it's time to THROW OUT THE wedding "RULEBOOK".
Let's create something beautiful.

It's time to Throw out the Wedding "RuleBook" -- let's create something beautiful.

Did someone say, "Eloping"?!

First and foremost, if you're here -- you're probably engaged!! And if that's the case, I sure hope you've spent a good chunk of time soaking up this exciting season, popping champagne, and just celebrating getting to marry your person. Not to sound cheesy, but this chapter in your love story truly does fly by. 

Alright, assuming that you've done a ton of celebrating, it's time to get into the fun part: wedding planning!! But if you've quickly realized that the whole "traditional wedding" thing just doesn't feel right to you + your partner, you're in the right place. If you've always dreamt of creating an intentional, emotional day - curated beautifully with just you two in mind, it's time to plan an elopement. And it just so happens, that's exactly what I'm here for. 

Whether you dream of tying the knot in a towering forest of pines, exchanging vows on one of the many serene beaches of Minnesota's North Shore, or have always dreamt of taking golden hour bridal portraits on Palisade Head, I've gotcha covered.

You're not looking for just any photographer.
you're looking for an adventure buddy & lifelong friend.

Let's cut to the chase: I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I'm not like other photographers; I'm going to show you exactly why I'm not.

First of all, stiff posing isn't my thing. And while I'm definitely going to be your hype girl, I also place the utmost value in allowing my couples plenty of space to allow their love to shine.

My goal is to capture the way your nose crinkles up when your partner wraps their arms around you. The way your fingers intertwine as if they were pieces of a puzzle fitting together.
Just think of me as your professional third-wheel.

So if you're not afraid to get your dress a little dirty... lace up your hiking boots and let's document this sweet chapter in your love story.

Just think of me as your professional third-wheel.

You value how your wedding day feels over how it looks.

On the top of your "favorites" list is strolling through the pines and breathing in the fresh air.

"Nothin' fancy, just love" is your motto.

You have a bucket list of places in the world you wanna explore with your person (and fave photog).

You value human connection over production.

You see a stranger’s puppy & it takes everything in you not to run up & cuddle it.

You'd rather wake up in a tent than a hotel bed.

You think Rustic Inn is better than Betty's Pie. (I said what I said)...

You LIVE for the feeling of sunshine on your skin & wind in your hair.


I'm an Minnesota & Pacific Northwest elopement photographer with a heart for the outdoors and storytelling.

🌲 I love to smell the scent of pine trees in the morning.
🌲 I am one of the biggest Twilight fans.
🌲 I cannot go through the day without a bite of chocolate.
🌲 If you have a dog, I will be your dog's new best friend.

I'm here for the raw, messy kinda love stories. If your hiking boots have put on several miles, you don't mind getting your dress a little bit dirty, and you feel best up in the mountains or deep in the pines, I'm your gal. 

Hi! I'm Payton

your newest adventure pal

“I’m so glad we chose Payton to be our wedding photographer! She did a wonderful job capturing our day. She was very professional throughout the whole process. Communication was never an issue, she uses her resources when needed but mostly she has a very clear way of showing exactly what she is communicating. Payton is very open and receptive to feedback and input. She has skills of a well seasoned photographer without the extreme price tag. We would hire her again without question!!”
 - Carly + Jeremy

"We would hire her again without question!!"

  • 1:1 Elopement Planning Assistance to help you craft your uniquely "you" day from beginning to end! The best day of your life deserves the attention of someone who values and understands the importance just as much as you do. Bonus: who wouldn't want an elopement expert on their team!? I'm here to ease the stress.

  • 80+ Page Elopement Planning Resource Guide mailed to you! If you're like me, there's just something about a "hard copy" that brings more joy than a PDF living on my desktop. 

  • Customized Location List designed to meet all of your must-haves (along with backup plans to make sure those pesky unforeseen circumstances don’t ruin your day).

  • Permitting Assistance (which includes researching of deadlines, specifications, fees, etc. and help securing them in time for your day)

  • Leave No Trace is an important initiative that focuses on the protection + preservation of our National Parks and public lands. LNT focuses on keeping these treasured places clean, safe, and beautiful for our future generations.

  • Personalized Local Recommendations for elopement activities, dining options, must-see sights, lodging, and more.

  • A Right-Hand Elopement Planning Resource (aka: ME!). I value 1 on 1 connection with my couples (I am your third wheels) - you are more than a date on my calendar. I'm available to answer questions, chat with vendors, and provide inspiration (and encouragement) throughout the elopement planning process. You've got this, love!

  • Sneak Peeks delivered within 24 hours. I know how excited you are to receive your photos. I won't keep you waiting - share away!!

  • Full Gallery Delivered within 6 Weeks. I want to ensure my couples receive their images in a timely manner. I'll be working away from beginning to end editing each image with precision + care. Incoming: happy mail.

  • On the Topic of Travel - Travel fees are included and already factored in for all elopement packages. (Anywhere in U.S.) 

The Payton Rademacher Photography
Experience Includes:

The intimate nuptials of
your dreams can be a
reality.

I am a Certified Ordained Officiant!

As an optional inclusion with any Payton Rademacher Photography Package (at no additional cost), the intimate nuptials of your dreams can be a reality. 

Dedicated to creating a day 100% tailored to you, the customization doesn't need to stop when the ceremony begins. Whether you imagine a hands-on ceremony or you'd prefer space for private vows... 

All are welcome here.

There's just something about a tangible, unedited photo.
I always loved sifting through my grandparents' wedding photographs in the basement, carefully dusting the boxes off before studying each yellowed photo. 

Romanticize your wedding day, with a step back in time.

Select Payton Rademacher Photography packages include one-of-a-kind polaroid film photos.

Psst... The vintage touch you didn't know you needed...
until now.

ONTO THE NITTY-GRITTY DETAILS.

Package #1: The wHite Pine

Capturing every little moment: from the morning mimosas with your girls to the intimate last dance under the stars as the waves crash to shore with your honey, and every second in-between...

  • 12 Hours of coverage (can split)
  • Timeline assistance
  • 80+ Page Elopement Planning Resource Guide
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • “Bird view” photos via Drone
  • Airbnb recommendations 
  • Permit Assistance + Cost Coverage
  • 24 hour sneak peek delivery
  • 6 week guaranteed gallery delivery
  • Travel Fees Included (anywhere in U.S.)

$7,000

onto the nitty-gritty details.

Capturing every little moment: from the morning mimosas with your girls to the intimate last dance under the stars as the waves crash to shore with your honey, and every second in-between...

  • 12 Hours of coverage (can split)
  • Timeline assistance
  • 80+ Page Elopement Planning Resource Guide
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • “Bird's Eye View” photos via Drone
  • Airbnb recommendations 
  • Permit Assistance + Cost Coverage
  • 24 hour sneak peek delivery
  • 6 week guaranteed gallery delivery
  • Travel Fees Included (anywhere in U.S.)

Documenting a slow morning stroll along Black Beach, sippin' coffee from Cedar Coffee Company, a sweet ceremony perched atop a lookout at Tettegouche State Park, and ending the day with a champagne pop! 

Designed with the "no-fuss" couple in mind. Perfect for a private vow exchange, a sweet little hike, and a picnic overlooking Lake Superior.

$7,000

  • 8 Hours of coverage
  • Timeline assistance
  • 80+ Page Elopement Planning Resource Guide
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • “Bird's Eye View” photos via Drone
  • Permit Assistance + Cost Coverage 
  • 24 hour sneak peek delivery
  • 6 week guaranteed gallery delivery
  • Travel Fees Included (anywhere in U.S.)

$5,000

  • 4 Hours of coverage
  • Permit Assistance + Cost Coverage
  • 24 hour sneak peek delivery
  • 6 week guaranteed gallery delivery
  • Travel Fees Included (anywhere in U.S.)

$4,000

Package #1:
The White Pine

Package #2:
The Black Spruce

Package #3:
The Red Cedar

Most Popular

  • 8 Hours of coverage
  • Timeline assistance
  • 80+ Page Elopement Planning Resource Guide
  • Polaroid Film Photos
  • “Bird view” photos via Drone
  • Permit Assistance + Cost Coverage 
  • 24 hour sneak peek delivery
  • 6 week guaranteed gallery delivery
  • Travel Fees Included (anywhere in U.S.)

Documenting a slow morning stroll along Black Beach, sippin' coffee from Cedar Coffee Company, a sweet ceremony perched atop a lookout at Tettegouche State Park, and ending the day with a champagne pop! 

Package #2: The Black Spruce

Most Popular

$5,000

  • 4 Hours of coverage
  • Permit Assistance + Cost Coverage
  • 24 hour sneak peek delivery
  • 6 week guaranteed gallery delivery
  • Travel Fees Included (anywhere in U.S.)

Designed with the "no-fuss" couple in mind. Perfect for a private vow exchange, a sweet little hike, and a picnic overlooking Lake Superior.

Mini Adventure elopement 

$4,000

Package #3: The Red Cedar

Let's GO!

Once your day comes to an end, I'll get to work on editing your images! You'll  receive a handful of sneak peek images from your day within 24 hours. Then, your final gallery will be  delivered within 6 weeks.

RELIVE YOUR DAY FOREVER

04.

The hard work of planning your dream elopement has paid off! It's time to watch your vision come to life and experience all
of the joy and emotion that
comes with marrying your favorite person (in an epic place).

LIVE YOUR DREAM DAY

03.

Eeek! You've decided on a package and picked a date! A contract and 30% nonrefundable retainer must be submitted to lock in your date. Once we've check those boxes off, it's onto the really fun stuff. We'll be in contact throughout the journey to ensure a stress-free, joy-filled elopement.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE

02.

Once you fill out my inquiry form, I'll reach out within 2 business days to schedule a Zoom call. That's when you'll spill alllll the exciting details about your big day, answer any questions you have, and just get to know each other.

SHOOT ME AN INQUIRY!

01.

4 Steps to Create Your Dream Day

Does this sound absolutely perfect?

"Payton is an incredibly talented photographer and a wonderful human. Our session with her was absolute magic. She created such a comfortable and fun environment. Leading up to the session she got to know us and communicated consistently so we felt prepared. The photos came back quickly and I am still in awe of how she seemingly captured our personalities in the photos. I highly recommend Payton to all!"
 - Molly + Sam

"She created such a comfortable and fun environment."

Yes, the travel fee is included in my elopement and wedding packages with no hidden or additional fees. When you inquire with me, please be as detailed as possible. This way, I can share an accurate guide for you to look at.

is the travel fee included in your packages?

The short answer? UNLIMITED. You're paying to have your love story documented; I believe you deserve to have every "good" photo sent your way.

How Many Images Are Included?

Yes absolutely! I love to recommending the locations based off your wants and needs. I can always let you know any information you would need to know about elope in whichever spot you go with. I will also plan the back up location in case of weather, etc.

Can you help us plan a location?

A 30% non-refundable retainer is required to secure a date and my services. All payments are done electronically (but we can chat more about then when you inquire). 

How Does Payment Work?

Not at all! Your day is customized to what most speaks to you. You can canoe, walk along an ADA accessible trail, ride snowmobile, have a picnic, go brewery hopping, roast marshmallows, whatever sounds adventurous to you! I’m here as a resource to help you find the perfect location(s) for you and your partner.

DO WE NEED TO HIKE?

You're receive a secure link via email or text to an online gallery where all of your images will be located! You can then feel free to download, print, and share the images as you please.

How do we receive our images?

I photograph on a dual-SD card camera - this means that if one SD card is corrupt, your images are still safe on the other one! All images are backed up immediately after your session to an external hard-drive. At this time, I also upload all images to an online Cloud for additional safe-keeping. The hard-drive is then stored in a fireproof, waterproof safe. I do not erase the hard-drive until all images have been securely delivered.

How do you ensure our images are safe?

Our schedule is set months in advance, so we don’t reschedule due to weather. But rain or shine, your wedding day is going to be magical. I’ve photographed adventure weddings in all kinds of weather: rain, windy, snow, and fog. I will always make sure we have a Plan B for every wedding, but we also have a Plan C (...and sometimes even a Plan D).

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

As soon as possible when you start planning your elopement or wedding. There are other people who are searching the same as you are. Many vendors can be booked out on the date you choose, even if it is a few years later. Book the vendors as soon as you can, and the sooner the better.

How early should we reach out?

YES! There’s nothing that I love more than a pup-of-honor! If your dream elopement wouldn’t be the same without your dog, I can make it happen. 

CAN WE BRING OUR PET?

One of my fave questions! From the second you book with me, you'll have a built-in planner on your side. From questionnaires to location guides and recommendations, to a customized timeline, and even permit assistance for elopements...My goal is to make your big day as stress-free as possible.

Do You Help In The Planning Process?

Of course! You can bring up to 20 people. However, it's important to be sure that you really want to spend this day with others, and not invite them out of pressure.

CAN WE BRING FAMILY OR FRIENDS?

I'll send over sneak peeks within 24 hours. Your full gallery will be delivered with in 6 weeks guaranteed.

How soon will we get our photos back?

It all depends on your vision and location!
In North Shore, Minnesota, most couples choose May through December.
In the Pacific Northwest, the mountain views - most couples choose July through early October.

What time of year is best for our elopement?