menu
Virginia Elopement Photographer
How to elope in Virginia, find the best places to elope, choose the perfect time of year, and plan an Epic Virginia elopement.
Get in touch so we can get started
Maybe planning is too stressful. Or everyone has an opinion about what you “should” do. Or it just doesn’t feel like the way you want to spend your resources.
That’s where eloping comes in. Have an incredible, intimate, fun-filled wedding day even if you…skip the wedding.
Eloping is about an experience
An experience that includes all of the things you love and none of the things you don't.
Whether that's hiking to the top of a mountain at sunrise, or sipping beers by the fire or having a dance party or just hanging out and playing corn hole because that's what you love to do.
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.
What is an elopement?
An elopement is an intimate wedding for anywhere from 2-25 people.
You can think of it this way: a big wedding is an event, an elopement is an experience.
If you have a big wedding, you are hosting an event that people attend.
An elopement is an experience you craft to share with your closest friends and family.
Both are beautiful.
But if the idea of hosting a big event makes you cringe, then elope instead.
Plan a day that excites you.
A day that allows you to have fun with the people you love doing what lights you up.
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
Finding a photographer for your elopement is a big deal. You want someone you like and trust whose work you absolutely love.
Someone who will capture both the in-between storytelling moments as well as the epic portraits.
That's exactly what I do! I'm not only your photographer but your friend, your resource, your confidant who helps you stay calm, be present and plan the adventure of a lifetime.
We will probably get along if you love dogs, travel, being outside and really good food paired with excellent conversation and a side of dessert, always.
Hey there! I'm Kara
Photo By Kenzi Flinchum
You may be wondering where to start
That's where I come in. I'm not only your 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
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
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 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 weddings within a three hour radius of Roanoke, Virginia, including all of Shenandoah National Park 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 wedding 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! As long as you have a total participant count under 15 you do not need a permit. Marriage licenses cost $30 in Virginia. So theoretically your cost could be as low as $30! But most of my clients budget between 10-15,000 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.
