Hiring a Iowa Wedding Photographer for Your Elopement
Eloping is a new concept. Many couples who elope did not plan to elope when they first started planning their wedding. Oftentimes Iowa wedding photographers also offer services to couples who are planning to elope or have an intimate wedding. Additionally, some elopement photographers also offer their services for more traditional weddings. Don’t let us be an elopement blog that hinders you from reaching out to your dream Iowa wedding photographer.
If you are planning an elopement with a photographer who is based in Iowa, then you should account for travel expenses in your elopement budget if you’re thinking about eloping at one of Iowa’s national parks.
Q&A For Your Iowa 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?
Photographers in Iowa will vary, depending on what you want and what they offer in their photography packages. In Iowa, you’ll find photographers charging from $1,500- $6,500 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 IA is (this includes how far the location is from them initially PLUS how long it takes to get to the actual location when hiking). 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 – $1,500
- Elopement ceremony with loved ones plus portraits at 2 additional locations near the ceremony – $3,500
- Elopement ceremony in one of IA’s national parks with portraits after at multiple locations all day, with additional portraits the following day at a separate location. – $6,500
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 Iowa 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
Keep in mind that 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.
Do I Need More Than a Photographer for my Iowa 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 Iowa! The sky’s the limit.
Explore our elopement directory to team up with a vendor in a different category OR ask your designated Iowa photographer who they recommend.
