If you’ve been dreaming of a destination wedding in Pittsburgh, and the idea of eloping has crossed your mind, this is going to be a piece for you. Elopements are becoming more popular here in Pittsburgh as couples have many options for what type of ceremony they want; whether it’s at their favorite restaurant, in the park or somewhere else entirely. But there’s one thing that might hold some people back from getting married quickly–the cost. I know it’s exciting to think about a small group gathering together to celebrate your love with a private ceremony and reception, but let me tell you: elopements can get quite expensive if done correctly! Here are some tips on how to keep costs down while still having an amazing experience.
What’s included in the fee?
The cost of an elopement package from a Pittsburgh photographer will vary depending on the photographer you choose, but it can be anywhere from $500 to $2,500 or more. You should expect to pay for their time, travel expenses and equipment costs. The price will also include any necessary preparations such as scouting locations and coordinating with your wedding party. The total fee is not inclusive of any additional services like a second shooter or cake (though many photographers will offer discounts on these items if purchased through them). It also does not cover travel outside of the greater Pittsburgh area (which is roughly defined as everything within 60 miles), though some photographers may offer reasonable rates if they travel farther than that distance in order to shoot your wedding- pittsburgh photographers.
How do you choose a photographer?
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to find the right photographer by asking them some questions.
- Do they have a portfolio? If so, what kind of work do they specialize in? Check out their portfolio online and make sure that the style of photography suits your needs and interests. For example, if you’re looking for something more naturalistic or adventurous than posed portraits, an urban wedding might not be the best fit for you; similarly, if formal shoot is what appeals most to your aesthetic sensibilities then a mountain top elopement might be too rough/rugged for what you’re looking for.
- What kind of reviews do they have? Look at Google Reviews as well as Wedding Wire and other sites where brides share their experiences with vendors like photographers or caterers (if applicable). There are bound to be at least one or two bad eggs in any bunch but among those there will also be plenty who had nothing but good things to say about working with this particular photographer—so look through both!
Ask questions!
The best way to find out what you’re getting is to ask. Ask how the photographer will work with you. Ask how the photographer will work with your wedding party, your venue, and your guests. You can also ask about working with an officiant if that’s something important to you.
The only person who knows how much he or she charges is going to be the person working for himself or herself as an independent contractor—and he or she might not want to tell! So if someone won’t give you any information about pricing up front, beware: He or she may be trying to hide something.
Look at galleries of full weddings.
- Look at their full wedding galleries.
- Check out their engagement sessions.
- Look at their elopement sessions.
- Take a look at their family sessions, maternity sessions, newborn sessions and boudoir shoots to get a sense of how they work with people of all ages and genders- pittsburgh photographers.
Get a feel for the company culture.
When you’re looking for an elopement photographer, it’s important to get a feel for the company culture. You should take a look at their website, blog, social media profiles and reviews by past clients. This way you can see if they use language that’s easy to understand or if they’re trying too hard to impress with their fancy vocabulary (which might make it difficult for them to explain things clearly).
You should also ask questions about what type of photography services they offer—if there are any limitations on location or style–and find out how much experience they have in photographing weddings and elopements in Pittsburgh. Finally, don’t forget that one of the best ways to learn more about how a photographer works is by checking out their portfolio!
Don’t be afraid of eloping in a group.
Not only can you save money by eloping in a group, but you’ll also get the added bonus of having a fun experience with the people you love.
If you’re considering eloping in a group, here’s what to know:
- You can share the cost. This is a huge benefit! If each member of your family or wedding party contributes $500 toward your budget, that will make it much easier to afford an amazing photographer who fits into your price range. Plus, it’s always nice for everyone involved to be able to contribute something meaningful toward their friend or relative’s special day.
- You can share planning tasks with friends and family members who are close enough geographically not only so that they can attend but also help with preparations before and after the ceremony (such as making sure there are flowers at church on time). That way, everyone gets more involved in both sides of things—which makes for better memories!
Your elopement should be captured by someone who can work with the unique nature of an elopement ceremony and reception.
You want to make sure your photographer will be able to capture the unique nature of your elopement ceremony and reception. That means that if you plan on having a small group of people, they should be able to work with you in order to get the shots you want.
Also, if your wedding photographer has worked with other elopements before, it can be an asset. They’ll know what kind of lighting works best for indoor/outdoor weddings and receptions; they won’t have any trouble working with various locations; and they’ll feel comfortable taking photos even when there are only two people in attendance (the bride and groom).
If you’re thinking about eloping, don’t let the idea scare you away. It’s a wonderful way to start your marriage—and an affordable one in many cases. Just be sure to do some research first so that you can find the right photographer for your needs.