the Lume Elopement Experience
Stress-Free Elopement Planning and Creative Storytelling Photography
Elopement Planning and Photography for Nature-Loving Couples
What I offer is more than photography, and more than planning—it’s an experience shaped by intuition, care, and a deep respect for the meaning behind what you’re choosing to do. I help create space for your day to feel like your own, not a performance or a checklist, but a lived-in memory you can fully experience together. From the way we plan to the way I photograph, everything is centered on connection, presence, and ease. You can relax into the moment, knowing the details are held and the emotion is honored. What we create together is honest and real—the kind of experience that stays with you, and the kind of images that don’t just show how it looked, but how it felt.
Why Elope in Nature?
Planning your elopement in nature is about stepping away from the noise and expectations of traditional weddings. It’s exchanging vows surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, feeling the wind in your hair, and being fully present with each other. Whether it’s standing on a rocky cliff overlooking Lake Superior, hiking through ancient forests, or saying ‘I do’ under a waterfall, eloping in nature creates unforgettable moments grounded in beauty and authenticity.
Imagine walking hand-in-hand along secluded trails, pausing to admire the light streaming through the trees, and soaking in the peace that comes with being surrounded by the elements. With Lume Photography, your experience is designed to feel effortless and stress-free, so you can focus on what matters most.
Featured in
What’s the Difference Between an Elopement and a Wedding?
The biggest difference between an elopement and a traditional wedding isn’t just the guest count, it’s the intent behind the day. While weddings are often centered around hosting and entertaining, elopements are about creating a deeply personal experience focused on your connection. It’s about stripping away the pressure, expectations, and production of a big event so you can celebrate in a way that feels right for you.
I use the terms “elopement,” “micro-wedding,” and “intimate wedding” pretty interchangeably because, at the end of the day, they all share the same core idea: a smaller, more intentional celebration. Some couples elope just the two of them, while others bring a small group of loved ones (usually under 10-20 guests). The key isn’t the number, it’s choosing an experience that feels authentic, meaningful, and free of outside expectations.
Because I focus on creating an incredible experience, my pricing is the same whether you’re eloping or having a small wedding. No matter the guest count, my role is to document your story beautifully, help craft a stress-free day, and give you an experience that feels magical.
Should We Elope?
If the idea of skipping the big guest list and formalities feels like a breath of fresh air, planning an elopement might be perfect for you. Eloping is for couples who value experiences over expectations and want to create a day that truly reflects their love story.
It’s about freedom—freedom to design your wedding day without limitations, to choose a setting that speaks to your hearts, and to focus entirely on each other. For many couples, the thought of standing in front of an audience and baring their hearts feels overwhelming, and eloping removes that pressure. Instead, you can share your most heartfelt vows in private, surrounded by nature’s beauty, where every moment feels intimate and intentional.
Eloping also shifts the focus from spending money on things to investing in experiences. Rather than worrying about centerpieces, seating charts, or party favors, you can spend your budget on an adventure, exploring a breathtaking landscape, savoring a romantic dinner under the stars, or simply being present with each other in a place that inspires you.
Where Should We Elope?
Michigan Elopements in the Keweenaw Peninsula
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the most unique and magical places to elope. With rugged coastlines, towering cliffs, and dense forests, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Picture saying your vows as waves crash against rocky shores or in a quiet, hidden meadow surrounded by wildflowers.
No permits are required for ceremonies or photography in most areas, making it an accessible and flexible location for elopements. The changing seasons also offer incredible variety, from vibrant fall colors to snowy winter wonderlands.
Michigan elopement planning guides:
- Best Places to Elope Outdoors in Michigan
- The Ultimate Pictured Rocks Elopement Guide
- Porcupine Mountains Elopement Guide
- Explore More Resources
Destination Elopements Worldwide
If your dream is to elope beyond Michigan, I also travel worldwide to document love stories in unforgettable locations. Some favorite destinations include:
- Colorado – Rocky Mountains for dramatic peaks and alpine lakes.
- Arizona – Sedona for red rock landscapes and glowing sunsets.
- Scotland – Isle of Skye and Glencoe for moody, windswept scenery.
- Costa Rica – Tropical beaches and lush rainforests for adventurous couples.
Wherever your vision leads you, I’ll be there to help make it a reality.
Steps to Plan an Elopement
Tell me all about you, and your elopement hopes and dreams!
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
I found Andrea after looking up photographers in that area. Her style of photography is exactly what we were looking for a September Friday the 13th wedding. Dark, moody and lots of nature!
If it wasn’t for Andrea’s love of nature and exploring we wouldn’t have gotten married at the location we did.
If we could relive that day moment for moment and not change a single thing we would do it again and again. Such an amazing soul!
She goes above and beyond – even got into the lake to get some photos!
Communication was a breeze – she was always quick to respond and made sure all our questions were answered promptly. Also our photos were ready so fast, and the quality was nothing short of exceptional.
We just keep looking through the photos. We are in awe of how well you captured us, our story, our people, the location, the details, and most of all our love. You can feel all the feelings through what you captured. We are so happy to have them for our forever!
Now we just have to figure out what to print and where to put them! (We may need more walls!)
Thank you again for sharing in our day, making it extra special and giving us and our loved ones these memories. Thank you for being so professional and easy to work with. We truly were so comfortable around you and we consider you a friend.
What is it Like to do photos with me?
You don’t want stiff, overly posed photos. You don’t want to feel like you’re performing for the camera or forced into awkward, unnatural moments. What you do want? To be present. To feel at ease. To know that your photos will capture not just how things looked, but how it all felt.
That’s where I come in.
Before I ever pick up my camera, I take time to get to know you: who you are, how you connect, what matters most. Because no two couples are the same, and your photos should reflect you, not someone else’s version of a love story.
I guide when needed, offering simple direction so you’re never left wondering what to do. I look for movement, connection, and the in-between moments that feel the most real. I step back when the moment calls for it and step in when I see an opportunity to make the image even stronger. I watch for the details that others might miss—the way your fingers intertwine, the way your expression shifts right before a smile.
How to Get Started
Inclusivity and Eco-Conscious Values
Lume Photography welcomes couples of all races, genders, and orientations. Love is for everyone, and I believe your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are. I also prioritize eco-conscious practices to protect the natural spaces we celebrate in. Because your love story deserves a setting that lasts forever.
FAQ
