You’ve probably never planned an elopement before.
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."
-Kassie & Justin, Mammoth Lakes
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.
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, Stanislaus 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 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 couldn’t be more thrilled with the photos. And with our decision to include you in this adventure. Truly, you helped guide us through the process in such a relaxed yet efficient way and it felt like you were our North Star anytime we hit a bump or had a question. Thank you making it all feel so effortless! Having you be a part of our special weekend made us feel at ease and supported, and beyond the photos, provided fun and adventure and memories we’ll cherish"
It felt like you were our North Star anytime we hit a bump or had a question.
-K&E, YOsemiteNational Park
"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
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.
Mammoth Lakes, June Lakes, Gem Lakes, Bishop, Bridgeport, Alabama Hills, Lake Tahoe
Eastern Sierras
Eastern Sierras
Most couples spend $7700
For 6 hours coverage., Often at Sunrise,, but with the option of sunset.
Contact for the full pricing guide,, I'll send it to you for review before our call.
For 10 hours coverage. with the option to include both a sunrise and sunset, with a break in between.
Contact for the full pricing guide,, I'll send it to you for review before our call.
Pricing starts at $6000
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.
Highway 108, connecting the Western & Eastern Sierra Nevadas.
Sonora Pass
Eastern Sierras
8 hours
$6500
4 hours
$4500
8 hours is the perfect amount of time for the full sonora pass experience. There is no better place to share a full day exploring one of california's best kept secrets.
4 hours is the perfect amount of time for a first look, private vows and some directed portraits at sunset followed by your first dance at dusk.
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,
Iconic views, serene meadows, and rushing waterfalls, Yosemite is truly the bucket list location for your elopement adventure.
Yosemite
Eastern Sierras
For 5 hours coverage., at Sunrise, in Yosemite Valley-one of my favorite timelines for it's simplicity and beauty., It's the perfect start to your wedding day, with lots of free time.
Pricing starts at $6250
For more vistas and split coverage over sunrise and sunset in one day. Sometimes couples spend more to add a second day..
or Sometimes couples only spend a little more to start at Glacier Point.
Most couples spend $7600
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.
From the red rocks of the Southern desert, to the mysterious redwood forests of the North...
Western USA
Eastern Sierras
Pricing starts at $6700
Most couples spend $9400
For 4 hours coverage., at Sunrise, in an epic, Western USA Location. Think red rock canyons in morning light,.
Contact for the full pricing guide,, I'll send it to you for review before our call.
For 10 hours coverage., including both a sunrise and sunset in their day.
Contact for the full pricing guide,, I'll send it to you for review before our call.
included in every package
• 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 & assistance
always included:
Elopement Pricing
Contact me for the full pricing guide,, I'll send it to you for review before our call.
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
Unlimited Calls & Support
Personalized Locations
Detailed Timeline
Introvert Friendly Posing
Online Gallery
Vetted Vendors
Pre-Filled Permit
Direct Contact via Text
Gifs
Optional Officiant Service
True to Life Artistic Edits
Beautiful Photography
Local Knowledge of the Area
FAQ- You might be wondering...
YES! 15 or less guests are always welcome, with the exception of Yosemite, where 50 guests are allowed. 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?
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?
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 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."
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.
We don't know all the details yet.
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?
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."
