3 Hour Elopement | WA State Capitol Building

Elopements come in many forms -Something I really love about photographing elopements! Not every elopement needs full-day coverage, an eight-mile hike, or a "granola" vibe. You can keep it short, simple, and elegant — and still truly elope.

Alexandra & Ryan planned a super simple day, they love marble and grand architecture as well as the serenity that comes from the woods, so they included both in their day, and only needed 3 hours of coverage to complete the itinerary!

Season: Spring

Locations: Washington State Capitol Building + a near by woodland trail

Time: Midday

We started coverage here! Starting at the Capitol means I wasn't there to capture any of their morning or getting ready time, you would likely need more coverage time for that.

After some beautiful photos and time spent there, we packed ourselves back into our cars and set out for our next location! They really wanted to say their own private vows in the woods, alone, no audience, no judge, or officiant, just the two of them. And they did exactly that!

20 minute drive, we only hiked for about 3-5 minutes before finding the perfect little spot. There was no one around, we were sheltered from the 80 degree heatwave, the birds were singing in the trees, it was the most special little space!

Emotional heart felt vows in the woods. Only the two of them know what was said that day!

Absolute cuties!

Photography coverage ended here but their celebration did not. After this they drove up to Seattle to meet their families, got legally married at the court house, and had a special dinner with their family. They weren't personally a fan of how the courthouse looked in photos, and didn't need photos of them eating, so they had no photo needs beyond the woods. And that's perfectly fine!

If you want a day that looks like this, it is very possible and very easy to plan.

Here are some ways you can switch it up:

-Include getting ready coverage.

-Include a few family members for the entire journey.

-Get legally married at one of these locations if you aren't a fan of the courthouse office setting. (Remember I am ordained and can legally get you married, you just need witnesses! Or have a friend marry you.)

-Add one more activity such as cutting cake, popping champagne, a first dance under twinkling lights, or go to the beach for sunset photos.

-Include dinner and maybe even toasts in your coverage time. Specifically for those who are including friends and family. Dinner at a table in the middle of a restaurant might not be ideal, however if you've reserved a small space for your group this could be very special! It doesn't have to be super fancy either, it could be pizza or your favorite take out at a picnic bench at a scenic look out. Endless possibilities, I'm here to help you plan the best day ever!