So you're eloping. Or maybe you're doing a courthouse thing. Or it's a small backyard ceremony with just your favorite people and a really good caterer.
Whatever you want to call it — you're keeping it simple. And I'm here to tell you that's one of the best decisions you'll make.
But I also want to talk about the one thing couples in this situation tend to skip or underthink: photography. Because after 14 years and 750+ weddings, I've seen what happens when couples assume a small wedding doesn't need a real photographer.
Spoiler: they regret it.
Your Elopement Still Deserves Great Photos
I get it. The whole point of eloping or doing a courthouse wedding is to strip away the noise. No seating charts, no drama about the guest list, no $200-per-head venue minimum. You want the marriage, not the production.
But here's the thing — the day still happens. You still get dressed up. You still look at each other and say the words. You still have that moment where it hits you: we actually did this.
And if nobody captures it properly, you're left with iPhone photos from your mom's slightly shaky hand. I love your mom. But she's going to cut off your heads in at least three of those shots.
A professional photographer doesn't just take better pictures. They know how to find the light, guide you into natural poses, and catch the in-between moments — the laugh after the vows, the hand squeeze nobody else noticed, the look on your dad's face.
Those are the photos you'll actually frame.
The Scranton Package: Built for Exactly This
When I designed my pricing packages, I specifically built one for elopements, courthouse weddings, and small ceremonies. It's called the Scranton package, and here's what it includes:
- 2 hours of coverage with one photographer
- $1,495 — that's it, no hidden fees
- Professional editing and a full online gallery
- Perfect for courthouse ceremonies, backyard vows, or intimate restaurant celebrations
Two hours might not sound like a lot, but it's more than enough for a focused, intentional day. I'll break down exactly what we cover in that window in a minute.
And if your day ends up being a little longer than expected? You can add more time at $350 per hour. No pressure, no upselling — just flexibility if you need it.
Courthouse Options in New Jersey
If you're going the courthouse route, you've got some solid options in North Jersey. Here are the ones I've photographed at and know well:
Sussex County Courthouse (Newton)
This is my home turf — I'm based in Sparta, so I know this area inside and out. The courthouse in Newton is straightforward and the surrounding downtown area has some surprisingly great spots for portraits after the ceremony. There's a cute park nearby, old brick buildings, nice light in the afternoon.
Bergen County Courthouse (Hackensack)
Bergen County is one of the busiest for courthouse weddings in NJ. The building itself is historic and photographs well from the outside. Plan to arrive early — it can get crowded, especially on Fridays.
Morris County Courthouse (Morristown)
Morristown is beautiful. After the ceremony, you're a short walk from the Green, surrounded by historic architecture and tree-lined streets. Great for portraits without going far.
A Quick Note on Courthouse Logistics
Every county has slightly different rules about scheduling, witnesses, and how much time you get for the actual ceremony. Some are 10 minutes, some give you a bit more. Check with your county clerk's office ahead of time so we can plan around it.
I always recommend building in at least 30 minutes before and an hour after the ceremony for photos. The ceremony itself is quick — the portraits are where the magic happens.
Backyard and Small Wedding Considerations
Not doing a courthouse? A lot of my elopement and small wedding couples go the backyard route or rent a small venue. A few things to think about:
Lighting matters more than you think. If your ceremony is at noon in direct sun, everyone's going to be squinting. Late afternoon (around 4-5 PM in spring/summer) gives you that warm, golden light that makes everything look incredible.
Have a backup plan for weather. Even if it's just a tent or a covered porch. I've shot gorgeous rainy-day weddings, but you need somewhere dry for the important moments.
Keep the background clean. You don't need to landscape your entire yard, but moving the recycling bins and your neighbor's truck out of the sightline goes a long way.
Think about where you'll do portraits. Your backyard might be perfect for the ceremony but not ideal for couple photos. I'll often suggest a nearby park, field, or even a cool downtown area within a short drive.
What 2 Hours of Coverage Actually Looks Like
People always ask me this, so let me lay it out. Here's a typical flow for a 2-hour courthouse or elopement shoot:
| Time | What We're Doing |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | I arrive, capture detail shots (rings, flowers, shoes, invitation) |
| 0:15 | A few getting-ready moments if you're on-site |
| 0:30 | Pre-ceremony portraits (first look or couple shots) |
| 0:50 | Ceremony coverage |
| 1:10 | Family and group photos |
| 1:25 | Couple portraits — this is where we get the really good stuff |
| 1:55 | Final candids, wrap up |
That's a complete story of your day in two hours. You get the details, the emotions, the portraits, and the candids. Nothing rushed, nothing skipped.
If you want to add a dinner component or extend for a reception, that $350/hour add-on keeps things easy.
Real Talk: Timing, Locations, and What to Wear
After shooting hundreds of intimate weddings, here's the advice I actually give my couples:
Best time for photos: 1-2 hours before sunset. In New Jersey, that's roughly 4-5 PM in summer, 2-3 PM in winter. The light is warm, soft, and incredibly flattering.
Best locations near courthouses: Most NJ courthouses are in historic downtowns with great architecture. After the ceremony, we can walk a block or two and find beautiful backdrops — brick walls, old storefronts, tree-lined sidewalks.
What to wear: Wear what makes you feel like yourselves. That said, a few photographer tips — avoid super busy patterns (they distract from your faces), bright white can blow out in direct sun, and flowy fabrics look amazing in outdoor portraits. If you're wearing a suit, get it tailored. It makes a massive difference on camera.
Don't skip the details. Even at a courthouse wedding, bring your rings, maybe a small bouquet, and any meaningful items. I'll photograph them beautifully, and they add texture to your gallery.
Tell your guests to show up on time. With 2 hours, every minute counts. If Aunt Linda is 30 minutes late, that's 25% of our coverage time gone.
Why Hire a Wedding Photographer for "Just" an Elopement?
Because it's not "just" anything. It's the day you marry the person you love. The size of the guest list doesn't change that.
I've photographed 750+ weddings — from 300-guest ballroom celebrations to two people and a witness at a courthouse. The emotions are identical. The love is the same. The only difference is the volume.
And honestly? Some of my most powerful work has come from elopements. When there's no crowd, no timeline pressure, no chaos — it's just two people and their feelings. That rawness translates into photos that hit different.
Ready to Book?
If you're planning an elopement, courthouse wedding, or anything under 50 guests in New Jersey, I'd love to be there for it. Check out the Scranton package on my pricing page or reach out directly and tell me what you're thinking.
No pressure, no hard sell. Just a photographer who genuinely loves what he does and wants to make sure your day — however big or small — is remembered exactly the way it felt.
Based in Sparta, NJ and available throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Check your date — elopement dates book fast, especially weekday slots.
