Hiring a Alabama Photographer for Your Elopement
Have you thought about planning an elopement this year? Eloping may be a new concept, but more couples are adopting micro-wedding ceremonies and elopement adventures. If you’re thinking about planning a small wedding, a lot of Birmingham wedding photographers also offer services to couples who are planning to elope or have an intimate wedding in Alabama. Remember, some elopement photographers we feature in our directory also offer services for more traditional weddings. Even though we are an elopement blog, you can reach out to your dream Alabama wedding photographer here if you’re planning a small wedding.
If you are planning an elopement with a photographer who is based in Alabama, then you should account for travel expenses in your elopement budget if you’re thinking about eloping at one of their national parks.
Q&A For Your Alabama Elopement Regarding Photographers
We put together some of the top questions we get from couples just like you when they are planning their elopement.
How Much Should You Spend on an Elopement Photographer?
The average price of photographers in Alabama will vary, depending on what you want and what they offer in their photography packages. In the Alabama area, you’ll find photographers charging from $2,000- $8,000 for elopement coverage. The total depends on how many hours the photographer will be working with you both and where your location in Alabama is (this includes how far the location is from them initially PLUS how long it takes to get to the actual location ). The more you want to cover, the higher the price.
Here are some examples:
- Commitment ceremony photos at 1 location and portraits after the ceremony – $2,000
- Elopement ceremony with loved ones plus portraits at 2 additional locations near the ceremony – $4,500
- Elopement ceremony at one of Alabama’s national parks with portraits after at multiple locations all day, with additional portraits the following day at a separate location. – $8,000
Keep in mind these are estimates and every photographer has their prices set.
Why are Elopement Photographers so Expensive and What’s Included in the Fee?
Elopement photographers are more hands-on and tend to wear more “hats” when compared to traditional wedding photographers. Their elopement packages tend to also include additional services built in. When you’re meeting with your photographer, it’s important to ask, “What’s included in your Alabama elopement package?”
Here are some items to go over during your meeting besides how long they are going to be with you taking photos:
- Travel expenses
- Permit and leave no trace guidance
- Set up and take down assistance for decorations
- Officiant and witness protocol
- Location scouting
- Timeline planning
- Multi-day elopement adventure
- Guidance for travel and accommodations
- Inclusive packages with all vendors you’ll need
- Wedding albums
Remember, not all photographers will include everything in this list in their packages. Some of them might offer different tier options and some photographers may offer traditional photo coverage.
Do I Need More Than a Photographer for My Alabama Elopement?
Deciding what vendors you’re hiring depends on what YOU want on your wedding day. We have had plenty of couples hire only a photographer (and videographer), and they had an amazing time. You can DIY a lot of things that a planner, florist, or makeup artist can do.
With that being said, you can 100% outsource and hire more elopement vendors to help you. Even though you are eloping, you can still hire a wedding planner, officiant, videographer, florist… You can hire as many people as you think you need for your special day!
Explore our elopement directory to team up with a vendor in a different category OR ask your designated Alabama photographer who they recommend.
