How to Choose the Perfect Adventure Elopement and Destination Wedding Photographer: Tips and Tricks

Hey there! If you're planning a micro wedding or adventure elopement, I know how important it is to find the perfect photographer to capture your special day.

Kutseka Photographer Owners, Hannah and Quinten

I'm Hannah Swift, an Elopement & Destination Wedding Photographer based in the Northwest, and owner of Kutseka Photography. Curating beautiful images that effortlessly capture your love story is my passion!

My ride-or-die, Quinten, and I eloped ourselves almost 7 years ago, and it was BY FAR the most beautiful and intimate day of our lives. Since then we have loved adventuring and taking gorgeous photos together!

At our elopement ceremony we only had THREE people there (other than ourselves of course) and one of them was a photographer because we knew the importance of capturing that day on film.

So, as a wedding and adventure elopement photographer myself now, I have some tips and tricks to help you choose the right photographer for you on your intimate and special day.

1. Check Out Their Portfolio:

When choosing a photographer, the first thing you should do is check out their portfolio. This will give you a good idea of their style, talent, and experience. Take a look at their photos, website, and client albums, and see if they align with your vision for your special day. Do they have experience with outdoor adventure photography or intimate weddings? Are they familiar with the location where you want to get married? (If not- what is their scouting process like?) Are their photos candid or posed? Does their style match what you're looking for? Don't be afraid to ask all the questions your heart desires and request as many examples of their work as you want!

2. Read Reviews:

Reviews are a fantastic way to learn more about a photographer's reputation and reliability. Check their website, social media pages, and review sites to read reviews from past clients. This will give you an idea of their work ethics, how they interact with clients, and the overall quality of their service.

3. Ask About Their Experience:

Experience is essential when choosing a photographer. Ask them how long they have been in the industry, what their education is, how many weddings they've photographed, and if they have experience with adventure elopements and micro weddings. An experienced photographer will be better equipped to handle unexpected situations, such as weather changes, last-minute location changes, and other challenges that may arise.

4. Personality:

Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day- arguably the most important day of your life- so it's essential to choose someone whose personality meshes with yours. You want someone who can make you feel comfortable and at ease, someone who can blend in and capture candid moments without being intrusive!

5. Investment:

Pricing is another crucial factor to consider, and probably one of the scariest investments you can make. Make sure you understand the photographer's pricing structure and what is included in their packages. You don't want any hidden fees, and you want to feel comfortable with the amount you're investing! If the photographer is not being upfront with all of their packages from the get-go, then that is a major red flag.

6. Availability:

Finally, make sure your photographer is available on your wedding day. This one might seem obvious, but popular photographers can get booked up months or even years in advance, so make sure to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment!

BONUS TIP: At the end of the day, don't stress too much!!! There are so many amazing photographers out there. I can tell you first-hand that most wedding photographers are just as passionate and good at their jobs as the next one. The biggest favor you can do for yourself is to try not to stress too much about making the "right" choice. Just find a professional that you jive well with, ask for a couples shoot to test them out if you want, and make sure you have good communication with them. That's it! Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

I understand that it can be SO HARD to trust a stranger to capture the biggest moments in your life, which is why I always strive to curate a seamless process that will ensure I am your new photography bestie! From our first contact together, I want you to feel safe, seen, and supported going into your special day.

So if you're on the hunt for a photographer, give us a shout!

With years of experience in outdoor photography, Quinten and I both know how to capture the beauty of your special day in natural light- rain, shine, or snow. Our portfolio showcases our talent for capturing candid moments and the raw emotions of your wedding day.

If not, share this post with a loved one, and make sure you're following us on social media @kutseka_photography to stay up to date with us on our travel adventures!