REAL MOMENTS, REAL ADVENTURE, NO STRESS.
Documentary-Style Elopement Photography based in Joshua Tree, CA
DOCUMENTARY-STYLE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Get Married Your Way:
Jaimie Nicole Krause* is an award-winning documentary-style wedding and elopement photographer with over 22 years of experience. Based in Joshua Tree, CA, and St. Louis, MO, she captures authentic, unscripted moments for couples in beautiful locations worldwide.
who Crave an epic, one-of-a-kind elopement without the stress or bullshit.
for couples
unstaged.
Unscripted.
unforgettable.
*mildy spicy
"Jaimie was wonderful to work with. She was knowledgeable of her craft, and her photos are incredible."
- COURTNEY + TIM
From dream-storming to day-of coordination, I'll handle permits, logistics, and vendor recommendations, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
✨ Unlimited Email Planning: I'll assist with permits, vendor coordination, and day-of logistics.
✨ Permits, Legalities, and Everything Else: Navigating permits can be confusing and varies by location. I'll help you with any permits or legalities so there are no unpleasant surprises—only good ones ◡̈
✨ Day-Of Coordinator and Magician: On your elopement day, I'll kinda take charge of... well, everything. Take your watches off and let me gently guide you through your idea of a perfect day—while I beautifully document it on digital and film.
Stress-Free Planning & Coordination
YOUR STRESS-FREE
ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
JOSHUA TREE
You need vendors, and I've got them. Say goodbye to the Google vendor rabbit hole and hello to a short list of vendors that make *chef's kiss* ✨absolute fucking magic together.✨
Vendor Recs Who Make Magic 💫
Wondering where the best spots are in Joshua Tree to get married? I've hiked the trails and scouted all the approved ceremony locations, including dozens of hidden gems. You'll get the privacy and panoramas you crave, plus backup plans just in case.
Exlusive Location Scouting & Backup Plans
With documentary-style coverage, there's no pressure to pose or perform. Reactions are genuine and full of raw emotion, capturing you truly enjoying your day. Your elopement will be photographed on a mix of digital and film, for photos that don't look like anyone else's.
Documentary Photography on Film
I'm a firm believer that Love is Love, Black Lives Matter, and Trans Rights are human rights—until the most marginalized among us are free, none of us are truly free. I'm all about challenging norms—Anti-Diet Culture and yes, Fuck the Patriarchy.
With me, you'll feel free to be your true selves. By being honest and open, I create a safe space where trust and vulnerability thrive. This connection allows me to move seamlessly during your day, intuitively knowing when to let moments unfold and when to step in.
My deep love for the desert and passion for capturing genuine moments mean your adventure will be photographed in a way that's timeless and personal. With my local expertise, I've got hidden gems up my sleeve that offer the privacy and breathtaking panoramas you crave.
You can expect your elopement day to be documented honestly—raw and real—for photos you can feel.
THE CHILD ALSO LIKES CATS
MEET JAIMIE (& GIGI!)
FEMINIST CAT-LADY WITH A CHILD
Experience
- JESS AND CHRISTINA
Jaimie should be at the top of your list! Not only is she extremely talented but she is also very warm and personable. She's creative, responsive, and dependable. Jaimie knows exactly how to get people to feel comfortable in front of a camera. Rather than cueing forced-looking poses, she truly captures the true essence of her clients and how they interact with each other."
"Jaimie knows exactly how to get people comfortable in front of the camera.
- meggie and luke
I love my wedding photos! Every reaction is genuine and real and makes me smile to just remember the moment. She perfectly captured my relationship with my husband. In regards to the actual posed photos, because everyone gets at least a few, she really knew how to get everyone's attention and efficiently get the families together, lined up, and smiling. It was very no nonsense which is exactly what you need when everyone's excited and distracted and in the way. I hate taking photos but this was just so easy and relaxed!"
"I absolutely love Jaimie's style; her photos artfully capture the light and shadow.
their
- Meg and Alex
"Jaimie made us feel confident and comfortable in her presence, capturing candid photos of genuine interactions.”
If you're tired of the wedding bullshit, then let's do something epic instead.
Let's make YOUR dream day a reality -- zero stress, ALL MAGIC.
An Elopement Without the Stress?
Fuck Yes!
Film photography captures moments in a uniquely beautiful, artful, and imperfect way. In a digital world where everything feels questionable, film offers something real—the negative: the tangible proof.
Included in Every Package
Unlike many photographers who charge extra for film, I include film photography in all my packages. Why? Because I fucking love it that much.
Over 20 Years of Experience
With over two decades of shooting film at weddings, I know how to use it to enhance stunning landscapes and document raw emotions you can both see and feel.
Tangible Keepsakes
Want a super cool, tangible keepsake to pass down? You can keep the negatives from your elopement day if you'd like.
Real Photos for Real Moments
Many of the images you see on my website are film photos—I especially love pushing and pulling film for different looks. It's all about capturing your day in a way that's real, raw, and unmistakably you.
Ready to have your epic elopement captured on film? [Contact Me] to start planning your adventure.
in a world of digital, film is the real deal.
unapologetic.
Unfilted. Unedited.
let's create something unforgettable together
All Elopement Packages Include:
👉 One photographer
👉 Unlimited assistance with locations, vendors, permits, & timelines
👉 Film Photography coverage
👉 Guidance, travel advising, & a damn good time
👉 Travel costs included to anywhere in the U.S. and Mexico
Payment plans are available so you can have the elopement of your dreams without financial stress.
Elopement Packages Designed for the Adventure of a Lifetime
Sweet & Simple, perfect for the couples that want to get straight to the point and have their vows and a short adventure documented.
This one is best for couples eloping alone, or with a very small guest list.
UP TO 4 HOURS ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.
Additional hours, Adventure Sessions, Picnics, Albums, and Print Boxes are available to be added on to any elopement package.
$4250
Half-Day
For the couple who is planning a longer hike, higher guest count, or simply wants the full day documented.
This collection is perfect for couples who want a relaxing, stress-free day with multiple locations and plenty of time for real moments to happen organically.
We'll have time for getting ready photos, vows, guest photos, a picnic, first dance and photos in multiple spots.
UP TO 8 HOURS ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.
*my most popular package*
$5400
Full Day
For couples who want to take advantage of this once in a lifetime adventure, let's plan on an extra day of exploring at another epic location!
Most of my couples who plan multi-day elopements will either do an engagement type adventure session the day before, or choose a secondary location to do more portraits (like Palm Springs or Idyllwild after eloping among the boulders in Joshua Tree)
up to 12 hours anywhere in the u.s.
Plus an adventure session
$7500
Multi-Day
elopement packages
contact
- Fill out my contact form. Tell me about you, your love story, and how you want to spend your wedding day.
- I’ll send over a tailored pricing guide & a link to schedule a call.
- We hop on a FaceTime or Zoom (warning: one of my cats will likely show you his ass). You’ll tell me all your wild ideas for the day.
- I send over a contract. We make it official. Time to make your dreams a reality!
- We meet up, go on an epic adventure, and you get married! Bonus: you’ll have a stunning gallery of photos to remember it all.
Before We Adventure:
Fuck yeah, you are!
So... you ready to make some magic?
Ready to ditch tradition and make your elopement all about you? From meaningful rituals to wild adventures, I’ll show you how to create a day that’s as unique and unforgettable as your love story.
How to Make Your Elopement Uniquely You: BREAK THE NORMS
Wondering how to keep the party going after your elopement? From low-key get-togethers to full-blown celebrations, this guide is packed with ideas for celebrating with your people once the vows are exchanged.
How to Celebrate with Family + Friends After Your Elopement
Looking for the best spot to say “I do” in Joshua Tree? I’ve hiked, location-scouted, and photographed every approved ceremony site in the park. Whether you’re after panoramic desert views or hidden gems with privacy, I’ve got you covered.
where to get married in joshua tree: The Best Elopement Locations
ENTRIES
popular
RESOURCES FOR COUPLES ELOPING IN JOSHUA TREE
Absolutely! While bringing guests along is doable, the truth is, the number of guests you choose to include can have a big impact on where you can elope and what activities you can take part in. There is a way to have the best of both worlds, though, which is why I include elopement planning for up to 25 guests.
can i have guests at my elopement?
The best time to elope in Joshua Tree is from October through mid-May. The weather is gorgeous during these months, and the park is fully open. June is not ideal due to the presence of rattlesnakes and partial park closures for raptor migration. July and August are extremely hot, but sunrise and sunset ceremonies are still feasible. Avoiding the peak snake activity periods will make your elopement safer and more enjoyable.
what's the best time of year to elope in joshua tree?
Yes, you need a Special Use Permit to get married in Joshua Tree National Park. Along with the permit, you will need to pay a $120 non-refundable application fee in order for your event to be considered. Applications take 15 business days (~3 weeks) to process and most applications will not be accepted if it's more than one year before your event date.
I assist each of my couples with navigating the permit process and selecting the perfect ceremony location, so you never feel overwhelmed or confused.
Do you need a permit to get married in joshua tree national park?
Joshua Tree National Park has designated areas for wedding ceremonies due to its popularity. (Check out my Joshua Tree Elopement Locations Guide for detailed information on ceremony locations.) While ceremony locations are limited, the options for portrait sessions are much more flexible. After booking, you'll receive my exclusive JTNP Location Guide, featuring photos, descriptions, and insights into each ceremony site. I’ve spent countless hours documenting and scouting these locations so my clients are fully prepared. Let me handle the groundwork for you!
Where are the best places to get married in Joshua Tree National Park?
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You can trust that your wedding day will be documented empathetically and energetically for an authentic perspective.
