Elopements don't have to be complicated. The very nature of eloping is that it wouldn't be complicated nor would it be expensive. I'm not sure what's going on in the world when photographers market themselves as a '$10k elopement photographer'. Their photos must sing and dance a spew out glitter like Poppy from Trolls. If you, or someone you know, wants to pay me $10k to photograph your elopement and spend the entire day with you exploring cool spots to photograph you in, I am so game for that. But in all seriousness I would probably never charge that much without you ordering a crap ton of prints and photo albums.
My prices are listed and plain for all to see under the "INVESTMENT" tab. You can download the pdf and see that I primarily offer a very simple 2 hour elopement package or you can book me by the hour. Many couples will opt for the elopement packge and then add on time as needed (currently $425/hr). I can reccomend other vendors if needed, including officients, florists, DJ's, musicians, as well as help with planning your dream location for the ceremony and/or photo locations before or after the cermeony. I don't have any intentions of lowballing my compettitors; I just want to provide an awesome product at a rate that doesn't break the bank for normal people.
Speaking of 'normal' people, whatever that means, Matt and Myley got hitched in the backyard of their friends vacation house in South Lake Tahoe. I had a blast getting to know them and their lovely families. If you're trying not to break the bank on your elopement and you don't have acces to a backyard with views (most vacation rentials don't allow weddings anyway) then why not choose a spot on forest land with an epic view? We have plenty of those around to choose from.
Check out Matt and Myley's intimate backyard wedding:
If you're planning an elopement or intimate wedding I'd love to hear from you. Send a detailed email to info@cjvarela.photo, or use the contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!