Elopement Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles

Cinematic, editorial photography for intimate “just us” weddings

Beach, city, and courthouse elopements — guided, effortless, timeless

Get in Touch

A woman and a man are standing close, with the woman holding a sign that covers part of their faces. The woman is wearing a white dress and has dark, curly hair. The man is dressed in a black tuxedo. The sign says 'SEPTEMBER' in large black letters,

A bride with curly hair wearing sunglasses and a white top leaning over a yellow pool table, holding a bouquet of white flowers.

A stylish bride in a white gown with sunglasses and drop earrings walking beside a man in a black suit and tie on a city sidewalk.

A groom and bride dressed in formal attire riding a descending escalator with mirrors on the walls reflecting their image, and warm lighting.

Close-up of a couple with eyes closed, near their faces, emphasizing intimate connection.

A groom in a suit sitting relaxed on a bench, with one leg over the other, and a bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet of white flowers sitting next to him in a waiting area.

Our Approach to Los Angeles Elopement Wedding Photography

Elopements deserve the same level of intention as a full wedding day — just without the noise. We create elopement wedding photography in Los Angeles with an editorial eye and a documentary heartbeat: clean composition, real emotion, and images that don’t feel staged. If you’re looking for a Los Angeles elopement photographer who can make your day feel calm, stylish, and deeply personal — you’re in the right place.

Elop Films

A woman with long red hair wearing sunglasses and a white shirt, touching her face, is lying on a wooden table with a bouquet of white flowers. A man in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie is leaning close to her, looking down at her, in front of neo

A bride with long auburn hair wearing black sunglasses, a white fur coat, and a diamond ring, posing with her arms crossed and looking at the camera.

A groom and bride in wedding attire with their Foreheads touching and eyes closed

A stylish couple dressed in formal white outfits pose outdoors against a graffiti-covered wall, with the woman holding a bouquet of white flowers.

A groom wearing sunglasses and a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow tie, eating noodles with chopsticks at a dining table with a bowl of noodles, dumplings, and white flowers in the background.

A groom and bride dressed in formal attire sitting on a wooden bench outside a restaurant with glass windows displaying food illustrations and signs for dumplings and dim sum.

Why Elope in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a rare mix: ocean, mountains, architecture, and cinematic light — all within reach. You can exchange vows on the coast at golden hour, do portraits against modern city textures, or keep it simple at the courthouse and still make it feel iconic. An elopement here can be spontaneous, intimate, and still look elevated.

Photo Gallery

A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a black suit sitting on green grass, with the bride holding a bouquet of white flowers and the groom wearing yellow polka dot socks.

A groom in a dark tuxedo and a bride in a white gown standing together in front of green foliage, posing for a photograph.

A man in business attire extending his hand toward the camera, with his face partially obscured by his hand, in a bright room.

A newlywed couple lies on grass, smiling and looking at each other. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a watch and a boutonniere. The bride wears a white wedding dress, veil, and ring, holding a bouquet of white flowers.

A bride with dark skin and black hair styled in a messy bun, wearing a white sleeveless top and a delicate necklace, standing against a white background with a motion blur effect.

A bride in a white dress laughing and leaning against a wall, holding a man's shoulder; a man in a suit stands next to her, holding a protest sign that reads 'Black Lives Matter' in reverse.

Best Places for an Elopement in Los Angeles

Your location sets the mood. Here are elopement directions couples love:

Coastal: wide open beaches, cliffs, and sunset horizons

City editorial: downtown lines, strong shadows, modern textures

Classic architecture: refined, timeless backdrops (clean, elegant frames)

Nature: canyon views, hills, quieter pockets with fewer distractions

Courthouse: simple ceremony, then portraits that feel modern and sharp

We help you choose locations that match your vibe, your schedule, and what’s realistic for crowds, access, and light.

A bride with long wavy red hair wearing black sunglasses, large floral earrings, a white satin dress, and a white faux fur coat, standing on a bridge with a river and cityscape of tall buildings in the background.

A couple holding hands while walking across a crosswalk. The woman is wearing a white dress and high heels, holding a bouquet of flowers. The man is wearing black pants and a white blazer.

A bride in a white dress and black sunglasses walking on a city sidewalk with blurred motion.

A stylish couple dressed in formal wedding attire walking hand in hand across a city street crosswalk on a sunny day.

Blurry photo of a woman in a white dress with long hair, standing outdoors near a brick wall.

A couple sitting on a stone railing in a park with lush green trees in the background. The woman is wearing a white dress with fluffy sleeves, sunglasses, and white shoes, while the man is dressed in a cream-colored jacket, black pants, and black loa

Marriage License Basics in LA County (Quick & Simple)

If you’re eloping in Los Angeles, you’ll typically handle the marriage license through LA County. The County Clerk lists current fees (for example: Public Marriage License and Confidential Marriage License) and supports online application to start the process.

We’re not a legal service, but we’ll help you plan the timeline so this step doesn’t become last-minute stress.

Direction That Feels Natural (No Awkward Posing)

You don’t need to “know how to pose.” We guide you in a way that feels human — not forced. We give simple direction, keep you moving, and capture the in-between moments that feel real. Couples commonly ask how involved a photographer is (hands-on vs. invisible). Our balance: calm direction when needed, quiet observation when the moment already exists.

Permits and Rules for LA Beaches and Parks

Permits aren’t the romantic part of an elopement — but in Los Angeles they can be the difference between a calm ceremony and unnecessary stress. Rules vary by location because different areas are managed by different agencies, and requirements can change depending on guest count and how “event-like” it looks.

Here’s the simple way to think about it:

LA County beaches often have a defined process for beach wedding permits, including recommended lead times for applying.

Malibu public beaches are typically handled through LA County Beaches & Harbors rather than the city itself.

Some coastline and nature locations fall under California State Parks, which may have their own special event rules.

We don’t turn your elopement into a production. We keep everything light, fast, and respectful of the space — and we’ll steer you toward locations and timing that make the day feel private, smooth, and uninterrupted.

Groom in black and white tuxedo sitting on a decorative marble fireplace mantel in an elegant room with dark wood paneling and a chandelier overhead.

A bride in an intricate white lace dress lying on a dark floor next to a patterned rug, with soft lighting highlighting her face, hair, and the detailed fabric of her dress.

A bride dressed in an elegant, vintage-style wedding gown with lace details, sitting on a bed in a dimly lit room with wooden accents and fireplace in the background.

A couple sharing a kiss outdoors at sunset, with the man in a tuxedo and the woman in a wedding dress, during a romantic moment.

A large crystal chandelier hanging from a ceiling illuminates a formal group portrait of five people, including a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a white dress.

A bride and groom on a staircase inside a grand, ornate building with marble walls and large windows.

A Stress-Free Elopement Photography Timeline (Our Packages)

LA elopement packages pick the coverage that matches the pace you want — fast and iconic, or slow and cinematic. Our Los Angeles elopement packages are built around what actually takes time: ceremony, portraits, travel, and golden hour.

Elopement Photo | Whispers in the Wild | 4 Hours

$1,900.00

1 Photographer

Up to 4 hours of coverage

150+ beautifully edited hi-res photos

Online gallery of all images to share with friends and family, available for one year

Unlimited high-resolution downloads

Mine

Elopement Photo & Video | Vows in the Wind | 4 Hours

$3,600.00

1 photographer and 1 videographer

Up to 4 hours of continuous coverage

150+ beautifully edited, high-resolution photographs

A 3–5 minute cinematic highlight film

1-2 minutes emotional trailer

Private online gallery available for one year

Unlimited downloads in full quality

Mine

Elopement Video | Runaways in Love | 4 Hours

$1,900.00

1 Videographer

Up to 4 hours of coverage

3-5-minute cinematic highlight film

1-2 minute trailer

Private online gallery available for one year

Unlimited downloads in full quality

Mine

Voice of Love

Yana & Domenic 05.17.2025 Los Angeles Santa Monica

I couldn’t have asked for better photographers and videographers. They did an amazing job capturing my wedding day. Not only were they supportive throughout the day, but they also made me feel special and beautiful. I’m so grateful to have met Andrew and Roma — they helped me with everything, from the smallest details to the biggest ones. When I saw the photos and then the video, I was completely blown away. The photos were stunning, full of passion and warmth, and the video was even more impressive. I couldn’t believe you created something we could laugh, cry, and watch over and over again.
Sophia & Joseph 09.19.2025 Los Angeles, CA

WOW, I’m blown away by you guys’ talent! I love the trailer and the film so much — especially the ending, it was absolutely hilarious. We laughed so hard and kept rewatching it again and again. We are both incredibly appreciative of your hard work and talent. The editing, music selection, the flow of the film — everything was done so beautifully. We are SO glad we had you capture our special day and that we can revisit it through such high-quality videos. I honestly can’t stop watching it over and over again.
Seda + Jeffrey 01.25.2025 Los Angeles, Malibu

Absolutely incredible! Our wedding videographers went above and beyond to capture not just the moments, but the emotions, energy, and pure joy of our special day. They truly understood our personalities and seamlessly wove them into the video, making it feel so personal and authentic. Every smile, every happy tear, and every heartfelt embrace was beautifully documented. They also perfectly captured the vibe of our guests, making the entire film feel like we were reliving the day all over again. We couldn’t be happier with the final result—it’s a masterpiece we will cherish forever! Highly recommend!
Nicole+ Yichen 10.18.2024 Los Angeles Beverly Hills

Andrew and Roma we are completely blown away by the incredible talent and professionalism of the Arrakis team! From the moment we watched our wedding video, we were in tears—every little moment was captured so beautifully and authentically. We watched it three times in a row and couldn’t stop crying from joy and excitement. The footage is elegant, heartfelt, and simply amazing. Working with you felt so comfortable and natural, even during our most intimate moments. You’ve created something we’ll cherish forever. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Item
Stephanie + Mark 02.24.2025 LA, CA

Hi Andrew and Roma, Thank you so much for capturing our beautiful day so perfectly. We’re in awe of how you captured the emotions, magic, and joy of our wedding in such a short clip. It’s elegant, heartfelt, and full of life—just like the day itself. We’re also so grateful to you for capturing not only the celebration but also the depth of our faith and love. Thank you again for your professionalism. You made us feel so comfortable working with you, especially sharing our most intimate and special moments.
Brigid & Philip 10.12.2025 Los Angeles West Hollywood

We just wanted to thank you both for doing such an incredible job with our wedding. You handled everything with such calm, care, and professionalism, turning what was already a chaotic day into something truly unique. Between unexpected surprises, weather challenges, and transportation hiccups, we were so grateful for how attentive and adaptable you both were. Everyone kept saying how easy and comfortable you made the entire experience. We already know the final photos will be amazing.”

A black-and-white photo of a couple kissing on a vintage sofa in an art gallery or museum, with framed landscape paintings on the wall behind them.

A groom in a tuxedo is adjusting his bow tie in front of a mirror in a bathroom, preparing to go out.

Black and white photograph of a newlywed couple sharing a kiss, with the bride in a wedding dress and the groom in a tuxedo, standing in front of a blurred cityscape background.

A smiling bride in a wedding dress with lace details sitting in a vintage car, with a person driving in the background.

A black and white photo of a couple dressed in wedding attire holding hands while walking on a city street.

A black and white photo of a couple dressed in formal attire, with the man in a tuxedo and the woman in an elegant dress, sharing an intimate moment on a train.

Editorial Details That Make the Photos Feel Expensive

Elopements are small — which means every detail matters more. The best way to elevate the final gallery is through a few intentional choices:

one strong bouquet shape (not necessarily huge, just designed)

clean fabrics and textures that move in wind

one statement accessory (veil, gloves, jacket, jewelry)

keeping the palette tight so the images feel curated

We can also suggest what photographs best for your specific location (beach light vs. city contrast).

A bride in sunglasses and jewelry eats a slice of pizza.

A bride in a white wedding gown and lace veil adjusting a fabric panel with colorful light reflections on it.

A bride in a white dress with a headband and jewelry covering one eye with her hand, her mouth open in a yell or laugh.

A bride in a white wedding dress running outdoors, holding a bouquet of flowers.

A black and white photo of a bride and groom outdoors. The bride is sitting on a bench, holding a bouquet, wearing a wedding dress and veil. The groom stands behind her, dressed in a tuxedo, with trees and a lamppost in the background.

Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress with lace details, holding a floral bouquet, and wearing a lace veil. She is standing sideways with eyes closed and a peaceful expression.

Andrew, founder of Arrakis Films, is a filmmaker and photographer crafting cinematic wedding films and photos with deep emotion, storytelling, and timeless artistry.

About Arrakis Films

Arrakis Films creates wedding imagery that feels cinematic, modern, and emotionally true. We’re known for an editorial taste level, bold composition, and a storytelling approach that keeps your day honest — not overly manufactured.

If you want a luxury feel without the “wedding factory” look, we’ll build something intimate and unforgettable in Los Angeles.

More About us

Roma, co-founder of Arrakis Films, is a film producer bringing cinematic storytelling and artistry to wedding films, crafting timeless and emotionally rich visuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes. It depends on the beach authority (LA County, city, or State Parks), guest count, and how “event-like” it looks. LA County has a formal beach wedding permit process, and Malibu points public beach events toward LA County Beaches & Harbors
Most couples are happiest with 3–4 hours. If you’re moving between locations or want golden hour + getting ready, 4–6 hours is common
Contract terms, delivery timeline, backup plan if they get sick, working style (posing vs candid), and whether you can see full galleries
Varies by season and workload. Reddit couples often report timelines from a few weeks to longer — what matters is that your photographer sets clear expectations in writing.
We plan timing (weekday/sunrise/golden hour), pick angles that feel private, and keep the footprint minimal so your ceremony stays intimate.
Yes — it’s a popular plan for LA elopements. We’ll build a timeline that accounts for travel and keeps the day relaxed.
Yes. We guide you toward spots that match your vibe and avoid common friction points (crowds, access, rules, timing).
Yes — that’s exactly where elopements shine: fewer moving parts, more intimacy, and the ability to invest in what matters most.

FROM FILM TO FOREVER

Get in touch

If you’re planning an elopement and want it to feel effortless, stylish, and real — reach out.Share your date, guest count (if any), and the vibe you’re going for (beach / city / courthouse / nature). We’ll reply with availability and next steps.