Audrey Darke Photography: Elopement Photographer + Planner

03/09/2026

Hi! It's me!

My busy fall season is in full swing! I’m currently in Utah for an exciting wedding day tomorrow, then heading to Europe this weekend for a very fun few weeks: spending time with in Sicily, celebrating two incredible couples in Italy and Portugal, and then heading to Spain to spend some time with my mom before coming back to the States for the rest of my wedding season.

A few fun things:

1. I’ve hit my goal of reading 50 books, which means I’ve decided to see if I can push that to 75–100 by the end of the year. If you have any books you have LOVED please send the recs my way!

2. I’ve been making matcha at home with lavender cold foam and, it is my go-to treat in the afternoons.

3. I became the commissioner of two fantasy football leagues this year, so please wish me luck. I really have very little idea of what I am doing.

4. Next year will most likely be our last full year in New Mexico, so I really want to make the most of it. More exploring, more time at our favorite spots, and finally checking off some of the places we’ve been saying we’ll get to “eventually.”

5. I’m about halfway booked for 2027, and I’m intentionally keeping things pretty limited. I’m planning to take on around 12–15 weddings and elopements total, which is about what I’ve done in 2026 and has felt like a really good sweet spot for me.

24/08/2026

Your elopement does not have to happen in one day.

One of my favorite ways to plan an elopement is as a multi-day experience, giving you time to actually enjoy the place you traveled to get married.

That could look like:
• Two weekdays
• A long weekend
• A few days before or after your ceremony
• Or even an entire week

For example:

Day 1: Arrive, explore, hike, and have dinner.
Day 2: Get married, explore, and end with a private dinner.
Day 3: Sleep in, have brunch, explore town, and head home.

The biggest benefit? You don't have to cram every adventure into your wedding day.

Your elopement can feel like a trip you took together—not a single event you rushed through.

I wrote a full guide with activity ideas, sample timelines, and tips for planning your own multi-day elopement.

Read the full guide here: https://audreydarke.com/2026/08/19/more-than-one-day-what-a-full-multi-day-elopement-experience-can-look-like/

Let's design your dream experience.

Plan a multi-day elopement for 2027 or 2028 with adventure, meaningful moments, and a wedding experience built around you

11/08/2026

Planning a spring elopement in a national park is one of those decisions that just makes everything feel simpler (and more meaningful).

You get fewer crowds, better light, and landscapes that actually feel alive—whether that’s waterfalls in Yosemite, desert blooms in Big Bend, or the contrast of snow and mountains in Glacier.

If you’re starting to explore a national park elopement for 2027 or 2028, I put together a guide to help you choose the right location and know what to expect in spring.

It’s not just about where looks good—it’s about what kind of experience you want to have.

→ Read the full blog + start planning: https://audreydarke.com/2026/06/12/best-national-parks-for-a-spring-elopement/

Planning a 2027 spring elopement? Explore the best national parks for intimate weddings, plus permit tips, seasonal advice, and inspiration.

10/08/2026

Planning a wedding that feels intentional, personal, and enjoyable?

Small destination weddings continue to grow in popularity for couples planning their 2027 and 2028 celebrations. Rather than following a traditional wedding format, many are choosing intimate guest lists of fewer than 20 people, allowing them to prioritize quality time, meaningful experiences, and a celebration that reflects who they are. It's not about one style of wedding being better than another—it's about creating a day that feels authentic to you.

In my newest blog, I’m sharing:
- How to plan a small destination wedding
- Guest list advice for intimate weddings
- Budget priorities that actually matter
- Venue ideas for weddings under 20 guests
- Travel and logistics tips
- Ways to create an incredible guest experience

If you’ve been dreaming about a wedding that feels more relaxed, experience focused, and true to you, this guide is for you.

Read the full blog here: https://audreydarke.com/2026/06/23/the-ultimate-guide-to-hosting-a-small-destination-wedding-with-less-then-20-guests/

Planning a small destination wedding? Learn budgeting, guest experience, travel tips, and planning advice for intimate weddings.

05/08/2026

The best elopement destination might be somewhere you've never considered.

When most couples start researching where to elope, they often find the same places over and over again: Iceland, Yosemite, the Dolomites, Scotland.

And while those destinations are incredible, they are not the only places where you can have an unforgettable wedding experience.

Some of the most unique elopement spots for 2027 and 2028 are places that allow you to slow down, explore together, and create a wedding day that feels completely personal.

Think:
🏔 Patagonia, Chile for glaciers, mountains, and wild landscapes
🌲 Yakushima, Japan for ancient forests and waterfalls
🌋 The Azores for volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and coastal adventures
🐋 Fogo Island for rugged coastlines and quiet island experiences
🦥 Madagascar for wildlife, beaches, and a once in a lifetime adventure

Your elopement location should be more than just a pretty backdrop. It should create memories, experiences, and a story that belongs entirely to you.

I put together a guide sharing some of the most underrated elopement destinations around the world, plus ideas for making your wedding experience about more than just the ceremony.

Read the full guide here: https://audreydarke.com/2026/08/04/beyond-iceland-and-italy-the-most-overlooked-places-to-elope-in-2027/

Where would you choose to elope if you could go anywhere?

Looking for unique elopement spots for 2027 or 2028? Discover hidden gem destinations, unforgettable experiences, and expert planning tips.

27/07/2026

What if your wedding day did not feel rushed?

One of the biggest things couples realize while planning an elopement is that their timeline completely shapes the experience of the day.

The best elopement timelines are not packed minute to minute. They create space.

Space for:
- Slow mornings
- Meaningful conversations
- Quiet moments together
- Intentional experiences

Your wedding day should feel like something you actually lived through, not something you hurried through.

I just shared a new blog all about how to create an intentional elopement timeline that feels calm, connected, emotional, and genuinely meaningful from start to finish.

Inside the blog:
✔ Real timeline examples
✔ Sunrise vs sunset advice
✔ Common planning mistakes
✔ Storytelling focused timeline tips
✔ Free elopement timeline guide

Perfect for couples planning destination elopements and intimate weddings in 2027 and 2028.

Read the full blog here: https://audreydarke.com/2026/07/21/what-your-elopement-timeline-should-actually-feel-like/

Plan an intentional elopement timeline that feels calm, meaningful, and stress-free. Learn how to create a day centered on connection.

15/07/2026

06/07/2026

One month (+1 day) of Jackie + Brendan 🌊🌲🚗

Some love stories don’t start with a swipe...they start in 6th grade.

J and B went from childhood friends in Michigan to building a life together in LA, and then bringing their favorite people to the cliffs of Big Sur for the most intentional small celebration.

With just 10 guests, her best friend officiating, and the most stunning weather, the whole day felt like the final scenes of your favorite feel-good film.

A few of my favorite details from their day:

- B in Dr. Martens with a three-leaf clover brooch instead of a boutonnière
- J’s “something blue” was her shoes
- Their niece carrying a mini version of her bouquet
- Wines sourced from a local LA wine bar they love (and have shared tastings at)
- B getting ready in Carmel-by-the-Sea + J at Point 16 before everyone was shuttled down the coast
- Ending the night with a family-style dinner overlooking Big Sur

J and B, what an honor to witness this kind of love 🫶🏼

Film developed by
Venue: Point 16
HAMU:
Wedding attire:
Coordinator: Rachel Wahl
Florals:
Catering: Aus 2 Cali Catering

02/07/2026

Adventure elopements are not just for couples who love hiking.

Some of the most meaningful elopements I’ve seen involved:
◦ Rooftop vows
◦ Beach walks & finding seashells
◦ Scenic drives & sunsets
◦ Wine tastings
◦ Boutique hotels
◦ Sailboat rides

You do NOT need muddy boots or a five mile hike to have a beautiful, adventurous wedding day.

If you’ve been searching for elopement ideas with no hiking because you want something meaningful without the pressure to be “outdoorsy enough,” I just shared a full blog packed with:
◦ Accessible elopement locations
◦ Timeline ideas
◦ Luxury adventure experiences
◦ Destination inspiration
◦ Tips for planning a relaxed wedding day

Especially for couples planning 2027 and 2028 elopements, this is such a good reminder that your wedding should reflect YOU.

Read the full blog here: https://audreydarke.com/2026/06/30/adventure-elopements-for-the-non-adventurous-couple-meaningful-elopement-ideas-with-no-hiking-required/

Looking for no hiking elopement ideas? Explore accessible adventure elopements with scenic overlooks, luxury stays, beach walks, and more.

20/05/2026

Such a sweet afternoon celebrating N + N's vow renewal!