The 8 Best Elopement Photographers in Columbus

Your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple and sometimes that means eschewing traditions and running away together to celebrate your love in an intimate setting. The following Columbus elopement photographers are all experienced in capturing the sweet moments of smaller weddings. Whether you tie the knot at the courthouse or at a beautiful state park, they’ve got you covered. 

1. Ashley and Ben Kochanowski of Rosey Red Photography

Based in Columbus but frequently traveling worldwide to capture gorgeous elopement photos, Ashley and Ben Kochanowski call themselves “moment ninjas”—preserving those breathtaking moments in time (though we just call them artists). Their work is full of emotion—from the sweetness of a first kiss, to the looks on your loved ones faces as you say your “I do’s”—its impossible to look through their work and not have it touch your heart.

There is no one size fits most approach here—the combination of their documentary style and an endless array of artistic flourishes to enhance the feeling of the photograph results in galleries, which feel like a completely unique representation of each couple’s day. Wherever in the world you are getting married, rest assured when you work with Ashley and Ben, you are working with two of the most beautifully creative photographers around.

2. Courtney Wilder Photo

Courtney Wilder knows what truly matters in life isn’t material possessions, it’s the connections and love we share with the people in our lives. It’s this knowledge that drives her to do what she does. She has dedicated her work life to helping her couples express themselves—ensuring she makes plenty of space in her creative process for her subjects to be authentic and real, and the result is a portfolio full of feeling.

The emotional quality of her work is enhanced by her editing style: Natural with just a hint of warmth helps couples look fantastic while also complementing outdoor locations. Available throughout the state and beyond, she is one of the most adventurous Columbus elopement photographers who loves to travel almost as much as she loves creating art from love stories.

3. Stevie J. Davis

A romantic at heart, Stevie J. Davis can’t get enough of photographing love. Starting out as an event planner, she noticed all of the little moments between couples that made her heart sing, which were sometimes overlooked. As a result, she began her journey simply to make sure they were captured.

It’s the tiny in-between moments that tell the biggest parts of the stories, and when you work with Stevie, you can rest assured each tender moment where you are basking in shared love will be preserved. Photographing couples throughout Ohio and available for travel, she is your dream if you like warm and cozy portraits of people who are in love with each other.

4. Nursah Wood of Exact Moments Photography

A background in architecture and design helps wedding and elopement photographer Nursah Wood create eye-catching compositions. Her love of photography and drive to capture the details of love bring out all of the emotions. Nursah’s style is bright and dreamy—perfectly accenting bridal dresses as well as the fairy tale aspect of intimate wedding ceremonies.

She has accumulated plenty of accolades in her career—rated as a Wedding Wire couples choice photographer for four years in a row and a top pick of The Knot. When you work with her, feel confident you are working with one of the best in the field.

5. Aliyah Grace Burton

Splitting her time between Ohio and Virginia, and available for elopement photography almost anywhere, Aliyah Grace Burton has a carefree, youthful vibe to her work that is hard to ignore. Full of the many faces of happiness, her portraits of couples have plenty of sunshine and warmth, just like the feeling of true love.

She’s inspired by connection and has spent years building a community of people who inspire her with their love and devotion to each other. If you are looking for one of the most talented Columbus elopement photographers and feel drawn towards warm tones, down-to-earth vibes, and the endless ways love shows up in the world, take a look at Aliyah’s work.

6. Elizabeth Nihiser

Based near beautiful Hocking Hills State Park, Elizabeth Nihiser is a wonderful option for those couples who want to elope in nature, as well as those who want to host their destination wedding within the stunning scenery of the area. With her complete knowledge of breathtaking locations, her portfolio is full of romantic locations by streams, atmospheric forests, waterfalls, and plenty of fall colors. If you want the best combination of outdoors adventurer and wedding photographer, look no further!

Showing off her skills not just as a portrait photographer but as an elopement photographer, she captures the adventurous spirit and unique love her couples share. Her work has been featured in Columbus Monthly, so you know she’s the real deal. Plus, with over eight years photographing events within the park, she is a preferred vendor of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association.

7. EmiLee Hartman Photography

EmiLee Hartman is based in Columbus, but she regularly travels throughout all 50 states to capture elopements in her natural and true to life way. Her couples portraits are relaxed and full of the wonder two people feel when they first set off to do life together.

Even her formal portraits have an easygoing feel to them, showing off her talent not only at capturing natural poses but in putting her subjects at ease from the beginning. Her subtle editing enhances the mood of each shot and will remain timelessly beautiful. It’s no wonder she’s among the most talented elopement photographers in Columbus and beyond!

8. Michelle Joy Photography

Michelle Joy Staley started her studio in 2015, and since then she has become not only a well-respected wedding photographer but also an educator, teaching other people to live lives where their dreams and talents intersect. Her approach to weddings is all about capturing your love while also preserving your story and legacy for future generations.

That means plenty of authentic moments and expertly styled formal portraits with a natural editing touch that will never look dated. Wherever in Ohio you are getting married, Michelle has plenty of helpful lists to ease your planning stress, so your day (and your photos) will be relaxed and joyful.

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