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The term “Elopement” has become extremely popular since covid. What is an elopement? Why do people do it? What are some of the best places to elope and how do you even pack for it? These are only some of the many questions that come up when you mention the term elopement! I’m Heidi and I’m a destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Minnesota. I am passionate about elopements and documenting love stories all over the world! I’ve created this post to help answer some of these questions. So let’s dive right in!

Elopement

Elopement couple standing on a cliff on top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park

If you’re a future bride looking for the perfect wedding venue to have your special day at – look no further! Ahavah Cottage is a cozy, modern wedding venue located only an hour from the Twin Cities in Elysian, Minnesota! Enjoy this overview of an Ahavah Cottage Wedding by Heidi Straus Photography.

Ahavah Cottage Wedding Venue

Wedding Party in Black and White at the Ahavah Cottage Wedding Venue in Minnesota

Wondering what activities to do on your elopement day? Look no further! I’ve created this guide to share The Top 10 Elopement Day Activities to make your experience an absolute epic one!

Top 10 Elopement Day Activities

Destination Wedding in Italy

If you’re wondering where to elope in South Dakota, I’ve created the perfect guide for you! South Dakota is one of the most underrated places to elope in the US! It’s absolutely beautiful and has so much to offer! Let’s dive right in!

Where to Elope in South Dakota

Destination Wedding in the Black Hills National Forrest in South Dakota

If you’re struggling to find a beautiful, luxurious wedding venue for your special day in Minnesota- look no further! These are my absolute top 10 favorite luxurious wedding venues in Minnesota!

Top 10 Stunning Wedding Venues in Minnesota 2024

Italy Destination Wedding

If you’re considering getting married at the Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater, look no further! This venue is absolutely beautiful! I had the honor of photographing Jordan and Isabella’s wedding there and I cannot recommend this place enough!

Oak Glen Golf Club Wedding in Stillwater

Beautiful outdoor summer wedding ceremony in Stillwater, Minnesota between two willow trees with a lake in the background

Looking for the best engagement photo locations in Minneapolis? Look no further! I’ve created this guide to show you some of the best spots in and around Minneapolis where I take all my couples who are recently engaged! If that’s you, congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting time! I’m Heidi- A professional wedding and elopement photographer based in Minneapolis! Let’s dive right in!

Best Engagement Photo Locations In Minneapolis

Best engagement photo locations in Minneapolis

It can be hard to know whether or not you’re booking a professional wedding photographer and not just a hobbyist! The reason this is true is because you don’t technically need any degree or certification to become a photographer! Any person with a camera nowadays call themselves a photographer…and sure.. they are. But how do you know if they’re a professional who knows what they’re doing? How do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? I’ve created this guide to help you know if you’re booking a professional wedding photographer or not. Let’s dive right in!

How to Know if You’re Booking a Professional Wedding Photographer

Professional wedding photography of a bride and her bridesmaids walking across the Stillwater bridge in Minnesota as the sun is setting

So you’re wondering how on earth do you choose the right elopement photographer for your awesome adventure? The struggle can be real! Seriously! With elopements becoming so popular after covid and thousands of people with a camera claiming to be an elopement photographer, it’s hard to be sure you’re getting what you pay for! That’s why I’ve created this guide to help you choose the right elopement photographer for your epic elopement adventure! Not just ANY elopement photographer, but the right one for you! let’s get started!

How to Choose the Right Elopement Photographer

Arizona Elopement couple on Devil's Bridge in Sedona.

Dear future Bride, if you want some super helpful tips for your wedding day from a professional wedding photographer who’s seen it all, this is for you! A wedding photographer is your absolute best friend when it comes to wedding tips! They often act as the wedding planner, emergency go-to, wedding co-ordinator, hype person and so much more! So your first tip right off the bat – Trust your wedding photographer! They know what’s up! So let’s dive right in to my top tips for brides from a professional wedding photographer! (That’s me by the way, I’m Heidi- Nice to meet you! 🙂 )

Top Tips for Brides from a Professional Wedding Photographer

Beautiful, simple wedding day details, including wedding heels, white flowers and rings