What does it even mean to “elope” anymore?
Sure, eloping used to mean getting married in secret somewhere without parental approval and had all sorts of bad connotations with it. Now it means something else entirely.
Now eloping is getting married the way you want to. It’s untraditional. Intimate. It’s still receiving love and support from your family even if they’re not present the day-of. Having an adventure. It’s doing something you love doing together.
My definition: Elopement – an intentional and intimate wedding experience focused on the couple.
How Much Does Elopement Photography Cost in Wisconsin & Minnesota?
One of the biggest misconceptions about elopements is that they're simply a less expensive version of a traditional wedding. While elopements can cost less, that's usually not the reason couples choose them.
The average traditional wedding in the United States costs tens of thousands of dollars once you factor in the venue, catering, bar service, rentals, decorations, entertainment, and everything else that comes with hosting a large event. For many couples, that investment means spending most of their wedding day focused on logistics, timelines, and the experience of their guests.
An elopement offers something different.
Instead of planning a day around a venue and a guest list, you have the freedom to create a wedding experience centered around your relationship. You can exchange vows on the North Shore, spend the day exploring your favorite places together, rent a cozy cabin for the weekend, hike to a scenic overlook, bring along your dog, or simply slow down and enjoy every moment without feeling pulled in a dozen directions.
meet your photographer
Jessie Mae
Based in St. Croix Falls, WI, I photograph elopements throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota including Duluth, the North Shore, Stillwater, Minneapolis, Bayfield, and beyond.
As your Wisconsin elopement photographer, I’m here to do more than capture the day. I’m here to guide when needed, be a steady presence when things feel overwhelming, and help you be in the moment.
Most of my couples tell me they don't know what to do in their photos or that they just want to feel unrushed.
When you work with me, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
your calm presence behind the camera
Can you help us choose an elopement location?
Yes! As your Wisconsin elopement photographer I can provide a shortlist of epic locations in Wisconsin to elope and a some fun activities you could do on your elopement day.
For elopements anywhere else in the USA I'm always happy to help research and provide ideas of where we can go and what we can do. I'm always looking for the next adventure to go on and I'd be so honored to do that with you!
Dream locations
Vail, Colorado
PNW Forests
North Cascades
Florida
Dolomites, Italy
Scotland
Favorite locations
North Shore, MN
Door County, WI
Interstate State Park WI
Duluth, MN
Stillwater, MN
Kohler-Andre State Park, WI
What It Feels Like to Work Together
- A reassuring presence that keeps you relaxed and fully present
- Artful, romantic images to remember the beginning of your marriage
- A storytelling style that blends candid moments with guided posing
- True-to-life photos that will feel just as beautiful decades from now
- A carefully crafted timeline that allows your day to unfold without stress
The Process
1. Inquire
2. Phone Call
3. Book
Fill out my contact form to get started! I'll get some info over to you within 24-48 hours.
Schedule a quick 30 minute phone call to begin planning your elopement and select the best collection for you.
After selecting the collection for your elopement, signing the contract and paying your retainer, you will have officially booked your elopement photographer!
Wisconsin is one of the most underrated places to elope in the Midwest. From the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior to quiet forests, waterfalls, charming small towns, and scenic state parks, there are countless locations that offer a beautiful backdrop for an intentional wedding day.
As a Wisconsin elopement photographer based in St. Croix Falls, I've photographed couples throughout the state and love helping them create a wedding experience that feels true to who they are. Whether you're planning a private ceremony overlooking Lake Superior, exchanging vows among the trees in the Northwoods, exploring the Apostle Islands, or celebrating with a small group of loved ones in a Wisconsin state park, your day deserves to be documented in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
One of the things I love most about Wisconsin elopements is that no two days look the same. Some couples spend the day hiking to a scenic overlook, while others rent a cabin, gather their closest family members, and enjoy a slow, relaxed celebration together. There is no right or wrong way to elope, only the way that feels right for you.
As your Wisconsin elopement photographer, I'll help you create a timeline that allows you to enjoy your day without feeling rushed, offer location suggestions if needed, and document everything from the big moments to the quiet in-between ones you'll want to remember years from now.
Gracie & Josh
Gracie & Josh
"I still find myself coming to tears when I look at my wedding photos, she captured our day so beautifully and authentically. We are so grateful for Jess and the careful attention to detail that she put into our day."
what couples are saying
Photography collections
Let's find the perfect fit for you
WISCONSIN ELOPEMENTS
- Photo coverage ranging 4 hours to multi-day packages
- Complimentary album design
- Sneak peeks within 72 hours
- Full high-resolution & websize images
- Online gallery & printing rights
- No travel fees within WI
4 Hour mini elopements starting at $2200
8 hour elopements starting at $3600
full-day & multi-day packages available
collectionS include:
ANYWHERE IN THE USA ELOPEMENTS
- Photo coverage ranging from 8 hours to multi-day packages
- Complimentary album design
- Sneak peeks within 72 hours
- Full high-resolution & websize images
- Online gallery & printing rights
- No travel fees within the USA
starting at $4200
8 hours, full-day, & multi-day packages available
COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:
Photo + Video collections
for couples who want it all
WISCONSIN ELOPEMENTS
- Photo + Video coverage ranging 8 hours to multi-day packages
- Complimentary album design
- Sneak peeks within 72 hours
- Full high-resolution & websize images
- Online gallery & printing rights
- Highlight film
- Drone coverage (location & weather permitting)
- No travel fees within WI
starting at $5600
8 hours, full-day, & multi-day packages available
collectionS include:
ANYWHERE IN THE USA ELOPEMENTS
- Photo + video coverage ranging from 8 hours to multi-day packages
- Complimentary album design
- Sneak peeks within 72 hours
- Full high-resolution & websize images
- Online gallery & printing rights
- Highlight film
- Drone coverage (location & weather permitting)
- No travel fees within the USA
Starting at $7000
8 hours, full-day, & multi-day packages available
COLLECTIONS INCLUDE:
With an elegant, playful, romantic style, your images will preserve the feel of your wedding day for years to come.
Your elopement is the beginning of your marriage story and every detail that matters to you matters to me.
Never been in front of the camera before? I know what that's like, and I know it's not always the most comfortable thing. Which is why I guide you when needed to help you feel totally at ease.
jessiemaehphotography@gmail.com
Wisconsin elopement photographer
Inquire
Let's get started!
Please fill out the contact form below, and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours with my availability and investment info.
Thank you for getting in touch! We will be in touch soon.
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Frequently asked questions
What is it like working with you?
What do couples say it's like working with you?
Do you help us plan our elopement?
Do you travel outside Wisconsin for elopements?
I highly prioritize communication and we'll be in touch throughout the months leading up to your elopement. Day of I gently direct when needed and just document your day as it happens.
They often say I'm like a good friend that is taking your photos on your elopement day.
YES! Even though I'm a Wisconsin elopement photographer, I love traveling for elopements and would love to chat with you about options!
I can help research things to do, best photo locations, and permits needed. I do not help book any other vendors (hair & make-up, florists, etc.)
Do you offer elopement video?
Yes, I bring on my videographer husband, Andrew, to create a beautiful highlight film to document your day in the way only video can. We view our films as a storytelling documentary style and can add in audio from vows, interviews, and moments during your day to enhance the film. And drone footage where allowed!
Thank you for getting in touch! We will be in touch soon.
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What is considered an elopement?
How many guests can we have?
Do we need a permit?
Can we bring our dog?
A wedding experience completely focused on the couple getting married, not guest experience.
I consider an elopement to be either just the couple, myself, and maybe an officiant up to 25 guests. Any more than that and we end up in traditional wedding territory.
YES! As long as your dog can behave in public, and the location allows pets.
That depends on the location. Sometimes you just need a special event permit, other times we'll need the photo permit too. I can help research this when picking locations.
How far in advance should we book?
Most couples book me 4-12 months in advance. My calendar fills up pretty quick in the fall so if you're looking for a fall elopement I'd say closer to 9-12 months ahead of time. For out of state elopements maybe even closer to 12-15 months.
Thank you for getting in touch! We will be in touch soon.
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Minnesota Elopement Photographer
Minnesota offers some of the most beautiful and diverse elopement locations in the Midwest. Whether you're dreaming of a North Shore elopement overlooking Lake Superior, a quiet ceremony surrounded by pine trees, or an intimate wedding near the St. Croix River, there are endless possibilities for creating a wedding day that feels personal and unforgettable.
As a Minnesota elopement photographer serving couples throughout the state, I love helping couples plan meaningful experiences that focus on what matters most: their relationship. Many of my couples choose to elope because they want a wedding day that feels relaxed, intentional, and centered around their experience rather than a long list of expectations.
Popular Minnesota elopement locations include Duluth, the North Shore, Stillwater, Minneapolis, state parks throughout the region, and the scenic river valleys that make this area so unique. Whether you're planning a sunrise ceremony on the shore of Lake Superior or a simple celebration with a handful of guests, your wedding day deserves to be documented in a way that captures both how it looked and how it felt.
When you work with me, you'll receive more than beautiful photographs. I'll help you navigate location options, create a timeline that allows room to be fully present, and provide guidance throughout the planning process so you can focus on enjoying your wedding day. My goal is to create images that feel genuine, romantic, and true to your story from beginning to end.
