Emma Thurgood - New England Elopements

  • LGBTQ+ Owned
  • Woman Owned

Hey there, I'm Emma! I'm an elopement specialist in New England. If eloping or getting married to your lover with only your closest family and friends to witness sounds like your cup of tea, then I'm your honey and milk! I love documenting elopements because I fully appreciate the privilege of being able to witness and preserve all of the special ways that people express their love for each each other. I believe that love knows no bounds when it comes to color or gender and that all love is beautiful, so I am an LGBTQ+ and ENM friendly photographer.

Because I was raised here in New England, I know a lot about it. I've lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire both as a youth and an adult, and I've vacationed in Maine and Vermont in all seasons. Snowy winter elopement on a mountain, anyone? I'm familiar with locations and have a network of people to call on to help make your vision come to life. 

And above all, I am here to help you create an experience. When you hire me you are getting someone who is not just your photographer or videographer, I'm there to be your team member for your wedding. Whether you are getting married in your backyard, a state or national park, or you want to have a fun micro-wedding at a VRBO or traditional New England inn, I'm your gal Friday when it comes to your New England elopement!

No More Manufactured Weddings!

Have you ever been to a wedding at a big ballroom and thought "This is exactly like So-and-So's wedding!" Yeah, me too. I don't photograph weddings that feel like they're pre-fabricated. Instead, I'm 100% here as your resource to help you plan and execute the bespoke elopement day of your dreams.

Most Popular Package: Venture

- Bespoke elopement planning (locations, timelines, logistics support)

- Up to a full day of photography coverage

- Complimentary ceremony writing and officiant services

- No travel fees for New England

- Online gallery of images to download, order prints, and share with family and friends

$5500

A little bit about Emma

I'm a bit of a persistent nomad. I've made 13 major moves across 6 states and that's not even inclusive of every relocation I've had! I've also traveled quite a bit of the US, having stepped foot in every state east of the Mississippi River and about half a dozen that are west of that. I am the ultimate road tripper and as novel as I think flight travel is I actually am a terrible flier (air sick bag please!). But getting to drive everywhere means I find all sorts of fun and unique side adventures to take. I am also an artist to the core - I've been one since a time before I can remember. I have my BFA in Painting and my MFA in studio art.

  • Wandering Since 2020
  • Emma Thurgood - New England Elopements
Travel Policy

A variable travel fee is applied to non-Connecticut elopements for all Journey package bookings. Full day bookings with the Wanderlust or Venture package do not have travel fees for New England.

Booking Terms

- 20% non-refundable booking fee of the after-tax package price due at contract signing

- Full balance due 30 days prior to elopement date; bookings with 3+ month planning timeline will split into two installments with a payment midway through planning phase

- Contract signed and payment made electronically

- Credit/Debit card accepted

- Sales tax applied as required by law

- Full gallery delivered within 12 weeks

What Couples Are Saying

Read reviews from couples who’ve worked with this photographer and shared their elopement experience.

  • 5-stars

    Emma made our elopement possible – without her guidance, expertise, and interpersonal skills, we would still be lost trying to find a Vermont trail that allows dogs. Between the incredible communication via email, video chat, and phone calls, we were able to know exactly what it was we wanted and needed to make our wedding day our own. Any time we had questions or concerns, she was always prompt with a response, no matter the platform. Every vendor present, from our private chefs, flowers, & even the venue itself, would not be there if not for Emma’s extensive research. Even when we were a little behind schedule, she never hesitated to let us know that our marriage was the single most important thing happening that day, & nothing else mattered, even when it felt like there were many things to still stress about. We were free to be ourselves, to be as candid, loud, & silly as we wanted to be, & when it was time to get a specific shot, Emma’s guidance made posing felt easy. Furthermore, Emma’s photography has captured the love my partner and I have for each other like no other – she’s truly one of the best ones out there. Book her now before she is all booked up!

    Bea and Andrew
  • 5-stars

    Emma and her second photographer for the day Brittany (I've been calling them the wonder twins in my head) braving ticks, scary bugs, poison ivy, possibly venomous snakes, riding chair lifts with a fear of heights, and amazing attention to detail.

    Kate P
  • 5-stars

    [Our favorite thing about our elopement] was that it was relaxing and enjoyable, it wasn't stressful. [What stood out] was the quality of the pictures when looking at various other photographers, and then the ease of the entire process. It felt very easy to communicate with you, you were very responsive and it felt easy to make a dream a reality.

    Kelsey and Andrew
  • 5-stars

    Emma is amazing, and an absolute pleasure to work with! Her photos are beautiful and creative, and we have sooo many gorgeous photos from our wedding elopement day! She is very professional and responsive, and kept in touch with us regularly leading up to the wedding (particularly once the COVID crisis started becoming a factor in our day, she was regularly monitoring all the restrictions/rules in CT and keeping us up to date). We postponed our big celebration due to COVID, but didn't know up until about 9 days before our original date if we could still do a small ceremony, and Emma was really supportive and went with all the crazy flow with us. We ended up having the most beautiful elopement day, and the best part is we get to work with her again for our full reception in 2021! Thanks so much, Emma!

    Kristen De Young
Emma Thurgood - New England Elopements
Emma Thurgood - New England Elopements

Contact Vendor

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Hi [Vendor’s Name],

I came across your work on Wandering Weddings and love your style! My partner and I are planning to elope in [location or general area] around [date or season]. We’re hoping for something that feels [describe vibe — adventurous, intimate, laid-back, etc.].

We’d love to learn more about your [packages / availability / travel options] and see if we might be a good fit.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name]