There’s something magical about seeing the world from above. The first time I launched a drone, I realized how dramatically a single shift in perspective could change the way a story feels. For couples choosing to elope in wild, meaningful places, drone photography adds a layer of emotion and scale that traditional cameras simply can’t capture. It shows the two of you surrounded by the landscape you chose the cliffs, forests, coastlines, or mountains that hold meaning for your story.

Drone imagery brings a cinematic quality to elopements, turning quiet moments into sweeping, unforgettable visuals. As an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot who travels the country full‑time, I’ve learned how to blend aerial shots with intimate, grounded storytelling to create galleries that feel both epic and deeply personal. Whether we’re standing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Oregon Coast, or a hidden meadow in Wyoming, drone photography helps transform your elopement into a film like experience you can relive forever.

Lone rock at glen canyon national recreation area.

What Makes Drone Photography Perfect for Adventure Elopements?

Adventure elopements are all about choosing a place that feels meaningful a mountaintop at sunrise, a quiet forest clearing, a rugged coastline, or a desert canyon glowing at golden hour. Drone photography takes those locations and reveals them in a way that feels bigger, more emotional, and more connected to the landscape around you.

From above, you can see the full story: the winding trail you hiked together, the cliff you stood on to exchange vows, the river cutting through the valley below. Drone imagery shows the scale of your adventure the two of you surrounded by the wild beauty you chose to begin your marriage in. It’s cinematic, it’s honest, and it captures the feeling of being there in a way nothing else can.

For couples who want their elopement to feel like an experience rather than a production, drone photography adds depth and dimension. It blends perfectly with intimate, close up moments, giving you a gallery that feels both epic and deeply personal. Whether we’re in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Redwoods, Yellowstone, or a hidden overlook somewhere off the beaten path, aerial shots help tell the full story of your day not just what it looked like, but what it felt like.

Lone rock at glen canyon recreation area.

The Benefits of Adding Drone Coverage to Your Elopement.

Drone photography doesn’t just add pretty aerial shots it adds an entirely new dimension to your elopement story. When you’re standing on a cliff edge, walking through a meadow, or holding each other in the middle of a vast landscape, the drone captures the scale and emotion of that moment in a way nothing else can. It shows the two of you in the world, not just in front of a backdrop.

Aerial images bring variety and depth to your gallery. You get the intimate, close up moments on the ground, and then the sweeping, cinematic frames from above that make your day feel like a scene from a film. Drone coverage is especially powerful for couples who choose locations with dramatic scenery mountains, coastlines, forests, deserts, waterfalls, or wide open fields.

It also elevates your video if you choose to include one. Smooth aerial movement adds a sense of motion and atmosphere that ties the whole story together. Whether it’s a slow reveal of a mountain ridge or a wide shot of you two walking hand in hand, drone footage brings a level of artistry that feels timeless and unforgettable.

Springdale, Utah

this shot was taken outside of Zion national park.

Safety, Permits, and FAA Certification.

When it comes to drone photography, safety isn’t optional it’s everything. Flying in the mountains, forests, coastlines, and remote landscapes requires skill, awareness, and a deep understanding of airspace rules. That’s why being an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot matters so much. It means every flight is legal, planned, and handled with the same level of care you put into photographing a couple’s most important moments.

Many locations have specific rules about where drones can and can’t fly, especially around national parks, wildlife areas, and protected land. I handle all of that research and planning ahead of time so couples never have to worry about permits, restrictions, or safety concerns. From checking airspace maps to monitoring weather and wind conditions, every flight is intentional and responsible.

This level of preparation allows you to relax and enjoy your elopement while I focus on capturing cinematic aerial shots that elevate your story. You get the beauty and drama of drone imagery without any of the stress and you can trust that every moment is captured safely, legally, and with complete respect for the environment around us.

The Bonnyville Salt Flats, Utah

this land is flat for miles and miles….

Best Locations for Drone Elopement Photography in the U.S.

One of the biggest advantages of adding drone coverage to your elopement is how beautifully it showcases the landscape you choose. Some places are already stunning from the ground but from above, they become absolutely breathtaking. Over the past year of traveling the country full‑time, I’ve flown in some of the most incredible locations the U.S. has to offer, and each one brings its own kind of magic.

Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the most atmospheric places you can elope, and drone photography brings out every layer of their beauty. From above, the ridgelines stretch endlessly into the distance, each one fading into softer shades of blue. Morning fog settles into the valleys like a blanket, drifting slowly as the sun rises and paints the mountains in gold. When you’re standing on a cliff or walking along a quiet trail, the drone captures the full sweep of the landscape around you the rolling hills, the winding paths, the sense of peace that makes this region so special. It’s a place where aerial shots feel almost dreamlike, and every frame looks like it belongs in a cinematic film.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is dramatic, rugged, and unbelievably photogenic from the air. Towering cliffs drop into crashing waves, sea stacks rise from the ocean like ancient sculptures, and long stretches of beach create the perfect canvas for sweeping aerial shots. From above, you can see the patterns in the sand, the movement of the tide, and the scale of the coastline in a way that feels powerful and wild. Whether you’re standing on a cliff edge or walking hand‑in‑hand along the shoreline, drone photography captures the raw energy of the Pacific Northwest the wind, the waves, the moody skies and turns your elopement into something epic.
Washington Waterfalls & Forests
Washington’s forests are lush, green, and full of texture and drone photography reveals just how alive these landscapes are. From above, the dense canopy looks like a sea of emerald, broken only by winding rivers, moss‑covered trails, and the white rush of waterfalls cutting through the trees. Aerial shots show the scale of these places in a way that feels almost otherworldly. When you’re tucked into a clearing or standing near a waterfall, the drone captures the contrast between your quiet moment and the vastness of the forest around you. It’s moody, cinematic, and perfect for couples who love that deep Pacific Northwest vibe.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The Redwoods are already awe‑inspiring from the ground, but from above, they become something truly magical. While drones aren’t allowed in the national park, nearby state parks like Prairie Creek offer incredible opportunities to capture the towering trees and winding forest paths from the air. The drone reveals patterns in the canopy, the soft light filtering through the branches, and the scale of these ancient giants. When you’re walking through the forest or standing in a quiet clearing, aerial shots show just how small we are compared to the natural world and that contrast creates some of the most emotional, powerful images you can get.
Yellowstone Region (Outside NP Boundaries)
The areas surrounding Yellowstone are wide‑open, wild, and perfect for drone flights. From above, you can see sweeping valleys, winding rivers, mountain peaks, and open plains that stretch for miles. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons golden fields in late summer, snow dusted ridges in winter, and vibrant greens in spring. Drone photography captures the scale and drama of this region in a way that feels cinematic and timeless. Whether you’re eloping near a river bend, a mountain overlook, or a quiet meadow, aerial shots bring out the vastness and beauty of the West.
Utah & Arizona Desert Landscapes
The desert is one of the most striking places to capture from the air. Red rock formations, slot canyons, mesas, and open desert plains create bold, graphic shapes that look incredible from above. The colors shift throughout the day deep reds and oranges at sunrise, warm golds at sunset, and soft pinks and purples as the light fades. Drone photography highlights the textures and patterns in the rock, the curves of the canyons, and the sense of solitude that makes desert elopements so powerful. It’s a landscape that feels ancient and cinematic, and aerial shots bring out its full drama.
Florida Beaches & Coastal Preserves
Florida’s coastline has a softness and calmness that translates beautifully from the air. From above, you can see the gradient of turquoise water, the gentle curve of the shoreline, and the long stretches of untouched sand. Coastal preserves offer even more variety winding boardwalks, mangrove forests, tidal pools, and quiet inlets that look stunning from a drone. Sunrise flights are especially magical here, with pastel skies reflecting off the water and creating a peaceful, airy atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples who want something serene, bright, and naturally beautiful.

How You Blend Drone And Ground Storytelling.

Drone photography is powerful on its own, but the real magic happens when it’s woven together with the intimate, grounded moments of an elopement. That balance the sweeping aerials and the close up emotion is what creates a full, cinematic story. When I’m photographing a couple, I’m always thinking about how each perspective supports the other.

On the ground, I focus on connection: the why you hold each other, the quiet moments between poses, the laughter, the breath, the way the light hits your face. These are the moments that feel personal and real. Then, when the timing and location are right, I’ll send the drone up to capture the bigger picture the landscape you chose, the trail you hiked, the cliff you stood on, the way the world looks around you.

The drone never replaces the intimacy of the ground shots; it enhances it. Aerial images show the scale of your adventure, while the close‑ups show the heart of it. Together, they create a gallery that feels complete a blend of emotion and atmosphere, detail and vastness, storytelling and scenery. It’s the difference between documenting a moment and capturing the full experience of your elopement day.

What Couples Should Know Before Planning a Drone‑Friendly Elopement.

Drone photography adds so much beauty to an elopement day, but a little preparation goes a long way in making sure everything runs smoothly. The good news is that most of it is simple and I handle the technical side so you can stay present and enjoy the moment. Still, there are a few things couples should keep in mind when choosing a location and planning their adventure.

Weather plays a big role.

Wind, fog, and storms can affect whether a drone can fly safely. Sunrise and sunset are usually the calmest times of day, which is perfect because that’s when the light is soft, golden, and incredibly cinematic. I always keep an eye on conditions and adjust our plan as needed.

Your location matters.

Open spaces, ridgelines, beaches, meadows, and overlooks are ideal for drone shots. Dense forests or narrow canyons can still work they just require a bit more planning. I’ll help you choose spots that are both beautiful and drone‑friendly so you get the best of both worlds.

Clothing looks different from above.

Flowy dresses, long trains, textured fabrics, and earthy tones look amazing in aerial shots. Even something as simple as a jacket or blanket can add movement and color when seen from the sky.

Timing is everything.

Golden hour is perfect for drone flights the landscape glows, shadows stretch, and everything feels more cinematic. If you’re planning a hike‑in elopement, we’ll build the timeline around the best light for both ground and aerial shots.

Be ready for a little adventure.

Drone friendly elopements often involve exploring, walking, or stepping into wide‑open spaces. You don’t need to be an athlete just open to the experience. The more freedom we have to move, the more creative and dynamic your gallery becomes.

With a bit of planning and the right location, drone photography becomes a seamless part of your elopement day enhancing the story without ever interrupting the moment.

My Favorite Drone Moments From Across the Country

Some of my favorite drone moments have happened in places that feel almost unreal when you see them from above. The Salt Flats are one of those places. The landscape stretches out in every direction like a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and creating a scene that feels otherworldly. When a couple stands together in the middle of that endless white expanse, the drone captures a simplicity and stillness that’s impossible to describe. Every movement becomes intentional, every frame feels cinematic, and the two of you become the center of a surreal, beautiful world.

The Oregon Coast

has given me a completely different kind of magic. Flying above the cliffs, you can feel the power of the waves crashing below. The patterns in the sand, the movement of the tide, and the rugged coastline create images that feel bold and dramatic. Couples walking along the shoreline look small against the massive sea stacks and cliffs, and the drone captures that sense of adventure in a way that feels alive.

Washington’s forests and waterfalls

bring a moodiness that I love. From the air, the dense green canopy looks like a living, breathing landscape. Waterfalls cut through the trees in bright white streaks, and the drone reveals the scale of the forest surrounding the quiet moments happening below. It’s a place where the intimacy of an elopement meets the wildness of the Pacific Northwest.

The areas surrounding Yellowstone

Wide‑open valleys, winding rivers, and mountain peaks stretch out in every direction. I’ve watched couples dance in quiet meadows as the sun dipped behind the mountains, and from above, the long shadows and soft light made the whole scene feel timeless. It’s a landscape that changes constantly, and every season brings a new kind of beauty.

The deserts of Utah and Arizona

Bold, warm, and full of dramatic shapes. From the air, the red rock formations and canyons look like something carved by time itself. I’ve filmed couples walking along cliff edges, their silhouettes tiny against the massive landscape. The drone captures the curves of the canyons, the glow of the sandstone, and the sense of ancient stillness that makes desert elopements so powerful.

Sun Valley, Idaho

A place that feels soft and calm from the air. Sunrise spills golden light across the mountains and valleys, creating a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for drone flights. The winding trails, open fields, and alpine scenery look beautiful from above, and couples fit naturally into the landscape. It’s one of those places where everything feels quiet, airy, and full of space to breathe.

Every one of these places has reminded me why I love flying. Drone photography doesn’t just show the landscape it shows how it felt to stand there together, in that moment, surrounded by something bigger than both of you. That’s the kind of storytelling I want every couple to experience.

What’s Included When Couples Book Drone Coverage With Me

When couples choose to add drone coverage to their elopement, I want the experience to feel effortless, safe, and fully integrated into the flow of their day. Drone work isn’t just an add‑on it’s part of the storytelling. That’s why I handle everything behind the scenes so you can stay present and enjoy the moment.

Every drone package includes FAA certified flight operations, meaning every shot is captured legally, safely, and with complete respect for the environment and the airspace we’re in. I take care of all the scouting, planning, and weather checks ahead of time, making sure we’re choosing locations that are both beautiful and drone‑friendly. On the day of your elopement, I blend aerial shots seamlessly with your ground‑level photography so the final gallery feels cohesive, cinematic, and true to your experience.

You’ll receive a mix of high resolution drone photos and smooth aerial video clips that pair beautifully with your highlight film or social media reels. Whether we’re capturing a sweeping shot of you two walking across the Salt Flats, a quiet moment in a Sun Valley meadow, or the dramatic cliffs of the Oregon Coast, the drone adds a layer of depth and emotion that elevates your entire story. And because I travel nationwide, you can bring this experience to almost any landscape you’re dreaming of.

Why Drone Photography Matters to Me.

Drone photography is where my entire creative journey began. The first time I sent a drone into the air, I realized how much more there was to a moment than what we see from the ground. It wasn’t just about getting a wider shot it was about capturing a feeling. The scale, the quiet, the way a landscape holds a story. That perspective changed everything for me, and it’s still the reason I love what I do.

Every time I fly, I’m reminded of how small we are compared to the world around us and how powerful it is to choose a place that means something to you and say your vows there. Drone photography lets me show that connection. It lets me capture not just the two of you, but the environment you chose to begin your marriage in. The cliffs, the canyons, the forests, the open sky all of it becomes part of your story.

Traveling the country full‑time has only deepened that appreciation. Every landscape has its own energy, its own rhythm, its own way of making people feel grounded and alive. Being able to blend those places with the intimacy of an elopement is something I never take for granted.

At the end of the day, drone photography isn’t about the gear or the technique. It’s about emotion. It’s about perspective. It’s about giving couples a way to relive not just what their day looked like, but what it felt like. And that’s why I’ll always love flying because it helps me tell stories that feel honest, cinematic, and deeply human.

Why Drone Photography Elevates Elopements.