Why Having Lived in the Elopement Locations I Service Makes Me a Location Expert
By Hannah Childress | Vérité Visuals
As an elopement photographer, my job goes far beyond capturing beautiful images—it’s also about helping couples find the perfect place to say “I do.” As a California native, someone who has lived in New Mexico, and who currently calls Washington home—with a lifetime of travel through Baja California—I’ve experienced some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes the western U.S. and Mexico have to offer. That lived experience gives me a unique edge when it comes to location scouting. I don’t just rely on Google Maps or Instagram geotags—I’ve walked these trails, driven these backroads, and felt the magic of these places firsthand.
Here’s why my time in each region helps me guide couples toward the perfect elopement spot:
California: From Redwoods to Rugged Coastlines
Growing up in California means this state will always feel like home—and it also means I know it in a way only a native can. From the golden light of Big Sur’s cliffs to the towering redwoods in the north, I’ve spent years exploring the state’s wild and varied terrain. Whether you’re drawn to the desert boulders of Joshua Tree or the alpine serenity of Yosemite, I know how to find hidden gems away from the tourist crowds. Living here gave me a deep understanding of how light moves through the trees, when fog rolls in along the coast, and how to plan around California’s famously unpredictable traffic and weather patterns.
Favorite elopement spots I’ve scouted or shot in:
Bodega Bay (coastlines that feel cinematic)
Northern California Redwoods (quiet, cathedral-like beauty)
Yosemite (for adventurous souls)
Washington: Moody Mountains and Mossy Forests
Washington is where I live now—and I absolutely love calling this wild and wonderful place home. Living here full-time means I know how to work with mist, rain, and some of the most dramatic mountain light imaginable. I’ve spent seasons chasing alpine wildflowers in the Cascades, snowshoeing into frozen lakes, and photographing elopements in lush forests that look like something out of a fairytale. I know which trailheads are best for early-morning ceremonies, how to beat the crowds at Mount Rainier, and where to find secret waterfalls just off the beaten path.
Go-to elopement locations:
Olympic National Park (diversity in a single park: coast, mountains, and rainforest)
North Cascades (for couples who love big views and solitude)
Mount Baker area (jaw-dropping backdrops and fewer people)
New Mexico: Desert Light and Soulful Landscapes
New Mexico’s high desert has a rhythm all its own. The sunsets hit different here—casting a rosy glow across sandstone cliffs and adobe villages. Living in this state taught me to appreciate stillness, wide-open skies, and the quiet drama of the desert. I know how to chase the golden hour across sagebrush plains and where to find ancient ruins or hot springs that add depth and meaning to a couple’s ceremony.
Top picks for elopements in New Mexico:
White Sands National Park (a surreal, dreamy canvas)
Abiquiú and Ghost Ranch (Georgia O’Keeffe vibes and stunning backdrops)
Santa Fe (artsy, spiritual, and full of secret ceremony spots)
Baja California: A Deep, Generational Connection
My connection to Baja runs deep—it’s a place I’ve returned to over and over again, from childhood road trips to adult adventures down the peninsula. The raw beauty of Baja’s coastline, the warm desert air, and the remote, peaceful beaches have shaped my sense of landscape and light. I know the backroads to hidden coves, the tides of the Sea of Cortez, and the desert bloom that surprises you in spring.
This lifelong familiarity makes me an ideal guide for couples dreaming of a more off-grid, soulful elopement experience. Baja offers something wild and free—and I know exactly where to find it.
Dreamy Baja elopement ideas:
Cacti wonderland ceremonies in Catavina
Sunset vows on the dunes of Bahía Concepción
Intimate beach elopements in Todos Santos
Why This Matters for Your Elopement
When you work with someone who knows these regions from the inside out, you’re getting more than just a photographer—you’re getting a local guide, weather-watcher, timeline planner, and logistics wizard. I help couples avoid the crowds, plan around lighting conditions, and access truly unforgettable locations that match their story and vibe.
Your elopement is one of the most intimate days of your life. It deserves a setting that feels just as personal—and someone behind the lens who knows how to make it all come together.
Want help picking the perfect spot in California, Washington, New Mexico, or Baja?
Let’s chat. I’ll help you dream it, plan it, and capture it beautifully.