elopement experience that's aligned with who you are, individually and together.
So what do you say?! Are you ready to create an elopement experience that'll be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure?!
OH, WE'RE READY!!
looking for a local midwest WEDDING and elopement photographer that's also a planner?
YUP, THAT'S ME!! While I'm here to document the beauty of your love and your elopement adventure, I'm also here to help you plan your elopement from start to finish!
As a local Midwest wedding and elopement photographer, I've spent the past few years exploring the Midwest and photographing & planning 50+ weddings and elopements which means I've become a local expert and have learned ALL the best locations, how to pivot in weather, and so much more. Basically, I freaking got you and let me put that knowledge to work for you!
No matter which experience package you choose, I'm here to support you through the process, from start to finish, cheering you on the ENTIRE way! Your experience is TOP priority here!
OH.... AND WE HAVE A DAMN GOOD TIME ;)
"AMAZING!!!!! From the zoom calls to in person, she made you feel like she was with you every step of the way. She truly cares and understands how important this experience is. If you are looking for a photographer, she’s the one!!!
- Miranda & Duncan
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 Midwest.
MIDWEST wedding and elopement planning that's aligned with who you are & your vision
here's a sneak peek at how i help you:
oh we need you!
+ vendor recommendations
+ 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
The BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE MIDWEST
Are you ready to elope in Midwest, but you're not quite sure where to even begin!? I'm here to tell you it can be super simple AND fun!! The midwest offers many beautiful outdoor spots, lots of different activities, and all the things you could ever need for your intentional Midwest elopement experience.
Take a look at the best places to elope in the Midwest below!
read the guide here!
tips for eloping in the midwest:
1. elope on a weekday!
Are you wanting to avoid crowds and create the most intimate experience possible? Consider eloping on a weekday, especially if you're wanting to go to a more popular location!
2. Plan at least one activity!
If you really want to make your elopement day an experience, I recommend planning at least one activity to include! This could be anything from sailing on Lake Superior, kayaking on one of the 10,000 lakes, exploring the badlands, stargazing in a dark sky location and so much more!
3. hire a local midwest photographer!
Hiring a local Midwest wedding and elopement photographer will make your elopement experience EVEN better! They will know lots of information about specific locations, they know of the hidden gems, they know how to incorporate your love for nature, and all the things!
WANT TO RELIVE THE ADVENTURE & ALL THE FEELS?!
the art of telling your story
midwest wedding & elopement PACKAGES
all packages include:
expert planning & experience creation
Questionnaires, planning resources, personalized recommendations - I'm here to be your elopement expert & consultant! I'll help you create an experience of your DREAMS!
your own planning portal
You'll receive a completely customized planning portal where all your elopement info will live, so you don't have to constantly dig through emails!!
BACKUP PLANS
With my expert elopement knowledge, I'm here to have backup plans (in case of weather, a trail is closed, etc) for you so if we need to pivot, you don't need to stress.
my travel costs included
All my packages already include my travel costs like gas, lodging, etc. for anywhere within MN! There's no extra fees!
high-res online gallery
Your high-res photos will be organized in an online gallery where you have full access to downloading and sharing with your friends & family (if you wish to do so!)
sneak peek
Within 1 week of your elopement, you'll receive a "mini gallery" sneak peek of 25+ images that you can share in any way you wish!
midwest elopement packages
the elopement experience
MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT PACKAGES STARTING AT $3400
- + choose your own coverage from 4 hours to multi-day
- + sneak peek within 1 week
- + custom & personalized 5-star elopement experience
- + elopement planning guidance and resources
- + all photographer travel included
get in touch!
Are you ready to go all in on creating an elopement day that focuses on connecting with each other and celebrating exactly who you two are both individually and as a couple?! Let's turn off the outside noise and focus on handcrafting an elopement day experience that lights your hearts on fire!
midwest elopement
Are you ready to experience the magic of the Midwest and plan your adventure here?! Let me show you the way! This experience is for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and South Dakota.
- starting with 4 hours of photography coverage
- 24-48 hour sneak peek
- online gallery that never expires
- Personalized elopement planning + guidance
- ALL Photographer travel costs included
the states elopement
Dreaming of a special place that's outside the Midwest? Maybe along the moody coast of California or along the green beaches of Hawaii? Either way, grab my hand and let's start your journey!
- starting with 4 hours of photography coverage
- 24-48 hour sneak peek
- online gallery that never expires
- Personalized elopement planning + guidance
- ALL Photographer travel costs included
STARTING AT: $4,200
worldwide elopement
Are you and your fiance ready to take your adventure outside the states?! You're definitely in for an incredible experience! Let's start planning!
- starting with 8 hours of photography coverage
- 24-48 hour sneak peek
- online gallery that never expires
- Personalized elopement planning + guidance
- ALL Photographer travel costs included
CONTACT FOR YOUR CONSULTATION!
STARTING AT : $3,000
STARTING AT: $6,400
contact for your consultation!
CONTACT FOR YOUR CONSULTATION!
THE MIDWEST EXPERIENCE
Are you ready to go all in on creating an elopement day that focuses on connecting with each other and celebrating exactly who you two are both individually and as a couple?! Let's turn off the outside noise and focus on handcrafting an elopement day experience that lights your hearts on fire!
YOUR wedding + elopement EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
+ up to 25 guests
+ choose your own photo coverage from 4 hours to multi-day
+ sneak peek within 1 week
+ a hand-crafted experience
+ elopement planning guidance and resources
+ $0 travel fees
MIDWEST ELOPEMENT PACKAGES START AT: $3800
MIDWEST wedding & ELOPEMENT packages
does this sound exactly what you're looking for?!
here are the next steps in your journey!
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 will hop on a consultation call so we can get to know each other better and start your journey of crafting your elopement experience together!
IT'S TIME TO BOOK! Once we have your date and general location finalized, I will send over a contract and your invoice! A flat fee retainer of $1,500 is due to reserve your date!
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!
- Allison & Eric
Black Beach + Palisade Head, MN
prev
next
Maddie is truly the best there is out there. She went above and beyond for our big day & I cannot thank her enough. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse .
- Madison & Jackson
Los Angeles, CA
prev
next
TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THESE
elopement guides
HOW TO ELOPE IN MN
airbnbs for your mn elopement
HOW TO ELOPE ON NORTH SHORE
Most of my couples book either the 8 or 12 hour package to document the full story of their adventure! On your complimentary consult call, we can discuss what coverage works best for your vision and dream!
+ how much coverage do we need?
+ dO WE HAVE To know OUR LOCATION TO BOOK WITH YOU?
Heck to the no!! You don't need to have all the details of your elopement planned out to inquire/book with me!! I actually help 90% of my couples help find a location that speaks to their hearts after they book with me!
+what is an intentional elopement experience?
It just adds a little extra spice to your magical day ;) In all honesty, I will have back-up plans just in case the weather is bad! If it's not endangering anyone, you can totally just own it and get married in a downpour!
We will totally go with the flow and make the most out of your big day, no matter what!
+ what happens if there's bad weather?
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!
If including some loved ones aligns with your elopement vision, then bring them on in! It's also important to keep in mind that logistics start getting difficult with more people and will limit location options! (Ex. adequate parking spots, seating, accessibility, bathrooms, etc. start to get complicated when you add guests to your day)
+ Can We have guests?
Yes, yes, and yes!! I'm not just your elopement photographer, but also your very-own elopement expert!! I'm here to make the whole planning process as fun and stress-free as possible! That includes making sure we have all the right permits for your big day!
+ will you help us with permits?
Frequently Asked Questions
REACH OUT HERE!
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:
