Hiring a Montana Wedding Photographer for Your Elopement
Montana is an amazing place to elope. Even though it’s not one of the more popular states to explore, you can still find hidden gems (that are not as crowded) to have your intimate wedding ceremony. For more information about eloping in Montana, check out our Montana Elopement Packages. We talk about the top places to elope in Montana (like Yellowstone) and some of our favorite tips and tricks.
Eloping is a new concept. Many couples who elope did not plan to elope when they first started planning their wedding. Oftentimes time Montana 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 Montana wedding photographer.
Q&A For Your Montana 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 Should You Spend on an Elopement Photographer?
Photographers in Montana will vary, depending on what you want and what they offer in their photography packages. In Montana, 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 Montana 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 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 – $4,000
- Elopement ceremony with loved ones plus portraits at 2 additional locations near the ceremony – $6,500
- Elopement ceremony in the mountains with portraits after at multiple locations all day, with additional portraits the following day at a separate location. – $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 also include additional services built in. When you’re meeting with your photographer, it’s important to ask, “What’s included in your Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana!
Explore our elopement directory to team up with a vendor in a different category OR ask your designated Montana photographer who they recommend.
