Mountain light. Forest quiet. Just the people who matter most. I photograph intimate elopements across Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and beyond — and I'll guide you calmly through every step of planning so nothing ever feels overwhelming.
YOUR GUIDE FROM “YES” TO “I DO”
For the couple who'd rather
disappear into the wilderness.
Est. 2018 · Gardnerville, NV200+ couples · 4 states
7,503’
ELEVATION
You've thought about eloping. Now what?
OVERWHELMED - CHAPTER 01
Most couples come to me with two worries: "We have no idea how to plan this" and "We're going to look awkward in photos." I hear that all the time — and I'm here to tell you, neither has to be true.
I came to elopement photography through the outdoors, not through weddings. What draws me to this work is simple: couples who choose to get married somewhere that actually means something to them, surrounded by the people who matter most. I photograph those days, and I help plan them — permits, timing, location, all of it — so that when the moment comes, you're not thinking about logistics. You're just present.
Armando
PHOTOGRAPHER + PLANNER, AJ PHOTOGRAPHY
SUPPORT - CHAPTER 02
More than a photographer. Your guide from yes to I do.
Here's what working together actually looks like. Three things I bring, every single time — and nothing on your plate that I haven't already carried for another couple.
01
Location guidance
I know Tahoe, Yosemite, Sedona, and the Oregon Coast deeply. The hidden spots, the best light, the permits you need and how to get them.
02
Full planning support
Timeline, logistics, what to wear, who to contact. I walk you through all of it.
03
Natural Photography
I'll never ask you to pose stiffly. I'll guide you through moments that actually feel like you.
— PROCESS · THREE STEPS —
Three steps to your elopement
No complicated process. Just a clear path forward, with me alongside at every turn.
I
Tell me what you want it to feel like
You don't need a date, a location, or a plan. Just reach out with your season, your vibe, and what matters most to you.
II
We build the plan together
Location, permits, timeline, lodging, vendors — I take the decisions off your plate one by one so nothing sneaks up on you.
III
Show up and enjoy your day
Calm pacing, gentle direction, real moments. You focus on each other. I handle everything else and capture what unfolds.
SERVICES - CHAPTER 03
What I offer
Three ways to work together, from a full adventure day to a relaxed couples session in your favorite light.
SIGNATURE FULL DAY· PLANNING INCLUDED
Adventure elopements
My signature service. Full planning support plus photography — and video if you want it. Built for couples who want their day to feel intimate, real, and theirs.
SMALL CELEBRATIONS
Intimate weddings
For small weddings with close family or a handful of friends. I help you build a smooth timeline and capture the moments that matter most.
PRE-DAY SESSIONS 1 — 2 HOURS · RELAXED
Engagement & Couples
A relaxed session to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Great if you're camera-shy and want to feel easy and natural.
FIELD GUIDE · CHAPTER 04
Four places I know by heart
Deep familiarity beats a big territory. These are the four regions where I've done the work: scouted the light, pulled the permits, found the quiet pull-outs.
Yosemite
7,503’
37.7456° N 119.5936° W
Granite cathedrals, cliff ceremonies at Taft Point, Valley sunrises. Permit required — I’ll guide you through it.
Lake Tahoe
6,225’
38.9399° N 119.9772° W
Alpine coves, pine-scented sunrises, frozen shorelines. My home base.
Sedona
4,350′
34.8697° N 111.7610° W
Red-rock spires, soft desert light, off-road vistas.
Oregon Coast
Sea Level
45.3159° N 123.9615° W
Fog-wrapped sea stacks, moody cliff walks, tide-pool vows.
— PORTFOLIO · A FEW MOMENTS —
Real days, unrehearsed
Quiet vows. Real laughter. Wind-in-your-hair hikes. And all the in-between moments you didn't even realize were happening.
Of planning elopements across the Western US.
From "where do we start?" to "we did it."
Guaranteed, from inquiry to your big day.
Not an add-on. Always built in.
CHAPTER 05 · REAL STORIES
Couples who trusted us
" What a pleasure it was to meet AJ. From the beginning he was hands on figuring out what all we needed for our big day ...We shared laughs, he took us to amazing spots in Yosemite National Park."
Rachelle + Jerome
Elopement, Yosemite
"We had an amazing experience working with Armando. From the beginning he was very responsive with coordinating our shoot. The pictures turned out spectacular! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!"
Lexi + Michael
Elopement, Yosemite
JOURNAL - CHAPTER 06
Planning guides & real stories
Everything you need to plan your elopement — from someone who's actually been there.
FAQ · CHAPTER 07
A few common questions
Quick answers to what most couples ask first. Can't find yours? Write to me — I read every message myself.
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Yes — and honestly, this is one of the things I care most about. Planning support is built into every package I offer. That means I'll help you choose and scout your location, handle permit research and applications, build out your day's timeline, and coordinate the moving parts so nothing falls through the cracks. You don't need to hire a separate planner. From the first conversation to the moment we part ways on your elopement day, I'm your guide through all of it.
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It really depends on your timeline and location. Some couples book 6–12 months out to secure popular dates at places like Yosemite or Lake Tahoe — especially if a special use permit is required. Others reach out just a few weeks before and we make it work. If you have a date or location in mind, the best move is to reach out early so we can talk through what's realistic. I'll always be straight with you about availability.
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We roll with it — and more often than not, it makes for better photos. Moody skies, misty forests, dramatic clouds: these are the conditions that make mountain and wilderness elopements feel cinematic rather than staged. That said, safety always comes first. If conditions are genuinely dangerous, we'll talk through your
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I don't put a hard cap on your gallery. What I deliver is every image that genuinely tells the story of your day — edited, full resolution, and yours to keep. In practice, most galleries range from 300 to 600+ images depending on the length of coverage and how the day unfolds.
— START HERE —
Ready to stop stressing and start planning?
Tell me a little about your vision — where you're dreaming of, when you're thinking, and what matters most to you. I'll take it from there.