Minnesota Elopement Photographer

Do you dream of sipping coffee in a cozy A-frame cabin as the sun rises over the vast expanse of Lake Superior? Picture yourself hiking through pine-filled forests, chasing after hidden waterfalls, and exchanging vows on the rugged shoreline, the waves crashing against the rocks, with your best furry friend(s) by your side. Minnesota’s North Shore offers untamed beauty and adventure—are you ready to make it part of your love story?

This day is about the two of you and yours to fill with what matters most. Forget the traditional wedding rules—let’s embrace what truly makes your hearts sing.

Do you dream of sipping coffee in a cozy A-frame cabin as the sun rises over the vast expanse of Lake Superior? Picture yourself hiking through pine-filled forests, chasing after hidden waterfalls, and exchanging vows on the rugged shoreline, the waves crashing against the rocks, with your best furry friend(s) by your side. Minnesota’s North Shore offers untamed beauty and adventure—are you ready to make it part of your love story?

This day is about the two of you and yours to fill with what matters most. Forget the traditional wedding rules—let’s embrace what truly makes your hearts sing.

THROW OUT THE WEDDING RULEBOOK and CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL and epic.

So, the thought of a 150-guest wedding with a 14-member bridal party and all the 'must-do' wedding traditions makes you feel 'meh'?

Why elope?

Because getting married should be all about just the two of you starting the forever of your love story with pure joy.

but... what is eloping?

Not sure what eloping even means? I totally get it. I used to be in the same boat! I had a big, traditional wedding, and honestly, I had no idea what eloping really was. I thought it was just a quick Vegas or courthouse thing—but trust me, it’s so much more than that.

Say goodbye to tense necks and headaches—no stress and pressure, just pure joy.

Focus on what really matters—just the two of you and your love story.

Create a wedding day that’s actually all about who you are as a couple.

Choose each other, above all, for a truly intimate and “just us” experience.

you get to...

Don't hold back,
you totally deserve this!

Don't hold back, you totally deserve this!

tell me more

You’re always welcome here, no matter your gender, abilities, orientation, or story. However your love looks, I’ve got you.

all welcome, all ways.

Respecting nature is at the heart of everything I do—both in my business and in my life. I’m all about Leave No Trace, ethical living, and keeping our wild places wild.

Environmental justice

Trust and communication are everything, and that goes for us too! I’m an open book—there’s nothing off-limits when it comes to our conversations.

TRUST + COMMUNICATION

my values

Trust and communication are everything, and that goes for us too! I’m an open book—there’s nothing off-limits when it comes to our conversations.

TRUST + COMMUNICATION

Respecting nature is at the heart of everything I do—both in my business and in my life. I’m all about Leave No Trace, ethical living, and keeping our wild places wild.

Environmental justice

You’re always welcome here, no matter your gender, abilities, orientation, or story. However your love looks, I’ve got you.

all welcome, all ways.

my values

north shore, minnesota
resources

15 Best Minnesota
A-Frame Airbnbs for
your Elopement

Best Locations to
Elope in North Shore, Minnesota

How to Elope in the
North Shore | Fall
Elopement Guide

Elope with me!

CHECK OUT SOME OF my FAVORITE LOCATIONS FOR ELOPEMENTS IN North shore, Minnesota

Temperance River State Park
Lusten
Grand Marais
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

and so many more ideas, depending on whether you want hiking, waterfalls, cliffs, lakeside, etc.

your elopement photographer

i'm more than just

who Capturing Raw Emotions in Epic Landscapes

your elopement photographer

i'm more than just

who Capturing Raw Emotions in Epic Landscapes

I'm also your

I'm here to help you find the badass vendors, locations, solutions to the conflicts, backup plans, and taking your planning burden off of you so you can be fully present for your entire elopement day.

2. to-go resources

1. Cheerleader

I'm here to make sure you feel amazing in front of the camera! I'll help you shake off any awkwardness so you can be yourselves, while I capture every epic moment of your love story.

3. navigator

From location scouting to timeline planning, I've got all the tips and tricks to make your day run smoothly. Whether it's finding the perfect spot for 'I do' or making sure we catch that golden sunset, I'll guide you every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters—each other.

and Someone who truly gives a damn about you and your wedding day!

Deena & Michael

In Payton’s presence and through her lens, we found ourselves instantly at ease. Talent like hers is a blend of artistry and authenticity, mastery and magic. Her hallmarks are superb communication and clear heartfelt delight for what she does. Plus, she adored our dog!
All the stars go to Payton. Thank you for making our elopement fun and our memories beautiful!

"LOVED working with Payton!! She is so sweet to work with and knows how to capture love so well! She really knows how to make elopement visions come together. You can tell she has a passion for elopements!! If you're looking for a genuine and greatly talented person to capture your elopement, she's your gal!"

Meet your photographer

Meet your
photographer

So... when I got married, I thought elopement was just a quick Las Vegas or courthouse thing, leading me to a traditional wedding with 130 guests. Honestly, I wasn’t fully myself or enjoying it. After reflecting on my wedding day, I often ask, ‘If I could do it all over again...’ Now, I want to ensure my couples never feel that way.

Wedding photos are the memories you close your eyes to feel, smell, and relive—like the scents of pine trees or salty ocean air, your sun-kissed skin after an adventure, and misty eyes after exchanging vows. If you’re ready to get your dress a little dirty and lace up those hiking boots, let’s capture your love story exactly the way it deserves to be told.

Planning your elopement can feel overwhelming at times. Take a deep breath—I’m here to help. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you need a gentle push or comprehensive resources, I’ll guide you every step of the way to create a day that truly reflects your love.

This is Kevin. My husband, hiking buddy, and a peanut butter to my jelly. With a passion for working with engines and an anime lover, he's a simple and loving man who stops to take his drone out to film every scenic view he sees. We fell in love in Minnesota and then together fell in love with the forest and mountains. He has the biggest heart out there. You'll meet him at your wedding (he's your bag carrier, holds your dogs, and is your driver), and by the time we're done with your photos, he'll have your heart too. Oh and psst... he can also be one of your witnesses.

This is Kevin. My husband, hiking buddy, and a peanut butter to my jelly. With a passion for working with engines and an anime lover, he's a simple and loving man who stops to take his drone out to film every scenic view he sees. We fell in love in Minnesota and then together fell in love with the forest and mountains. He has the biggest heart out there. You'll meet him at your wedding (he's your bag carrier, holds your dogs, and is your driver), and by the time we're done with your photos, he'll have your heart too. Oh and psst... he can also be one of your witnesses.