HOLD UP! Before you go &
with my work
fall in love
I'm not going to make you go on a scavenger hunt to find the info you need, you're too busy for that. The basics are compiled right here so you can decide what your next move is, stat.
Average Investment
Experience Hightlights
3 Words to Describe my Vibe
number of Elopements Photographed
$7,750 for 8 hours
24 hr sneak peeks, heirloom albums, local expertise
warm, fun & grounded
Over 150 & counting!
Location
Lake Tahoe & Beyond. I'll go anywhere - but home base is California.
reviews
I DON'T BUY INTO the
IDEA THAT
ONLY EXISTS in the
OR THAT SHOULD be
RESERVED for BALLROOMS.
adventure
mountains
elegance
gallery delivery
essential vendors
the planning stuff
Online, hi-res digitals, 6-8 weeks
I can book hair & makeup, florals, and an officiant upon request.
I'm an expert at elopements and every couple who works with me gets a customized timeline & location suggestions
I no longer call myself an "adventure elopement photographer" because I think it implies that you have to be a certain kind of person to work with me. I'm just an Elopement Photographer, and I believe you're allowed to have whatever version of untraditional you want.
I will gush over the tiny, pretty details...but I'll also hike 4 hours before the sun comes up to summit a mountain at sunrise with you. I'll help you find the best makeup artist out there...but if you want to jump in the lake at the end of the night, I'll be cheering you on the loudest.
get to know me →
perfect, what's next?→
October 2021 | Tahoe
"Our wedding day was everything we wanted and nothing that we didn’t and that is thanks to Ruthanne. She is so much more than a photographer who shows up, takes pictures and leaves. She makes you feel so comfortable and like you’ve known each other for years - we felt totally at ease taking pictures. Once you understand that, you understand how incredibly worth it the investment is. I really could go on and on about her and the day she created for us but I’ll leave it at this- if we could go back, we wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding. Not many people get to say that."
Bailey & David
On the day of our elopement she had every detail planned, the time table correct, and trudged through deep snow to get us the pictures we really wanted. She had a smile on her face the whole day and made us feel like we were her family. She makes a point to really let you soak in the moments versus having a traditional wedding where you have so many people to please and entertain or having to rush. She had an answer for everything, everyone, and every issue that could possibly arise. She is an all mountain girl and knows exactly what, where, and how to do it all.
Allison & Don
January 2023 | Tahoe
From start to finish, Ruthanne created a truly magical experience that exceeded all my expectations. Her expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to making our elopement stress-free were absolutely remarkable. I am such a type-a, overthinking Virgo that planning things can be exhausting and overwhelming. Let me tell you that nothing about this process was stressful. Ruthanne has a warm and friendly personality that instantly puts you at ease. She ensured that every moment was filled with laughter, happiness, and genuine fun. Her ability to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere allowed us to be fully present, which I don't believe would be possible for me in a typical wedding setting.
Emily & Brian
May 2021 | Truckee
Emily & Brian
Having an elopement like this was a little stressful because I’ve never heard of anyone I know doing this and I’d never been to a wedding like this before so I had no clue what to expect. Ruthanne was the best person I could’ve chosen to be with us that day. Meeting her for the first time and then having to be vulnerable in front of her was so easy and it honestly felt like 3 friends just hanging out at times. She really is an elopement expert, from helping me with my hair, to literally making my husbands boutonniere on the fly AND pretty much my bouquet as well. Ruthanne is a rockstar.
Courtney & Matt
October 2022 | Big Sur
Courtney & Matt
BUT WAIT. Before you go &
with my work
fall in love
I'm not going to make you go on a scavenger hunt to find the info you need, you're too busy for that. Here are nine things about working with me that you should know:
perfect, what's next?→
Average Investment
$7,750 for 8 hours
Location
Lake Tahoe & Beyond. I'll go anywhere - but home base is California.
what I offer
Elopement Photography & basic planning assistance
next →
Experience Hightlights
3 Words to Describe my Vibe
Elopements Photographed
24 hr sneak peeks, heirloom albums, local expertise
warm, fun & grounded
Over 150 & counting!
next →
gallery delivery
essential vendors
the planning stuff
Online, hi-res digitals, 6-8 weeks
I can book hair & makeup, florals, and an officiant upon request.
I'm an expert at elopements and every couple who works with me gets a customized timeline & location suggestions
next →
October 2021 | Tahoe
"Our wedding day was everything we wanted and nothing that we didn’t and that is thanks to Ruthanne. She is so much more than a photographer who shows up, takes pictures and leaves. She makes you feel so comfortable and like you’ve known each other for years - we felt totally at ease taking pictures. Once you understand that, you understand how incredibly worth it the investment is. I really could go on and on about her and the day she created for us but I’ll leave it at this- if we could go back, we wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding. Not many people get to say that."
Bailey & David
On the day of our elopement she had every detail planned, the time table correct, and trudged through deep snow to get us the pictures we really wanted. She had a smile on her face the whole day and made us feel like we were her family. She makes a point to really let you soak in the moments versus having a traditional wedding where you have so many people to please and entertain or having to rush. She had an answer for everything, everyone, and every issue that could possibly arise. She is an all mountain girl and knows exactly what, where, and how to do it all.
Allison & Don
January 2023 | Tahoe
Allison & Don
Ruthanne created a truly magical experience that exceeded all my expectations. Her expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to making our elopement stress-free were absolutely remarkable. I am such a type-a, overthinking Virgo that planning things can be exhausting and overwhelming. Nothing about this process was stressful. Ruthanne has a warm and friendly personality that instantly puts you at ease. She ensured that every moment was filled with laughter, happiness & genuine fun. Her ability to create a relaxed & comfortable atmosphere allowed us to be fully present, which I don't believe would be possible in a typical wedding setting.
Emily & Brian
May 2021 | Truckee
Emily & Brian
Having an elopement like this was a little stressful because I’ve never heard of anyone I know doing this and I’d never been to a wedding like this before so I had no clue what to expect. Ruthanne was the best person I could’ve chosen to be with us that day. Meeting her for the first time and then having to be vulnerable in front of her was so easy and it honestly felt like 3 friends just hanging out at times. She really is an elopement expert, from helping me with my hair, to literally making my husbands boutonniere on the fly AND pretty much my bouquet as well. Ruthanne is a rockstar.
Courtney & Matt
October 2022 | Big Sur
Courtney & Matt
adventure
I'm Ruthanne Z...and I no longer call myself an "adventure elopement photographer" because I think it implies that you have to be a certain kind of person to work with me. I'm just an Elopement Photographer, and I believe you're allowed to have whatever version of untraditional you want.
I will gush over the tiny, pretty details...but I'll also hike 4 hours before the sun comes up to summit a mountain at sunrise with you. I'll help you find the best makeup artist out there...but if you want to jump in the lake at the end of the night, I'll be cheering you on the loudest.
elegance
Howdy!
If you like what you see around here, the next step is to fill out my inquiry form! After it's submitted, you'll get an auto-responder (fancy schmancy) with a link to book a zoom or phone call. Whether you just want to check availability or are ready to say "heck yes" for the long haul, this is the very first step.
hi
A verbal conversation prior to booking is just part of how I do things around here. Don't worry though, I'll crack some bad jokes & my dog will probably run around with a squeaky ball to lighten things up. You can expect a 30-45 minute convo just to be sure we're all on the same page!
chat
After our call I'll send you a trio of docs, all digital. A proposal & questionnaire for you to choose your collection and ensure I have necessary info, a contract, & an invoice. I know money talk is not our fav but it's part of this - so I'll let you know now that 50% of your collection is due to book & I accept all credit cards.
docs
how to work together
Everyone has their process, and this is mine! Every single step is intentional and has been curated over 150+ elopements to serve you in the absolute best way possible. Here's what happens to get the ball rolling on your experience:
say
chit
the
let's see
IF YOUR
DATE IS
available
Fill out the form below to check availability for your date. If you're interested in hopping on a call, just let me know via the drop down menu & I'll send you a call scheduler for zoom/phone hangs!
albums
heirloom
I've been offering printed products in my collections since before it became cool again, and for good reason. Your photos deserve to live forever-ever, not just in a social media post or as your phone lock screen. I work with an incredible album company to create one of a kind, heirloom albums that are literal works of art.
see a full album
inspo
real elopement
Lake Tahoe Elopement
Redwoods Elopement
Mount Shasta Elopement
Looking for general elopement planning tips?
Start here!