Elopements
Because love isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either.
Let's create a wedding day that's
outside the box.
and your wedding day shouldn’t be either.
Because love isn’t one-size-fits-all,
- Get ready together at home
- Have a friend officiate your ceremony
- Exchange vows in a charming bed & breakfast
- Say "I Do" at sunset by a fire pit
- End your day with dessert, cocktails, or pizza
...and get photos you’ll cherish forever.
What if you + boo...
All love is welcome & celebrated here.
Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
Sam + Nyah's Courthouse Ceremony +
Capitol Portraits
Jazmin + Jake's Courthouse Ceremony + Capitol Portraits
Jakki + Shelby's
intimate elopement at The Wakery
Really Small Real Wedding Days
Check out these galleries from past couples.
Courthouse weddings are the EASIEST. Fast, simple, and STILL meaningful.
AND you get photos of you + boo looking fine??? My absolutely favorite.
Here are some quick links to help you plan your best day ever.
Sangamon County Ceremony Logistics
FAQ's on Marriage Ceremonies
Online Marriage Application
County Circuit Clerk's Office Address
Short & Sweet
The Process
1.
4.
2.
3.
Fill out the contact form here.
Sign contract & pay retainer.
We iron out the details for your day.
Your dream day, documented forever.
The Process
1.
4.
2.
3.
Fill out the contact form here.
Sign contract & pay retainer.
We iron out the details for your day.
Your dream day, documented forever.
Airbnb
Location:
4:30pm get ready with partner
5:30pm private vows
5:45pm sunset photos
6:30pm meet at restaurant with friends and family
6:45pm short n sweet ceremony
7:00pm dinner & celebrate
Restaurant
8:00am breakfast
9:00am get ready with partner
10:00am ceremony
10:30am portraits
12:00pm celebratory lunch
1:00pm celebratory nap
6:00pm celebratory dinner with friends and family
Location:
8:00am breakfast
9:00am get ready with partner
10:00am photos at IL Capitol Building
11:15pm courthouse ceremony with friends
11:45pm group photos with guests
12:00pm celebratory lunch
Courthouse
Location:
Elopement DayIdeas
Need some help brainstorming? Check out these ideas.
Airbnb
Courthouse
Restaurant
Need some help brainstorming? Tap on the following locations to envision how your day could go.
3 hour elopements start at 2400
- 3-6 hours of coverage
- Polaroid coverage
- High resolution images
- 24/7 access to me
- Vendor research
- Timeline creation
- Day of coordination
- Access to licensed officiants
- Optional engagement photos
please inquire for all packages
Pricing for Elopements
every day is different- share you vision and let's make it happen
Do we have to go to a courthouse to elope?
No, you do not! Although courthouse weddings are the easiest to plan.
I’ll be 100% honest, those drop ceilings at the Sangamon County Clerks Office are UGLY. Usually when couples go to the courthouse we will meet after their appointment for photos.
So we just need an officiant, then we can get married anywhere?
Yes! In Illinois you need an officiant. Then we default to the county you will get married in for your marriage license.
For the officiant, I find one for you, or you ask a loved one to become ordinated online! I have resources on that.
How do you help plan our elopement?
After you book, I’ll ask you detailed questions about how you want your day to go. I'll do the research, come back with options, and help you hire your vendors for your day.
I’m your coordinator & photographer in one.
questions
Frequently asked
Do you travel for elopements?
Yes I do! If your elopement is in Springfield, IL, there are no travel fees.
Traveling outside of Springfield around the central IL area, and to the Chicago & St. Louis area require a travel fee, mentioned in your package proposal when booking.
PLAN MY DAY ASAP
ELOPEMENT EDITION
What's the easiest way to get married?
Going to the courthouse! You pick a date, they give you two time slots to pick from, and you just show up! You even walk away from the courthouse with your finished paperwork.
I can go with you to the courthouse, or meet you somewhere for wedding portraits!
If we hire an officiant, then we can get married anywhere?
Yes! In Illinois you need an officiant. Then we default to the county you will get married in for your marriage license.
For the officiant, I find one for you, or you ask a loved one to become ordinated online! I have resources on that.
How do you help plan our elopement?
Yes I do! If your elopement is in Springfield, IL, there are no travel fees.
Traveling outside of Springfield around the central IL area, and to the Chicago & St. Louis area require a travel fee, mentioned in your package proposal when booking.
questions
Frequently asked
Do you travel for elopements?
After you book, I’ll ask you detailed questions about how you want your day to go. I'll do the research, come back with options, and help you hire your vendors for your day.
I’m your coordinator & photographer in one.
PLAN MY DAY ASAP
ELOPEMENT EDITION
Kenny + bwayisak
Her attention to detail, creativity, and genuine care for us made all the difference. The photos she took are more than just images, they’re memories filled with emotion, and she helped us create those moments we’ll cherish forever.
If you’re looking for someone who will go the extra mile and treat your special day with the love, kindness and care it deserves, Rachael is the one.
"She went the extra mile."
GooglE reviews here
AUndie + TOry
She was so invested to make sure our day was as special as couple with a full ledge wedding and reception.
She really was able to capture our vision for our style but also our genuine and deep love for each other. Rachael's photography skills are incredible and what a bonus that she's probably the most kind and genuine person my husband and I have ever met."
"She was invested in us + our day."
GooglE reviews here
Tyler + Taylor
She wore many different hats for our day (DJ, hairdresser, and family wrangler lol). The consultations we had with her before our wedding were detailed and helped us consider how we wanted our day to feel. She has such a great personality and helped us relax and made us laugh.
Her personality and presence feels like a warm hug, that's the best way I can describe working with her!
"A truly personalized experience."
GooglE reviews here
love notes
Elopements
How to Plan a Sangamon Courthouse Wedding
How to Plan an Airbnb Elopement
What Exactly is an Elopement?
Resources for Planning Your Elopement
Free ideas- no strings attached.
Worried about how I'll react to your weird family dynamics???
My friend, people do NOT scare me (thanks to 5 years in the classroom with middle schoolers ((yes, middle schoolers))).
Hi!! I'm Rachael! Former teacher turned photographer- here to guide you through planning your special day.
If we haven't officially met yet...
