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Virginia Elopement Photographer for for couples who want an experience—not an event to host.
Candid, Artistic photos + calm direction so your day feels effortless, meaningful, and completely yours.
Get in touch so we can get started
You want space to slow down. To be present with your partner. To get married in a beautiful place — without the pressure, the performance, or the chaos of a traditional wedding.
Maybe the traditional wedding started to feel like a party for everyone else (or NEVER felt right). The guest list kept growing. The price tag did too. Being the center of attention felt exhausting, not exciting. And managing everyone’s opinions became a full-time job.
So you’re choosing something more intentional — an elopement in Virginia that actually reflects who you are now with the people you actually want to hang out with.
But you still want it to feel like your wedding day.
- Calm, clear direction that doesn’t feel performative
- Location + timeline strategy to avoid crowds and rushing
- Prompts that create natural connection (no cringe poses)
- Backup plans for weather + “what if we feel awkward?
When I’m not photographing your day, I’m usually wrangling my pack of four rescue dogs and 10 chickens, training for my next HYROX, cooking something vegetarian that’s way too good for a weeknight, or stretched out in a hammock with my emotional support Kindle. If I’m not doing any of that, I’m probably out on a new trail with my husband and our two little girls.
Hey there! I'm Kara
Your dog-obsessed, fitness-loving Virginia elopement photographer — probably lost in a fantasy novel (or two).
What is an elopement?
Elopements (for me) usually look like:
- 2–15 people
- A ceremony + an experience (dinner party, float trip, hike, ziplining, brewery hop—whatever feels like you)
- A 4-10 hour timeline built for privacy, comfort, and great light (with plenty of breathing room)
- Real moments, plus gentle direction when you need it (so it never feels awkward)
If you feel awkward in photos...
- you’re private / introverted
- PDA feels performative
- you want candid photos but still need direction
- you want epic scenery without a brutal hike
- you want a plan that feels calm and unrushed
- simple prompts (walking, hands, forehead touches, looking around—not “say cheese”)
- “pause points” in the timeline so you can breathe
- guidance on where to put your hands / what to do with your body
- space to just be together when it matters
You’re not alone—feeling awkward is basically the norm. Every couple you see on my site is a real couple who said some version of: “We’re not photogenic,” “We don’t know what to do,” or “This is going to be weird.”
That's how we get images like this
Because ultimately, eloping is about the experience
An experience that includes all of the things you love and none of the things you don't.
Maybe that’s hiking to a mountaintop at sunrise. Maybe it’s sipping cocktails by a cozy fire. Or having a dance party, playing corn hole, or simply spending the day laughing together.
It's all of the fun and none of the stress of a wedding. It's getting married your way, whatever that looks like.
with your best friend in the world and your very closest friends and family.
From Shenandoah National Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway to places like Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia is a place of incredible natural beauty.
There are mountain views, waterfalls, wild ponies, beaches and incredible rivers to explore.
If getting outside isn't your thing, downtown Charlottesville or Richmond or Roanoke all provide incredible urban elopement opportunities.
Basically, no matter your ability or inclination, there is beauty to be experienced with the one you love.
Let me show you.
Why Elope in Virginia?
Book your elopement photographer
You may be wondering where to start
That's where I come in. I'm not only your Virginia Elopement photographer but your guide, friend and resource
Scout locations for your elopement
Help you come up with "reception" ideas for after your ceremony
Help you find an Airbnb or VRBO for your elopement homebase
Suggest other vendors (i.e. an officiant or hair and makeup artist
Bustle your bustle, tie your bowtie, button your dress
Navigate whatever mother nature throws your way
When you work with me I help...
Book your Virginia elopement photographer
Rave Reviews
Jade Y.
Kara was such a pleasure to work with! When we first started the planning process for our elopement, my partner and I were a bit lost on where to begin, but Kara was so helpful and gave us wonderful tips and recommendations. We are also not very photogenic people and were a bit nervous getting in front of the camera, but Kara guided us step by step with the poses and made it so easy and not awkward at all, which I very much appreciated. Additionally, we received the sneak peek photos so quickly and they were so so beautiful! I am obsessed with them and have not been able to stop looking at them!
“
Annie
Kara’s presence throughout the day was calming, supportive and fun! Kara will capture the raw emotions of your wedding while leaving space for you to soak in every sweet moment with your person. Afterwards, a family member asked if some of our photos were posed or prompted (us crying together during vows)… nope! Kara has such a special talent and unique eye for capturing these memories so beautifully.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2020)
Elisa
Kara is from the area and knows it like the back of her hand. She knew the exact spot we were getting married, where the sun will be at what time, what we needed to bring and keep in mind…I suggest getting as much time with her as you can. Between the detailed shots, family, individual shots... there is just so much to capture…If we could do it again we would do it just the same.
“
SEE THEIR STORY
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY on the blog
(ELOPEMENT, 2020)
Haley
We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(WEDDING, 2020)
Real Virginia Elopements
Charlottesville Elopement
Shenandoah National Park
Blue Ridge Parkway
To help you imagine the possibilities for your own day
What you get with every Virginia elopement package
Coverage of your day by Kara
When you book with me, you get me! I photograph or film every elopement myself.
All your Photos
You will receive all the edited high-resolution digital files from your wedding day delivered in an online gallery. You can use this gallery to view, share and print your photos.
Planning + Timeline Help
Whether it's location recommendations or feedback on shoe choice or crafting your day-of timeline or helping you find a VRBO, I'm available for you! You also get an elopement-specific guidebook with tips and tricks for how to have the best day ever.
No travel fees, ever
I photograph elopements within a five hour radius of Roanoke, Virginia, including all of Shenandoah National Park, DC, Norfolk and the Blue Ridge Parkway as far south as Boone, NC. Within that radius, there are no travel fees, ever! Your package is all inclusive :). Outside of that radius, I'm happy to refer you to other local photographers!
sneak peek within two business days
You do not have to wait for months to see your photos when you work with me. I send out a 30+ photo sneak peek sampling of your day within 48 business hours of your elopement so you can quickly share a preview of stunning photos with your friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Eloping in Virginia
What happens if it rains?
Usually? We get wet! Fog, rain, snow -- all of these things aren't "bad" weather. They can be incredibly beautiful. But they do have some unique challenges. Luckily I've worked in ALL of them and I can help you navigate whatever mother nature decided to send our way.
How much does it cost to elope in Virginia?
The short answer is as little or much as you budget for! Marriage licenses cost $30 in Virginia. So theoretically your cost could be as low as $30! But most of my clients budget between 10-20,000 for their elopements.
Do we have to hike to get epic photos?
No! If hiking isn’t your thing then we can do a hop-on hop-off tour of Skyline Drive overlooks instead.
Will you help us pick a location?
Absolutely! I send out a pre-elopement questionnaire, which includes questions like “how much of a hike are you hoping for?” (“None.” is an option.) Based on your responses to that questionnaire I’ll make 2-3 location suggestions for your elopement.
Can we bring our dog(s)?
Obviously. Duh. Yes, please.
