I was thrilled to photograph Yu and Brian’s Hunterdon County Courthouse elopement. Yu and Brian’s elopement reminds me why I love photographing small weddings. There’s no performance pressure and family photos don’t last for hours. Just two people making it official, surrounded by the people who matter most. My job is to stay present to catch the real moments without directing them into poses.

Planning an Elopement in 24 Hours

It seemed that fate had a hand in bringing Yu, Brian and I together. When they reached out, the stars aligned and I had a rare Saturday in May date open on my calendar. So we made all the arrangements to work together over the course of the next 24 hours. Elopements are fun and exciting because they’re often very last minute, because in the world of wedding planning, nine months ahead can feel “last minute.”It’s really fun when the planning falls into place so fast.

Two Hours of Coverage: What it Actually Includes

We decided that two hours of coverage would be just right.We’d capture the ceremony, signing of documents in the Clerk’s Office, family portraits in Flemington’s Court Street Park, and a quick stop at their brand new home. When couples ask what two hours of elopement coverage includes, I tell them: ceremony, the paperwork, family portraits, and time for them to breathe and enjoy some portraits, just the two of them. With Yu and Brian, we didn’t rush. We had space to capture them in the courthouse, walk the around the park and the historic courthouse spaces, and get to their new home. We hit all the important moments of the wedding, and they had plenty of time to be present in the moment.

Whether you’re planning something polished and elegant (like Yu and Brian did) or more casual and low-key, a courthouse elopement with the right photographer makes all the difference. I’ll be your sounding board for timing, logistics and vendors as well as your support person throughout the day.

The Details Make it Special

Yu was the epitome of elegance in a beaded sheath gown from White House Bride. My favorite touch? The pop of persimmon suede Jimmy Choo heels peeking out from under the hem. And here’s a hot elopement tip from Yu: Costco makes beautiful bouquets!

Planning to tie the knot? Let’s talk about your elopement.

Gown: White House Bride. Florals: Costco. Venue: Flemington Borough Park via Hunterdon County Clerks Office. Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo