When I see the title ‘Elopement enquiry’ in my emails, I get excited and the creative side of my brain suddenly races off on tangents; where might I be going; a foreign city or an adventurous landscape, what does this couple want to do; road trip across Scotland or climb in the Lakes and what’s their story?

Documenting such an intimate event is always so incredibly fun as well, is that a cliche? Probably, yeah but nonetheless is the gods honest truth. I love being presented with just the couple, the landscape and a blank canvas to capture your story. I’m a visual person, not a wordsmith but I find it really easy to articulate what an elopement means to me, in 3 words it’s, intimacy, adventure and creativity and I express this in my elopement films.

Being an elopement videographer

I’m sure you’re well aware that on the day, it’s typically you, me, your photographer and maybe a celebrant or registrar and we all work closely on the day. I’m with you from start to finish, but I bring more than just the vision for the film, I’ve been the driver, navigator, fellow lodger in your accommodation, a witness and have helped write personal vows on occasion too. It’s important you not only trust me, but you get on with me too.

Capturing the special moments and celebrations from your day on film is special to me, I know you’re really exited to share your film with your family and friends and also look back on it too, but to be one of just a few people you’ve chosen to come along on the journey, is an honour and a privilege.

‘Do you do anything differently for an elopement to a typical wedding?’

That’s a great question, essentially no, my approach to filming is always the same, I look for good moments, good light and good composition. Audio is key, that doesn’t change but what I use for elopements does differ to the typical wedding. There are no speeches so I always recommend doing personal vows, they’re similar to traditional speeches but they’re more personal and intimate, almost like declarations of love, which work really well. I may suggest interviews as well, where the couple can share their journey from first glance of acquaintance to today or even a poem or reading that’s special to them. The opportunities are endless.

‘Do you travel?’

Yes, anywhere you’d like to go! Travel is also charged at cost only.

‘What equipment do you use?’

My approach is very minimalist, for two reasons, creatively, it’s less intimidating, it’s often just me, my camera and a small backpack. Secondly, being portable is so important, we could be doing anything, scaling a hill or walking around a city so I need to be able to move about quickly and not be weighed down. I often come with 2 cameras, a few lenses, my drone and a travel tripod.

‘How much do you charge?’

My elopement commissions vary dramatically from a few day to a few hours, from just the couple to immediate family, some local, some in remote places. It’s very difficult to create packages to fit each scenario, so each elopement is bespoke and tailored to the couples plans and requirements. Typically though my elopements include a 2-4 minute film, the ceremony in full and also a private gallery to view your film(s) or a bespoke USB.

‘How do I book you as my elopement videographer?’

If you’d like to book me, I’d draft up a contract that’s all done and signed online. I also take a booking fee that secures your booking. Everything from enquiry to video chat to contract can be done remotely for those couples overseas. I’m always happy to meet couples face to face if they’re local to Yorkshire.

What would the next steps be?

In the lead up to your adventure elopement, I’d spend time to get to know you and vice versa, we’d also discuss your plans a few times, work out what your day looks like, what you’d like to do and where you’d like to go. On the day though, things work best when they’re not too structured, travelling can take longer or the weather could interrupt so I think it’s important to approach the day with an open mind and have some degree of flexibility with the time we have.

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