Couple Photography by Gokhan Kutluer

Elopement Photography

First Things First: What Does Elope Mean?

To elope means to step away from the noise and make your love the center of the story. It’s about two people deciding that their connection deserves something more intimate, more meaningful, and free from the expectations of the world. It used to be that eloping meant running away to get married in secret, but today, it’s become a choice — a beautiful way to focus solely on each other, in a place that feels just right.

As the Italian poet Cesare Pavese once wrote, “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” And when it comes to eloping, Italy is one of those places that invites you to create those unforgettable moments. Imagine whispering your vows under the warm glow of a Tuscan sunset or losing yourselves in the quiet charm of a hidden village where time seems to slow down. It’s about making your love story feel like it’s unfolding in a place that belongs to just the two of you, in a setting that’s as timeless as your connection.

For me, as someone who’s both a photographer and a travel writer, elopement is about capturing the raw, unfiltered moments — the laughter, the quiet conversations, the shared glances that no one else sees. Like in Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, where he speaks of the “mad ones, the ones who are mad to live,” your elopement is about that kind of passion — the kind that can’t be contained by traditions or expectations. It’s about choosing to be madly in love, to live in the moment, and to make your day reflect who you are as a couple.

Eloping means giving yourselves the freedom to let go of tradition, to focus on what really matters, and to write your own adventure, in your own way. It’s a journey that starts with the two of you and ends with memories that will last a lifetime.

Capturing Your Journey, Your Way

In its simplest form, elopement is about love without limits. It’s a celebration of two people who choose to get married in an intimate, meaningful way — often in a breathtaking location far from home. Unlike a traditional wedding, elopement is less about the fanfare and more about the raw, genuine connection between you and your partner. It’s a way to say “I do” without any distractions, stress, or the pressure to perform for a crowd. It’s just the two of you (and maybe a few close loved ones), embracing the day exactly as you are, in a place that speaks to your hearts.

For some, elopement means escaping to a secluded mountaintop, exchanging vows at sunrise on a beach, or wandering through a charming old town in Italy or Europe. For others, it’s simply about finding a quiet corner of the world where your love feels the most real. No rules, no expectations — just a day that’s entirely yours. This beautiful choice lets you focus on the journey you’re starting together, with nothing but the moments that matter most.

Elopement Photography for Those Who Wander Together

When you elope, it’s not just a wedding day; it’s an adventure. And that’s where I come in. My approach to elopement photography is all about embracing the real, unfiltered moments that reflect who you truly are. No stiff poses or awkward smiles here — my goal is to create an atmosphere where you both feel completely at ease, allowing your genuine connection to come through effortlessly. You’re not just hiring a photographer; you’re gaining a friend who knows how to make every moment feel comfortable and effortless.

As a travel writer, foodie, and certified wine enthusiast, I bring more than just a camera to your special day. I’ve wandered through hidden villages, tasted the best local flavours, and discovered secret spots that only a few get to experience. We’ll do everything in its own pace because it’s about savouring life’s moments and finding beauty in every detail. So, if you need ideas on the best locations, romantic spots, or local experiences in Italy to make your elopement even more magical, I’m here to guide you. We’ll craft a day that fits you perfectly, from the locations you visit to the experiences you share. Whether you’re sipping wine in a hidden vineyard or sharing a laugh over a candlelit dinner, I’ll be there to capture those moments that will remind you why you chose this journey in the first place.

Where to Elope in Italy?

It all depends on your taste! Depending on the season in Italy, we might find ourselves in Piedmont, surrounded by mist as it drifts over the vineyards, creating a magical, almost otherworldly landscape. Or perhaps we’ll head to Tuscany, where we can take in the rolling hills, savor its renowned cuisine, and enjoy Sangiovese wines. If you’re craving the warmth of Italian culture, the south is always a fantastic choice. Sicily and Puglia await with their stunning shades of blue stretching across the coast. Or, if you’re drawn to the mountains, the north is where nature’s beauty truly stands out. The Dolomites or the peaks around Lake Garda promise an experience that will stay with you forever.

If you would rather be in a big city than in the countryside, Rome is of course a great alternative. Before or after your wedding, we can find ourselves walking the streets of Rome, putting the good wishes of the people surrounding us in our pockets, enjoying the random conversations and continuing our photo shoot until sunset.

Looking for a To-Do List?

I have been living in Italy for almost ten years and as someone who has lived both in the north and the south, travelled the country on foot and by bicycle for many days, I will write you the first things that come to my mind for the answer.

  • We can visit vineyards in Tuscany or Piemonte and have a great time pairing regional food with regional wines.
  • On one of the stages of La Via degli Dei from Bologna to Florence, we can mingle with the locals and witness the Italian hospitality.
  • A boat trip in Sorrento, Amalfi or Sicily and Puglia is not a bad idea, is it?
  • I would love to choose one of the routes of the Alta Via in the Dolomites and take your photographs while you are dreaming at high altitude.
  • If you enjoy football, it would be interesting to go to one of Rome’s matches or, if we can coincide the dates, to watch one of the Giro d’Italia stages together and observe closely the passion of Italians for sports.

Nothing in mind? No problem. I can suggest other things if you tell me about yourself in detail during the call where we will get to know each other.

Pricing

Once we set the dates I’ll ask you to pay the half of the total amount. The total amount starts from 2500 EUR depending on your requests. The standart package includes:

  • One photographer
  • 8 hours of shooting
  • 250+ edited photos
  • 1 animated gif
  • Personal printing rights
  • Gastronomy and activity-based recommendations based on your travel preferences.

The times that we spend for breakfast, lunch or dinner won’t be calculated even if I continue to photograph some moments. I prefer having a relaxing time for all of us at the table.

How Does It Work?

  • Contact me and then let’s schedule a call so we get to know each other by talking about your needs and my services in detail.

  • Once we agree on terms I send you a confirmation email and ask you to pay the first half of the total agreed amount so I fix the date.

  • You have fun and I take care of the rest with my camera.

Anything Else to Ask?

Check out the FAQ page I put together — I’ve done my best to answer all your possible questions about elopement photography and my work.

I'd love to photograph your elopement — tell me what you need and let's see what we can do together!

Get in touch with me

Whether you have questions, want to book a session, or simply want to chat about photography, feel free to reach out.