Choosing the right team is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your elopement. These questions will help you find the professionals who match your vision.
1. Will we know who our photographer and officiant will be before we book?
Some services assign your team after you book; others introduce them up front. Ask to see your specific photographer’s full galleries, not just highlights. Make sure you also get a sense of your officiant’s voice and personality—they set the tone of your vows and appear in every ceremony photo.
2. How do we judge the photos on a website?
The photos on a website can come from many different photographers, so ask whose work you're seeing. Look past any strong graphics in the website's design to the photographs themselves: the light, the skin tones, the composition.
3. Which photography style suits us?
Fine art photography is composed and gently directed, with soft, luminous light. Other approaches range from candid and unposed, to high contrast, to dark and moody. Review full galleries to see which style resonates most with you.
4. Where, and at what time of day?
The right setting defines the feel of your day. If you choose a public space, ask how your team selects locations and timing to avoid crowds and unwelcome surprises. If you'd prefer a unique or private venue, ask if they can help you source and secure a location.
5. Will we need a permit, and who handles it?
Permit requirements and costs vary widely across Southern California—ranging from $0 to hundreds of dollars for certain parks or iconic landmarks. Ask how their service helps you navigate permit costs and paperwork.
6. Are florals included?
Ask whether flowers are included and how they reach your ceremony. Sourcing and picking up your own florals can be time consuming.
7. How do we obtain our marriage license?
Ask what guidance their service provides before your appointment, and who handles filing the license after the ceremony. You can obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk or from a notary.
Ready to check your date?