Asheville Elopement Photographer
VOTED ASHEVILLE'S BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Want a day full of adventure but don't know where to start planning? As an award winning Asheville Elopement photographer, I got you! Choosing to elope means you get to have a way more relaxed wedding day & I am here to help make your elopement dreams a reality.
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Capturing moments, not poses.
Don't know what to do with your hands in photos? Or do you feel like you're always just so awkward when a camera is in your face? No worries! Traditional posing can be uncomfortable & awkward, so I like to take a different approach. My style is all about candid moments, natural movement, and genuine emotion, making your photos truly one-of-a-kind. I believe in building a personal connection with each couple, so you can trust me to capture your love story in a way that feels comfortable and reflects your personalities & love for one another. Because wedding days are meant to be about celebrating, not just posing for photos.
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Asheville Elopement Photographer
The Asheville Elopement Experience
Congratulations on making the decision to elope! Your elopement day is JUST as important as if you chose to have a traditional wedding day.
There's so many things you can do to make your day meaningful & unique - going to breweries, a restaurant, or a flower farm to make your bouquet, hiking, driving up to the blue ridge parkway, going to a second beautiful location for sunset & having a picnic - just to name a few.
You'll get more candid & fun images if I tag along to document the story of your big day. & you'll have more photos to remember your entire day by. Whether you're wanting only half the day covered or you're planning a multi-day elopement, I'm here for you!
I'll be there with you every step of the way! You can count on me to help with vendor & location recommendations, permit assistance, timeline creation, & other logistics. When it comes to elopements, I'm not just the photographer - I also assist with planning, I'm a witness for your marriage license, & a friend who will help you in any other way that I can!
MORE ABOUT ME
PHOTOS
HOW IT WORKS
1. Inquire
Let's make sure we're a good fit for each other. First fill out the contact form below (or click the button below) & expect to hear from me ASAP. I try to respond within a few hours, but if you haven't heard from me in 72 hours please send an email to hello@kirstenalexandriaphotography.com
2. Let's Chat
We'll schedule either a zoom or phone call to chat more about your plans. I'm guessing this is the first time you've ever planned an elopement, so on the call I'll give advice based off of my own experience photographing elopements & help you figure out how much coverage you'll need.
On this call I'll also ask how you two met, what you like to do together, & other simple questions to get to know you better & to make sure we're a good fit.
Then we'll talk about pricing & I'll explain all of the unique services I offer to couples! Such as coverage on both film & digital, astro-photography for engagements, GIFS, & more! ;)
3. Engagement Photos
We'll figure out the vibe you want for your engagement session. Whether you want it at a park, in a studio, on top of a mountain, at a brewery, or wherever! No, really. I offer travel engagement sessions. This also allows you to get a taste of what my shooting style is like so you know exactly what to expect on your big day.
4. Let's Plan!
I'll answer any questions you have, send you guides & resources, & make you a photo timeline for your day. I'll help with vendor recommendations, location ideas, & so much more.
5. Enjoy the day
You've worked super hard to plan your dream day, & now it's here!! Just be yourselves, enjoy the day (it goes quick!) & know that I have the photos taken care of.
6. What you've been waiting for
I'll send a sneak peek of your day within 72 hours. Then you can expect the rest of your gallery within 8 weeks - but usually way sooner because even after all the weddings & elopements I've photographed, I still get SO excited to edit & deliver your precious memories. :) After you receive all your photos we will start the album designing process if your package includes one.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Photos that capture the joy of your Elopement
Don't worry, your elopement won't be an all day photoshoot. I like to keep things candid, & try not to overly pose you. That way you can forget there’s even a camera there & fully enjoy your day.
Professional experience
When you hire me for your elopement day, you’re hiring a photographer who has a bachelors degree in fine art photography, ten years of photography experience as well as thousands of miles of hiking & backpacking experience. For your peace of mind, I’m also a certified wilderness first responder.
All the best photos
Your elopement day only happens once & a photo I may not like could be your absolute favorite. That is why the only photos I do not deliver are unintentionally blurry/out of focus, photos where someone blinked, or photos that are almost exactly the same as another. You'll receive all the best, even the goofy outtakes, so you can relive the entire story of your elopement day.
Elopement vendor suggestions, unique & fun activity ideas, location ideas, custom timeline, permit assistance, & no additional travel fees
If you don't already have a location picked out, I can give you some suggestions. After you've decided, I'll send my elopement planning guide that is full of ideas you can bring to life to make your day extra special. I'll also help with finding trustworthy vendors, help figure out what permits are required for your location, & make a timeline to keep us on track on the big day.
I'll help you narrow down the details to ensure we're at each spot during the best lighting, help with backup plans in case of bad weather, & make sure we choose a time where you're more likely to have some privacy. Because your experience is just as important as the photos.
PRICING
MOST RECENT
Autumn Asheville Elopement
Blue Ridge PArkway Autumn Couples session
Haiku Wedding Venue
Asheville Wedding
Travel Elopements
starting at $6500
+ Anywhere in the Carolinas Packages & USA Packages
+ Full Day Coverage
+ Minimum of 30 Images Per Hour Delivered
+ All Photographer Travel Fees Included
+ Vendor Recommendations
+ Custom Elopement Photo Timeline
+ Digital & Film Photography
+ Online Gallery
+ Printing Rights
+ Elopement Planning Guidebook
+ Location Scouting & Planning
+ Location Guide & Permit Assistance
+ Unique Activity Ideas Based Off Your Location
Asheville Elopements & Vow Renewals
starting at $1900
COUPLES TYPICALLY INVEST $3400-$5800
+ Collections Range From 2-14 Hours of Coverage
+ Minimum of 30 Images Per Hour Delivered
+ Photographer Travel Fees Up to 200 Miles Included
+ Vendor Recommendations
+ Custom Elopement Day Timeline
+ Digital & Film Photography
+ Online Gallery
+ Printing Rights
+ Elopement Planning Guidebook
+ Location Scouting & Planning
+ Location Guide & Permit Assistance
+ Unique Activity Ideas Based Off Your Location
Asheville Couples & Engagements
starting at $600
COUPLES TYPICALLY INVEST $950
+ Starting at 60 min session
+ 30+ Images Delivered
+ Custom Location Guide
+ Up to 200 Miles of Photographer's Travel Included
+ Online Gallery
+ Printing Rights
+ Style Guide
A La Carte Services
Seasonal Florals
$100+
Want a bouquet or a flower crown but don't want to pay thousands for it? Or maybe you're coming from out of town and won't have time to pick something up. I'll create a beautiful seasonal bouquet and/or flower crown for your session or elopement!
Blue Hour & Astro Add On
$500
For couples who truly want an adventure for their engagement or couples photos. These photos can only be taken at certain locations and require some patience, as they take some trial and error & the ability to stay still for up to 10 seconds at a time
Heirloom Albums
$1700+
Your photos are more than just a file on a usb. They're important memories that belong in an heirloom album to be passed down for generations. Heirloom albums are made with archival ink, flat binding technology, premium fine art papers, matte or photo finishes, & real or synthetic leather covers.
LGBTQ+ celebrating
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elopements
Anywhere in the world! No, for real! I will photograph your elopement wherever you want it to be. Pick a location you've never been to before but have always wanted to go. Or a place that is meaningful to your relationship. No matter where you choose to say "I do," I'll be there to help with the logistics of it all.
Invite whoever you would like! Generally though, elopements are around 10 people or less. Many of the beautiful locations you see couples eloping at have strict guidelines on the number of people allowed at the ceremony. Another option is to have an intimate ceremony, adventure the rest of the day, & have a reception with guests the next day. Best of both worlds.
They're whatever you want it to be! Most of the elopements I've photographed have had private vow readings, an officiant performing the ceremony, ring exchange, & then an added unique touch such as a unity ceremony. I have plenty more ideas in the planning guide I give all of my couples.
Eloping doesn't make your wedding day any less important! So let's plan some fun activities & go on some adventures. Having me follow you around - starting when you're getting ready for the day until the sun goes down - allows me to document the entire story of your day. The little details - the big moments - all of it. & it makes for a great narrative in your wedding album! :)
Next
Whatever feels right. You can invite some of them. Or you can wait until afterwards and announce it on social media, with a printed card, or phone call. Or you can tell everyone ahead of time so that they have time to process the news. (I'm not even engaged yet & I've already broke the news to my mom that we plan to elope.) They might not be happy at first, but they're family, so they'll come around.
That's a matter of opinion. But as far as my photography packages go, nope! My elopement packages are for couples getting married in adventurous places! I put my whole heart & soul into helping my couples plan their day, so the pricing is different than my wedding pricing. But I will still happily photograph your backyard or micro wedding!
It really depends! As far as photography goes, no, they're actually more expensive. This is because of all the extra planning, time, travel & effort I put into my elopement packages. Elopements generally involve multiple locations, additional gear, certifications (Wilderness First Responder & CPR), permits & more in order to keep everyone safe & happy.
It depends on where you choose to elope. Here in NC, you need an ordained minister (online does not count) & two witnesses. In some states you don't need any witnesses & can marry yourselves. & in other states you can even have your dog 'sign' your marriage license. I will happily help you figure out the legalities. Another option if you want to be completely alone on your day is to do all of the legal stuff a different day.
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Next
It depends! A lot of my couples opt to carry their attire to the ceremony location & just get changed there. I'll bring a popup changing tent if the hike isn't too far. & if it's a longer/more difficult hike I'll bring a sheet to hang up to give you some coverage. Or, you can totally hike in your attire. Also, you can always choose a location that doesn't involve a hike at all! Who says adventure elopements have to involve long & grueling hikes anyway?
I believe that elopements are just as worth celebrating as a traditional wedding. That is why I offer the help & assistance that I do. With a traditional wedding you would hire a wedding planner. But for elopements, there's not really a good option to plan something unique while also taking the stress out of planning unless you work with a photographer like me who is eager to help.
Sure there's all inclusive elopement companies, but they're just a cookie cutter option that has been done hundreds of times before. If you really don't want more than just the ceremony photographed and don't want planning assistance, then unfortunately I'm not the photographer for you.
The show must go on! When you choose to elope, you're choosing to embrace the adventure. & weather is part of it. I always help my couples come up with at least 2 backup plans. Usually one involves a more sheltered area such as a forest or somewhere at a lower elevation. & the second option usually involves somewhere indoors such as the airbnb you've booked for your stay. Rain & fog actually make for some awesome photos!
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FAQ
Amanda & Joe
"Kirsten was so sweet and fun to hang out with - it felt like we brought a friend along with us! She captured everything I wanted and gave us the perfect photos for us to remember our special day.
We received a mix of candid photos and portraits.
I thought I would feel awkward taking portraits. but she gave great prompts that made it fun and had us laughing. When I received my photos. I was blown away at how natural we looked and how much of our love was captured in the photos. I am literally obsessed with how our pictures came out!"
Payton & Kristen
"Kirsten produced lovely photos from our very dreamy and memorable mountain photo shoot. We display the engagement photos proudly all around our house. She knows the area well and can suggest areas if you are not.
She's non-judgmental if you're nervous about being in front of a camera and LGBTQ+ friendly! We highly recommend Kirsten to anyone looking to get engaged or elope in the Asheville area."
Caroline & Cameron
"ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ These are amazing. Thank you so so much for making this chaotic day look so peaceful and magical. I know we were rushed but you'd never know from these pictures. We couldn't have asked for more! and thank you for getting us our gallery and sneak peaks so quickly!!"
Amythest & Sara
"Kirsten was delightful and really allowed us to be ourselves and enjoy the time together. The photos from this session are warm. intimate. and really showcase the love that my wife and I hold in our relationship. I am forever thankful for that afternoon Kirsten spent with us. if you are considering booking a session. this is a business you want to do it with <3"
Sarah & Alex
"Kirsten was absolutely amazing to work with! While visiting the States on our honeymoon, we arranged to have photos taken to commemorate our elopement, and Kirsten took our vision and ran with it! Kirsten made the the entire experience so easy for us - from helping us plan and pick a venue, to bringing her pop-up tent for a wardrobe change at the top of the mountain.
Kirsten went above and beyond The photos themselves are more beautiful than we could have hoped for. and we are so grateful. Could not recommend Kirsten enough!"
Black Friday Holiday Deal!
Any wedding or elopement booked from 11/24 until 1/1 will receive a FREE engagement photoshoot
*applies to new bookings only
Retainer must be paid & contract must be signed prior to 1/2/24