Elopement Guide: Info and Tips with Wild Hour Photography
I'm so excited you're here and have booked your elopement or wedding session with me! This little guide is designed to give you a feel for what to expect during our time together - including tips that I recommend to get the best photos and how I'll capture the magic of your story in a cinematic, documentary way.

From city elopements

to cliffside vistas
What To Expect From Wild Hour Photography
01.
questionnaire
One month before your wedding I will send you a questionnaire to get all the important details of the day. This is your chance to let me know photos that you'd like to capture, important details like addresses and names, and to finalise the timeline with me (or ask for my help if needed!). This is also where we arrange our virtual meeting via video call (usually 1 or 2 weeks before the wedding).
02.
final payment
Final payment for the photography is usually due two weeks before your wedding day (your contract will tell you exactly when). This must be paid on time otherwise my services could be impacted. If for whatever reason you may have trouble paying, please get in touch and I will help as much as I can!
03.
wedding day
On the day, I will arrive promptly to our chosen meeting point. I will use WhatsApp to message you when I arrive so please make sure there is someone to meet me!
For documentary images I will follow you around in a non-obstructive way and capture genuine moments between you and your loved ones. I love chatting to guests and joining in with the celebrations!
For couples images I will take you and your partner away from your guests. I will suggest movements, positions and ways to interact based on your preferences i.e running along the street, lift and spins, walking holding hands, embracing, slow dancing and having a laugh.
For family / friend group shots I will work through your given list of group shots (if given). If you would like more time allocated to get fun group shots such as this, do let me know in the questionnaire! Please assign a family member or friend to be in charge of gathering the right people, if needed!
04.
Gallery delivery
Images usually take two-four weeks to get back to you, if you have opted for a video-add on this time is extended to three-five weeks. After the wedding, your images will go into edit then post-production which involves selecting the best images, cinematic colouring, cropping and light retouching if requested. You will receive your online gallery and password through whichever method we have communicated on, providing all payments have been made. I do not deliver RAW photos. Your online gallery stays there for one year but I recommend downloading them ASAP!

Q&A
01.
can you help me with planning?
Of course, I'd be more than happy to help. I've attended many weddings and elopements and I think I know how things work now! I can help you find the best locations that tell your story and find a timeline that works with your ceremony and/or guest plans. At the bottom of this page I have put together some draft timelines based on a 1.5, 3 and 6 hour elopement.
02.
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding?
An unplugged wedding is when you ask your guests to refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony, leaving the job to your professional photographer. There are pros and cons to consider, but it’s something worth thinking about. I don't mind either way, just as long as I have priority!
03.
Anything we should be aware of during the wedding?
Your ceremony will go by in a blur and it goes so so quickly! So your main job is to be present and enjoy every moment of it. However if you do want any photographer tips; do take your time if you want an epic first kiss picture as a quick peck is something hard to capture! Same for a kiss when you both walking back down the aisle with everyone cheering - this is a fave of mine!
If you're having family and friends join in your celebrations sometimes you and your partner can split up for long amounts of time. I recommend trying to stay together and enjoy each others company, you'll also get great candid photos of the two of you with your guests this way. As always though, this is your wedding and you can enjoy it however you want!
Sometimes, if the sunset is looking particularly amazing or the light is hitting a spot just right, I will suggest we make the most of it and take some photographs!
Also you or your guests are more than welcome to ask for extra group photos throughout the session.
04.
what confetti should we get?
With confetti, the bigger and lighter, the better! Aim for large freeze dried petals or biodegradable tissue paper shapes. Get enough for everyone to have two giant handfuls! I recommend The Dried Petal Company - it's where I got my confetti from for my wedding! It's so beautiful.
05.
when does the photographer take their break?
I take a 15 minute break every 4 hours. So if you've hired me for 8 hours I usually take 30 minutes during the meal. If you've hired me for 3 hours or less I do not take a scheduled break (except maybe to pop to the loo!).
06.
Can you photoshop something I don't like?
I'm happy to remove temporary blemishes or people obstructively in the background (max 5-10 photos). But I don't edit hair, bodies, faces, complexions or clothing as it would take away from the authenticity of our shoot. I capture the natural, beautiful you and I would never change that. The gallery edit you recieve is also the final edit. I don't give out extras or unedited photos.
07.
how do we contact you?
If you need to contact me on the day, my number is 01303 472777, my preference is WhatsApp.
08.
I need to reschedule/cancel?
Hopefully this doesn't happen but if you need to reschedule I will work with you to find a new date, if this cannot be found then it will be classed as a cancellation. If you sadly need to cancel, as stated in the contract, the deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel within 2-weeks of the session and after the final payment, no fees are returned. I will send you a cancellation contract that is to be signed and the original contract will be nullified.
09.
do i need to check venue permissions?
Yes please speak to your venue ahead of time about any rules regarding photography. Some historical estates or religious sites may have strict guidelines about where photos can be taken, especially during ceremonies. Some restaurants may also have rules about photography and other guests/clients being in backgrounds.
Elopement Timeline Suggestions

1.5 hour - london elopement example
1:45pm
Meet
2pm
Ceremony
2:30pm
Group Photos
2:45pm-3:15pm
Couples Cinematic Street Shoot

3 hour elopement example
8am
Meet Couple at 1st Location for Private Shoot
8:30am-9am
Travel to 2nd Shoot Location
9:30am-10am
Travel to Ceremony
10am
Meet with Guests & Ceremony Starts
10:30am-11am
Photos with Guests
