Hiring a Alaska Wedding Photographer for Your Elopement
Deciding to elope can be stressful for some couples. Since eloping is not a traditional way of getting married, couples get overwhelmed when it comes to where to start planning their Alaska journey. That’s where our featured Alaska elopement photographers come in! These photographers specialize in both elopements and intimate weddings. Remember, some of these elopement photographers also offer services for more traditional weddings in places like Anchorage. Don’t let us be an elopement blog that hinders you from reaching out to your dream Alaska wedding photographer.
Q&A For Your Alaska Elopement Photographers
We put together some of the top questions we get from couples just like you when they are planning their elopement.
How Much Does an Alaska Elopement Photographer Cost?
Photographers in Alaska will vary, depending on what you want and what they offer in their photography packages. In Alaska, you’ll find photographers charging from $4,000- $10,000 for elopement coverage. The main determining factor to the price is how many hours the photographer will be working with you both and where your location in Alaska is your elopement adventure (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. Many couples also plan a multi-day adventure here, contributing to your total cost.
Here are some examples:
- Commitment ceremony photos at Hatcher Pass and portraits after the ceremony – $4,000
- Elopement ceremony with friends and family at a local Alaska wedding venue plus portraits at 2 additional locations near your venue – $6,500
- Elopement ceremony in Denali National Park with portraits after at multiple locations all day, including additional portraits the following day at some glaciers on a helicopter tour. – $10,000
Keep in mind these are estimates and every photographer has their prices set that may be lower or higher than the examples provided.
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 include additional services built in. When you meet with your photographer (online or in person), it’s important to ask, “What’s included in your Alaska 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
- Location scouting
- Timeline planning
- Permit and leave no trace guidance
- Set up and take down assistance for decorations
- Officiant and witness protocol
- Multi-day elopement adventure
- Inclusive packages with all vendors you’ll need
- Guidance for travel and accommodations
- 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 just offer traditional photo coverage. Alaska elopement photographers, for example, may include connections and deals with private helicopter tours or florists in the area that can make personalized bouquets that will follow LNT principles during your adventure.
Should I Hire More Than a Photographer for My Alaska Elopement?
This 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.
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 even “elope” at a wedding venue in Alaska! We have even had SO many couples book private helicopter tours to get to more remote locations. The sky is the limit.
Explore our elopement directory to team up with a vendor in a different category OR ask your designated Alaska photographer who they recommend.
