You’ve probably never planned an elopement before.
BUT HERE'S THE THING:
AND ALL THAT BEAUTIFUL FREEDOM? IT CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING...
Hi guys,
I'm Joleen
I photograph and plan elopements for outdoorsy introverts who want their wedding day to feel like their best summer vacation.
your CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN LOCAL elopement photographer
I help couples like you plan your elopement from start to finish. You bring a vague vision and I’ll handle the rest.
I'm here for the introverts. The nature-lovers. The dog people. The map-pinners.
Whether you delight in getting to super remote places without another soul in sight.
I’ll help you find the balance of adventure, convenience, and privacy that makes the day feel right.
Or you love a big mountain view from the convenience of your car...
All with epic photos of you and your favorite adventure buddy, in a location that feels like your kind of magic.
All with epic photos of you and your favorite adventure buddy, in a location that feels like your kind of magic.
Whether you delight in getting to super remote places without another soul in sight.
I’ll help you find the balance of adventure, convenience, and privacy that makes the day feel right.
Or you love a big mountain view from the convenience of your car...
All with epic photos of you and your adventure buddy, in a location that feels like your kind of magic.
Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words //
"Once I laid eyes on those beautiful photos and the memories she captured I knew she had given us so much more. It was at that moment I knew how truly beautiful our wedding day was."
plan your entire day
I will Plan your entire elopement itinerary- prioritizing what brings you the most joy. (Sometimes it's a pit stop at the Frosty...hello Mono Cone, and sometimes it's epic views).
research the dream location
I will Research your dream location (and backups!) so we’re ready for anything. I'll also present these to you so you can choose your own adventure.
but that's just the beginning
Beautiful, story driven photos are a given ...
assist with permits
I will make sure the permit process is easy. I'll guide you and handle permit submission when allowed.
keep you in the loop
I will Check in with you throughout the planning process, to make sure you’re inspired, excited, and feeling on top of things.
officiate your ceremony
I will Officiate your ceremony and sign your marriage license, if you're a "the less people, the better" kind of couple.
vendor recommendations
I will make introductions to vetted local vendors. and in many case can pick up the florals, charcuterie or sweetheart cake.
suggest local activities
I will Suggest local activities or points of interest to add layers of meaning and shared experiences to your day.
create nostalgic gifs
I will Create nostalgic GIFs from key moments, because I love Gifs almost as much as I love brownies.
bring the camper van
I will Bring the camper van so that you have a mobile changing room and a place to brush your teeth and keep the beers cool. (weather permitting)
guide, not pose
I’ll draw on your shared history to make you laugh, keep you moving so nothing feels stiff, and help you look like you—relaxed and connected.
I will also:
but that's just the beginning
Beautiful, story driven photos are a given ...
I will Check in with you throughout the planning process, to make sure you’re inspired, excited, and feeling on top of things.
I will Officiate your ceremony and sign your marriage license, if you're a "the less people, the better" kind of couple.
I’ll draw on your shared history to make you laugh, keep you moving so nothing feels stiff, and help you look like yoU.
I will Bring the camper van so that you have a mobile changing room and A PLACE TO keep the beers cool. (weather permitting)
I will Create nostalgic GIFs from key moments, because I love them.
I will make sure the permit process is easy. I'll guide you and handle permit submission when allowed.
I will SUGGEST to vetted local vendors. and in many case can pick up the florals, charcuterie or sweetheart cake.
I will Suggest local activities or points of interest to add layers of meaning and shared experiences to your day.
I WILL LEARN EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT YOUR LOCATION AND PRESENT YOU WITH OPTIONS SO YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE.
I will Plan your entire elopement itinerary- prioritizing what brings you the most joy.
KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP
BE THE OFFICIANT
RECOMMEND
VENDORS
EXCURSION PLANNING
RESEARCH YOUR LOCATION
PLAN YOUR DAY
GUIDE, NOT POSE
BRING THE VAN
PERMIT ASSISTANCE
CREATE GIFS
Joleen has a gift for making you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
-C & A, Yosemite National Park
"My husband and I had an unforgettable experience in Yosemite with her. From start to finish, we were constantly laughing and feeling completely at ease. Her communication and transparency are truly exceptional. Joleen goes above and beyond—she even offered to pick up items like a flower bouquet or cake."
Her being a local was a god send!
- J & P, Stanisluas National Forest
"We couldn't imagine how stressful the weeks leading up to and even the day of the event would've been without her. Seriously, if you are considering, let this be the sign you are looking for to book her. She was amazing- she felt like a friend at the wedding and the entire time she was taking great photos. she helped us so much and we are truly grateful and honored to have had an amazing person. I can't stress enough how happy she made us."
She felt like such a pivotal & important part of our wedding weekend.
-L & G, Yosemite National Park
"I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed. Joleen was accommodating every step of the way and made sure to talk through every step of our multi-day photography journey together and I am forever grateful."
She knew every secret spot in Mammoth to get incredible images.
-K & M, Mammoth Lakes
"If you want an experience that deepens your bond and celebrates all that makes your love with your partner special, Joleen will make it happen! Her attention to detail, genuine kindness and ability to catch those precious shots while making you feel totally at ease is one in a million. We get so many compliments on our photos and can’t thank Joleen enough for helping us celebrate our day our way."
"We wouldn’t have wanted anyone but her to third wheel along side us on our wedding day to capture all the fun moments. She trucked down dirt roads and hiked up granite to capture the most beautiful photos. Oh, and she loves dogs - she was perfectly happy sharing the backseat with our fluffy and dirt covered dogs. We just adore Joleen, and we will treasure these special photos forever!"
Joleen is up for anything, and has such a vision for making your perfect day come to fruition.
-C&M, Sonora Pass & Mamomth Lakes
Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words // Kind words //
Eastern Sierras
01
02
03
04
$5600
$4200
$7400
Sonora Pass
yosemite
Western USA
All of highway 395, Inyo National Forest favorites, including: Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes, Bishop, Bridgeport, Alabama Hills. Steamy hotsprings, snow capped mountains, expansive sunsets and alpine glow.
01
02
03
04
Eastern Sierras
Sonora Pass
yosemite
Western USA
The Sonora Pass, highway 108, connecting the Western & Eastern Sierra Nevadas. If you love a mountain road trip with endless scenic views and zero effort, you'll love the Sonora Pass.
$4500
$3500
$6500
01
02
03
04
Eastern Sierras
Sonora Pass
yosemite
Western USA
Yosemite speaks for itself. There are countless iconic locations, and many couple's squeeze in a few. From Glacier Point, and it's up-close view of Half Dome, to the valley floor and the towering walls of granite, there is no shortage of places to go or things to do.
$6400
$5200
$8400
01
02
03
04
Eastern Sierras
Sonora Pass
yosemite
Western USA
If you love the red rock and Joshua trees of the South. Or, if if the Pacific Northwest and it's dark and mysterious forests of giant sequoias call to you, reach out and let me know your vision. We'll find you the place that feels like home.
$6400
$5200
$8400
• Elopement planning guidance • Location research & recommend locations • Introvert friendly posing & prompts • Online gallery with unlimited high res downloads • GIFs, because I love them • Optional officiant service • Vendor recommendations • Permit research & submission handled for you
always included:
Elopement Packages
12 hours
8 hours
4 hours
The Adventure- Option of splitting coverage over two days
The Escape-One Stunning Location
Limited Availability- Available Mon-Thurs.
The Experience-Most Popular
The perfect pace for all the good stuff.
A peaceful, short-and-sweet elopement:
• One stunning location Perfect for couples who want a slower pace without the full-day timeline.
• Coverage often begins at your first look
• Enough time for a ceremony, a short hike/drive, and some couple's photo in a beautiful location, often at sunset.
• All the extra perks included in every package.
This is the sweet spot:
• Plenty of time for candid prep coverage as your anticipation grows.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• As the sun dips lower in the sky, we’ll head to your ceremony location. When the sky takes on those watercolor hues, you’ll say your vows. There will be time to take it all in.
• Pop some champagne, or share a slice of cake (yay backpacking cake), while you snuggle around the campfire and watch the stars come out.
got an idea out of the state? No problem! I'm all ears.
Let's Do This →
The best fit if your adventure won't fit into one day:
• Slow building anticipation during prep coverage.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• Hike or drive to your ceremony location, captured at sunset.
• Campfire coverage & star photos
• Day two coverage at an alpine lake at sunrise, or an incredible vista at sunset.
no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees.
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes, Gem Lakes, Bishop, Bridgeport, Alabama Hills, Lake Tahoe
Eastern Sierras
$7400
$5600
$4200
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
$6500
$4500
$3500
Highway 108, connecting the Western & Eastern Sierra Nevadas.
Sonora Pass
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
$8400
$6400
$5200
Home of countless iconic locations, and many couple's squeeze in a few.
Yosemite
EASTERN
SIERRAS
SONORA
PASS
YOSEMITE
WESTERN
USA
$8400
$6400
$5200
From the red rocks of the Southern desert, to the mysterious forests of the North...
Western USA
Elopement Packages
Let's Do This →
8 HOURS
The best fit if your adventure won't fit into one day:
• Slow building anticipation during prep coverage.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• Hike or drive to your ceremony location, captured at sunset.
• Campfire coverage & star photos
• Day two coverage at an alpine lake at sunrise, or an incredible vista at sunset.
The Experience-Most Popular
The perfect pace for all the good stuff.
This is the sweet spot:
• Plenty of time for candid prep coverage as your anticipation grows.
• A first look, followed by your favorite outdoor activity (beers on a tailgate, a trip to the best middle-of-nowhere frosty, a SUP cruise, a 4x4 trail, a shaded walk to a secluded meadow...)
• As the sun dips lower in the sky, we’ll head to your ceremony location. When the sky takes on those watercolor hues, you’ll say your vows. There will be time to take it all in.
• Pop some champagne, or share a slice of cake (yay backpacking cake), while you snuggle around the campfire and watch the stars come out.
The Escape-One Stunning Location
Limited Availability- Available Mon-Thurs.
4 HOURS
A peaceful, short-and-sweet elopement:
• One stunning location Perfect for couples who want a slower pace without the full-day timeline.
• Coverage often begins at your first look
• Enough time for a ceremony, a short hike/drive, and some couple's photo in a beautiful location, often at sunset.
The Adventure- Option of splitting coverage over two days
12 HOURS
no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees. no travel fees. No travel fees.
• Elopement planning guidance • Location research & recommend locations • Introvert friendly posing & prompts • Online gallery with unlimited high res downloads • GIFs • Optional officiant service • Vendor recommendations • Permit research & submission handled for you
always included:
You might be wondering...
Can we include guests?
YES! 15 or less guests are always welcome.
I'm a firm believer that the right group of people can multiply your joy!
There is a perfect balance of time alone and time with guests for every couple. I am an expert at helping you find this balance. And then plotting it into a timeline in a tangible way, so you can see exactly when you’ll have time alone and time shared.
Can we bring guests?
can we bring our dogs?
Short answer- YES! If you haven't noticed by now- I'm a big fan.
The long answer- there are some locations where we are limited by rules regarding dogs.
Yosemite is very dog restrictive, but there are a few places they can go.
Mammoth Lakes, and many other public lands are very dog friendly.
Can we bring our dogs?
we don't know where to elope...?
If you have a vague idea, for example, "We'd like to be on top of a mountain," that's ok too.
If you know a general area, but don't know the specifics, that's ok.
You don’t need a detailed plan—just a gut feeling. I’ll help you turn “somewhere cool with our dogs” into a fully planned, deeply personal elopement day.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out- I LOVE taking your idea and turning into a plan.
We don't know where to go
we don't like being photographed
we feel awkward on camera
Ok yes, one introvert to another- the first 15 minutes are gonna be weird. But I promise this will pass. Through prompts that draw on your history as a couple you will have the freedom and confidence to react, and that makes the best images. And if that doesn't warm you up, movement always does.
So much of your elopement day experience will be just that- an experience. As the day unfolds the photos won't be an instagram cliche, they will be YOUR DAY, and all the anticipation and emotions that come with it.
Many of my inquiries include this phrase, "We're shy and feel awkward in front of the camera."
what if we don't know all the details yet?
we don't have all the details
I love being invited in at the beginning, TBD stage. If you're unsure of where you want to elope, how you want to elope, what date you want to elope, how to make it legal, or you're not sure if you want to include some special guests, I can help right from the beginning. I love brainstorming with you!
There is nothing better than planning an elopement "choose your own adventure" style right from the beginning.
Then you're in the right place
do we have to hike?
Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas are home to so many beautiful locations accessible by car, 4x4, easy paved foot path, or forest service road.
I can help you choose if you're undecided. We can also research some unconventional forms of travel together if a helicopter ride, gondola, ATV, hot air balloon or snow mobile sound fun to you! (And bonus, this could be such a fun, memory making bonding experience to share on your wedding day).
You don't have to hike, but you can.
"The entire day felt like an adventure from sunrise start to sunset ceremony finish -- never once did it feel like we were taking photos for the sake of taking photos. It truly felt like we were just hanging out, taking hikes, and enjoying all the beauty Mammoth Lakes had to offer. That was literally all thanks to Joleen."
"Joleen was absolutely
wonderful throughout our entire experience - we couldn't have asked for a better companion on our wedding day!
She knew all the best spots for breathtaking photos and even snagged us a camping spot for the night."
Joleen’s pictures were absolutely artistic and stunning. She captured many candids, which is what we were after. She made sure to get to know us before hand so she could know what was important to us and that REALLY came across in what she captured.
"Joleen is the absolute BEST! I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed."
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
Is this the elopement you’ve been dreaming of?
HECK YES IT IS!
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:
• Hit the contact button and share all the reasons you're excited to run off to the mountains to get married.
• I'll respond with a link to schedule your call.
• On our call we'll brainstorm together & bond over our shared love of camping and dogs.
• I'll likely quote Stepbrothers, "Did we just become best friends?"
• After our call, you decide if you're ready to make it official. This is not a high pressure, decide-on-the-spot situation.
• Fast forward a few months of planning, and we’ll meet up for a pre-wedding dip in a hot spring or a tailgate pizza. And then...
• GET YOU MARRIED!
She felt like such a pivotal & important part of our wedding weekend.
-L & G, Yosemite National Park
"I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Not only is she an incredibly gifted photographer, but she brought this warm, joyous energy that made it so easy to spend time with her and be photographed. Joleen was accommodating every step of the way and made sure to talk through every step of our multi-day photography journey together and I am forever grateful."
