Ohio based destination wedding photographer specializing in small intimate gatherings + elopements

elopements

the experience, process, FAQ, pricing, & more

hey there, I'm Cate.

For me, elopements are defined as putting each other first. Eloping can just be you two or it can be you two and a small group you hand pick to celebrate with. Whether at the courthouse, in the Moab desert, sunrise on the Bonneville Salt Flats, a rainy, moody afternoon on Cannon Beach, or prowling around Palm Springs, it’s what will tell the story of you both the best. I grew up traveling and exploring the world with my family and that’s where my love for photographing in new places came from. Ohio is home but my next destination is always around the corner.

lil' client love

adventure is out there

ELOPING DETAILS

If you are looking for a couple hours of coverage I'm not your photographer. My elopement experience is woven into the getting ready, traveling, vows, portraits, and dinner. My elopement experience is best expressed by the the multi-day adventures. The exploration of where you both are promising your life to one another over the course of your visit. My pricing can include multi-day adventures, 35 mm and instant film, behind the scenes footage. All pricing will include a flat travel rate for lodging, transportation, and per diem.

Elopement packages begin at $5,100.

what to expect

Elopement timeline

01

inquire & Talk details

This is where I want to know everything you have planned or are currently dreaming up. Here we will talk about your needs and wishes and make sure we are feeling each others energy and excitement. We both need to vibe for the best experience.  

02

booking + Travel

If you are unsure of a location, I'll put together a little travel proposal to help you decide. We will go over the pros and cons, permits, vibe, vision, and details of each location so you both can pick your favorite. If you book with a location, I'll begin my search and book my lodging and travel.

03

Extra help?

 If you want a planner to help rentals, book lodging, flights, rentals, etc., I can give you recommendations! I have some amazing destination planners. We will start on a draft timeline for your day/multiple days. 

04

check in

For elopements, there are a lot of moving parts. There may be permits deadlines to meet, so I love to do a quick check in and see where I can help and smooth out any uncertainties. 

05

Arriving &
YOUR Elopement 

IT'S HERE. You are getting married in a gorgeous location to explore. We will go crazy with photos and have the day of your dreams. If out of state/country, I like to arrive at least two days prior to check out our location if possible and acclimate to the environment and time zone.

06

Photo Delivery

After your elopement, I send sneak peeks to your phone or DM within 48 hours. Six weeks later you'll get your full elopement gallery via email all in a gorgeous private online gallery.

INQUIRe about your elopement

arrow

Frequently asked questions

Do you Offer film?

Yes! I offer 35mm and instant film add on's. If you add on 35mm film, I come strapped with 2-3 film cameras on my harness as well as my digital cameras. If you add on instant film, I will keep the film safe, scan them at home, and send them in the mail back to you! Mention you want to add film in your inquiry!

How do we lock our date in?

After we talk through your coverage needs, I will send over an electronic contract & proposal. I ask that the contract be signed and a paid 25% retainer within 5 days to secure your date. The remaining will be divided into payments with the last due three weeks prior to your date.

HOW IS TRAVEL CALCULATED?

I have a flat travel fee of $1,500 in the US. This covers, flight if applicable, rental car, hotel/airbnb, and per diem. If outside of the US, I will create a custom travel proposal based on research. When I send you my destination pricing guide as well pricing proposal, all pricing will include travel.

What is your pricing?

I create a custom pricing proposal for each wedding and couple. Each and every wedding is it's own style and vision, which means the needs and wants differ as well. Coverage for wedding days begin at $5,000.

Why is the date retainer non-refundable?

I get multiple inquires for every wedding date, sometimes up to 15 for popular dates. The first payment is a non-refundable and non-transferable. At a minimum, the retainer fee fairly compensates for committing, reserving, turning down other potential projects/clients.

Do you offer Payment Plans?

Yes. My date retainer is a set 25% of the total package price. The remainder is split into three payments with the last payment due 3 weeks prior. 

What if we want to change our date?

If you need to change your wedding date AFTER you've signed a contract and paid your non-refundable retainer, you will need to pay a new retainer and sign a new contract for a new date.

Can we pay our retainer/balance with check or cash?

At this time, I only offer secure methods of payment through my CRM by either a debit/credit card or bank transfer.

Can I put a date on hold?

You can reach out to me to check with your date but I can not hold dates. Dates are first come first serve. A signed contract and paid date retainer is what will secure your date.

How are our photos delivered?

All wedding and session galleries are delivered via an online private gallery. Your link will be emailed to you. You can upgrade and purchase a USB, prints, and/or an heirloom album before or after your wedding or session.

Do you back up our images?

After your wedding or session, I back up your images onto two external hard drives. I then take your memory cards with the original images on them, label them, and then store them in a locked fire proof security box. After delivering your gallery, your final gallery will stay online and active for 1 year. 

Have you ever NOT shown up to a wedding/event?

Yes and no; let me explain. After over 130 weddings I have only had to associate out one wedding and that was due to COVID. I hired an associate photographer to cover, had multiple meetings with them, and edited as if I did the wedding myself. I also have this outlined in my contract to make sure you are taken care of. 

WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR OUR PHOTOS?

Cate Ronan wedding galleries are commonly delivered within 8 weeks; portraits are returned at 4 weeks. Good things take time. But don't worry, I always send gallery sneak peeks your way to hold ya over.

If someone else is paying, can they sign inside of us?

No. They can pay for your retainer and/or balances but can not sign. The contract is to be signed by both partners and myself; my clients. The contract is in place to serve and protect us three.

Will you photoshop me or anyone else?

No. The only things I will adjust in post is small blemishes. My rule is, if it won't be there in 2 weeks, I will do my best to edit out.
(Examples: pimples, zits, small discolorations)

Do you offer videography?

I don't offer videography at this time, but have awesome recommendations of videography companies in my Cate Ronan welcome guide! 

How would you describe your photography style?

A candid approach with guided portraits. I value traditional portraits as heirlooms but take documenting the day as it was with as much importance.

How would you describe your editing style?

My editing style is natural with rich color. Over the last six years, I have tweaked and fine tuned my editing style to be neither "dark and moody" or "bright and airy". I am right in between.

Do you still photograph big weddings too?

I do. I take on about 30% of my yearly calendar of weddings of 150+, I can't ever stop photographing the party and dancing at large receptions. Someone has to destroy the dance floor to Beyonce and Doja Cat. Me. I'm talking about me.

How many weddings do you do a year?

I so wish I had the lifestyle and time to do my 35-40 a year pre-pandemic. I now only take on 20-25 weddings and elopements a year with a handful of sessions a month. I don't want to be stretched thin and my booked clients experience to suffer. Inquire here and let's see if we are the perfect fit!

Why are albums and prints such an important part of cate ronan?

The day my six year daughter found a photo album from a few years prior and cried saying "time moves so fast, I'm so happy I have these photos to look at", I knew everyone needed physical photos in their home. Printed photos are so damn important to your marriage and legacy. Swiping through photos on your phone is something anyone can do, but to have those printed on thick photo light-fast paper to touch, feel, and enjoy? There is nothing like it.

lil' client love

inquire & chat

I believe in the magic of capturing moments as they are, not just as they should be. My style is a blend of traditional portraits and documentary. I thrive when given creative control and trust, allowing me to blend into your celebration, capturing the actual spontaneous and genuine moments.

documentary Wedding photographer 

copyright cate ronan, llc 2016-2024 ©