Personal Elopement Story: How My Own Adventure Made Me a Better Elopement Photographer

(Spoiler: It involves donuts, snow, and a pizza fail you’ll want to hear about)

Hey, I’m Korey. I’m an elopement photographer who’s been all over the world chasing wild couples, but I’ve also been on the other side—eloping myself in Idaho with snow, donuts, and a seriously heavy dress. This is my personal elopement story, and trust me, it’s full of the kind of perfectly imperfect moments that make me obsessed with helping couples create their own adventure-filled, no-drama elopements.

If you want a personal elopement story that’s private, real, and has a “OMG, that’s so us” vibe, you’re in the right place. Here’s what went down on our day—and why it means I get exactly what you want from your elopement photos.

The Idaho Elopement That Changed Everything

First off, I’m not going to give away my exact spot in Idaho—keep the west wild and leave no trace, people! But I’ll tell you this, it was a steep, one-mile hike up to the base of a mountain, right in front of a lake that looks like it belongs on a postcard. I wore a dress that I thought was light until I was halfway up the trail and realized it was basically a wearable brick. God, that thing was HEAVY. Classic.

We were hoping for snow—because, duh, snow makes everything more magical—and guess what? Just as we started saying our vows, it actually snowed. Like, real snow. Cue the Gilmore Girls vibes. I smell snow! (Anyone…?)  It was cold, it was perfect, and it was exactly what we wanted.

Hiking, Donuts, Beer, and the Great Pizza Disaster

Our day was basically a hike, followed by more hiking, because why not, donuts, and craft beer by a fire Jeff was way too excited to start with his trusty fire starter. We even rigged up empty beer cans on strings with “just married” signs hanging from our backpacks. 

And then, the pièce de résistance: after all that, we planned to hit up a local pizza joint to try elk pizza (yes, elk pizza—because we were feeling adventurous). And what do you know? The place closed early! And so did everything else in town, except the grocery store. We made it there just as they were locking up and grabbed frozen pizzas. Sounds fine, right? Except the microwave was broken, and the toaster oven door wouldn’t close properly. So we ended up eating half-frozen pizzas in front of the fireplace in our Airbnb, laughing so hard we almost cried.

Oh, and we’re definitely not even going to talk about how Jeff lost his wallet that day (because honestly, who needs easy when you can have adventure?). Or how the airport decided to hold onto our luggage hostage, forcing us to make a 3-hour (ONE-WAY) midnight road trip just to reclaim it. Yep, nothing like a little chaos to keep things memorable.

Honestly though? That’s just the kind of perfectly imperfect thing that makes Jeff and me US.

Why We Eloped (And Why You Might Too)

Jeff proposed on top of Cathedral Rock in Sedona after a sunrise hike, which was so epic that we knew our wedding day had to be just as authentic and adventure-filled. Plus, neither of us likes being the center of attention (hello, introverts unite), and the last thing I wanted was to plan a giant party just to please everyone else. Sorry, not sorry.

Our first date was a hike, so eloping with a mountain and a lake felt totally natural. It was about us, our love for the outdoors, and keeping things private but meaningful.

​​Now, why might you want to elope too? Well, if you’re anything like us—or honestly, like most of the couples I work with—you probably don’t want your wedding day to be a circus of awkward small talk, endless posing, and trying to keep 150 people entertained. You want a day that’s actually yours—where you get to spend real time together, without a million distractions or a strict timeline designed to please everyone else.

Maybe you’re craving privacy, or you hate being the center of attention (same). Maybe you want to skip the drama, the stress, and the endless planning that comes with a traditional wedding. Or maybe you just want to spend your money on a killer multi-day adventure instead of a fancy meal no one will remember.

What is an elopement? Eloping lets you cut through all the noise and focus on what matters: your love, your story, and your experience. You get to choose the location, the vibe, the activities—whether that’s hiking up a mountain, dancing in the snow, or yes, eating donuts and drinking beer by a fire pit.

So if you’re ready for a wedding day that feels like a private adventure instead of a public performance, you’re in the right place. Trust me, you’ll never regret choosing you over everyone else.

What Eloping Taught Me About Photographing Your Day

Here’s the real talk: eloping changed how I see weddings and photography forever.

• No rigid photoshoots, please: I know how awkward those can feel. I want you to be yourself—laugh, cry, dance on rocks, eat donuts—whatever makes your day you.
  
• Adventure is the best backdrop: I’m obsessed with finding those hidden spots that feel like your own secret world. Mountains, lakes, forests—you name it.
  
• Plan your day your way: Whether that’s a multi-day trek or a chill lakeside picnic, I help you build a timeline that’s packed with the stuff you love.
  
• Connection over perfection: The best photos happen when you’re relaxed and having fun, not stressing about the “perfect” shot.
  

How I Help You Prepare for Your Own Adventure

As an elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through the entire process, from dreaming up your perfect adventure to making sure you actually get to enjoy it.

You’ll get my comprehensive 88-page elopement guide—a no-nonsense resource packed with everything you need to know, from tips on wedding day attire to leave no trace principles. I assist with all the logistics that can trip you up: marriage license tips, permit info, weather backup plans, and local must-knows that save you time and headaches.

I officiate intimate ceremonies for just the two of you, crafting a ceremony that feels genuine and personal, without the fluff or awkwardness. How? By letting you do your thing while I still snap photos. Because your vows deserve to be exactly that—yours.

When it comes to your timeline, I help you build a day that’s flexible and fun. Whether that means hiking until your legs feel like jelly in Red River Gorge or soaking in the views at Canyonlands National Park, I make sure your schedule lets you savor every moment without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

I’ve helped couples elope all over the world from Utah’s dramatic desert canyons and quiet mountain overlooks to the beautiful beaches of Jamaica. I know what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your day focused on what really matters: your love story and the adventure you want to live.

If you’re the kind of couple that loves to explore, hike, and maybe even camp out under the stars, I’m your person.

Why Hiring a Photographer Who’s Eloped Is a Game-Changer

I’ve been in your hiking boots (literally), so I get it. I know what it’s like to want privacy, adventure, and a day that’s all about you—not about pleasing a crowd or following outdated traditions.

Because I’ve been there, I know how to make you feel like family by the end of the day (the fun, silly kind of family), and how to capture the moments that matter without making you feel like you’re on a reality TV show.

My #1 Tip for Couples Planning Their Elopement

Add more activities to your day! Seriously. You’ll never regret having too many photos of all the things you did. Hike that extra mile, dance on that rock, eat all the donuts—your story deserves to be told in all its messy, beautiful glory.

Final Thoughts

Eloping wasn’t just our wedding day—it was an adventure that perfectly fit who Jeff and I are. It was intimate, authentic, and full of moments we’ll never forget (including the frozen pizza fiasco). That experience fuels everything I do as your photographer.

If you want a private, adventure-packed elopement that’s totally tailored to you—and a photographer who’s been there, done that, and knows how to make it fun—I’m all in and here to help you plan and capture the hell out of your day.