I’m Jaimie, experienced photographer, logistics magician, and the Queen of “You Do You.” I
help adventurous, non-traditional couples create a stress-free, unforgettable elopement
experience while capturing their love in an authentic, documentary style that celebrates their
story.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Say “I do” to an experience, and “I don’t” to tradition
The California sky is the limit when dreaming up your elopement day. Southern California is overflowing with sunshine, diverse scenery, laidback vibes, and free-spirited creativity. It doesn’t get much better than that. Consider what your day could look like when it's unencumbered by convention in the middle of a stunning location. Imagine your love as the focal point against the vast beauty of the desert. The perfect combination of emotion mixed with epic Southern California landscapes. Want to see your vision come to life in a beautiful and personal way?
For couples in search of a unique elopement experience in the Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, LA, and San Diego region.
LOCATIONS
in post-card
MOMENTS
magazine-worthy
● Spend all day exploring the rugged rock formations and desert landscapes of Joshua
Tree National Park.
● Adventure in the mid-century architecture of Palm Springs and hit the mountains via
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the best of both worlds).
● Hike on the rolling hills of Malibu and picnic on a pristine beach along the coast.
● Soar above wine country in a Hot Air Balloon ride near Temecula.
● All of the above!
Elopement Ideas
Kick Ass
"Jaimie was wonderful to work with. She was knowledgeable of her craft, and her photos are incredible."
- COURTNEY + TIM
Getting married shouldn’t be riddled with compromise and anxiety. It’s time to throw out the
complicated timeline and external obligations. I scream “HELL YES” to your vision and will
validate alllll the wild ideas for your elopement day. I offer comprehensive planning assistance
and handle details seamlessly throughout the entire elopement planning process. To top off the
adventure of a lifetime, I’ll deliver a gallery of timeless images for you to go back to again and
again.
Elope without the stress
NO FUSS. NO FRILLS. NO BULLSHIT.
- Day of coordination and planning
- Permits & location scouting
- Intentional timeline creation
- Detailed vendor recommendations
- Unlimited collaboration (brainstorm sesh anyone?)
- Endless creativity for your perfect day
fuck the patriarchy & diet culture
Trans Lives Matter
BLACK LIVES MATTER
LOVE IS LOVE
Your love is safe with me
Your Go-To Southern California Elopement Photographer. Mother. Feminist. Cat-Lady. Ally.
Dismantler of the patriarchy. Cultivator of authentic experiences.
I’m a Midwesterner who ran away to the desert. Maybe it's the dry air or the simple backdrop of
the desert that puts my mind at ease. Whatever it is, I’m hooked. With my appreciation for
Southern California, I’ve got a back pocket full of hidden gems so you can elope like a local.
I’m not afraid to get deep or drop an F-bomb. Vulnerability, advocacy, and creativity are my
superpowers. My passion lies in creating a safe space for your love to be documented in its
truest form. I don’t care who you’re with or where you come from. What I do care about is
planning a day that is tailored to you. With over 20 years of experience under my *ethically
made* belt, I take my art seriously while also fostering a fun adventure.
I’m an expert in the art of telling stories. Will you let me tell yours?
It's me, Jaimie
oh, hey
Making you feel seen, not just photographed
Raw, messy, real, & unapologetic moments
I am simply just a witness to your love story. That’s why I prioritize connecting with my couples and making them feel comfortable with me long before their wedding day. I catch all the feelings, ya feel me?
As a documentary-style photographer, I aim to capture moments, not poses. Your relationship as it is and not what anyone thinks it should be.
Each Packages Includes:
👉 One photographer
👉 A mix of digital and film photography. I love photographing your moments through an
unfiltered lens (you bet your ass that pun was intended)
👉 Cost of travel in the Southern California region
👉 Unlimited emailing and collaboration
👉 All the good shit such as detailed planning, vendor recs, high-quality photos, and more
👉 Additional hours, Adventure Sessions, Picnics, Albums, and Print Boxes are available to
be added to any elopement package
Payment plans are available so you can have the elopement of your dreams without financial stress.
Elopement Packages
UP TO 2 HOURS ANYWHERE IN CA / AZ / NV / WA
Short and sweet! This coverage is for couples who want to keep it simple, whether it’s just the
two of you or a few family and friends. If nothing matters to you more than getting your vow
exchange and a short adventure documented, then the half-day package is perfect for you.
6 HOURS (up to 12) ANYWHERE IN CA / AZ / NV / WA
*my most popular package*
I’m all yours all day! This coverage is perfect for couples who plan on hiking, have extra guests,
or want coverage of their full elopement experience. No need to worry about fitting everything inside
a short timeline. This amount of time leaves you with breathing room to let your day unfold with
ease. No rush and no stress. Nada of the bad stuff, only the good stuff. I’ll be there to document
all your special moments.
8 HOURS (up to 15) ANYWHERE IN CALIFORNIA / ARIZONA / NEVADA / WASHINGTON
Full send on your elopement day! This is for couples who want to go all-in with their elopement
experience. You can have an adventure session (think engagement-type photos) to go
alongside your elopement or pick a secondary location on the day of your elopement. Imagine
snapping some eclectic photos in Palm Springs and then heading to Joshua Tree to elope
among the boulders. It’s the best of both worlds.
(Consecutive Coverage)
Starting at $2500
(Consecutive or Split)
Starting at $4200
(Split Coverage)
Starting at $5400
contact
☝️ First, let’s connect. Fill out my contact form and give me some deets. I want to hear about you, your love story, and what you’re envisioning for your Southern California elopement. Then I’ll send over a detailed pricing guide and a link to schedule a call. Hopping on a FaceTime or Zoom is essential. This is where you get to tell me all the details and wild ideas for your big day. (I’m about to be your third wheel during the most important day of your life, we gotta make sure we’ve got chemistry!). If we’re both vibing then we’ll make it official. I’ll send over a contract and payment details. This is where the magic happens. We’ll work seamlessly together to plan the elopement of your dreams. The best part? YOU GET FUCKING MARRIED! We’ll make amazing memories and I’ll document your epic elopement day. Then it’s happily ever after with a gorgeous gallery of photos to top it all off. Sounds like a good time right? Hell yeah, let’s do this.
time to get started
California Dreamin?
Let's get to schemin'
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 Southern California depends on where you're eloping and the kind of experience you're looking for. For desert locations like Joshua Tree, fall through spring offer the most comfortable temperatures and stunning golden light. Beach elopements are lovely year-round, but late summer and early fall often bring fewer crowds and warm water. If you're considering a mountain setting, late spring through early fall provides beautiful weather and scenery. As your photographer, I’ll help you pick the perfect season and time of day for your dream elopement.
when is the best time to elope IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
Eloping in Southern California is easy and flexible! First, you'll need a California marriage license, which you can get from any county clerk’s office in the state. You’ll also need an officiant and at least one witness for most elopements, though you can opt for a confidential marriage license if you meet certain requirements (like already living together). Once the legalities are squared away, the fun part begins—choosing your location and planning the day. For a detailed breakdown of California elopement laws, check out my blog post: California Elopement Laws: A Quick Guide to Getting Married.
how do you elope in southern california?
Southern California offers an incredible variety of elopement locations, from sun-soaked beaches to enchanting deserts to lush gardens. Some of my favorite spots include Joshua Tree National Park for its surreal desert vibes, Coronado Island for its pristine beaches and charming small-town feel, La Jolla Cove for dramatic coastal cliffs and crystal-clear waters, and Catalina Island, where a ferry ride takes you to a romantic island escape. Whether you're drawn to the ocean, the mountains, or the desert, I'll help you find a location that perfectly fits your vibe. Check out my guide to the Best Southern California Elopement Locations for more ideas!
Where are the best places to elope in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
Click to View more FAQs on my FAQs page >>
ASKED
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questions
Your elopement should be an experience, not a photoshoot. Discover how to plan an intentional, experience-driven elopement that prioritizes real moments over staged aesthetics.
how to plan an experience-driven elopement
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 Planning, Unfiltered.
Cut the BS, keep the meaning.
These resources are built for couples who want an intentional, unscripted day—without all the wedding industry noise.
contact
You can trust that your wedding day will be documented empathetically and energetically for an authentic perspective.
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
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.”
Tell me about your story! Where did you meet? How long have you been together? How do you want to spend your elopement day? What kind of photos are most important to you? (There's no such thing as oversharing here.)
Inquiry Form
hello@jaimienicolekrause.com
I respond to all messages within 48 hours. I would never ghost your inquiry, so if you do not hear from me, check your spam folder. If there's nothing there, the internet prolly ate your message and I'm sorry. It rests now with the Tupperware lids and lost socks. Email me directly:
I wanna hear all about your plans & how you'd ideally like to spend your elopement day!
(jk! fill out this contact form. I don't answer rando calls.)
Woo-hoo! I'm so happy you reached out!
If you don't hear from me within 48 hours, check your spam folder. If nothins there, the internet probably ate it. Email me directly at hello@jaimienicolekrause.com
If you're way too excited and you don't wanna wait, you can go ahead and check out my calendar link right here to pick a time to talk.
