7 Unique Elopement Photo Ideas
7 Unique Elopement Photo Ideas
Unique Elopement Photo Ideas That Will Make Your Special Day Even More Memorable
Elopement pictures can be special in many ways because they capture the intimacy and uniqueness of the couple's special day. Unlike traditional weddings, elopements are typically more intimate and private, which means that the pictures can be more focused on the couple and their connection. Additionally, elopement pictures often showcase the beauty of the location, adding to the specialness of the photos.
Below are 7 unique elopement photo ideas we will go over:
- Outdoor shot
- First-look photo
- Indoor shots
- Candid moments
- Details
- Environmental photos
- Celebratory shot
Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. We will go over in detail how to make each one of these elopement wedding photos special.
Learn about Christopher Todd Studios' Elopement photography.
1. Outdoor Photos

Let's start with the outdoor shots. No matter where you choose to elope at some point you will be outside. Here are a few elopement picture ideas for a courthouse or city hall elopement:
- If the courthouse or city hall has well kept outdoor area, take advantage of it. Use the surrounding environment as a backdrop for the photos.
- Incorporate the greenery or architecture of the area to create beautiful shots.
- Outdoor stairs are a great place for group photos and of the couple.
- A pathway or walkway can be utilized for some walking and holding hand photos. Be sure to stop for a kiss.
- Use the building as a backdrop. Especially if the architecture is unique.
- Some locations have water fountains or monuments.
- A great transitional photo is walking into the building or coming out of the building.
Pro Tip: When you hire an experienced elopement photographer they will guide you during the photoshoot so you don't have to come up with these elopement photography ideas.
2. Indoor Photos

Indoor elopement photos are a great way to remember the day. If you are looking for a special location and want to know if it checks this box be sure to research the location.

- Take some shots inside the courthouse or city hall. Capture the couple standing in front of the building or sitting on the steps. Use the natural light available to create stunning portraits.
- Staircase shots: Many courthouses and city halls have beautiful staircases that can be used as a backdrop. You can take photos of the couple walking down the stairs or sitting on them.
- Checking in: Photos taken of the couple checking in and signing the marriage license and documents.
- Ceremony room: Capture the moments during the ceremony. These are typically smaller rooms inside the courthouse.
Pro Tip: Use google images to see what the courthouse looks like.
2. Indoor Photos

A first-look photo is a special way to see each other before your civil marriage ceremony takes place.

- Arrive separately at the destination
- Let the photographer help set up the moment
- Use what is available
- Have the groom turned away from the bride
- The couple can be back to back and turn on the count of 3
4. Candid Momements

Capture the couple's candid moments as they interact with each other or with guests.

- Candid moments: These photos can be more relaxed and natural, showcasing the couple's personalities and connection.
- Emotion: Capture the couple's emotions during the ceremony and throughout the day. These moments can create beautiful and memorable shots that showcase the couple's love and connection.
- Before the ceremony: Candid photos of the couple interacting before the ceremony.
- After the ceremony: Now that they are more relaxed and the jitters are gone, there are lots of moments to capture.
Pro Tip: Try to relax and let go of the stress of planning during your special day. Elopements are typically quick so don't waste time worrying about the details. Be in the moment and enjoy each other.
Planning an elopement? Read our 5 steps for getting married at the Old Orange County Courthouse.
5. Details

Elopements might not have as many details as a traditional wedding, but there are still plenty of photos to take.
- Details: Focus on the details.
- Bride's bouquet.
- Groom's boutonniere.
- Wedding rings.
- The details of the wedding dress.
These details can create beautiful close-up shots and add a personal touch to the photos.
6. Environmental Photos

- Cityscapes: If the courthouse or city hall is located in the city, use the surrounding cityscape as a backdrop.
- Capture the couple walking down the street, standing in front of a building, or sitting in a park. The city can add an urban edge to the photos.
- A second location can be used for more environmental photos, like walking around downtown or going to the beach.
- Beach photos can be romantic and very picturesque. Take a look at these examples of a couple after their civil marriage ceremony.
7. Celebratory Shot

The celebratory photo helps tell the love story of the couple. This is typically taken after the vows have been exchanged.

- The first kiss
- Walking out of the courthouse
- Family and friends embracing the couple
- Confetti or streamers shower the couple
Pro Tip: Exit the building holding hands and stop for a kiss.
FAQs
Some of our most frequently asked questions from our families?
How long is a typical elopement?
The length of a typical elopement can vary depending on the couple's preferences and the location of the ceremony. Elopements are often shorter than traditional weddings, typically lasting between one to two hours. This includes the ceremony, photography, and any other activities the couple has planned. However, some couples may choose to extend the elopement by adding additional activities such as hiking, dining, or sightseeing. Ultimately, the length of an elopement is up to the couple and their desired experience for their special day.
Are you supposed to keep elopement a secret?
The decision to keep an elopement a secret is entirely up to the couple getting married. Traditionally, eloping meant getting married secretly and without the knowledge of family and friends. However, in modern times, couples may choose to share the news of their elopement with their loved ones before or after the ceremony.
Some couples choose to elope to avoid the stress and expense of planning a traditional wedding, while others opt for a more intimate and personalized wedding experience. Regardless of the reason, it is important for couples to communicate their wishes and intentions to their families and friends to avoid any hurt feelings or misunderstandings.
Ultimately, whether or not to keep an elopement a secret is a personal decision that should be made based on the couple's desires and circumstances.
Can you have a maid of honor if you elope?
Absolutely! Having a maid of honor or any other attendants is entirely up to the couple's preferences. While eloping typically involves a more intimate and scaled-down ceremony than a traditional wedding, there is no rule that says you can't have attendants present.
If the couple decides to have attendants at their elopement, they may choose to have a maid of honor, best man, or other members of the bridal party to stand by their side. The attendants can play a vital role in supporting and helping the couple on their special day, whether it be with practical tasks or simply being there for emotional support.
In the end, the decision to have attendants at an elopement is entirely up to the couple and what they feel will make their special day memorable and meaningful.
How do you make elopement special?
An elopement can be a special and memorable way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Here are a few ways to make your elopement special:
Choose a Meaningful Location: Select a location that is special and meaningful to both of you. This can be a place that you both love to visit, a location that holds special memories, or a destination that you've always wanted to visit.
Personalize Your Ceremony: An elopement is an excellent opportunity to personalize your ceremony to reflect your unique personalities and relationship. Write your own vows or incorporate special readings, music, or rituals that hold significance for you both.
Capture the Moment: Hire a professional photographer to capture the special moments of your elopement. These photos will serve as a beautiful reminder of your special day and allow you to share the experience with loved ones who were not present.
Celebrate Together: Plan a romantic meal or a special activity to celebrate your union after the ceremony. This can be as simple as a picnic in a scenic location or as elaborate as a fancy dinner at a fine-dining restaurant.
Share the News: While eloping is often an intimate and private affair, consider sharing the news of your marriage with your loved ones in a special way. This can be through a thoughtful announcement, a video message, or a small gathering with close family and friends.
Ultimately, making an elopement special is all about celebrating your love and commitment to each other in a way that is meaningful and memorable to you both.
How do you photograph an elopement?
Photographing an elopement requires a unique approach compared to traditional wedding photography. Here are a few tips for photographing an elopement:
Get to Know the Couple: Before the elopement, take the time to get to know the couple and their vision for their special day. This will help you to capture their unique personalities and the moments that matter most to them.
Capture the Intimacy: Elopements are often intimate affairs with only a few close friends or family members in attendance. As a photographer, your role is to capture the emotion and intimacy of the day. Focus on capturing candid moments, such as the first look, the vows, and the first kiss.
Embrace the Location: Elopements often take place in unique and picturesque locations, such as mountains, beaches, or city streets. Use the location to your advantage and capture the beauty and uniqueness of the surroundings.
Pay Attention to Details: While elopements are often small and intimate, there are still details that should be captured, such as the rings, the bouquet, and the dress. Pay attention to these details and capture them in a way that tells the story of the day.
Be Unobtrusive: As a photographer, it is important to be unobtrusive and not interfere with the ceremony or the couple's experience. Be respectful and mindful of the couple's wishes, and capture the moments as they naturally unfold.
In the end, photographing an elopement is all about capturing the unique beauty and intimacy of the couple's special day. By getting to know the couple, embracing the location, and paying attention to details, you can create beautiful and timeless images that the couple will cherish for years to come.

Meet Christopher Todd: Your Orange County Photographer
Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched
Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that.
Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past
25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft.