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As an adventure elopement photographer, I see so many people living their lives according to other peoples' expectations.
Annnnd uh, that's kind of bullsh*t. I'm not the person that's going to sit here and talk about how epic and badass eloping is as much as I'm going to help you realize that once you have the confidence to be truly yourself on your wedding day, you can use that power to transform the rest of your life.
ELOPING IS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST GETTING MARRIED.
It's about being empowered to be unapologetically yourself and create a wedding day (and life) that YOU can be uniquely proud of.
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I'm Sam. And I regret my wedding.
Then add in a kickass connection between you and your partner that's enabled by dedicating that day TO YOU.
I help fun & free spirited couples create bold wedding days in dramatic places like the Oregon Coast, Redwoods, Alaska, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Scotland, Greece and beyond.
Then my couples use that empowerment to transform the rest of their lives.
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Your "best day ever". Full of things and sights you love. Go as far as making it a no holds barred, bucket list adventure. Then add in looking fine as hell and committing yourselves to one another.
Got dogs? Bring 'em. Always wanted to visit Ireland? Let's dooooo it!
Your wedding day should be an epic as feck adventure
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What a few past couples have to say
Sam made things super easy so we were able to focus on what was more important, which was experiencing the day together and enjoying ourselves. Sam was also quick to empower us to do whatever we wanted - whether that was going to a diner in our wedding attire, or getting matching wedding band tattoos! Our day was everything we could have wanted and we felt like Sam was just a friend that was helping guide us through it.
As soon as I spoke to Sam on the phone we connected and I knew there was no one else! ...Sam was super communicative, crazy knowledgeable, and just so much fun to work with!
Do yourself a solid and cancel your wedding, hire Sam as your adventure elopement photographer, and run away and marry your sweetie like you really want to!
Sam KNOWS what she’s doing, a true professional, but it was also so genuine. She wrote a book. She even did a TEDx Talk on eloping!! We were both like whaaaaat!!! Yes, woman, kill it! Seriously, hire Sam, great pics are sooo important, but it was more than pictures, it was an experience. It was worth every penny. I honestly cannot recommend her enough.
Kendal & Mike, Glacier National Park
Martyka & Steve, Oregon Coast
Nikki & Evan, Maui
I know what you’re thinking. What?! An adventure elopement photographer who thinks eloping isn’t about the photos?!
Yes, you heard me right. Eloping is really about the transformation that you can have that is the catalyst for real change in the rest of your life.
Eloping is full of growth and self-discovery. So why not infuse that in other areas to make your life MAGNIFICENT?
Eloping is not about the photos, or the dress or even the ceremony.
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What sets this experience apart
YOUR ELOPEMENT GIVES BACK
A portion of every elopement collection booked goes directly back to one of the following nonprofits: The National Park Foundation, Redwood Parks Conservancy, Glacier National Park Conservancy, and The Sierra Club. YOU get to choose who your adventure elopement supports!
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Leave No Trace Friendly
We will work together to Leave No Trace in the EPIC places we explore. It's incredibly important to practice good stewardship, and we'll do that through our practices and learning on your best day ever.
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Empowerment Focused
This day is about YOU and YOUR PARTNER. Your adventure should focus on you and what gets you stoked to be alive. Whether that is something you love doing, or an entirely new activity, this day is about EMPOWERING you to do what speaks to you, societal norms, expectations, and "rules" be damned.
For more info on empowerment and "Elope Your Life", watch my TEDx Talk here:
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I'M GIVING AWAY A FREE COPY OF "ELOPE YOUR LIFE"
get your COPY
FOR A LIMITED TIME, I'M GIVING IT ALL AWAY
(Okay, nearly everything 😉 )
LOCATION INSPIRATION HUB
ELOPE IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Click below to view resources and info on how to elope in Glacier National Park
"The Crown of the Continent" boasts some amazing elopement destination views. If you're wanting rocky and mountainous terrain, with beautiful glacial-fed lakes (and an option to overnight in a backcountry chalet) in the contiguous United States, Glacier National Park is perfect for your elopement.
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ELOPE IN ALASKA
Does eloping in Alaska sound like your dream adventure? Click below find out more.
Alaska is just like Glacier National Park in mountainous views, but it can be, dare I say, better?! Within Alaska, you're able to actually WALK ON GLACIERS, take a DOG SLED RIDE, HELICOPTER TO A PRIVATE MOUNTAIN PEAK, and VISIT A REINDEER FARM. Let's be clear, I'm just scraping the surface of all Alaska has to offer.
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ELOPE IN OREGON
Click below to check out the variety of backdrops you can elope to in Oregon.
There is a reason Oregon is called the Iceland of the United States. An Oregon elopement can be anything from a ceremony on the Oregon Coast, to a Crater Lake elopement, or a jaunt out in the wild desert playa near the Steens Mountains. This state has endless possibilities!
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WHICH HAWAIIAN ISLAND SHOULD YOU ELOPE TO?
Click to find out which Hawaiian island fits you best.
Each island provides a unique experience, from relaxed and low key, a hustling and bustling "Little Los Angeles" and everything in between. Lush forests, towering cliffs, rich indigenous culture, volcanoes, and more. Hawaii isn't just sandy beaches.
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ELOPE IN THE REDWOODS
Click below to see if eloping in the Redwoods is for you!
There's a reason I have a Coastal Redwood tattooed on my forearm. It's one of my favorite places in the world. Magical, mysterious, whimsical, and romantic. Check out all you need to know for a Redwoods elopement, from locations, vendor info, permits and more.
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MY “ELOPE YOUR LIFE” CORE VALUES
I am committed to equality and representation as well as proper environmental stewardship in the outdoors and beyond while crafting adventurous days that truly represent you as a couple. Black lives matter. The outdoors are for everyone. Leave it better than you found it. Full stop.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Page
Email: sam@samstarns.com
