I’m thrilled for you!
Growing up in Minnesota, I’ve always been captivated by the unparalleled beauty of the North Shore. From the rugged cliffs along Lake Superior to the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters, this region offers a diverse range of adventures and breathtaking landscapes.

The idea of a 150-guest wedding, with 14 bridal party members and every 'must-do' wedding event, makes you feel 'bleh.'

Instead, you dream of savoring a quiet sunrise in a canoe with coffee, off-roading with the wind in your hair, exploring hidden waterfalls, or exchanging vows on a mountaintop with your best furry friend(s).

If you’re seeking a wedding destination that combines adventure with stunning natural beauty—lush forests, dramatic rocky cliffs, charming small towns, and the soothing presence of water—North Shore, Minnesota is the perfect choice.


I’m thrilled for you!
Growing up in Minnesota, I’ve always been captivated by the unparalleled beauty of the North Shore. From the rugged cliffs along Lake Superior to the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters, this region offers a diverse range of adventures and breathtaking landscapes.

The idea of a 150-guest wedding, with 14 bridal party members and every 'must-do' wedding event, makes you feel 'bleh.'

Instead, you dream of savoring a quiet sunrise in a canoe with coffee, off-roading with the wind in your hair, exploring hidden waterfalls, or exchanging vows on a mountaintop with your best furry friend(s).

If you’re seeking a wedding destination that combines adventure with stunning natural beauty—lush forests, dramatic rocky cliffs, charming small towns, and the soothing presence of water—North Shore, Minnesota is the perfect choice.


You're eloping in North Shore, Minnesota!

YAY!

Let's elope!

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!"

work with me

Meet your
photographer

Meet your
photographer

You're Not Looking For Just Any Photographer.
You're Looking For An Adventure Buddy & Lifelong Friend.

Let's cut to the chase: I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I'm not like other photographers; I'm going to show you exactly why I'm not.

First of all, stiff posing isn't my thing. And while I'm definitely going to be your hype girl, I also place the utmost value in allowing my couples plenty of space to allow their love to shine.

My goal is to capture the way your nose crinkles up when your partner wraps their arms around you. The way your fingers intertwine as if they were pieces of a puzzle fitting together. Just think of me as your professional third-wheel.

So if you're not afraid to get your dress a little dirty... lace up your hiking boots and let's document this sweet chapter in your love story.

Let's cut to the chase: I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I'm not like other photographers; I'm going to show you exactly why I'm not.

First of all, stiff posing isn't my thing. And while I'm definitely going to be your hype girl, I also place the utmost value in allowing my couples plenty of space to allow their love to shine.

My goal is to capture the way your nose crinkles up when your partner wraps their arms around you. The way your fingers intertwine as if they were pieces of a puzzle fitting together. Just think of me as your professional third-wheel.

So if you're not afraid to get your dress a little dirty... lace up your hiking boots and let's document this sweet chapter in your love story.

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. 

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. 

meet my love

“But what if we only need a photographer for an hour?”

Your wedding day isn’t a photo session; it’s the experience. We’ll spend so much time planning out the details that I can guarantee you’re going to want more than just a few photos of you saying your vows.

Because it’s just the two of you experiencing the adventures on this epic day, I want to make sure you have the memories forever.What about the breakfast picnic on Palisade Head at sunrise on the morning of your elopement day, or exploring North Shore's gems, or first dance under the northern light?

These moments you’ll want documented and I want to be there, and be the one to do it.

I receive this question quite frequently. Let me explain why I think you need more than that.

What i will do for you:

Elopement Planning Portal

Picture me as your personal Pinterest mood board. Share your North Shore's dreams and ideas, and together we'll create the perfect day for you. Unsure about the details, like what to do, where to go, or how to manage the awkward family members? I’m here to help with all of it.

Location Research

I research and help finding the locations based on your must-haves (along with the weather status, the sunrise or sunset time).

Backup Plans + Permitting Assistance 

With my expert elopement knowledge, I'm here to have backup plans (in case of Minnesota's weather, a trail is closed, etc.) for you and I will help you with the permitting (which includes researching deadlines, specifications, fees, etc.)

I help designed to meet all of your must-haves (along with backup plans to make sure those pesky unforeseen circumstances don’t ruin your day). Local Recommendations Included.

With my expert elopement knowledge, I'm here to have backup plans (in case of weather, a trail is closed, etc.) for you and I will help you with the permitting (which includes researching deadlines, specifications, fees, etc.)

Timeline creation

I’ll take care of planning every detail of your timeline, from how long a hike will take to the duration of your first look and any breaks in between. I’ll gather all the information and create a timeline that gently guides our day, ensuring everything flows smoothly so you can relax and enjoy without a worry.

Vendor recommendations

Want flowers, a helicopter, invitation designs, or rental decor? I got you. Plus, I’ll provide a list of local vendors near your elopement spot so you can skip the research and focus on the fun.

Elopement Planning Portal

Picture me as your personal Pinterest mood board. Share your dreams and ideas, and together we'll create the perfect day for you. Unsure about the details, like what to do, where to go, or how to manage the awkward family members? I’m here to help with all of it.

What i will do for you:

back

Location Research

I research and help finding the locations based on your must-haves (along with the weather status, the sunrise or sunset time).

What i will do for you:

back

Backup Plans + Permitting Assistance 

What i will do for you:

With my expert elopement knowledge, I'm here to have backup plans (in case of weather, a trail is closed, etc.) for you and I will help you with the permitting (which includes researching deadlines, specifications, fees, etc.)

back

Timeline creation

I’ll take care of planning every detail of your timeline, from how long a hike will take to the duration of your first look and any breaks in between. I’ll gather all the information and create a timeline that gently guides our day, ensuring everything flows smoothly so you can relax and enjoy without a worry.

What i will do for you:

back

Vendor recommendations

Vendor recommendations

Want flowers, a helicopter, invitation designs, or rental decor? I got you. Plus, I’ll provide a list of local vendors near your elopement spot so you can skip the research and focus on the fun.

What i will do for you:

back

what you get with every elopement

Elopement Planning Resource Guide 

It mailed to you! If you're like me, there's just something about a "hard copy" that brings more joy than a PDF living on my desktop. 

It mailed to you! If you're like me, there's just something about a "hard copy" that brings more joy than a PDF living on my desktop. 

HIGH-RES ONLINE GALLERY DELIVERY

I delivered sneak peeks within 24 hours and full gallery delivered within 6 weeks. Online gallery where you have full access to downloading and sharing with your friends & family.

I delivered sneak peeks within 24 hours and full gallery delivered within 6 weeks. Online gallery where you have full access to downloading and sharing with your friends & family.

My travel costs

Travel fees are included and already factored into all elopement packages for anywhere in the U.S. For international elopements, just reach out for details about travel fees and arrangements!

Travel fees are included and already factored into all elopement packages for anywhere in the U.S. For international elopements, just reach out for details about travel fees and arrangements!

LEAVE NO TRACE

Every adventure I go on sticks to all 7 principles of the Leave No Trace Ethics Initiative. I’m passionate about taking care of our world, and I know you are too!

Every adventure I go on sticks to all 7 principles of the Leave No Trace Ethics Initiative. I’m passionate about taking care of our world, and I know you are too!

choose your adventure

I want this one!

Full Day

  • 12 Hours of coverage (can split)
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • 5 or more Gifs
  • “Bird's Eye View” photos via Drone

$7,000

sunrise + sunset

half day

choose your adventure

For that couple that's ready to pack in every experience they can from sun up to sun down. This package is perfect if you want sunrise and sunset coverage so you get the best of both worlds! OR WE CAN DO SPLIT HOURS INTO TWO DAYS.

The sweet spot for all of the essentials. We'll cover your getting ready photos, head to your ceremony location, go for a hike, visit the most beautiful locations for photos, have a romantic dinner.

  • 8 Hours of coverage
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • 2-3 Gifs
  • “Bird's Eye View” photos via Drone
  • 4 Hours of coverage
  • Polaroid Film Photos

$5,000

$4,000

Designed with the simple and sweet couple in mind. Perfect for a private vow exchange, a sweet little hike, or a picnic with the sunset and take some damn sweet photos along the way.

Yes! This is it!

Let's do it!

choose your adventure

sunrise + sunset

choose your adventure

full day

half day

  • 12 Hours of coverage (can split)
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • 5 or more Gifs
  • “Bird's Eye View” photos via Drone

$7,000

sunrise + sunset

For that couple that's ready to pack
in every experience they can from sun up to sun down. This package is perfect if you want sunrise and sunset coverage so you get the best of both worlds! OR WE CAN DO SPLIT HOURS INTO TWO DAYS.

choose your adventure

choose your adventure

Book this package

back

  • 8 Hours of coverage
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • 2-3 Gifs
  • “Bird's Eye View” photos via Drone

$5,000

full day

The sweet spot for all of the essentials.
We'll cover your getting ready photos,
head to your ceremony location, go for
a hike, eat-drink-and-be-merry, visit
the most beautiful locations for photos, have a romantic dinner.

choose your adventure

choose your adventure

Book this package

back

  • 4 Hours of coverage
  • Polaroid Film Photos

$4,000

half day

Designed with the simple and sweet
couple in mind. Perfect for a private vow exchange, a sweet little hike, or a picnic with the sunset and take some damn sweet photos along the way.

choose your adventure

choose your adventure

Book this package

back

DOES THIS SOUND ABSOLUTELY PERFECT?

The hard work of planning your dream elopement has paid off! It's time to watch your vision come to life and experience all of the joy and emotion that comes with marrying your favorite person (in an epic place).

The hard work of planning your dream elopement has paid off! It's time to watch your vision come to life and experience all
of the joy and emotion that comes with marrying your favorite person
(in an epic place).

Eeek! You've decided on a package and picked a date! A contract and 40% nonrefundable retainer must be submitted to lock in your date. Once we've check those boxes off, it's onto the really fun stuff. We'll be in contact throughout the journey to ensure a
stress-free, joy-filled elopement.

Eeek! You've decided on a package and picked a date! A contract and 40% nonrefundable retainer must be submitted to lock in your date. Once we've check those boxes off, it's onto the really fun stuff. We'll be in contact throughout the journey to ensure a stress-free, joy-filled elopement.

Once you fill out my inquiry form, I'll reach out within 2 business days to schedule a Zoom call. That's when you'll spill alllll the exciting details about your big day, answer any questions you have, and just get to know each other..

Once you fill out my inquiry form, I'll reach out within 2 business days to schedule a Zoom call. That's when you'll spill alllll the exciting details about your big day, answer any questions you have, and just get to know each other..

The Process

Once your day comes to an end, I'll get to work on editing your images! You'll receive a handful of sneak peek images from your day within 24 hours. Then, your final gallery will be delivered within 6 weeks.

Once your day comes to an end, I'll get to work on editing your images! You'll receive a handful of sneak peek images from your day within 24 hours. Then, your final gallery will be delivered within 6 weeks.

YES let's do it!

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

Silver Bay | 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.

01. IS THE TRAVEL FEE INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGES?

Yes, the travel fee is included in my elopement packages with no hidden or additional fees. When you inquire with me, please be as detailed as possible.
This way, I can share an accurate resources for you to look at.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

02. HOW MANY IMAGES ARE INCLUDED?

The short answer? UNLIMITED.
You're paying to have your love story documented; I believe you
deserve tohave every "good" photo sent your way.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

03. CAN YOU HELP US PLAN A LOCATION?

Yes absolutely! I love to recommending the locations based off your wants and needs. I can always let you know any information you would need to know about elope in whichever spot you go with. I will also plan the back up location in case of weather, etc.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

04. HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?

A 30% non-refundable retainer is required to secure a date and my services. All payments are done electronically (but we can chat more about this when you inquire)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

05. DO WE NEED TO HIKE?

Not at all! Your day is customized to what most speaks to you. You can canoe, walk along an ADA accessible trail, ride snowmobile, have a picnic, go brewery hopping, roast marshmallows, whatever sounds adventurous to you! I’m here as a resource to help you find the perfect location(s) for you and your partner.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

06. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

Our schedule is set months in advance, so we don’t reschedule due to weather. But rain or shine, your wedding day is going to be magical. I’ve photographed adventure weddings in all kinds of weather: rain, windy, snow, and fog. I will always make sure we have a Plan B for every wedding, but we also have a Plan C (...and sometimes even a Plan D).

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

07. HOW EARLY SHOULD WE REACH OUT?

As soon as possible when you start planning your elopement or wedding. There are other people who are searching the same as you are. Many vendors can be booked out on the date you choose, even if it is a few years later. Book the vendors as soon as you can, and the sooner the better.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

08. CAN WE BRING OUR PET?

YES! There’s nothing that I love more than a pup-of-honor! If your dream elopement wouldn’t be the same without your dog, I can make it happen. 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

09. DO YOU HELP IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?

One of my fave questions! From the second you book with me, you'll have a built-in planner on your side. From questionnaires to location guides and recommendations, to a customized timeline, and even permit assistance for elopements...My goal is to make your big day as stress-free as possible.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

10. WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST FOR OUR ELOPEMENT?

It all depends on your vision and location!
In North Shore, Minnesota, most couples choose May through December.
In the Pacific Northwest, the mountain views - most couples choose July through early October.

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