this experience is for you.

that's us!→

&

if you are...

RELAXED

SENTIMENTAL

ADVENTUROUS

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

read more

what I offer

Elopement Photography & basic planning assistance

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 →

reviews

I DON'T BUY INTO the
IDEA THAT                       
ONLY EXISTS in the                   
OR THAT                  SHOULD be RESERVED for BALLROOMS.

mountains

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 get started! Please note: I am all about the experience and do not provide coverage for less than 5 hours. The average investment from the couples you see across my site is $7750 (excluding vendor costs) for 8 hours of coverage, to create a stress free day that is focused entirely on you and an experience that represents your life & love story. I can't wait to hear from you!

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!