When my spouse Mads and I decided to elope, we kept it simple. We hoped in the car in late January, drove down to Asheville, and hopped out in the icy slushy parking lot of the courthouse. A quick ceremony, just the two of us and the two witnesses we pulled from the hallway. No photographer, no celebration, not even a real plan, just a selfie on our phones as we stepped outside into the afternoon light after Mads fed the meter.
It was still special. It’s my marriage, and our story - how could it not be? But if I could go back, I’d do it differently. Not bigger, just *more us*. We didn’t need a grand wedding, and didn’t have the personal desire for it, but we did deserve to mark the day with intention — with a few good photos, a little joy, and something memorable to look back on.
So here’s what I want to tell you, if you’re considering eloping: *you can do it your way* and still make it meaningful, documented, and full of personality.

As a film and digital elopement photographer based in North Carolina, I’ll work with couples all over the state — from downtown Charlotte courthouses to mountain overlooks in Boone and Blowing Rock and cozy, off-the-beaten-path spots near Asheville. And what I’ve learned is that the best elopements aren't about the location or the guest count — they’re about how you feel that day.

1. Your elopement doesn’t have to be fancy — it should feel like you.

I recently shot a couple at the courthouse in Catawba County. They wore sunglasses and laughed through the ceremony, then picked up a pizza from their favorite spot and shared it on the curb, still in their wedding clothes with the groom’s coat draped over his lap as a table. It was untraditional, laid-back, and completely perfect. No pressure, no long day, and months and month of planning cut down to a few weeks and less stress.

That’s what I love about elopements: no rules. Want to wear a black dress and combat boots? Go for it. Say vows with just the two of you, then meet friends for tacos afterward? Absolutely. There is no one way to do anything anymore, which means there definitely isn’t a right and a wrong way.

Your wedding day should feel like your relationship, and it should reflect the way you want to begin your marriage.

2. But Don’t skip the photos.

The biggest regret I have from my own courthouse elopement? Not hiring a photographer. We walked out of that building and all I have is a grainy phone photo. No portraits, no little details captured, no real documentation of what that moment felt like.

Even if you're keeping things simple, your elopement deserves to be remembered with care. I’ll make sure you have images that feel real, timeless, and true to you. Photos that show not just how it looked, but how it felt.

3. Celebrate in your own way.

Eloping opens up your day to do exactly what you want — no pressure, no schedule, no long to-do list. So what would feel like a celebration to you?

Some ideas I’ve loved documenting lately:

A post-vow brunch at your favorite local spot in downtown Hickory
A champagne toast with your dog under a picnic shelter in Lake Norman State Park
A film session in Asheville’s River Arts District, dancing barefoot on a mural-lined street
Ice cream, matching sneakers, a walk through the woods — whatever feels like “you”

Whether it’s a shared slice of pizza or a slow evening drive to the mountains, mark the day with something that will make you smile years from now.

4. A few elopement photo tips from a North Carolina photographer

If you're planning a courthouse or small wedding in the area, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of it:

Bring a little detail. A bouquet, funky sunglasses, handwritten vows, a vintage car — small touches photograph beautifully.
Plan a second location. After the ceremony, head somewhere that feels more relaxed for portraits or a mini picnic (downtown Newton, a favorite brewery, or even your backyard).
Time it well. Golden hour (just before sunset) gives us the most magical lighting — perfect for dreamy film portraits. I offer to create custom timelines for all my clients so the day goes just right.
Don’t rush. Even if the ceremony is five minutes, give yourself an afternoon or evening to really take it in and enjoy. It all goes by so fast - trust me.

5. North Carolina Elopement Locations I Love

If you're still in the planning stage, here are a few courthouse and elopement-friendly spots I love photographing in and around:

Catawba County Courthouse – Newton: A charming small-town setting with historic steps and quiet streets perfect for portraits.
Burke County Courthouse – Morganton: Gorgeous light and surrounded by walkable spots for grabbing a drink or lunch afterward.
Downtown Hickory: Plenty of great textures, murals, and low-key urban vibes.
Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks: Especially perfect if you want to pair a ceremony with an adventure.
Charlotte city spots: Cool architecture, rooftop vibes, and plenty of great pizza joints for post-ceremony eats.

In the end, here’s what matters:

You don’t have to follow tradition. But don’t skip the chance to create something special. Your love is worth remembering. Your day is worth documenting.

Whether you're eloping at the courthouse in Charlotte or saying your vows under the trees in Asheville, I’d love to help you photograph it in a way that feels true, relaxed, and uniquely yours.

Ready to plan your elopement day your way?
Let’s talk about your vision — big or small, quiet or joyful. I’m here to help you turn a quick “I do” into a memory you’ll hold onto for years.

📍 Based in Hickory, NC
📷 Serving Asheville, Boone, Charlotte, and all of Western North Carolina
🎞 Specializing in film + digital elopement photography

Contact Me to start planning your elopement session.