How To Make Your Elopement Larger Than Life With Different Wedding Photography Styles
Whether you’re planning a bold 200-person wedding or an intimate 2-person elopement, capturing photos of your special day is a must — they’re memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime. But there are so many wedding and elopement photographers out there, each offering their own unique style. From the poses they guide you through to how they play with lighting and edit the final images, every photographer brings something different to the table. Some create light, whimsical images, while others lean into dark, moody aesthetics. Some excel at perfectly posed portraits, while others thrive in a documentary-style approach. Let’s dive into the different wedding photography styles to help you find the perfect vibe for your elopement.
Types of Wedding Photography Styles
First things first: what are the different types of wedding photography styles and how can they enhance your small celebration or elopement? Here’s the breakdown:
1. Traditional
Traditional wedding photography focuses on classic, posed portraits and group shots. This style emphasizes timelessness and ensures that all key moments — like the first kiss, cake-cutting, and family portraits — are beautifully captured. Photographers often guide couples and guests into carefully arranged poses to create polished, formal images.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Ensures you have all the must-have shots.
Great for couples who want a mix of posed and candid images.
Perfect for preserving family traditions, even in a smaller setting.
2. Documentary-Style
This style is all about capturing the day as it unfolds, with minimal posing or interference. Photographers focus on candid moments, genuine emotions, and the little details that tell the story of your day. The result is a collection of authentic, unscripted memories.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Captures the natural flow of a small, intimate celebration.
Focuses on real emotions and connections.
Great for couples who want a relaxed, unposed feel.
3. Light and Airy
This style is all about soft, romantic tones and a dreamy, ethereal feel. Photographers who specialize in light and airy photography often use natural light to create bright, glowing images with minimal shadows. They may guide you into gentle, relaxed poses that feel effortless and elegant, capturing the joy and tenderness of your day.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Enhances the intimacy of small, outdoor settings.
Creates a timeless, romantic aesthetic.
Perfect for couples who want a soft, storybook vibe.
4. Dark and Moody
Dark and moody photography leans into rich, dramatic tones and high contrast. This style often uses shadows and unique lighting to evoke emotion and depth. Photographers may focus on candid moments, capturing raw, unscripted emotions in a way that feels cinematic and powerful.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Adds a sense of drama to intimate moments.
Highlights the natural beauty of unique locations.
Perfect for couples who want bold, artistic images.
5. Fine Art
Fine art wedding photography is highly stylized and creative, often resembling editorial or magazine-quality images. Photographers in this style pay close attention to composition, lighting, and details, creating images that feel like works of art. They may incorporate unique angles, textures, and carefully curated poses to craft a visually stunning gallery.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Elevates the elegance of a small celebration.
Perfect for couples who value artistic, high-end imagery.
Works beautifully in scenic or architecturally striking locations.
6. Cinematic
Cinematic wedding photography is inspired by the look and feel of movies, with dramatic compositions, storytelling, and a focus on movement. Photographers often use creative angles, dynamic lighting, and post-production techniques to create images that feel like stills from a film. This style is perfect for couples who want their photos to feel larger-than-life.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Adds a sense of grandeur to even the smallest celebrations.
Perfect for couples who want a storytelling approach.
Works beautifully in dramatic or unique locations.
7. Adventurous
Adventurous wedding photography is all about capturing couples in breathtaking, often remote locations. Think mountaintops, forests, beaches, or even deserts. Photographers in this style embrace the natural surroundings and often incorporate wide-angle shots to highlight the landscape. This style is perfect for couples who love the outdoors and want their wedding photos to reflect their adventurous spirit.
Why it works for elopement photography:
Perfect for couples who want to tie the knot in nature.
Highlights the beauty of unique, off-the-beaten-path locations.
Great for creating epic, one-of-a-kind images.
Questions To Ask
Choosing the right photographer for your elopement or small celebration is all about understanding their style and how they work. Here are some key questions and areas to focus on during your conversation to make sure you pick the best person to bring your vision to life.
Understand Their Style
How would you describe your photography style?
What inspires your approach to elopement photography?
Can you show me a full gallery from a past elopement or micro wedding?
At Celeste Drake Photography, I lean into documentary-style photography for elopements and small weddings because it captures the intimacy of the day perfectly. And while the vibe of your images will depend on things like your vision and venue, typically, my clients enjoy the light and airy editing style that comes through.
Experience with Elopements
Have you photographed elopements or micro weddings before?
What do you love about capturing smaller celebrations?
How do you adapt your approach for intimate events?
I’ve had the privilege of photographing many elopements and micro weddings, and I love how these smaller celebrations allow me to focus on the raw emotions and personal details. My approach is always tailored to the couple, ensuring your story shines through in every image.
Working with Couples
How do you help couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?
Do you guide us with posing, or do you prefer a candid approach?
How do you personalize your work to reflect our story?
I know being in front of the camera can feel a little awkward, so I focus on creating a relaxed, fun environment. I’ll guide you at first, but then I’ll step back to capture those candid, unscripted moments that truly reflect your connection.
Logistics and Planning
Do you help with location scouting for elopements?
How do you handle lighting in outdoor or remote locations?
What’s your plan for unpredictable weather or other challenges?
From scouting the perfect location to working with natural light, I’m here to make sure your elopement photography is seamless. Rainstorm in the middle of your vows? We’ll turn it into a romantic, cinematic moment you’ll never forget. Whatever Mother Nature throws our way, I’ll help you embrace it and make it part of your story.
Packages and Deliverables
What’s included in your elopement photography package?
How many hours of coverage do you recommend for an elopement?
When can we expect to receive our photos?
At Celeste Drake Photography, my elopement photography package is designed for small celebrations, with flexible coverage options and a focus on capturing every meaningful moment. It includes elopement day coverage and day-of portraits, as well as a styled, professionally edited engagement session with all photos delivered through an online gallery. For traditional micro weddings, I also offer a package that includes getting ready shots, first looks, ceremony and reception coverage, and portraits.
Am I the Los Angeles Elopement Photographer You’ve Been Looking For?
If you’re planning an elopement or small celebration in Los Angeles and want a photographer who will capture the real, unfiltered moments of your day, we might be a great fit. I’m all about creating a relaxed, stress-free experience so you can focus on what matters most… each other. Whether it’s a quiet ceremony on the beach, a mountaintop adventure, or a cozy backyard celebration, I’ll be there to document it in a way that feels true to you. Let’s connect and see if I’m the right photographer to tell your story!
