ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER + PLANNER
Your elopement, thoughtfully planned and naturally photographed
I'm Armando. Not just your photographer — I'll help you figure out where to go, how to get permits, what to wear, and what to do. Your day, effortless.
Est. 2018 · Gardnerville, NV200+ couples · 4 states
7,503’
ELEVATION
You've thought about eloping. Now what?
OVERWHELMED - CHAPTER 01
Most couples come to me with two worries: "We have no idea how to plan this" and "We're going to look awkward in photos." I hear that all the time — and I'm here to tell you, neither has to be true.
My name is Armando. I'm an elopement photographer and a planning partner. I'll help you choose your location, navigate permits, build your timeline, and figure out every detail — so that on your day, the only thing you have to think about is each other.
Armando
PHOTOGRAPHER + PLANNER, AJ PHOTOGRAPHY
SUPPORT - CHAPTER 02
More than a photographer. Your guide from yes to I do.
Here's what working together actually looks like. Three things I bring, every single time — and nothing on your plate that I haven't already carried for another couple.
01
Location guidance
I know Tahoe, Yosemite, Sedona, and the Oregon Coast deeply. The hidden spots, the best light, the permits you need and how to get them.
02
Full planning support
Timeline, logistics, what to wear, who to contact. I walk you through all of it.
03
Natural Photography
I'll never ask you to pose stiffly. I'll guide you through moments that actually feel like you.
— PROCESS · THREE STEPS —
Three steps to your elopement
No complicated process. Just a clear path forward, with me alongside at every turn.
I
Tell me what you want it to feel like
You don't need a date, a location, or a plan. Just reach out with your season, your vibe, and what matters most to you.
II
We build the plan together
Location, permits, timeline, lodging, vendors — I take the decisions off your plate one by one so nothing sneaks up on you.
III
Show up and enjoy your day
Calm pacing, gentle direction, real moments. You focus on each other. I handle everything else and capture what unfolds.
SERVICES - CHAPTER 03
What I offer
Three ways to work together, from a full adventure day to a relaxed couples session in your favorite light.
SIGNATURE FULL DAY· PLANNING INCLUDED
Adventure elopements
My signature service. Full planning support plus photography — and video if you want it. Built for couples who want their day to feel intimate, real, and theirs.
SMALL CELEBRATIONS
Intimate weddings
For small weddings with close family or a handful of friends. I help you build a smooth timeline and capture the moments that matter most.
PRE-DAY SESSIONS 1 — 2 HOURS · RELAXED
Engagement & Couples
A relaxed session to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Great if you're camera-shy and want to feel easy and natural.
FIELD GUIDE · CHAPTER 04
Four places I know by heart
Deep familiarity beats a big territory. These are the four regions where I've done the work: scouted the light, pulled the permits, found the quiet pull-outs.
Yosemite
7,503’
37.7456° N 119.5936° W
Granite cathedrals, cliff ceremonies at Taft Point, Valley sunrises. Permit required — I’ll guide you through it.
Lake Tahoe
6,225’
38.9399° N 119.9772° W
Alpine coves, pine-scented sunrises, frozen shorelines. My home base.
Sedona
4,350′
34.8697° N 111.7610° W
Red-rock spires, soft desert light, off-road vistas.
Oregon Coast
Sea Level
45.3159° N 123.9615° W
Fog-wrapped sea stacks, moody cliff walks, tide-pool vows.
— PORTFOLIO · A FEW MOMENTS —
Real days, unrehearsed
Quiet vows. Real laughter. Wind-in-your-hair hikes. And all the in-between moments you didn't even realize were happening.
Of planning elopements across the Western US.
From "where do we start?" to "we did it."
Guaranteed, from inquiry to your big day.
Not an add-on. Always built in.
CHAPTER 05 · REAL STORIES
Couples who trusted us
" What a pleasure it was to meet AJ. From the beginning he was hands on figuring out what all we needed for our big day ...We shared laughs, he took us to amazing spots in Yosemite National Park."
Rachelle + Jerome
Elopement, Yosemite
"We had an amazing experience working with Armando. From the beginning he was very responsive with coordinating our shoot. The pictures turned out spectacular! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!"
Lexi + Michael
Elopement, Yosemite
JOURNAL - CHAPTER 06
Planning guides & real stories
Everything you need to plan your elopement — from someone who's actually been there.
FAQ · CHAPTER 07
A few common questions
Quick answers to what most couples ask first. Can't find yours? Write to me — I read every message myself.
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Completely normal. You'll never be left wondering what to do. I give you simple, low-pressure prompts so it feels natural — and you can just focus on each other.
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Not at all. If you're at the "where do we even start?" stage, that's the perfect time to get in touch. We'll figure out the direction together before anything gets locked in.
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Yes. Permit requirements vary by location — Yosemite, Tahoe, Sedona, and Oregon all have different rules. I'll walk you through what applies to your plan, with no surprise logistics on the day.
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Video is available as an add-on and already included in some packages. Most couples who add it choose a highlight film — and yes, I record your vows so you'll have the audio to listen back to.
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Six to nine months is ideal, especially for national-park dates with permit lotteries. But I've planned full elopements in as little as six weeks — reach out and I'll tell you what's possible.
— START HERE —
Ready to stop stressing and start planning?
Tell me a little about your vision — where you're dreaming of, when you're thinking, and what matters most to you. I'll take it from there.