Albuquerque Elopement Photography Packages

Eloping is about the two of you, and maybe a handful of people you love. You don't need a big production for it to be beautiful. You need someone who makes it feel easy and catches what actually happens.

I'm Clay Benedict, a wedding photographer based in Portales, New Mexico. I've been photographing weddings since 2015, and small, personal days are some of my favorite. Here's how it works in Albuquerque, and what it costs.

Where we can shoot

Albuquerque gives you a lot in one city. I've photographed couples in three places I'd happily take you:

  • The Bosque. Cottonwoods and quiet trails along the Rio Grande, with soft, dappled light.
  • The Sandia Mountains. Big views and big sky, with room for a ceremony with just a few people.
  • The Sandia Foothills. Desert light, and the mountains turning pink at sunset.

Want red cliffs or a mountain ranch? I've photographed at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, the Hyde Memorial State Park lodge near Santa Fe and Log River Ranch near Chama. I love a good road trip.

How I work

My style is relaxed and unposed. I'll guide you through portraits so you're never wondering what to do with your hands, and the rest of the time I stay out of the way. I'm there for the shaky first look, the vows you said quietly, the laugh afterward.

Before your day we'll have a consultation, and I'll help you build a timeline around the light. My wife comes along to small elopements too. She helps with your dress and any family photos, so you can stay in the moment.

Elopement photography packages

These are the packages on my Pricing page that fit small weddings and elopements:

  • Sunflower, $1,000. Up to two hours of coverage. It's made for small elopements with just a few guests. 100 to 150 edited photos in a private online gallery.
  • Lilly, $2,000. Up to four hours of coverage, good for micro weddings. 200 to 250 edited photos in a private online gallery.
  • Ruby, $2,594. Up to four hours, 200 to 250 edited photos, plus a complimentary engagement session and my Gold Print Package. This is a good one if you'd like to practice in front of the camera first and have prints to hang.

Every package includes: high-resolution, color-graded photos in my signature style, a private online gallery for viewing and downloading full-resolution files, the ability for family and friends to order prints from your gallery, and a pre-wedding consultation with help planning your timeline.

Save $200. Weddings on a weekday, or on any day from November through March, get $200 off any package. Many elopements happen on weekdays, so this one is worth knowing about.

Need more time? Extra hours are $500 each, so you can add time for a getting-ready or a dinner afterward.

Want an album? I offer 10x10 leather heirloom albums in saddle brown with gold foil stamping. Albums aren't included in elopement packages, but you can add one as an extra. I accept ACH, all major credit cards, and financing through Klarna and Affirm.

Is this right for us?

If you want honest photos of a small, personal day, I think we'll get along. My portfolio and reviews are a good place to see how I work.

Planning an elopement in Albuquerque? Send me your date and where you're thinking → or call (806) 746-2355.

FAQ

How much does elopement photography cost in Albuquerque?

My packages for small weddings and elopements run from $1,000 for up to two hours to $2,594 with an engagement session and prints. Extra hours are $500 each. Weekday and November–March weddings get $200 off.

How long should we book?

Two hours is plenty for a ceremony, portraits and a few extras with just a few guests. If you'd like a longer day, or a getting-ready and a dinner afterward, four hours gives you room, and you can add extra hours for $500 each.

Do you travel outside Albuquerque for elopements?

Yes. I travel for weddings and elopements across New Mexico, Colorado and nearby states, and I'm booking in West Texas. Travel is included in your quote.

When will we get our photos?

For summer and winter weddings, galleries are ready in 6 to 8 weeks. Spring and fall are my busiest seasons, so allow 8 to 12 weeks for those. Every image is edited by hand.

How do we book?

Send me a message on the contact page with your date and where you're thinking. After we've talked, a signed contract and a retainer hold your date.