I specialize in documenting authentic moments, and capturing real down to Earth love birds.
As an elopement photographer, I want your images to be more than just beautiful. I want them to scream with emotion. I want your elopement experience to be the most connective, intentional, and emotive way to unify your love.
I'm here to help you craft the elopement experience of your dreams and create unforgettable photos that are full of feeling and help you treasure your memories for a lifetime.
So if you crave a personalized experience that focuses on intentional moments and genuine connection, I'm your gal!
Meet Marcela
Your Elopement Photographer
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Things I Love About My Job
- Helping couples design their epic elopement
- Empowering couples to create their own traditions
- Capturing an adventure of a lifetime
- Serving couples with a personalized experience
- Producing tangible gifts through heirloom wedding albums
- Helping my couples open up about their love for each other
- Watching fur babies 'sign' the marriage license
The suitcase life is still my preferred one. Each destination opens up new ways of thinking and a fresh perspective.
22 countries visited
Harley is a 10-year old American bulldog who loves shadows and rocks. He might slobber everywhere but he's got my heart!
Proud dog mom
Before photography, I taught middle school history. Teaching taught me mindfulness and the importance of building strong relationships.
Former history teacher
I am building a camper van, named Lillian, to explore new elopement locations. I'm excited to explore and for the adventures to come.
Camper van life
I was born in the beautiful alpine country of Switzerland and grew up in Florida. And yes, our main diet is cheese and chocolate.
I'm Swiss, like the cheese
I lead week-long hikes through the Swiss Alps with Carpe Mundo. We stay in alpine huts, enjoy local cuisine and learn about cheese making!
Alpine hiking guide
A Little Bit About Me
hugger avid puzzler traveler plant lover adventure chaser whiskey sipper mountain hiker pasta fiend berry picker snowboarder banjo aficionado pretzel maker INFJ
hugger
avid puzzler
traveler
plant lover
adventure chaser
whiskey sipper
mountain hiker
snowboarder
berry picker
pasta fiend
banjo aficionado
pretzel maker
GET IN TOUCH »
You vibin' with me?
Looking for a photographer to help guide, educate, and capture the most incredible adventure of your life — let’s do this thing.
Elopement Resources
Let's Do This Thing!
Alex, Coastal Elopement
"We loved our experience having Marcela as our elopement day photographer.
What was even more special about our experience was her ability to set us at ease months before our day. Through constant communication leading up to, and during, the day we got eloped. Her personality is that, in just four days time, we felt as if we've known her for years.
Ah, but you're wondering about her photos. We loved every thing about them especially the raw emotion captured in many of the shots."
Caitlin, Alpine Lake Elopement
"My husband and I have been trying to put into words how simply amazing working with Marcela was.
From the start we could tell she truly cared about us, our relationship, and our story. She asked us so many questions, valued what we wanted, and kept up with the ever changing plans that came along with planning a wedding.
She made us feel so comfortable, made us laugh till we cried, and captured our true wholesome love for each other."
"We loved every moment of the day she helped create. Marcela was the perfect photographer for our adventure elopement! She worked tirelessly to make our adventure into marriage happen after our first options were snowed in!
She made us comfortable to be ourselves throughout the whole day while making her job look effortless and fun. Our cheeks hurt from smiling, laughing and a few tears. Marcela captured every precious moment! Her photography is absolutely stunning every way! I highly recommend Marcela for your elopement or wedding!"
Lauren, Sand Dunes Elopement
Amy, Forest Elopement
"Instead of telling us how to pose or interact with each other, Marcela gave us prompts that seemed simple but made a huge difference.
We discussed the weirdest things we loved about each other (which made us laugh) and how we could fulfill each other’s love languages. Amy and I played games with each other and Marcela captured the energy that happened naturally between us.
I love this shoot because it perfectly captures the love we share. It’s incredible to see that love and admiration encapsulated in a photo! Thank you for this!"
Chris, Anniversary Session
"The photos we just got back from Marcela are giving me CHILLS!! She did SO MUCH more than just photograph us — she created special moments that I’ll cherish forever.
She encouraged Con & I to genuinely interact & share intimate moments together. She prompted us to tell each other things that we love about one other, ways that the other person inspires us, & how being together has positively changed us.
It was more than just a beach shoot. We ended up giving each other precious, heart melting encouragement & that makes these photos all the more treasured to me."
Andrea, Red Rocks Elopement
"We had a pre-meet with her before the big day which definitely helped me feel more relaxed going into the wedding day. She gave us great suggestions and things to think about to be ready with on the wedding. On the day of she showed up early to help scope out the venue. She was creative to try and pull extra joy into our photographs.
When I look at these photos I see more than just beautiful images. I feel the moments that Marcela helped us experience and the connection we had. I can't thank Marcela enough! We will treasure these moments forever!"
couples I've worked with
160
5 star
review record
100
years as a photographer
6
My business is rooted in inclusivity, equality for all, and the inarguable truth that love is love. I am whole-heartedly and endlessly committed to capturing and celebrating your love regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
My Values
+
dollars donated to charity
10,400
houseplants
(and counting!)
18
countries visited so far
22
%
Click to find out more information!
Do you offer full-weekend coverage?
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Couples session vs elopement
How far in advance should we book?
Do you only photograph elopements?
How many images can we expect?
When will we receive our images?
Do you edit or retouch images?
Frequently Asked Questions
I deliver fully-edited images. I never deliver RAW, or unedited, images as they are not a reflection of my work. Every photo has my custom look applied, and is adjust for things like brightness and optimal color. I will remove small blemishes that aren't usually there but I generally don’t retouch images more than that. Your skin is part of you and your beauty and I want to capture it as authentically as I can.
Do you edit or retouch images?
My travel fees are included in all my packages as long as I can access your location via commercial airline and 2WD. The only time there would an additional fee is if your location is more remote and requires a charter plane or if I need to rent a high clearance 4WD. Other than that, I'll take care of my own travel costs! You don't have to worry about additional travel fees like hotel stays or meal purchases.
Tell me more about travel costs
I know from personal experience that it can seem like ages when you're waiting for images. My photographer took 12 weeks to deliver my images!
That's why I work hard to deliver them within 6 weeks. I also make sure to send over some sneak peeks soon after your elopement day so you can share with family and friends!
When will we receive our images?
Because you receive high-resolution, un-watermarked photos, you are welcome to print them at any shop but printing via me guarantees the best quality. You can order these prints from your personalized gallery.
Along with professional quality prints you can also order calendars, announcements, and frames through our partnered labs. I test the prints and colors to my labs’ printers to make sure your photos print accurately and beautifully.
Where can we buy prints?
In addition to elopements, I also love to capture other wild adventures like a canoe or kayak engagement session, helicopter elopement, camping wedding, desert session, tree-house engagement, beach elopement, trash the dress session, a multi-day adventure, backpacking session and much more!
Do you only photograph elopements?
On average, I provide about 50 images per hour of shooting. This number varies depending on the weather, how your day unfolds, the type of session and time. Elopements range anywhere from 200-400 photos. Couples sessions are typically around 100.
I believe in quality over quantity and aim to deliver the best of the best photos from your day.
How many images can we expect?
Because my travel schedule & pricing structure is constantly evolving, I generally don't book elopements more than 18 months out (with the exception of international destination weddings).
Couples usually book elopements anywhere from 3-12 months out. If you're more spontaneous or just eager to get married and want a last minute elopement, definitely reach out! I might have a space just for you.
How far in advance should we book?
Couples sessions can be for engagement photos, honeymoon photos, day-after sessions, anniversary photos, vow renewals, or just cause you wanna. I’ll help you plan a session that tells your story, including location suggestions, activities, and assistance with outfit planning. It can be as simple as a cozy morning in a cabin, or as adventurous as climbing a mountain. Couples sessions can’t be used for an elopement (because your wedding day deserves a whole lot more than that) and I have other packages specifically for elopements!
Couples session vs elopement
Absolutely! I want to make it very clear that I support love & marriage for all.
I believe that everyone deserves to have the perfect wedding day and I want to help you make yours just that.
Love is love and it comes in many forms. I'm just thrilled to be able to capture it!
Will you photograph LGBTQ+ ceremonies?
Absolutely. In fact I prioritize these session! Because I am a storyteller at heart, I want to tell the whole story – before & after and in-between. This type of coverage works well if you're camping out with your friends the night before, or traveling to a destination with all of your family, or backpacking to a spot for your adventure elopement. I want to capture it all.
