Sam Starns – Elopement Industry Expert, TEDx Speaker, & Published Author

Helping couples throw out the rulebook & inspiring industry shifts in elopement photography

Expert on Adventure Elopements, Breaking Wedding Norms, or Authentic Business.

Looking for an experienced elopement speaker to share insights on adventure weddings, breaking wedding traditions, and running a successful creative business by following YOUR rules, not theirs? As an elopement photography workshop speaker, TEDx speaker, and author of Elope Your Life, I specialize in helping couples and entrepreneurs redefine what’s possible.

She was highly engaging, knowledgeable, and I would definitely attend any presentation she gives in the future!

Sierra Miller – Women in Business, Douglas County

Why Book Me as an Elopement Speaker?

Why Book Me as an Elopement Speaker?

Whether you’re looking for an elopement speaker, adventure expert, or business strategist, I offer fresh insights on breaking traditions and building a life that aligns with your values.

As a TEDx speaker, author, and workshop leader, I’ve helped thousands of couples and creatives redefine success—whether in weddings, business, or personal growth.

With a background in theatre, I know how to read an audience and deliver a dynamic, engaging talk that truly connects. Storytelling is at the core of everything I do, whether on a podcast, stage, or workshop.

I offer engaging, no-BS conversations on:

Adventure & Outdoor Elopements

How couples are rewriting the wedding rulebook.

Sam Starns speaking as an elopement photography workshop speaker

Entrepreneurship & Creative Business

Building an aligned, values-driven business.

Outdoor Travel & Exploration

Creating unforgettable, meaningful experiences in nature.

As Seen In

Past Featured Speaking Engagements

ELOPEMENT PHotography legend awards 2025 jude

Keynote Speaker for the 2021 New Adventures Photography Worksho

I’ve had the honor of being an elopement photography workshop speaker and panelist at various industry events, sharing insights on elopement trends, authentic marketing, and creating impactful photography experiences. From national conferences to intimate workshops, I love helping photographers, planners, and couples rethink how they approach elopements.


ELOPEMENT, ADVENTURE & Business PODCAST
& INTERVIEW TOPICS


For wedding & relationship podcasts

  • Why More Couples Are Choosing Elopements Over Big Weddings (featuring insights from an expert elopement speaker)
  • How to Navigate Family Pushback When You Want to Elope (strategies from a TEDx speaker & elopement industry expert)
  • The Emotional & Psychological Impact of Choosing an Elopement (deep dive into why eloping is more than just a wedding alternative)

For Adventure & Travel Podcasts

  • What It’s Like to Get Married in a National Park
  • The Rise of Travel-Based Elopements & Destination Weddings
  • The Intersection of Adventure, Love, and Breaking Wedding Norms

For business and creative entrepreneur podcasts

  • Breaking the Wedding Industry Mold: Building a Business on Your Own Terms (what I’ve learned as an elopement photography workshop speaker & entrepreneur)
  • The Power of Authentic Marketing & Storytelling for Creative Entrepreneurs
  • Projector Human Design Energy in Business: How to Market Without the Hustle (aligned strategies for creative entrepreneurs & photographers)

She’s an excellent speaker and her entire talk was so engaging…. and the information she presented was actually helpful. I truly wished we could have listened to her speak for more than just an hour and a half. I learned SO much from her!

Sam Burke – The New Adventure Workshop

As Seen In

As seen on King 5 in Seattle

Breaking the Wedding Mold: My Interview with KING 5 Seattle

As seen on Good Day Sacramento

Elope Your Life: Interview with CBS Good Day Sacramento

TEDx Roseburg: Elope Your Life

📢 Want to Book an Experienced Elopement Speaker for Your Event?

Whether you’re looking for a guest expert on adventure elopements, an elopement photography workshop speaker, or a creative business mentor, I’d love to bring my insights to your audience.”

⬆️ Book Me for Your Podcast, Workshop, or Event Here ⬆️

QUICK FAQ

I speak at elopement photography workshops, wedding industry conferences, creative business events, and podcasts focused on adventure travel, relationships, and entrepreneurship.

You can reach out via email (sam@samstarns.com) to discuss availability, speaking topics, and event details.

Yes! I’m available as an elopement speaker for both in-person events and virtual conferences or podcasts.

I speak on elopements, adventure weddings, creative entrepreneurship, authentic marketing, building a business that aligns with your energy, and how to be a sustainable outdoor businessperson.