When planning your dream elopement, choosing an elopement photographer in Italy is about more than just style or budget. It’s about the experience they create for you and how that translates into the photos you’ll treasure for life.
As an elopement photographer who guides couples through stress-free, playful, and story-rich photo sessions in places like the Dolomites, Lake Como, and Florence, I recently witnessed firsthand how wildly different a photoshoot can feel depending on your photographer’s approach.
Let me tell you a quick real-life story from Florence that made this difference crystal clear.
The Scene: Sunrise at the Florence Duomo
My couple and I arrived at the Duomo just as the sun was beginning to rise. It was soft, quiet, and peaceful — the perfect time for photos in one of Italy’s most iconic locations. There was one other couple nearby with another photographer.
They were doing a dramatic lift: the groom held the bride under her thighs and spun her in front of the cathedral. It was beautiful at first. But then… they did it again. And again. And again.
We smiled, gave them space, and started our own shoot.
What We Did Instead: A Natural, Candid Photo Experience
In less than an hour, here’s what my couple and I did:
- Took some romantic portraits and fun movement shots in front of the Duomo
- Walked the beautiful streets of Florence
- Shared gelato from a nearby shop (yes, there was playful face-smearing involved!)
- Stumbled upon a gorgeous old door for some fun photos
- Sat at a cozy restaurant where I took photos of them through the glass while they were sitting outside
- Stopped by a souvenir shop to pick out gifts for their grandparents
The result? A whole story, full of variety, joy, and emotion—without anyone getting sweaty, stiff, or overwhelmed. Here are photos the couple received from this one hour:
The Other Couple? Still in the Same Spot.
When we looped back to the Duomo at the end of our session, we were shocked. The same couple was still in the exact same place… doing the exact same lift. The poor groom looked exhausted. He was sweating in the now-harsh sunlight, and you could tell he was over it. The moment had turned from romantic to routine. I just wanted to go to him and tell him I am so sorry that he had to deal with a photographer like this! I just hope that he doesn’t lose faith in the importance of photography because of this one photographer who couldn’t nail this simple pose within an hour.
And this is the part I want to gently highlight: Not all photographers shoot the same way.
Some focus on getting one perfect shot. Others (like me) focus on helping you live your elopement day, not just pose for it. Also, if you know how to guide the couple, you barely ever need to do one thing more than 1-2 times. With some lifts maybe the first try is just to get a feel of how it works, but if the photographer gives you enough information about how to execute this lift, you should not need more than 2 or 3 tries. Definitely not for an hour…
Why This Matters for Your Italy Elopement
When you elope—especially somewhere as magical as Italy—you’re not just investing in photos. You’re investing in the experience. An experience in which your Italy elopement photographer plays a huge role in!
Here’s what a good elopement photographer should do for you:
1. Guide You, Not Drill You
Yes, I’ll guide you into flattering and fun poses. I’ll teach you how to twirl, lift, dip, or run without it feeling awkward. But after a 1-2 tries, you’ll feel natural—and I won’t keep you stuck doing the same thing 25 times.
2. Focus on Variety and Storytelling
Your elopement album should feel like a movie—filled with scenic landscapes, stolen glances, playful moments, and quiet in-betweens. That means moving, exploring, and capturing different parts of your day, not just standing still in one spot.
3. Keep Things Comfortable and Fun
A relaxed couple = better photos. I’ll never push you past your comfort zone or wear you out with endless posing. My goal? For you to say, “That was so much fun!” before you even see the photos.
The Bottom Line: Your Photos Should Reflect You
Whether you’re eloping in Florence, hiking in the Dolomites, or sailing on Lake Garda, your photos should tell your story—not be a photographer’s pre-planned Pinterest board.
If you’re looking for an elopement photographer in Italy who’ll help you feel natural, make space for spontaneity, and ensure your photos are full of life, joy, and connection… you’re in the right place.
Let’s turn your Italian elopement into an unforgettable adventure—with a gallery of images that looks and feels like you.
Looking for a photographer who blends fun, movement, and real emotion into your elopement day?
You can read about me and my service HERE or browse the full ELOPEMENT GALLERY of this couple to see what your story could look like. This was a two day elopement consisting of Florence, a little beautiful town in Tuscany, hills of Tuscany, lake Garda and a mountain top by lake Garda.
Other blog posts you might be interested in:
How to choose a photographer for your elopement
How much does it cost to elope in Italy?
Should we hire a videographer for our elopement?
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