The Wedding Industry is Too Expensive
I’m sick of the rising prices.
I've had a lot of good heart-to-hearts recently around money, the world, current economics, photography, weddings, and “industry norms”.
Basically: everything is expensive. It's f*** tough out there.
Yes, an elopement is still cheaper than a big wedding — but as eloping has become more mainstream and more readily available, with more photographers joining the industry and providing services, prices just continue to soar.
I can’t even call elopements “cheap” anymore. A $6-16k pricetag for just a photographer is simply not cheap, and for many it’s completely out of reach. Especially when you start to factor in travel costs, attire, lodging, and so on. It all adds up.
No wedding should break the bank.
For a long time I’ve been basing my pricing on “industry averages” — recommendations from other photographers or photography/marketing educators who all have a vested interested in jacking up our prices so the entire industry rises, so we can all take home a better salary… and work less.
Yet lately I’ve noticed that even my lowest package has been too out of reach for too many people, in a way that makes me feel like I’m doing a disservice. Like an adventure elopement is reserved only for those who can afford it. (Which to me goes against the whole damn point.)
That — and it’s just a wild time to be alive. Everything is so uncertain in the world right now. I think a resilient business is one that pays attention to what’s going on, and listens. And adjusts.
My dad gave me a really strong piece of advice, which at the time was about marriage, but I applies here too: “Be like the willow.” Bend. Adjust. Flow.
So I’m listening. I’m rebuilding and rethinking how I do things — and hopefully escaping the sea of too-expensive photographers, while still valuing what I do and respecting my own time and energy (“everything is expensive” means I have to pay my bills, too).
All to say — I want to meet you where you're at.
Afforable elopement packages — simple planning with simple pricing
My newest offering is built to be more afforable and accessible, with 4 hours of coverage, at $2400 — pick from a list of places I love, with readymade timelines and plans already in place.
Pick from a preset list of my favorite iconic elopement locations
Options for accessible, no-hike locations or short trails to explore
Prebuilt timeline makes planning a cinch (saves us both so much planning time)
Backup plans & gear list already accounted for
No additional travel fees or hidden fees
Perfect for Washington locals looking for a simple intimate elopement in their backyard
Or for folks who can travel to the PNW for their combo elopement + honeymoon
Readymade plans: I've already planned hundreds of elopements — tons of adventures already made. I've curated some ready-to-go, tried-and-true options for those who want to keep the logistics light, planning easy, and wallet intact.
Places like:
Artist Point, Mt. Baker — iconic, accessible, picturesque, peak adventure vibes
Olympic National Park — flexible options for mountains, forest, or coast, great year-round access
Mount Rainier National Park — a great place for a simple, stunning hiking elopement
Why four hours? Because — I don’t want you to have to compromise or sacrifice. Four hours is where I start because it’s enough time to have the most important pieces documented: parts of getting ready, the ceremony, plus time for portraits and celebrations, without feeling rushed. The day itself might be simpler and shorter, with less travel or logistics, but time goes by so quick on your wedding day and those core elements deserve to feel slow and intentional.
For those who want and can afford something more, I'm still keeping all my existing offerings — packages with custom planning, full-day coverage (6-10 hours), and fun inclusions like Super 8, postcards, outfitting. But not everybody needs or wants all that.
Elopements should be accessible
My hope is that this can make elopements even more accessible — maybe even inspire others to follow suit, and hopefully chip away at what is a wholly overpriced industry — one small, simple elopement at a time.
I believe everybody deserves to have an experience like this, if they want it. And hopefully money is not the factor that prevents you from being able.
Reach out if you want to get started — I'll meet you where you're at.
Washington elopement packages starting at $2,400 — flexible sliding scale up to $8,800 plus custom/bespoke options. Flexible payment plans available.
Planning a Washington elopement?
I’m Ashton, an adventure photographer and guide helping couples plan simple, meaningful elopements across Washington’s wild places. I’ll handle the logistics — you two focus on the experience.
