Question 1

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

Elopements are often spontaneous by nature, so if your date is same day or a few weeks out, just reach out anyway. Some couples plan a few months ahead, especially if they are booking a cabin and making it a honeymoon in the mountains. Try to avoid Friday and Saturday plans, since Emilie's main job is wedding photography and those events usually fall on those days.

Question 2

Are you legally ordained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emilie is ordained through the Universal Life Church and has been officiating weddings for about eight years. Your marriage will be just as legal as one performed in a cathedral, just with better views.

Question 3

Do you perform non-religious ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Your ceremony can be spiritual, secular, or anywhere in between. Emilie has married couples of all faiths and no faith, and every ceremony reflects who you are, not a script.

Question 4

Can you officiate and photograph our elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It means one less person on the trail, one less vendor to coordinate, and a smaller, more intimate day. Emilie witnesses your vows and captures everything on camera in a casual way, without standing in front of you asking you to repeat her words. You can also book her for just the officiant services or just the photography.

Question 5

Can we get married on public land?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. National forests, state parks, and other public lands can make incredible ceremony spots. Some locations require a special use permit, and many have rules about group size, commercial photography, and where ceremonies can happen. Emilie helps you understand what your chosen spot requires and points you in the right direction for permits.

Question 6

Do you have location suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tell Emilie what you're dreaming of, such as an overlook, a waterfall, a trail you can drive to, or somewhere totally off the map, and she'll suggest spots that fit your group, your fitness level, and the season. She also plans for parking, trail difficulty, crowds, sunrise and sunset angles, and a backup plan if the weather turns.

Question 7

How strenuous can the hike be?

Accepted Answer

As strenuous as you want. Emilie has officiated at roadside overlooks and after long climbs to the top of a mountain. If you can hike there, she can marry you there, with timing planned so no one is rushing and there is still light when you need it.

Question 8

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

Mountain weather has a mind of its own, so a backup location or time window is planned ahead of your day. Some of the best ceremonies happen in fog, wind, or a little drizzle. If there is lightning or anything unsafe, the ceremony is moved or delayed. Safety comes first.

Question 9

Can you help us write our vows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emilie shares examples, prompts, and a simple structure to get you started, then gives feedback if you'd like it. Whether your vows are three sentences or three pages, she'll help them sound like you.

Question 10

What about the marriage license?

Accepted Answer

You get your marriage license from the county before the wedding, and the courthouse will tell you exactly what to bring. After the ceremony you sign it together with Emilie, and she makes sure it is completed correctly and returned on time. Requirements vary by state, including witnesses and deadlines, so she walks you through the details for wherever you're getting married.

Question 11

Do we need witnesses?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the state. Some require witnesses and some don't. If yours does and it's just the two of you, Emilie will help you figure it out. Photographers, hikers passing by, and friends have been part of the adventure before, but some states require witnesses to be physically present, so double-check your state's rules.

Question 12

Where do you travel?

Accepted Answer

Emilie is based in Blue Ridge, GA and officiates locally in North Carolina and Georgia. She is happy to travel farther. Travel fees depend on distance and are always shared up front. Local weddings have no travel fees.

Question 13

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Officiant services start at $150-$250, and elopement packages combining officiating and photography start at $2,100. Every day is a little different, so reach out and Emilie will put together options that fit your plans.

Question 14

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Send a message with your date (or rough timeframe), your dream location, and a little about the two of you. Emilie will set up a free call, and if it feels like a fit, she'll send over the details to lock in your date.