7 Tips for Getting the BEST Elopement Pictures

Are you looking for pinterest-perfect pictures of your elopement?

tips from our Awesome photographer team on how to help make those gorgeous shots a reality.

  1. Be Prepared for Family Portraits

    Writing a list of combinations of family members you’d like formal portraits with is super helpful for your photographer. Also considering designating a friend or family member to help call those people up when it’s time for them to be in the picture to help the workflow go quickly and smoothly.

2. Make a Wedding Day Box
All those little wedding details make for great keepsake photos! Make a box of little details for a lay-flat photo. Include things like an invitation, fancy ring box, flowers, shoes, vow books and jewelry. This is especially great if you’ve booked a getting-ready session before the ceremony. 

3. Bring Props You Love
Champagne ( or sparkling grape juice if your ceremony is in the Smoky Mountain National Park) for a champagne spray photo and quick toast,  streamers for gusts to shake, “We Eloped” sign, and Sentimental items from your relationship or family members are all great ideas. 

4. Candid Moments
When you’re in a pose, try to forget you’re in front of a camera and instead focus on your new spouse and how you felt when you realized they were THE one.  Hold hands, walk together, lean in close and whisper your favorite thing about your partner to them. These make for amazing natural expressions and more candid photos that really capture your love for each other. Take little moments to soak in the amazing feeling of finally being married

5. Relax
Being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking ( I personally hate my picture being taken) and that can make you a little tense. Unfortunately, that can show through in your final images. Do your best to relax and have fun. Take in the little moments and take time to feel the love between the two of you. Our photographers will give you direction and help guide you to looking your best. Natural smiles and real emotion really make for the best photos that you’re going to obsess over. A glass of that champagne I mentioned earlier can go a long way in helping to relax as well. 

6. Smile During Your Ceremony
Those pesky nerves are unavoidable, but we highly recommend remembering to smile throughout your ceremony. Really soak in what the officiant is saying and focus on your love for each other. 

7. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Wedding days can be hectic, and almost always SOMETHING goes wrong. Forgotten rings, weather problems, traffic, etc. Try not to sweat it, we promise that we will do everything in our power to make the day perfect. Your stress can show in the pictures and nobody wants that. Relax, go with the flow and remember you got this!

Alisha Bacon