So, you’ve finally decided to elope—
and suddenly, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders!

So, you’ve finally decided to elope—
and suddenly, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders!

So, you’ve finally decided to elope—
and suddenly, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders!

So, you’ve finally decided to elope—
and suddenly, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders!

And I'm here to make sure your elopement experience is stress-free too!

You know what shouldn't be taken away? Your choices. Big traditional weddings and cookie-cutter elopement packages tend to do that. If a big wedding isn’t for you, there’s no reason to settle for an elopement package that doesn’t feel like you, either.

You know what shouldn't be taken away? Your choices. Big traditional weddings and cookie-cutter elopement packages tend to do that. If a big wedding isn’t for you, there’s no reason to settle for an elopement package that doesn’t feel like you, either.

You get everything you want and nothing you don’t.
All the fun of planning, none of the stress.

You get everything you want and nothing you don’t.
All the fun of planning, none of the stress.

Eloping takes the stress out of planning a wedding.

So, here’s to doing it your way—because guess what?

YOU STILL HAVE CHOICES.

Isn’t that how get married is supposed to be?

That’s why I offer three different elopement packages.

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

Your wedding day isn’t just a photo session—it’s an experience. Picture this: you’re sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll in as the sun sets and the sky shifts colors. You inhale the salty air and listen to the waves crash against the shore. You want to stay in that moment for as long as you can.

That’s exactly how you should feel on your wedding day. It’s all about the emotions you share with your partner, fully immersed in the moment together.

Your wedding day isn’t just a photo session—it’s an experience. Picture this: you’re sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll in as the sun sets and the sky shifts colors. You inhale the salty air and listen to the waves crash against the shore. You want to stay in that moment for as long as you can.

That’s exactly how you should feel on your wedding day. It’s all about the emotions you share with your partner, fully immersed in the moment together.

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

You Deserve An Experience.

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

What i will do for you:

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.

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 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

Don’t worry about a thing—I’ve got your timeline covered! I’ll plan every detail, from how long our hike will be to how much time we’ll need for your first look and even those little breaks to soak it all in. I’ll gather all the info and create a relaxed timeline that keeps the day flowing smoothly, so you can just kick back and enjoy.  

Plus, you’ll get a screenshot of map with all our driving destinations pinned, so you’ll know exactly what the day has in store!

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:

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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:

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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.)

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Timeline creation

Don’t worry about a thing—I’ve got your timeline covered! I’ll plan every detail, from how long our hike will be to how much time we’ll need for your first look and even those little breaks to soak it all in. I’ll gather all the info and create a relaxed timeline that keeps the day flowing smoothly, so you can just kick back and enjoy. 

Plus, you’ll get a screenshot of map with all our driving destinations pinned, so you’ll know exactly what the day has in store! worry.

What i will do for you:

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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:

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Molly & Sam

"Payton is an incredibly talented photographer and a wonderful human. Our session with her was absolute magic. She created such a comfortable and fun environment. Leading up to the session she got to know us and communicated consistently so we felt prepared. The photos came back quickly and I am still in awe of how she seemingly captured our personalities in the photos. I highly recommend Payton to all!"

"Payton is an incredibly talented photographer and a wonderful human. Our session with her was absolute magic. She created such a comfortable and fun environment. Leading up to the session she got to know us and communicated consistently so we felt prepared. The photos came back quickly and I am still in awe of how she seemingly captured our personalities in the photos. I highly recommend Payton to all!"

8 or 12 hours sounds so long.

8 or 12 hours sounds so long.

What will we do with these long hours?

I totally get it—8 or 12 hours might sound like a long time, but trust me, it flies by when you’re being 100% yourselves.

Think about what you and your partner love doing together—hiking, painting, watching the sunset, snowmobiling, or maybe fishing? Or maybe you're looking for something new, like trying an adrenaline-pumping activity or exploring a place you've never been before? This time is for you to slow down, soak in every moment, and truly enjoy your day together.

We’re not here to rush or feel pressured by the clock. It’s about embracing the day, fully experiencing this intentional moment, and making it uniquely yours.

So be true to yourselves—don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. When you bring your authentic selves, that’s when the magic happens.

I totally get it—8 or 12 hours might sound like a long time, but trust me, it flies by when you’re being 100% yourselves.

Think about what you and your partner love doing together—hiking, painting, watching the sunset, snowmobiling, or maybe fishing? Or maybe you're looking for something new, like trying an adrenaline-pumping activity or exploring a place you've never been before? This time is for you to slow down, soak in every moment, and truly enjoy your day together.

We’re not here to rush or feel pressured by the clock. It’s about embracing the day, fully experiencing this intentional moment, and making it uniquely yours.

So be true to yourselves—don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. When you bring your authentic selves, that’s when the magic happens.

Let’s walk your own path and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Meet your photographer

Meet your
photographer

Who you trust with your wedding experience matters.

Let’s be real—I’m not here to say I’m different from other photographers; I’m here to show you why.

First off, I’m definitely going to be your biggest hype girl, but more than that, I make sure you have plenty of space to just be yourselves and let your love shine. My goal is to capture those real, intimate moments—like the way your nose crinkles when your partner wraps their arms around you, or how your fingers naturally intertwine, fitting together like puzzle pieces.

So, if you’re not afraid to get your dress a little dirty, lace up those hiking boots, and let’s capture this beautiful chapter of your love story.

Let’s be real—I’m not here to say I’m different from other photographers; I’m here to show you why.

First off, I’m definitely going to be your biggest hype girl, but more than that, I make sure you have plenty of space to just be yourselves and let your love shine. My goal is to capture those real, intimate moments—like the way your nose crinkles when your partner wraps their arms around you, or how your fingers naturally intertwine, fitting together like puzzle pieces.

So, if you’re not afraid to get your dress a little dirty, lace up those hiking boots, and let’s capture this beautiful chapter of 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. 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.

meet my love

I'm Payton
And you can trust me.

Payton rademacher photography
Elopement Experience

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. Notes, creating a moodboard, to-do list, and vendor dream team are INCLUDED! These pages are meant to serve as a space for you two to brainstorm and plan your perfect day!

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. Notes, creating a mood board, to-do list, and vendor dream team are INCLUDED! These pages are meant to serve as a space for you two to brainstorm and plan your perfect day!

You will receive your beautiful, full-resolution unlimited number of image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, and print. You also will get the animated photos, Gifs, and the “bird view” photos by the drone!

unlimited photo & others

You will receive your beautiful, full-resolution unlimited number of image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, and print. You also will get the animated photos, Gifs, and the “bird view” photos by the drone!

What you get in all our elopement packages

My travel costs

Travel fees are included and already factored into all elopement packages for anywhere in the U.S. No one likes hidden surprise fee - I make sure they never pop up for you by taking care of my own travel and making sure you never have to worry about that.

Travel fees are included and already factored into all elopement packages for anywhere in the U.S. No one likes hidden surprise fee - I make sure they never pop up for you by taking care of my own travel and making sure you never have to worry about that.

Polaroid Film Photos

Complimentary Officiant Service

I'm ordained officiant and I can legally sign your marriage license in most U.S. states. Bonus: my husband can be your one of witnesses.

I'm ordained officiant and I can legally sign your marriage license in most U.S. states. Bonus: my husband can be your one of witnesses.

Album 

You will receive a beautiful album design and crafted by a professional designer. Just for you to relive your damn best day of your life.


You will receive a beautiful album design and crafted by a professional designer. Just for you to relive your damn best day of your life.


Imagine this: years from now, your future family stumbles upon a box of Polaroids from your elopement—each one filled with raw, beautiful moments of just the two of you. The kind of memories that give you goosebumps, the kind that future generations will hold onto with the same awe and love.  

With your elopement, those precious moments will be captured on Polaroid film, tucked into a stunning leather album, and mailed to you along with other special keepsakes. Every photo will also be scanned and added to your online gallery, preserving your love story forever.  

Imagine this: years from now, your future family stumbles upon a box of Polaroids from your elopement—each one filled with raw, beautiful moments of just the two of you. The kind of memories that give you goosebumps, the kind that future generations will hold onto with the same awe and love.  

With your elopement, those precious moments will be captured on Polaroid film, tucked into a stunning leather album, and mailed to you along with other special keepsakes. Every photo will also be scanned and added to your online gallery, preserving your love story forever.  

I want this one!

Full Day

sunrise + sunset

half day

For the adventurous couple ready to soak up every moment from sunrise to sunset. Whether it's hopping from spot to spot or diving into all the activities, we’ve got you covered.

We can squeeze all the fun into one epic day, spread it out over two, or make a whole weekend of it! Let’s chase adventure together, your way.

The perfect mix of all the must-haves! We’ll capture those sweet getting ready moments, head to your ceremony spot, explore some gorgeous trails, photos in the dreamiest locations, and top it off with a romantic dinner, or first dance under the stars.

Designed for the couple who loves keeping things simple and sweet. Whether it's a private vow exchange,
a cozy little hike, or a sunset picnic,
we’ll capture some seriously sweet moments (and some damn good photos) along the way.

Yes! This is it!

Let's do it!

choose your adventure

choose your adventure

8 Hours coverage

12 Hours coverage

4 Hours coverage

International starting at $10,000

  • All of the inclusions listed above in every photo package

  • custom album included

U.S. starting at $5,400

International starting at $7,500

U.S. starting at $4,800

  • All of the inclusions listed above in every photo package

  • custom album included

U.S. starting at $8,000

  • All of the inclusions listed above in every photo package

step two

so...What's next?

step one

step three

step four

A signed contract and retainer payment reserves your date.

Ready to bring your daydream to life? First up, just fill out the contact form and send it my way.

We’ll team up to create your perfect elopement day, planning all the fun activities and timelines together.

You two get to soak in the first best day of your forever, then go on to live your happily ever after.

DOES THIS SOUND ABSOLUTELY PERFECT?

YES let's do it!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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02. HOW MANY IMAGES ARE INCLUDED?

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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04. HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?

A contract and 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)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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