2024 Elopement Photographer Recap

Oh wow, what an insane and insanely awesome year I’ve had! My 2024 Elopement Photographer Recap post is all about sharing the highlights and the lowlights of my life and travels. This year’s highlights far outweigh any hardships, even though I was living out of my car for a while there. Okay, let me explain.

Big Moves in 2024

For the last three years, my partner and I have lived full time in an RV traveling the western USA. We’ve traveled over 20,000 miles since 2021, but this year brought a big change. In March, we began our move to New Zealand. My partner secured a job and we bought cars and made many friends, some of whom are cats. However, by the time the job offer came through, it was already time for me to return to the USA to shoot the couples who had booked me before my big move. We returned to the USA in August, and I begun 4 phases of what I’m calling “Lucy’s insane road trip 2024”. The camper was now for sale, so I did the road trip out of my car instead. The first thing I did was get a colossal nosebleed. So big, that I haven’t had another all year. One and done.

New Zealand Life

While in New Zealand, I began volunteering with Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and Save The Kiwi, two incredible organizations (full of incredible people!) doing amazing work to preserve natural spaces and species in NZ. Getting to help with relocating North Island Brown Kiwi to their new wild homes was a once in a lifetime experience. Except that I KNOW I’ll be back to do it again in 2025! I’m planning to spend much more time volunteering there and develop a photography tour for them in 2025. You know, right after I secure a place to live.

Elopement Recap Spring 2024

I did publish a few more blog posts earlier this year, which proved to be helpful for those planning elopements in 2025 and 2026. First up was 15 most beautiful and unique places to elope in the US. Since I’ve been all over – truly, I’m so lucky to have visited hundreds of amazing places – I thought I’d round up a list of offbeat spots. I also focused on this guide specifically for ADA accessible elopement locations. Check these out and send them to someone you know who is in the dreaming & scheming phase of elopement planning.

Elopement Photographer 2024 Road Trip Phase 1

We arrived in Los Angeles and then flew to Las Vegas where we picked up our vehicles we’d stashed with family, and drove to Utah, as one does. My husband stayed in our RV in Utah, while I drove solo to Seattle, stopping briefly to hug and brunch with my old friend Cyrus in Boise. I stopped in Smith Rock, Oregon, for a great sunset. I’d packed a ton of camera equipment, but soon realized I’d only brought 3 shirts, because of who I am as a person. It’s fine, I bought some more. Then, it was fun to second shoot a wedding with a colleague of mine that I’d met at a workshop in Colorado in 2018. Unfortunately, we only got a sweaty selfie after the hot day, instead of when we looked spiffy rolling up. Ah, regrets.

Washington National Parks Trip – North Cascades

I had visited Washington once before in 2013, but until this summer I hadn’t ever visited the 3 National Parks that are tucked into the northwest corner. My solo trip saw me sleeping in my car most nights, but I’m genetically at least 50% dirtbag (on my mom’s side) so I didn’t mind. North Cascades was a little smoky, and the clouds obscured Mt Baker from a clear view. It’s fine, I just drove 1,200 miles to see clouds. I’m totally over it and hold no resentment whatsoever. Also, this may be just a peeve of mine, but I found the man-made dam creating Diablo Lake to be quite disappointing and unpure.

Olympic National Park Trip

Next up in this 2024 elopement recap was Olympic National Park and it was WET. I packed a lot into my days and saw most of the park, mostly a million gorgeous waterfalls. Notably, I missed out on the mountain views because of you guessed it, low clouds. I did see a few new lifers though, including the Rhinocerous Auklet, Harlequin Duck, and Glaucous Winged Gull, which all sound like totally made-up birds. I also had the pleasure of being stung by bees ON MY ACTUAL BUTT in the famous Hoh Rainforest. Truly an unforgettable experience, but if only they’d had a sticker in the gift shop. “I got stung by bees at the Hoh Rainforest” just has such a great ring to it. Mossyness – 11/10.

Mt Rainier National Park Photographer

I got my timed entry slot for Mt Rainier National Park and still struggled for parking in Paradise, the most popular area of this mountain park. However, I got to see 2/3s of Rainier’s majestic shoulders, which was pretty good considering my progress so far. I hiked a lot and really enjoyed my time. Except for my second day, which was 100% rain and cloud. I truly got so unlucky with the weather in the pacific northwest on my trip. But it was a price I was happy to pay, because all of my clients happily frolicked under the clear skies that I brought them instead.

Recap: Best Oregon Elopement in 2024

No 2024 elopement recap would be complete without.. an elopement! Finally, I made my way down into Oregon to kick off my 2024 elopement season. Alisha & Donald married each other privately on the rim of Crater Lake at sunrise. It was truly one of my favorite days as everything went right for them. They hired the world’s best officiant, @officiantjimmie – my only complaint is that I was no longer the funniest person at the elopement. We took the Crater Lake boat out to wizard island, hiked to a waterfall, ate sandwiches together exhausted in a hotel room, and chased the stars. It was an epic day from start to finish. For additional ‘awww’, read the kind review that Donald left for me:

A few National Parks in between

After that whopper day, I had a ten day break between jobs, so I went back to sleeping in my trusty car. I was able to travel to the Redwoods again to go make friends with more slugs. I visited Mt Shasta and then spent a few days in Yosemite National Park. While in Yosemite, I got altitude sickness when I ascended to Tioga Pass for a hike. I got less than a mile in before I felt all wrong about it and was hating every step. I turned around, and it’s a good thing I did, because the next day when I was feeling better I realized I’d been at the wrong trailhead entirely. Don’t mess with altitude!

A crazy awesome elopement in Mammoth Lakes

Next up was Christy & Matt’s incredible 1.5 day Mammoth Lakes elopement. Mammoth is a place I’ve been to many times, but this couple’s enthusiasm and awe of it made me see it with new eyes. They got married at Convict Lake and then we toured all the locations I’ve been dying to shoot. Shout out to Matt who braved a super hot day in a custom 3 piece suit, and Christy who dodged cow pies, brambles, sand, barbed wire, alkaline flies, and pretty much every other obstacle known to mankind – with grace and a stunning gown. Matt even took the time to write nice things about me on the internet:

Elopement Photographer Road Trip Phase 2

Believe it or not, all that was just Phase 1! I enjoyed a 4 day break in Utah, with personal visits to Cathedral Gorge State Park, Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park, and Kanarraville Falls. Soon I was back on the road, this time I headed to Salt Lake City, Wyoming, the Tetons, and Colorado. In Salt Lake I checked out the Fifth Water hot springs and Antelope Island, adding two Owls to my life list. I also accidentally attended a business meeting in a wetsuit, but that’s a long story.

Wyoming Elopement Time!

I was so excited that it was finally time for Tian & Sydney’s 1.5 day elopement in Grand Teton National Park. It’s one elopement day I’ll never forget. A great sunrise set against the peaks, the rainbow at the ceremony, and cracking jokes all day long with their fun group. We had a pizza party on the roof of Dornan’s, took the Jenny Lake boat tour, and got ALL the great photos.

Colorado Elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park

I headed south from Wyoming and visited my former home state of Colorado, where my friends were practically fighting over me to host me on their couches. Feeling super grateful for my community and circle of friends who don’t let distance come between us. While in Colorado, I slipped in an engagement session at Garden of the Gods and an adventurous mountain boudoir session before Noa & Chloe’s super Gay elopement in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a laid back day with custom longswords/daggers, and tons of HELL YES moments. My cup overfloweth.

Colorado Alumni Sessions

In a crazy twist of events, I had an open Saturday available in Colorado, which NEVER happens. I called up my list of alumni for some “quick” family photos. All said and done, there were 3 dogs (1 kept barfing), 8 children, 15 adults and 8 headshots. Of course, it ended up being the hottest September day EVER, and I had to stop hugging people because of how bad I smelled. I loved saying hi to alumni S&P (Married 2016,), E&B (married 2017), M&J (married 2017), Brittany from 2018, K&N from their 2019 engagement session, J&S from 2020, and Anna Grace and Shawn – Marriage 2025??

A fantastic fall elopement in Aspen

The hot weather ended just in time for Alison and Dale to have the perfect fall elopement day in Aspen on October 2. Their adventurous attitudes brought them to the top of Independence Pass, inside a cave, a short secluded hike to their own ceremony area, and all the mountain views in between. We met up again after dinner to capture the most epic star photos for the last cherry on top. Full disclosure: I saw a bear, lost an earring and pooped four times at this elopement! This concluded phase 2 of my insane 2024 road trip!

Phase 3 of the insane 2024 Elopement Photographer Road Trip

Having already been to Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Wyoming and Colorado, what could possibly come next in phase 3? Well, I went all the way back to the California Redwoods! If you’re thinking, hey, that doesn’t make any geographical sense, you’d be correct. But it doesn’t have to make sense to be totally incredible! On my way through Nevada and California, I stopped at Lassen National Park for my second visit. Someday, I’ll get around to writing an elopement guide for this park.

Redwoods Elopement Photos in 2024

Another dreamboat couple of October 2024 was Ruth & Ryan, who woke up in the pouring rain with grins on their faces. They honestly loved the moody, misty, drizzly and foggy weather for their Redwoods National Park elopement. Ruth had the biggest dress of my entire career, and she was my superhero for toting it around the enchanted forest. The towering trees and rich tones made this a super easy elopement to photograph. And their kindness has extended beyond the big day to this kind review they left for me!

Point Reyes Visit

As I was still road tripping and sleeping in my car between gigs, I had the freedom to tick off bucket list places on my own time. After a few more days in the redwoods, Point Reyes National Seashore was the next stop for me. I thought this place was incredible, and totally deserving of National Park status. Elephant seals, Elk, and coyotes were everywhere. During this visit, I also scored 5 new lifers: Short Billed Gull, Virginia Rail, Golden Crowned Sparrow, Cackling Goode and Pacific Loon. I also got to visit Muir Woods, which was deserted in the late afternoon of an October weekday.

San Francisco Elopement

Last but not least, Alyssa & Matt decided to elope at Samuel P Taylor state park just north of San Francisco. This was a unique location for me and I loved every minute of it! Their carefree nature really came through not only in how much they enjoyed their day but also in their photos. Their dog Riley did steal the show, however, and I mostly have photos of him looking cute everywhere we went. From their sunrise vows on the beach to their lush ceremony in the redwood trees, fancy italian dinner and one of the best sunsets of my career. And it didn’t end there – we even got killer night photos over the Golden Gate Bridge and with the ATLAS comet!

Phase 4 of the 2024 Elopement Recap!

From San Francisco, I drove all the way to Las Vegas in one day. For the record, I do not recommend this. I had a few days to edit the boatload of photos I’d accumulated so far, and then phase 4 began! This time I flew from Vegas to Chicago for my good friend’s 10 year vow renewal. It was so fun to exchange the mountains for the city and challenge myself with new compositions. I also had to keep it chill as we photographed all around the Art Institute, one of Kerry & Rob’s favorite places in the city. That meant no laying on the floor or swearing like a sailor, which is how I normally operate. This was the only difficult part of the whole day. Fun fact – I got to watch this couple meet for the first time, and they even co-officiated my own wedding in 2019.

Indiana Dunes National Park

For my last new park of 2024, I was able to leapfrog from Chicago to Indiana Dunes National Park to round out phase 4! Most people would say this park is overrated. While it doesn’t totally stack up to the majesty of the National Parks of the west, I really enjoyed it! The peak fall colors of late October and good birdwatching sure didn’t hurt. I added the Red-Headed Woodpecker to my life list. I could see some really great photos waiting to be created here.

My 2024 Elopement Awards and Accolades

A lot happened for me this year and my mom says I’m supposed to brag about it in this 2024 elopement recap. I was asked to judge in both Romanian and Brazilian photography competitions, which is always an honor. I also launched my second business, the Elopement Photography Awards, the only photography competition specifically for microweddings and elopements. The response from my community has been amazing, and I’m excited to be continuing growing it in 2025. I also entered some landscape photography competitions and won 3 awards there!

Awards won & publications in 2024

• 1 Fearless Award (my 11th of all time)
• 2 Documentary awards from WPJA
• 17 Spotlight awards from WPJA
• 2 Diamond awards from WPJA
• Second Runner up in the Landscape category from Scenic America’s ‘America The Beautiful’ Photo Contest
• Grand Prize Winner in the Landscape category from National Park Trips
• Honorable mention in the wildlife category from National Park Trips
• Published 1 image of the aurora in a New Zealand coffee table book
• Wrote a travel article for Global Travel tips for first time visitors to Tahiti
• Published an article on Rangefinder on how to become an elopement photographer
• Published an article on Rangefinder on cropping your photos for photo competitions
• Contributed an image to the New York Times article on Kiwi relocation

2024 Elopement Recap in numbers

Whoa baby. Let’s do an elopement photographer recap in the numbers. I had to manually calculate the mileage this year, so please appreciate this list.

• Miles driven:
  Phase 1: 4,475
  Phase 2: 2,610
  Phase 3: 2,287
  Total: 9,372
• Photos edited & given to clients: 9,209
• 5 star reviews: 108
• New Lifers (birds) 45
• Awards received in 2024: 26
• Nights spent sleeping in my car: 22
• Clients served: 19
• Years in business: 15!!!
• Cats pet: 16
• National Parks Visited: 12 (4 new!)
• States visited: 12
• Flights taken: 9
• Nosebleeds: 1

2024 Selfie Section and Behind the Scenes recap!

No 2024 elopement recap would be complete without a whopperload of great faces. The people I get to keep in my life because of their amazing wedding days truly make my world go round. I got to see 2022 alumni Meng & Molly and meet their two cats as they gave me a much needed shower and guest room in California during phase 1. And I shared Indian food with Kacie & Pete for the second time since their 2022 elopement.

What’s next in 2025?

Now that the 2024 Elopement Recap is done, I’m looking ahead to 2025! See my travel schedule for the most updated info. I’m starting 2025 with a desert elopement trip in February that will bring me to Arizona, Southern California, Southern Utah, New Mexico, White Sands, and 3 new National parks: Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, and Big Bend. I’ll be largely based in New Zealand for most of 2025, but I do plan to travel back for a summer trip to serve couples eloping in the American West – may I suggest Glacier National Park? Or, meet me in New Zealand!

-Lucy