Should I Hire a Videographer for My Elopement? The Importance of Capturing Your Wedding Day on Film
You’ve probably heard it before: “Elopements are about keeping it simple.” And while that can be true, simple doesn’t have to mean eliminating as many vendors as possible — especially when it comes to helping you remember how your day truly felt.
Hiring a videographer for your elopement is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make—not just for you, but for your families, your future selves & the legacy of your love story.
And yes, obvioulsy if you’re here, you can probably tell that I am an elopement videographer, so maybe I’m biased. But I don’t know if biased is the most accurate term as much as well-informed with plenty of first-hand experience on the subject. I have had the incredible opportunity of capturing couples’ love stories on film, as well as been a part of many wedding days where no videographer was hired. In the end, not hiring a videographer is often a big regret couples face after their wedding days. It just didn’t seem necessary or there wasn’t room in the budget, and so on.
Believe me, I totally understand how wedding costs can start to add up quickly, so I can see how video often gets tossed on the back-burner since you typically only see photos from your friends’ weddings.
However, I’m excited to share with you why investing in an elopement videographer should make its way to the top of your priority list while you’re in the planning process:
note - I’ve linked to a few of my full films on YouTube so you can understand the quality of audio, in addition to some muted highlight reels!
1. Audio is Underrated AF
When you’re able to hear audible memories from your wedding day, I promise you’ll be forever grateful. Sure, photos freeze a moment in time. But video? Video lets you relive it.
The way your voices cracked during your vows. The wind in the trees. The laughter you shared when your partner tripped on a root mid-hike. Your dad’s words during the toast. The waves crashing as you danced on the shore while the sun dipped behind the mountains.
All of that lives in video. It’s not just about what it looked like—it’s about what it felt like to be there. With your loved ones, surrounded by nature, completely immersed in all the feelings — because you know you’ll have a lifetime to rewatch the day unfold. Nothing beats feeling 100% present on your elopement day, and that’s exactly why you’ll want to have photos & a film to relive all those beautiful memories for years to come.
Outdoor Wedding at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, WA
2. You’ll Experience the Moments You Missed
Even during intimate elopements, there’s so much happening—little glances, quiet reactions, the way your partner’s hand shook as they pulled out their vows.
As your videographer, I don’t just follow you around with a camera. I witness your story and preserve the moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
3. It's a Gift You Can Share
For a lot of eloping couples, having a film to share with friends and family after the fact cab be a beautiful way to share the experience with those you love. A thoughtfully crafted elopement film allows them to experience your day in a more immersive way than looking at photos. I know not everyone is always thrilled that you won’t be having a big wedding where everyone is invited, and having a film to display afterwards can be a nice way to show them why it was so important to have this intimate, unique wedding experience.
They’ll hear your vows. They’ll see the setting. They’ll feel the joy. They’ll feel like they were there.
It’s also the sweetest thing to look back on together each year on your anniversary, or even show your kids someday if you’re planning to grow a family.
4. It's Not About a “Production” – It’s About Presence
A lot of couples worry that video will feel too posed, too staged, or too much like they’re performing. But that’s not how I work.
My approach to videography is just like my photography—story-driven, relaxed, and unobtrusive. I’ll gently guide when needed, but mostly I blend into the background and let the real moments unfold.
You don’t need to do anything extra. Just be you—and I’ll take care of the rest.
5. You Only Live This Day Once
Whether you're eloping deep in the forest just the two of you, on the coast at sunset with a few friends, or at a mountain overlook with just your vows and your dog—this is a once-in-a-lifetime day.
You deserve to remember it in as many layers as possible.
Not just how it looked. But how it flowed. How it sounded. And of course, how it felt.
What’s Included in My Elopement Video Coverage
When you hire me for video, here’s a quick rundown on what you receive:
A documentary-style love story compilation film (4-10+ minutes, depending on coverage)
Ambient audio + music (think: vows, laughter, nature sounds)
A storytelling-first approach—crafted to reflect you
Optional add-ons: full ceremony or toasts edits
If you’re still on the fence, I get it. It’s a big decision! I’m happy to chat through what video can look like for your unique day—and help you decide if it’s the right fit.
🎞️ Want to see some past elopement films? Head to my film portfolio to get an idea of my style!
Adventure Elopement in Glacier National Park, MT | Exchanged Vows During a Hail Storm
