Whether it's kayaking around lake superior, visiting breweries, swimming in one of 10,000 lakes, or
Wisconsin has room for the version of your day that feels most like you
You've been dreaming up your day and one thing is certain: You refuse to compromise on your experience.
But you might be asking, "can we really have the day we want in Minnesota?"
The beautiful thing is you do not have to leave the Midwest to have a wedding day that feels like an adventure. Choosing Minnesota as your elopement destination isn't a compromise - it's the home for your epic experience.
Hey, I’m Sam!!
Eloping is such a DEEPLY personal experience and it only makes sense that you have an elopement photographer and local planning partner who learns what matters to you, then helps make it happen.
And when you get someone who's just as invested as you are in your day?
Who ACTUALLY takes the time to get to know you both? Who gets to know your relationship? Who knows what you're looking for in your experience traveling around Iceland? And makes sure you’re completely taken care of?
That's where the magic happens!
Leave the “how” with me. I’ll bring the local knowledge, thoughtful planning, and steady support to make it happen!
Let's turn your what ifs
into hell yeahs
over 65+ couples trust me to
photograph and plan their elopement day…
Here's why you should too!
Good news… I've got you covered!!
what to pack in your just-in-case bag to accommodate minnesota's weather conditions
the best times for peak fall colors in your locations
the best spot to grab coffee before going for a swim in lake superior
a generic guide isn't going to tell you:
When you book with me, you unlock access to my extensive list of favorites, pro tips, and insights from someone who grew up in and explored Minnesota for 10+ years.
Where we spend our money matters! I support local, small businesses & artists at home and when I travel.
Support Small & Local
I work with the core belief that everyone deserves fair and full access to the wild natural beauty of public lands!
Access to Public Lands for All
Every human is welcome, loved, and celebrated. Love is love, and I can’t wait to uplift yours!
All Are safe to land Here
A percentage of profits is donated to organizations focused on conservation, mutual aid, marginalized communities, and animal shelters.
Giving Back To Communities
I respect the hell out of Mother Nature and always leave it better than when I found it! I follow Leave No Trace Ethics.
respect nature & Leave No Trace
Empathy is at the core
What We Stand For Around Here
- I take the time to get to know you & your vision
- Open, consistent, and clear communication
- My expertise as someone who's been photographing Minnesota elopements for 8+ years.
- Day-of direction that is all about capturing real moments and emotions
- Images that capture you, your connection, and the hidden beauty of Minnesota
The logistics I’ll take off your plate:
- Hand-picked hidden gems based on your vision
- Activity recs that’ll create a full day or multi-day experience
- My go-to suggestions for lodging, vendors, pit stops, & more
- Custom planning portal to hold all your details & custom recommendations in one place
- Gentle & laidback timelines with plenty of back-ups
The behind-the-scenes that ties it all together
now here's how invested i am in your process & experience
laura & brandon
"The week leading up to our wedding we were battling with potential rain and Sam helped us with backup plans. She even scoped out our locations the morning of our wedding to check things out, she truly doesn’t leave any stones unturned when it comes to your day! Sam, you put our minds at ease throughout which is so valuable."
Years in the wedding industry
Years specializing in elopements
Elopements documented
5-star Google reviews
A personalized planning experience where you can sit back with a cup of coffee and let me handle the masterminding!
The north shore Elopement Experience & Packages
The Elopement Experience
Your Experience Includes:
PREV
/
NEXT
local minnesota expert
Personalized Experience Creation
Intentional Expert Planning
Your Own Planning Portal
AWARD WINNING IMAGERY
Hold the guides, bring on all the customization
- Intentional zoom calls & questionnaires
- Brainstorming & visualizing together
- Consistent, clear, & open communication
- Aligned local vendor recommendations
local minnesota expert
Personalized Experience Creation
Intentional Expert Planning
Your Own Planning Portal
AWARD WINNING IMAGERY
You can break up with Google, you got me now ;)
- Finding & sharing hidden gem locations with you
- Weather forecast tracking
- Back-up plans
- Laidback, experience-first timeline creation with room for spontaneity
local minnesota expert
Personalized Experience Creation
Intentional Expert Planning
Your Own Planning Portal
AWARD WINNING IMAGERY
Close the Google tabs, this is all you need!
- Elopement planning checklist
- Packing list with links to items you may need to purchase
- Personalized recommendations for lodging, locations, excursions, restaurants, vendors & more
local minnesota expert
Personalized Experience Creation
Intentional Expert Planning
Your Own Planning Portal
AWARD WINNING IMAGERY
Your story & all your precious moments documented
- Emotion-focused photographs
- Energetically aligned direction on the day of
- Creative gifs & iPhone videos
- Drone coverage with a licensed drone pilot
local minnesota expert
Personalized Experience Creation
Intentional Expert Planning
Your Own Planning Portal
AWARD WINNING IMAGERY
you'll be in good hands with a fellow minnesotan
- Has spent the last 8+ years planning & photographing elopements all over Minnesota
- Spent time exploring the North Shore, Gunflint Trail, Boundary Waters, Voyageurs National Park, and more!
Minnesota Elopement Packages
Starting at $5200
Are you ready for your north shore elopement? This is where the journey begins, and you’re going to LOVE it!
INCLUDES:
Starting with 4 hours of coverage and ranging up to multi-day immersive experiences.
- Rain day coverage & back up plans
- Personalized experience creation & support
- An elopement planning partner that’s heavily involved through the process
- Your own custom planning portal
- High-resolution gallery with printing rights
- Photographer travel fees included
The minnesota Elopement Experience
"Her photography is in a league of its own. She has a rare gift for capturing genuine emotion, the quiet, real, in-between moments that you want to hold onto forever."
lauren & zach
Here are the next steps in your north shore elopement journey!
ready for it?
Your dream elopement is loading…
Book it!
It’s time to lock it down! We’ll finalize your date and general location, then a signed contract and retainer fee ($2000 or Sleep Token Tickets) means it’s official!
Coffee chat!
I always jump on a zoom call with my inquiring couples to answer any questions, get to know you, and hear about your vision!
Reach out!
Fill out this super simple contact form and I’ll respond within 48 hours! And can I just say, I’m already waiting for you to land in my inbox!
How To Tell Family You’re Eloping
A thoughtful guide for couples navigating one of the hardest parts of planning an elopement: telling family.
How to Elope in Minnesota
A full guide on how to elope in Minnesota from your local Minnesota elopement photographer.
LEARN MORE
Airbnbs for your Minnesota Elopement
A curated list of the best Airbnbs and cozy cabin stays for Minnesota elopements
LEARN MORE
small wedding venues in mn
A comprehensive list of the best small wedding venues in Minnesota for your intimate wedding
LEARN MORE
how to include pets in your elopement
Inspiration and ideas on how to include your pets in your elopement, whether they're physically present or not.
LEARN MORE
how to elope on the mn north shore
A guide on everything you need to know about eloping on the north shore, written by a local MN elopement photographer.
Minnesota Elopement Guides & Resources
from the Blog
kayla & bennett's temperance river state park elopement adventure
Featured north shore Elopement
Take a peek at K&B's elopement adventure that took place at the start of the fall season! Their day was full of laughs, sweet treats, and adventure... Click below to read more!
"Her knowledge and suggestions helped us feel comfortable, despite living several hours from our elopement location"
Ally & Jakob
All your elopement investment questions answered
What's your game plan for inclement weather?
Great question! Eloping out in nature means you may come across unpredictable and constantly changing weather, but there’s things we can do in case this happens!
In most cases, we can embrace the weather by being prepared! This can look like having backup plans (which I take care of for you), being flexible with your timeline, having proper gear, etc.
If the weather is too dangerous to be in, we’ll look at rescheduling! Which is why I build in extra free days into my schedule, just in case this does happen ;)
I also offer rain day coverage which means we can set aside the day before and/or the day after, just in case we need to pivot to one of those days instead.
how far in advance to couples book?
I have couples book anywhere from 2 weeks out from their date to a year and a half out! I personally think the sooner, the better. The sooner you book, the more time we get to create your elopement experience without feeling rushed!
Why do you only take 20 elopements per year?
I only take on 20 elopements per year so every single couple gets the absolute best experience! This helps make sure that every couple gets the attention they deserve and gets me at my absolute best self. Because you deserve the best ;)
How much planning do you actually help us with?
- Local vendor recommendations (florists, hair & makeup, desserts, private drivers, tours, etc.)
- Lodging recommendations
- An in-depth packing list with links to things you may need to purchase in advance
- Creating your laidback timeline for you
- Coming up with backup plans, just in case
- Weather forecast tracking for the week leading up to your elopement
- And SO much more!
can i see a full gallery you've done?
Absolutely! Couples get access to multiple full elopement galleries before they move forward with booking.
Can't wait and ready to see one?!! You can take a peek at Lily & Charlie's elopement day in near the Boundary Waters here!
Why should we have a full-day experience?
I truly believe 4 hours is the minimum amount of coverage needed to document your elopement experience, because anything less than that is going to feel extremely rushed… which leads to stress.
When you have a full day or even a multi-day elopement, that’s really when your elopement experience becomes SO much more than just a ceremony and some gorgeous photos. There’s so many possibilities to fill your day with things you love, maybe new activities you want to try, and having SO much freedom to be spontaneous with that.
wait, you're an officiant?!
Ope, yes I am! If you're wanting someone just there to pronounce you married and take care of the legalities - I got you!
Couples who have me sign off on their marriage license usually just exchange vows or letters, then we make it official! It's a self-led ceremony (meaning I won't be standing up with you and leading your ceremony!)
What if we’re awkward in photos?
Would you believe me if I said this is a common question I get from ALL couples?! Because it is! And I am literally ALWAYS shocked when they’re in front of my camera, just being absolute MODELS! Like what, you don’t even look awkward!
That being said, it really helps when I take the time to get to know you. And we have so much back-and-forth communication that by the time your elopement day arrives, you’re much more comfortable with me! Which translates to being in front of the camera.
I’m also here to gently guide you both, if you need a little guidance for photos.
EXPERT TIP: Plan out activities throughout the day, because having activities where you’re just naturally doing something together? That makes for beautiful photos of the two of you without feeling like you’re “on” in front of the camera