Elopement Photography Investment Guide
2025
Having a wedding day experience where you can truly focus on what matters most: each other and the feels.
Creating a whole day, weekend, or even week where you explore and do things you both enjoy.
Wanting wedding day photos that aren't stiff and posed, but showcase your personalities, and are filled with emotion and life.
Dedicated support throughout your entire wedding planning journey and a safe space to feel all your feels during your wedding day.
What you’re after:
From one hopeless romantic to another — I'm delighted you're considering having me capture your wedding day.
There aren't many couples who are brave enough to spend their wedding day focusing on just them and their experience...
...so if you're reading this, congrats on being pretty badass.
this space is for you.
rule-breakers, risk-takers, earth protectors, and tradition-kicking adventurists Welcome,
I'm here to help you create that kind of wedding day
you've come to the right place.
throw tradition to the wind,
& get all up in your feels
If you're ready to...
oh hey there, nice to meet you!
I’m Donna Marie—the introverted, hella awkward + nerdy, all about the vibes and adventure(ish) soul that you can typically find behind the camera (rather than in front of it). I'm socially awkward when it comes to small talk, but fully invested in conversations of substance.
I'm a video gaming, Netflix-binging, nature-loving artist who resides in the sleepy little town of Adams, NY. I've been lucky enough to call northern New York my home for the last 25+ years, and I'll never get tired of exploring my home state.
I have an obsession with fair trade goods, the environment, Red Bull, and political activism. I'm married to my best friend, Kendell who makes the greatest Bonus Dad to my son, Colton.
I'm here to serve + empower all the introverted, awkward in-front-of-the-lens, adventure(ish) couples who want to have an authentic, non-traditional wedding experience together.
Hey there!
I’m Donna Marie.
I'm always available to my couples. I'll help you dream, scheme, plan, and experience your dream wedding day adventure. You'll get unlimited consults and guidance throughout your wedding planning journey.
With over a decade of experience in documenting love stories, traditional weddings are one way of getting married. But they're not the only way. I specialize helping couples create days that are more you focused.
Having your dream wedding means you may have to stand your ground. Some friends and/or family may feel entitled to be present for your celebration. Nah, friend. Your wedding, your way and I'll go to bat for you. Trust.
Rather than getting a gallery filled with stiff posed photos, you'll get a gallery filled with emotion, movement, and images that reflect your day as it unfolded. Re-live your wedding through your images
While I call New York my home, I have experience helping couples wed worldwide. So whether you want to get married locally or at a far off destination (like Iceland), I've gotchu. I'll help you with all the logistics.
You won't be waiting for months or even weeks for your finished gallery. This is because I'm just as excited as you are to see the edited images. You'll get sneak peeks (roughly 20-50 images) within 24 hours, and a finished gallery within roughly 12 business days.
Let's celebrate in a way that's true to you
Why I’m the one to help.
images delivered in 2024
60k
times I've lost my passport
1
Couples I've worked with
170+
States visited
32
Why should we choose you?
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING...
Real talk, there's a plethora of wedding photographers out there. Browse Insta, Pinterest, or any other social media and you'll soon be overwhelmed with options. I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. But no matter who you decide on, make sure that you feel good about who you're asking to come along with you on an important day.
But, don't just listen to me, listen to some of my past couples.
— Crystal + Meghan | A Keene, NY Elopement
To say that we are obsessed with Donna Marie might be only slightly dramatic. She was so much more than our photographer. She helped us create our perfect elopement. We found her in our search for a woman-owned business that was very LGBTQIA friendly. From the initial contact, donna was responsive, kind, and dedicated to bringing our vision to life. She was artistic, insightful, and logistical. She even provided moral support and some family therapy. Donna Marie is an amazing photographer and even better human being. We can't thank her enough and words could never really express how grateful we are that she so perfectly curated and captured our day and love.
Five Stars are truly NOT enough!
— Robyn + Sam | A Pulaski, NY Elopement
Donna listens and completely gets that the traditions can be both important and overbearing and is so much more than a photographer. The resources and support we received from her - frankly it felt like we were her only clients, although I know that's not the case. The support we received helped keep us in the couple bubble and frankly helped us avoid drama. We are SO grateful we found and were blessed to work with Donna Marie.
Yes, yes, yes! We felt like her only clients!
— Claire + Justin | A Fair Haven, NY Elopement
The moment I spoke to Donna I knew we’d made the right choice by reaching out--she was instantly so invested in capturing our love story and couldn’t be more pleasant to work with. Donna was an amazing resource to have. On the day of the wedding, she took so much time and care to capture each special little detail that mattered to us. My husband and I didn’t have much experience in front of a camera, but Donna made it feel so natural and comfortable for us. She caught so many authentic and genuine moments in the most beautiful and personal way.
Her work is absolutely jaw-dropping!
Love from my past couples
06 Gallery Delivery
Within 24 hours you'll receive a sneak peek gallery of roughly 20-50 images that you're welcome to share with family and friends. Then within 10 business days, you'll receive your full gallery. You'll also get a personal print release to print alllll the things for your home!
05 Wedding Day
It's time to get y'all married! You've handcrafted your wedding day experience and now you get to enjoy it with the love of your life! I'll be there documenting all the things as unobtrusively as possible, watching them as they unfold.
04 Timeline Building
We'll work together in creating the perfect timeline for your wedding that takes advantage of the best light throughout the day. It's not going to be a jam-packed schedule, but rather a day where you and your partner get to enjoy each other fully.
03 Wedding Planning Guidance
I'll be with you every step of the way. From finding your perfect ceremony location, to finding other vendors, and everything in between, I'm a resource at your disposal. I can help walk you through each stage of the planning process.
02 Make it Official
Once you've decided I'm your go-to gal, I'll send over a service proposal and contract for you to review. I do required a signed contract and non-refundable retainer to secure your celebration date. After that the planning fun begins!
01 Let's Chat
We’ll get to know one another, talk about the details of your day, and I'll answer any questions you might have about working with me. By the end of our chat we'll know if we’re the best fit for each other. You should always find someone who is your best fit!
The Process
AN OVERVIEW OF
Think of me as your personal documentary papparazzi. Someone who is low-key there capturing you both being yourselves as you go about your day. I'll never ask you to "look at the camera and smile" because that's just as awkward for me as it is for you.
If having all day coverage of your wedding hasn't crossed your mind, this is your sign to consider it. Don't you deserve to be able to look back on the entire day as it unfolded?
This is not your typical, exhausting, and staged photo session full of forced smiles and frustration. No, this is way different.
If you've looked through my portfolio you have seen the raw, intimate and playful moments I capture. I'm not about those posed shots where I micro-manage you and contort you into poses that just don't feel authentic. We adventure together, we laugh together, and I capture the moments all the while. Your coverage is not an 8-10 hour photo sesh where I prop you up in front of a camera non-stop. Instead, we let the day unfold together.
Why would I want full coverage of my wedding day?
Once you're officially booked, you'll receive access to The Couples' Lounge—a info-packed series of guides, checklists, timeline examples, planning organization PDFs, how-to videos and more to help make the wedding planning process WAY easier so that you can focus on what's really important on your wedding day.
I've been to a wedding or two (or 173 of them) and you get to reap the benefits of my knowledge and expertise.
wedding planning. Made easy.
The Couples' Lounge
Block Island, RI Elopement
Emma + Joey - 4 hours coverage
Salmon River Falls Elopement
Jess + Eli - 10 hours coverage
Lake Placid, NY Winter Elopement
Lawrence + Nick - 8 hours coverage
Recent Work
Lewis County Rainy Day Elopement
Cassie + Josh - 2 hours coverage
Lake George, NY Winter Elopement
Melissa + Devin - 6 hours coverage
Wedding Collections
“The pictures are stunning! She truly loves what she does & it shows!"
—Emma + Jay
$9,000
payment plans available
- Unlimited consults
- "Did We Just Become Best Friends?!" Questionnaire
- Access to The Couples' Lounge
- Vendor recommendations
- Location Scouting
- Required Permit/License Education
- Two-8 hour (consecutive) days of coverage
- Prompting + Posing guidance
- At least one 10 second dance party
- Travel within New York State
- Officiant services, if desired
- Sneak peek gallery within 24 hours
- Full gallery of hi-res digital images within 10 business days
- Personal print release and social media sharing release
You're planning a wedding experience to kick off (or end) an extended stay in a place you love;
You want to go/do/see many things for your celebration (e.g., helicopter ride, hike(s), etc.);
You want stunning photos of you and your partner in places that are not only beautiful, but are meaningful to you.
If a one day celebration just isn't enough for what you have in mind, this collection includes coverage across two days. You can opt to have your ceremony on one day, and then an extended adventure session together the other.
Turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend with two days of coverage. You can also mix it up and do one 12 hour day, and one 4 hour day.
The Wayfarer
You're drawn to the idea of telling your full wedding day story;
You want to take more time throughout the day in just being present with your partner;
You want to include a longer hike (or activity) on your wedding day.
Because your celebration is more significant than a couple hours of "quick pics". This package includes coverage for up to 10 hours on your wedding day.
Tell the full story of your wedding experience, and have the photos to share.
The Roamer
“We have beautiful pictures that we are so happy with!"
—Poy + David
$5,500
payment plans available
- 2 hour engagement session
- Unlimited consults
- "Did We Just Become Best Friends?!" Questionnaire
- Access to The Couples' Lounge
- Vendor recommendations
- Location Scouting
- Required Permit/License Education
- 10 hours day of coverage
- Prompting + Posing guidance
- At least one 10 second dance party
- Travel within New York State
- Officiant services, if desired
- Sneak peek gallery within 24 hours
- Full gallery of hi-res digital images within 10 business days
- Personal print release and social media sharing release
You want to enjoy a private morning or evening with just your partner;
You're interested crafting a wedding day adventure, but aren't interested in a sun up to sun-down affair;
Ready to tell your love story authentically.
If full-day coverage feels a bit long, this package is for you. Get all the details of your wedding day experience, while having the morning, or evening to yourselves. This package includes coverage for up to 8 hours on your wedding day.
The Journey
“Our day was magical and the photos we have capturing it will be part of our lives forever now."
—Christine + Dillon
$5,000
payment plans available
- 1 hour engagement session
- Unlimited consults
- "Did We Just Become Best Friends?!" Questionnaire
- Access to The Couples' Lounge
- Vendor recommendations
- Location Scouting
- Required Permit/License Education
- 8 hours day of coverage
- Prompting + Posing guidance
- At least one 10 second dance party
- Travel within New York State
- Officiant services, if desired
- Sneak peek gallery within 24 hours
- Full gallery of hi-res digital images within 10 business days
- Personal print release and social media sharing release
You're not wanting full day coverage;
You want to include a small adventure either before or after your ceremony;
Want to focus on a few key events on your wedding day.
If you're wanting a little more coverage versus the 4 hour package, but not a full 8 hour day, this package is for you! This package works best for couples who are wanting to focus on a few key moments during their wedding day while including a small adventure together.
The Story
“The photographs that we received back are sincerely gorgeous and we have found our forever photographer!"
—Jessica + Lance
$4,500
payment plans available
- 30 minute engagement session
- Unlimited consults
- "Did We Just Become Best Friends?!" Questionnaire
- Access to The Couples' Lounge
- Vendor recommendations
- Location Scouting
- Required Permit/License Education
- 6 hours day of coverage
- Prompting + Posing guidance
- At least one 10 second dance party
- Travel within 90 miles of Adams, NY
- Officiant services, if desired
- Sneak peek gallery within 24 hours
- Full gallery of hi-res digital images within 10 business days
- Personal print release and social media sharing release
You're interested in a super-low key affair;
You're planning on or interested in a celebration in my local area;
Want to avoid peak season/day pricing but still get photos you'll love for a lifetime.
If you're looking for a weekday experience and to capture the highlights of your elopement day, this package is for you. Opt for a celebration during the week (Monday through Thursday) in my local area and save on your budget. Get 4 hours of coverage to capture the memories as they happen.
The Micro
SHUT. THE. FRONT. DOOR. Donna Marie made our Vegas elopement dreams come true. We can't stop staring at our gallery!!
—Neta + Mickey
$2,500
payment plans available
- Unlimited consults
- "Did We Just Become Best Friends?!" Questionnaire
- Access to The Couples' Lounge
- Vendor recommendations
- Location Scouting
- Required Permit/License Education
- 4 hours day of coverage
- Prompting + Posing guidance
- At least one 10 second dance party
- Travel within 60 miles of Adams, NY
- Officiant services, if desired
- Sneak peek gallery within 24 hours
- Full gallery of hi-res digital images within 10 business days
- Personal print release and social media sharing release
$700
hOURLY eVENT pRICING
If you're looking for 1-3 hours coverage, I do offer hourly pricing for non-peak months (Nov-March) or Sunday-Thursday.
Add a home-movie style video to capture your elopement day details. Please note that audio (such as vow readings) is not captured.
Meghan + Taylor | Wed
Victoria + Mitchell | Wed
4-7 Minute Highlight Video - $750
While I typically work alone during the majority of my couples' elopements, if you'd like a second photographer to come along, we can absolutely do that! There is a 4 hour minimum for booking a second.
Second Photographer - $100/hr
If you're opting for The Micro, but you're thinking about a location that's outside of the 60 mile boundary, this is for you. Final price is determined by location.
Extended Travel - starting at $100
Capture some motion to your day! Add some GIFs to your gallery!
3 GIFs - $250
If you'd like to extend your wedding day coverage by an hour or two, you can absolutely do that.
Extended Coverage - $700/hr
Optional Add-Ons
If you're thinking about going on an adventure for your elopement and want a nerdy photog to tag along, I'm more than ready. Especially if you're headed to one of my bucket list locations.
+ Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
+ Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
+ La Push Beach, Washington
+ Machu Picchu, Peru
+ Las Vegas, Nevada
+ Death Valley National Park, Nevada
ya girl has her bags packed, and passport ready
Travel Bucket List
+ Manila, Philippines
+ The Dolomites, Italy
+ Mount Cook, New Zealand
+ Barcelona, Spain
Location: Vik, Iceland
Frequently Asked Questions
Galleries typically include anywhere between 400 and 800 photos. The exact amount varies from wedding to wedding and your coverage. Your online gallery will come loaded with all the best, fully edited high-resolution images you can print anywhere. A safe estimate is roughly 50 images per hour of coverage.
Freakin' amazingggggg! The next step is to schedule a chat so we can make sure we're a good fit for one another. After that, I do require a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer of $1000. The remaining balance will be split into two payments. One "mid-project" payment that falls on the date exactly between your date of booking and your celebration date, and the final payment 15 days prior to your wedding day.