How far in advance should we book our elopement?

Most couples book 4 to 8 months in advance, though last-minute availability occasionally exists. If you have a specific date or fall foliage location in mind, booking early ensures your first choice.

What happens if it rains on our elopement day?

Rain makes for incredibly moody and romantic photos. I always come prepared and encourage couples to embrace the weather. If severe weather is forecast, we can discuss rescheduling options.

What is the best time of year for a Hudson Valley elopement?

Every season has its magic. Fall is most popular for foliage. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls. Summer offers lush green forests and long golden hours. Winter elopements in the snow are stunningly dramatic.

Can you also film our elopement?

Yes. I offer combined photo and video packages for elopements. Having one team handle both means seamless coordination and a more intimate experience.

Catskills elopement couple walking hand in hand through a lush meadow with panoramic Catskill Mountain views, Hudson Valley elopement photographer

Hudson Valley & Catskills Elopement Photographer

Hudson Valley elopement couple walking with their dog through the gardens at Arnold House venue, Catskills wedding photographer — Hudson Valley elopement couple walking with their dog through the gardens at Arnold House venue

Catskills elopement couple standing among towering forest trees in a moody portrait, Hudson Valley elopement photographer — Catskills elopement couple standing among towering forest trees in a moody portrait

Intimate Catskills elopement portrait of bride and groom sitting together among ferns in a lush forest, Hudson Valley elopement photographer — Intimate Catskills elopement portrait of bride and groom sitting together among ferns in a lush forest

Hudson Valley micro wedding couple walking across rocky cliffs overlooking the Hudson River at Cold Spring, Hudson Valley wedding photographer — Hudson Valley micro wedding couple walking across rocky cliffs overlooking the Hudson River at Cold Spring

Hudson Valley micro wedding ceremony under a draped fabric arch on the banks of the Hudson River in Cold Spring, intimate elopement photographer — Hudson Valley micro wedding ceremony under a draped fabric arch on the banks of the Hudson River in Cold Spring

Hudson Valley elopement ceremony in a golden autumn meadow with officiant, bride in dark gown holding bouquet, intimate fall elopement photographer — Hudson Valley elopement ceremony in a golden autumn meadow with officiant

Hudson Valley winter elopement couple standing on a snow-covered red bridge outside a historic stone manor venue, intimate elopement photographer — Hudson Valley winter elopement couple standing on a snow-covered red bridge outside a historic stone manor venue

Close-up portrait of a bride with flowing blonde hair during a Hudson Valley elopement at golden hour, Catskills wedding photographer — Close-up portrait of a bride with flowing blonde hair during a Hudson Valley elopement at golden hour

Hudson Valley elopement bride in a flowing white gown walking among spring trees with a wildflower bouquet, Catskills elopement photographer — Hudson Valley elopement bride in a flowing white gown walking among spring trees with a wildflower bouquet

Hudson Valley elopement bride getting ready wearing a braided crown headpiece and holding a soft pink floral bouquet, intimate elopement photography — Hudson Valley elopement bride getting ready wearing a braided crown headpiece and holding a soft pink floral bouquet

Adorable toddler in a white dress wearing a floral crown during a Hudson Valley family elopement, intimate wedding photographer Catskills — Adorable toddler in a white dress wearing a floral crown during a Hudson Valley family elopement

Hudson Valley family elopement groom kneeling to greet a young child in a flower garden with children in suits, intimate family wedding photographer — Hudson Valley family elopement groom kneeling to greet a young child in a flower garden with children in suits

Catskills elopement groom in beige suit reading vows to bride surrounded by golden fall foliage in the forest, Hudson Valley fall elopement photographer — Catskills elopement groom in beige suit reading vows to bride surrounded by golden fall foliage in the forest

Catskills elopement bride smiling in an off-shoulder lace wedding gown among golden autumn leaves, Hudson Valley fall elopement photographer — Catskills elopement bride smiling in an off-shoulder lace wedding gown among golden autumn leaves

Hudson Valley elopement portrait of a joyful partner laughing in a navy blazer against lush greenery, inclusive LGBTQ+ elopement photographer Catskills — Hudson Valley elopement portrait of a joyful partner laughing in a navy blazer against lush greenery

Two brides laughing together at a Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ elopement inside an intimate restaurant venue, inclusive Hudson Valley elopement photographer — Two brides laughing together at a Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ elopement inside an intimate restaurant venue

Catskills elopement couple sharing a first kiss standing on moss-covered rocks surrounded by lush forest ferns, Hudson Valley forest elopement photographer — Catskills elopement couple sharing a first kiss standing on moss-covered rocks surrounded by lush forest ferns

Two brides holding hands exchanging vows beside a waterfall in the Catskills forest, intimate LGBTQ+ elopement photographer Hudson Valley — Two brides holding hands exchanging vows beside a waterfall in the Catskills forest

Catskills waterfall elopement couple reading vows on moss-covered rocks beside a cascading waterfall, Hudson Valley elopement photographer — Catskills waterfall elopement couple reading vows on moss-covered rocks beside a cascading waterfall

Catskills elopement couple walking hand in hand down a sunlit forest trail surrounded by golden fall foliage, Hudson Valley fall elopement photographer — Catskills elopement couple walking hand in hand down a sunlit forest trail surrounded by golden fall foliage

Hudson Valley elopement couple sharing an intimate embrace in a wildflower meadow at Arnold House, Catskills elopement photographer Joshua Brown — Hudson Valley elopement couple sharing an intimate embrace in a wildflower meadow at Arnold House

ELOPEMENT PACKAGES

Elopements start at $2,000

Just the two of you, a meaningful location, and a photographer who will make the whole experience feel easy. Every elopement package includes ceremony coverage, portraits, and a fully edited online gallery delivered within 48 hours.

Full-Day Elopement — $3,500

Sunrise hike, ceremony at the summit, portraits at sunset — or whatever your full day looks like. Ideal for adventurous couples who want to make a whole day of it. 400+ edited images. Perfect for intimate weddings with up to 20 guests. See full pricing details →

Location Scouting

We know the Hudson Valley and Catskills better than almost anyone. We’ll help you find the perfect spot — whether you want a dramatic ridgeline, a waterfall, a field of wildflowers, or a quiet forest clearing.

Officiant Services — Available Add-On

Need someone to legally marry you? We can connect you with a trusted officiant who handles everything from the marriage license paperwork to the ceremony script. Add $500.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Every Hudson Valley elopement package includes the following — no hidden fees, no surprise add-ons.

Ceremony & Portrait Coverage

Full coverage of your ceremony and as many portrait locations as your time allows. We move efficiently so you can enjoy your day, not just photograph it.

Fully Edited Online Gallery

Every image is individually edited — not batch-processed. Sneak peek within 48 hours. Full gallery delivered in 1–2 weeks (faster than most). High-resolution downloads included.

POPULAR HUDSON VALLEY ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Dramatic cliff-top views over the Shawangunk Ridge. Sky Lakes, carriage roads through pine barrens, and swimming holes. One of the most spectacular elopement locations in the entire Northeast.

Catskill Forest Preserve

Waterfalls, mountain summits, and dense forest trails. Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter Mountain, Slide Mountain — the Catskills offer dramatic scenery for couples who want something wild and remote.

Storm King Art Center

Massive sculptures set against rolling hills in Cornwall, NY. Permits are required but absolutely worth it — this is one of the most visually striking elopement venues in the Hudson Valley.

Private Properties & Airbnbs

Rent a Hudson Valley farmhouse or Catskills cabin for the weekend. Elope on your own property with no permits, no strangers, and complete privacy. Some of our favorite elopements have been at private rentals.

Favorite Hudson Valley Restaurants

Ceremony at a meaningful spot, then dinner at your favorite restaurant in Kingston, Hudson, Woodstock, or Rhinebeck. Low-key, intimate, and completely yourselves.

What’s the best time of year for a Hudson Valley elopement?

Every season offers something distinct. Fall (September–October) brings peak foliage and is our most-requested time of year. Spring delivers wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and soft light. Summer offers lush greenery and the longest golden-hour windows for adventure sessions. Winter elopements in snow-covered forests are hauntingly beautiful and remarkably intimate — popular locations are nearly empty, giving you the landscape to yourselves.

What should we wear for our elopement?

Wear whatever feels authentic to you as a couple. We’ve photographed elopements in full bridal gowns, tailored suits, casual linen, and everything in between. For outdoor locations, we strongly recommend footwear you can walk in — cobblestones and forest trails are unforgiving in heels. Earth tones and muted palettes photograph beautifully against Hudson Valley landscapes, though there are no rules.

Can you also do video at our elopement?

Yes. We offer combined photo and video packages for elopements through our in-house videography team. Having one integrated team means seamless coordination, a consistent aesthetic, and a more relaxed experience for you — no juggling multiple vendors on your wedding day. Cinematic highlight films are available as a standalone add-on or as part of a full elopement package.

How do we get a marriage license in New York?

You apply in person at any New York city or town clerk’s office. Both partners must appear together and provide valid government-issued ID. There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between issuance and your ceremony, and the license is valid for 60 days. You do not need to marry in the county where the license was issued, giving you flexibility on location.

ELOPEMENT FAQ

Do we need a permit to elope in the Hudson Valley?

It depends on your chosen location. Many public lands — including Minnewaska State Park Preserve and areas of the Catskill Forest Preserve — require a permit for professional photography or ceremonies. Private farms and venues typically do not. We navigate the permit process for every couple we work with, handling applications and fees so you don’t have to worry about it.

How far in advance should we book?

Most couples book between three and eight months in advance. Fall foliage season (late September through October) fills the fastest — often a year out for the most sought-after dates. Spring and summer typically have more flexibility, and we do occasionally accommodate last-minute elopements. If you have a specific date or location in mind, we recommend reaching out as early as possible.

Can we elope with family and guests?

Absolutely. There is no rule that says an elopement must be just the two of you. Many of our couples bring parents, siblings, a best friend, or a small circle of close friends. We have photographed intimate ceremonies with two witnesses and micro-weddings with up to thirty guests. The defining quality of an elopement is intentionality — not headcount.

What happens if it rains?

We shoot in all weather conditions, and overcast or rainy days often produce our most atmospheric images — soft light, moody forests, and a quiet intimacy that sunny days rarely deliver. We always arrive with a detailed backup plan for outdoor-only locations. If a severe storm makes shooting genuinely unsafe, we discuss rescheduling options. Rain is rarely a reason to cancel.

How much does it cost to elope in the Hudson Valley?

Elopement photography starts at $2,000 for a two-hour session and $3,500 for a full-day experience. All packages include location consultation, full-day ceremony and portrait coverage, and a complete gallery of professionally edited images delivered within four to six weeks. Add-ons such as videography, second shooters, and officiant coordination are available. View full pricing details →