REAL MOMENTS, REAL ADVENTURE, NO STRESS.
Documentary-Style Elopement Photography for couples who want their story told, not staged.
based in Joshua Tree, CA,
available for travel.
JOSHUA TREE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Get Married Your Way:
Jaimie Nicole Krause* is an award-winning documentary-style elopement photographer with over 20 years of experience. Based in Joshua Tree, CA, she captures wildly personal celebrations for non-traditional couples in beautiful locations worldwide.
who Crave a wildly personal, 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
Eloping isn’t about cramming a “real” wedding into a smaller box—it’s about torching the box and making your own damn rules. From the first spark of an idea to the last flicker of a campfire, I’ll help you shape a day that’s meaningful, immersive, and 100% yours.
Do What Makes Your Souls Sing
If you know exactly what your perfect day looks like, awesome—we’ll make it happen. If you have no idea, that’s where I come in. I’ll help guide you through it, but the first step is sitting down together and actually talking about it. What would your kind of perfect day look like? Not the Pinterest version. Not the “what will our parents think” version. The real version, built from things you both love—ideally together.
Fill your day with things that light you up: your favorite snacks (cheese dust and all), drinks, takeout, coffee orders—and give yourselves time to actually enjoy them. Sip coffee while setting intentions for the day. Eat chips after a short hike to a quiet spot. Watch the sunset from the back of your SUV with takeout in hand. The best things in life are simple, and your elopement can be, too.
A Guide, Not a Rulebook
Your elopement shouldn’t be an amalgamation of shit you pinned. It’s not a checklist—it’s an experience, so let’s plan it like one. I’ll help you cut the noise, focus on what matters to you, and shape a day that feels right for y’all—together.
Creating an Intentional Experience
JOSHUA TREE
ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE
STRESS-FREE
Finding the right vendors should feel exciting, not exhausting. No endless Googling, no guesswork—just a hand-picked list of florists, officiants, hair + makeup pros, private chefs, and whoever else you need who bring the same level of intention to their craft as you’re bringing to your elopement. The kind of dream team that makes absolute fucking magic together.
Vendor Recs Who Make Magic 💫
The best elopement days don’t run on rigid timelines—they flow. Together, we’ll thoughtfully plan a day that allows for movement, spontaneity, and the kind of deep presence that makes time slow down. Space to wander, time to soak it all in, room for the unexpected. Whether it’s lingering at an overlook in the last light of day or pausing to take in the silence of the mountains, the day unfolds naturally—while I make sure every moment is documented.
Thoughtfully Planning an Intentional Flow
Exclusive 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—the textures, the movement, the fleeting magic—so your photos don’t just look beautiful, they feel alive.
Documentary Photography on Film
From desert boulders to funky trees and iconic MCM architecture, every location tells a different story, and I’ll make sure you find the one that fits your vibes. I’ve hiked the trails, scouted the hidden spots, and know exactly where to find privacy and panoramas. Thoughtfully chosen locations, seamless backup plans, and nothing left to chance.
I believe in love without limits. That Black Lives Matter. That Trans Rights are Human Rights. That until the most marginalized among us are free, none of us are truly free. I believe in taking up space, challenging norms, and yes—Fuck the Patriarchy & Fuck Diet Culture.
Eloping is about freedom—freedom to be your truest, weirdest, most unfiltered selves without the weight of tradition. That’s the energy I bring into every elopement. By keeping things honest and open, I create a space where trust and vulnerability thrive. This connection lets me move seamlessly through your day, intuitively knowing when to step in and when to let the moment unfold.
I spend most of my time traveling the West in a tiny teardrop camper, chasing golden light in Joshua Tree, wandering the misty trails of Olympic National Park, and finding the kind of wild places fairytales are made of. My deep love for the desert and the untamed landscapes of the West means I know exactly where to take you for privacy, adventure, and jaw-dropping panoramas.
Your elopement won’t be stiff or staged. It’ll 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.”
Ditch the wedding rulebook. Skip the guest list drama. Forget outdated traditions that don’t mean a damn thing to you.
Let’s plan a day that feels right—zero stress, zero expectations, just you, your love, and a damn good time.
Beautiful landscapes. Real moments. A wedding day that’s actually about YOU.
If that’s the vibe, I’m your person. Let’s make it happen.
An Elopement Without the Stress?
Hell. Yes.
Film isn’t just another way to take a photo—it’s an experience. It forces you to slow down, to be intentional, to capture what matters. You only get so many frames per roll, so every shot counts.
An elopement is the same way. You only get one wedding day. No re-dos, no posing for the sake of it, no manufactured moments. Just real, raw, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, documented on a format that’s as perfectly imperfect as us.
Included in Every Package
Unlike many photographers who treat film as an expensive add-on, I include it in every package—because I fucking love it, and because it’s the best way to capture an elopement with soul.
Over 20 Years of Experience
Two decades of shooting film at weddings means I know exactly how to use it to enhance stunning landscapes and raw emotion—turning real, unscripted moments into tangible, timeless keepsakes.
Real Photos for Real Moments
Many of the images you see on my website are film. I love pushing and pulling film to create different moods, but no matter what, it’s always about preserving the feeling of the moment—raw, unfiltered, and unmistakably you.
Ready to have your elopement documented 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
Eloping isn’t just about saying vows in a beautiful place—it’s about fully immersing yourselves in the moment, the landscape, and each other. My elopement collections are designed to give you the space to do exactly that.
Every package includes:
Film & Digital Photography – Because your day deserves to be documented with soul.
Intentional Timeline Planning – We’ll thoughtfully design a flow that allows for adventure, spontaneity, and deep presence. No stress, no rushed schedules—just real, meaningful moments.
Expert Location & Travel Guidance – Whether it’s a desert canyon, a misty coastline, or a remote mountain peak, I’ll help you find the perfect spot.
Vendor Recs for a Dream Team – A curated list of florists, officiants, HMUAs, and planners who create absolute magic.
All Travel Costs Included – No hidden fees, no surprise expenses. I cover my own travel anywhere in the U.S. and Mexico.
Elopement Packages Designed for an Unforgettable Experience
Starting at $2,500 for 2 hours
For couples who want a meaningful, no-fuss experience—whether that’s a private vow exchange in the mountains or an intimate ceremony followed by sunset portraits. Additional hours available (up to 5 hours total).
Half-Day Elopement (Consecutive)
03.
Starting at $5,000 for 6 hours
A full storytelling experience, from getting ready to golden-hour vows to ending the night by a campfire, champagne in hand. Coverage can be consecutive or split. Additional hours available (up to 12 hours total).
Full-Day Elopement (Consecutive or Split)
02.
Starting at $6,500 for 8 hours
For couples who want an elopement that feels like an adventure—hiking at sunrise, exchanging vows at sunset, waking up the next morning for a beachside brunch, or making the most of different landscapes over two days. Coverage must be consecutive on at least one of the days. Additional hours available (up to 15 hours total).
01.
elopement photography packages
Multi-Day Elopement
(Split Coverage)
contact
There are two ways we can do this:
Let's skip to the fun part
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
Elopement Resources
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Absolutely! But the number of guests changes everything—where you can elope, what activities you can do, and how intimate the experience feels. I help couples plan elopements with up to 25 guests, so you can have the best of both worlds—an adventurous, intentional elopement without it turning into a mini-wedding.
can i have guests at my elopement?
⛰ October–May = Best Weather (Mild temps, full park access)
🐍 June = Not ideal (Rattlesnake season + raptor nesting closures)
🔥 July–September = HOT, but doable, especially in September (Sunrise & sunset elopements only)
To avoid extreme heat and peak snake activity, I recommend fall through spring for the best experience.
Want a month-by-month breakdown? [Check out my Joshua Tree Elopement Guide →]
what's the best time of year to elope in joshua tree?
Yep, Joshua Tree requires a Special Use Permit + a $120 application fee to make things official. Permits take about 15 business days (~3 weeks) to process, and you can’t apply more than a year in advance.
No stress—I’ll guide you through the entire process so you never feel overwhelmed.
Do you need a permit to get married in joshua tree national park?
Because Joshua Tree is crazy popular, wedding ceremonies are limited to designated sites. But don’t worry—the best elopement experiences aren’t just about the ceremony.
After booking, you’ll get my exclusive JTNP Location Guide, featuring:
📌 Ceremony sites (photos + descriptions of each)
📌 Hidden-gem portrait locations (way more flexible than ceremony spots)
📌 My personal insights from years of scouting
Let me handle the groundwork—you just show up and get married.
📖 Want to see my favorite Joshua Tree locations? [Read: My Ultimate Joshua Tree Elopement Guide →]
Where are the best places to get married in Joshua Tree National Park?
Click to View more FAQs on my FAQs page >>
ASKED
frequently
QUESTIONS
Instead:
- Rolling out of bed in your desert Airbnb, no alarm clocks, no bullshit—just the two of you, a slow morning, and maybe a greasy breakfast burrito.
- Wandering through the jaw-dropping landscapes of Southern California—desert, cliffs, coastline—stopping whenever the hell you want because there’s no schedule to keep—just a damn good adventure.
- Swapping vows as the sun dips low, dirt on your shoes or sand between your toes, wind in your hair, and that “holy shit, we just did this” look on your faces.
- Ending the night under a sky full of stars or the crash of ocean waves, wrapped in blankets, your favorite drink in hand, soaking up every last second of the best damn day of your life.
This isn’t just a quick “I do” and a photoshoot. It’s a full experience—every moment, every wild unscripted second—documented from start to finish.
Want to see how to build your dream elopement timeline? [Check out my Elopement Timeline Ideas →]
What an Elopement Should FEEL Like
Ditch the timeline, embrace the flow. Let the day unfold naturally—no need to force “photo moments.” Instead of cramming everything into a tight schedule, build in time to be present.
[Read: Elopement Timeline Ideas: How to Make the Most of Your Day →]
Plan your elopement with intention. The best elopement days aren’t rushed—they’re thoughtfully designed from sunrise to starlight, with moments that actually matter to you.
[Read: How to Plan Your Elopement with Intention →]
Choose a location that speaks to you. Mountains, deserts, oceans—where do you feel most alive? That’s where you should say your vows.
[Read: Best Places to Elope in Southern California →]
Trust the process. I’ve got you. Every detail, every backup plan, every moment—you just focus on being present.
[Read: How to Plan an Experience-Driven Elopement (Without Turning It Into a Photoshoot) →]
Ready to plan your own unforgettable elopement? [Let’s Do This →]
How to Make the Most of Your Elopement Timeline
contact
You can trust that your elopement day will be documented empathetically and energetically for an authentic perspective. Because wedding days are not photoshoots.
My husband and I were nervous to be in front of the camera and Jaimie not only made every moment of photos fun, but she brought out beauty we didn't know existed.
- Alexa + JB
explore the resources
Planning an elopement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’ve gathered my best guides, timelines, and insider advice to help you plan your adventure with ease. Think of it as your backstage pass to making this whole thing way less stressful—and way more fun.
