Planning on eloping in California?
We’re so thrilled for you both as you take this incredible step together! No longer bound by expectations and what other people want, you realize that anywhere in the world could be your venue.
Pretty cool, right?
A huge weight was lifted from you when you decided to kick tradition and elope, but now it feels like you have even more decisions than planning a wedding.
Lucky for you, we are more that just photographers!
Hello! We're Nico & Maddie
We’ve been in your shoes. When we planned our own elopement in the Dolomites, we felt the same mix of excitement and overwhelm you might be feeling now. We know what it’s like to dream up a day that feels completely true to you, and we’ve learned how to make it happen without the stress.
We created Finch & Fern Photo Company to help adventurous couples, like you, embrace the beauty of the great outdoors on their wedding day.
We aren't just really good with cameras... You’re getting two people who understand how personal this day is, who will guide you through every step, and who care deeply about capturing your love story in the most real and beautiful way possible.
Individually, we each bring our own creativity, expertise and attention to detail. But just like you and your partner, we believe we’re stronger as a team.
Two is always better than one!
Meet Nico, your photographer
He's the visionary behind the lens and the guiding voice throughout your elopement. With a photography style that leans into the documentary side of things, your day will be captured beautifully start to finish all while telling your story.
He goes with the flow, make you laugh, and tell you what to do with your hands. He's very easy to get along with, always notices when the bride is cold, and knows where to be to get the best shots.
Nico has also been known to make a delicious celebratory cocktail using his bartending skills of the past.
Maddie, the planning expert
Between our many international adventures, elaborate camping trips, and even our own elopement in the Dolomites, I can assure you that this girl knows a thing or two about planning. Not to mention, Maddie used to work as an event coordinator a highly renowned wedding venue in Santa Cruz, Ca.
She loves to do the research, plan and keep things organized with (beautiful) spreadsheets. She will also be photographing your elopement, too!
Together we will keep the day flowing seamlessly, ensuring we capture every breathtaking moment and explore every stunning location on your adventure.
 
We want you to experience your perfect day, just we did!
 
"We hired Nico to do our engagement and wedding photos and could not be happier with the results! We loved how easy he is to work with and his willingness to adapt + go above and beyond. The photos were out of this world -- we thought he did a particularly great job capturing the harmony between people and the natural world."
Logan & Sinclaire
 
Every Elopement Includes:
 
A DISCOVERY CALL This is our chance to get to know each other and see if we're the right fit for your wedding! This is not a sales call. It’s a conversation about who we are, who you are, and making sure we’re the good match.
START TO FINISH PLANNING ASSISTANCE. We will start with your vision and work from there! By the end on the planning phase, you'll have a clear idea of what the day looks like, accommodations booked, vendors lined up, Permits locked in, and a TIMELINE PLANNED WITH INTENTION.
LOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS tailored to your vision. There's a perfect spot for everyone and we are here to help you find it.
VENDOR, ACCOMMODATION, and FOOD recommendations. From glamping in a redwood forest to luxurious cabins, there are plenty of great options all over California.
BAD WEATHER? No problem! We leave the days surrounding your wedding open so that if a storm blows in, we can plan around it.
20 SNEAK PEEK PHOTOS delivered within 24 hours. You'll be sharing your exciting news with family and friends right away.
A BEAUTIFULLY CURATED GALLERY with unlimited high-resolution downloads, delivered within 6 weeks. Easily print and share your photos with family and friends!
A PACKING CHECKLIST so you don't have to worry about forgetting anything. This will be specifically curated based off of time of year and weather predictions.
 
NO TRAVEL FEES
 
 
INVESTMENT
 
Here at Finch & Fern Photo Co, we specialize in Elopements and Intimate weddings ranging from 0-20 guests.
All bookings require a signed contract and a paid retainer to be on our books!
✨ Booking 2026/27 ✨
ELOPEMENTS
On our elopement day we had a very loose timeline, went to multiple locations, and had minimal bells and whistles. What resulted out of that was ZERO stress and a very natural flow to the day. On our wedding day, we realized that this is what we want our couples to experience too!
The All Day Experience
10 hours of photography coverage
10 hours allows plenty of time to let your day flow naturally and be less rigid about moving on the next thing. Your day will feel effortless and more like a date! You have the option to split the 10 hours into 2 separate sessions so you can have a midday break or to have us tag long for a consecutive 10 hours.
This package is perfect for couples who want to do something more adventurous by themselves and have time with family and friends.
All in all, we want you to experience your perfect day without worrying about the clock!
Anywhere in California
$6000
$7500
Anywhere
The Half Day
8 hours of photography coverage
8 hours is usually the sweet spot for most elopements. 8 hours still allows your day to flow naturally so that you can soak in the moments of your day without feeling rushed. We give you the option to split your 8 hours into two 4-hour sessions so you can have a midday break and catch both golden hours!
Our goal is to create a day that flows naturally from start to finish, letting you settle into each moment instead of rushing through them.
$5000
Anywhere in California
Anywhere
$6500
The Mini Day
4 hours of photography coverage
A 4-hour collection is ideal for couples dreaming of a relaxed, single-location celebration.
It covers your ceremony, portraits, and a bit of exploring, which is perfect for a simple adventure or a cozy, laid-back elopement with just the two of you.
This option keeps everything intentional and easy so that you can enjoy a stress-free experience that feels calm, meaningful, and authentically you.
$4000
California only
More than photos
An experience
Like I said, this is more than just photos. Our goal is to create an authentic, stress-free, experience that will stay fresh in your mind forever. Eloping with us feels like you're adventuring with old friends (who just happen to be really, really, ridiculously good at photography!)
The photos are just the cherry on top.
All day coverage
From 3am wake up calls to catch the sunrise over jagged peaks in Colorado to chasing the golden light of the setting sun in the Dolomites, we'll be there to document every rad moment. All the smiles, emotions, and laughter will be captured while you just soak in the day.
Personalized planning
Perhaps you're envisioning shredding the slopes in Mammoth, Ca to start your wedding day, followed by a soak in a natural hot spring and a meal prepared by a private chef at a kick-ass Airbnb. Maybe you want to keep it simple and take a walk in a magical redwood forest, then enjoy a small picnic with your favorite snacks from Trader Joe's. After that, you unwind in a soothing hot tub under the evening sky.
Sounds pretty nice right?
 
We wholeheartedly believe that:
 
BLACK LIVES MATTER
PRO-Choice
HEALTH CARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT
SCIENCE IS REAL
CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL
LOVE IS LOVE
LGBTQ+ LIVES MATTER
NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL
IF YOU DISAGREE WITH ANY OF THIS, WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO FIND SOMEONE WHO ALIGNS WITH YOU.
✌🏼
 
FAQ
 
How do you deliver your photos?
Online. Once I have carefully selected and edited your photos, I will send you an email with a link to the online gallery. You can share this link with anyone you'd like. This is also where you can download digital copies of your photos.
How many pictures will I receive?
My focus is the quality of your photos and I will never limit myself from capturing your special day. That being said, I aim to provide 50 images per hour, but often, I over-deliver.
When will we get our photos?
Weddings galleries will be delivered in 6 weeks (or less) I will also send you some sneak peeks within 24 hours!If I finish my edits before the delivery date, I will not hesitate to get them straight to your inbox
I know you'll be excited to see them!
are you willing to travel?
YES! If you didn't know already, Maddie and I live in a van and we travel on the road full-time. If you're looking to travel further far far away, we have a lot of experience doing that as well!
Travel fees are included for any booking!
What happens if there is bad weather?
We’re all about embracing every kind of weather! That said, we’re always vigilant about checking local forecasts and radar—especially for adventure shoots in the mountains. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, but it often clears up just as quickly as it rolls in. To ensure flexibility, we also keep surrounding days open as a weather backup if needed.
We want to book you, Whats next?
Great! Once we all confirm that we are good fit for your special day via a call or zoom, I will draft a contract for you to sign. At the time of signing, we require a 50% retainer fee to secure your date. This retainer fee ensures that nobody else can book us on that day.