Documentary Style Elopement and Intimate Wedding Photographer based in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores

Wedding

Photographer

Documentary Style Elopement and Wedding Photographer based in Gulf Shores, Alabama

First off, if you’re here- congratulations are probably in order! Getting engaged and planning your nuptials is such an exciting time.

I’m Michelle, a documentary style photographer based in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

If you’re looking for a genuine and laid-back elopement or wedding photographer in Gulf Shores or anywhere on the Gulf Coast, you’re in the right place! Honestly I like to think of myself as not only a photographer- but a storyteller for lovers like you.

My focus is always on documenting the most authentic & intimate moments throughout the day, while making the entire process as easy and stress-free as possible. I believe that you should feel comfortable and relaxed on your wedding day, and I promise to do my very best to ensure that you are able to be present, soak it all in, and have a damn good time. No matter what type of couple you are, or what your dream wedding day looks like.

It’s your wedding day after all!  You deserve everything and more than you’ve dreamed it to be!

This page covers all of the wedding photography information you need to get started, including my all-inclusive wedding photography packages, details on elopements and intimate weddings in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach (or even Pensacola), ceremony officiant availability, travel availability, and more!

Planning a wedding can be challenging. Planning a wedding from 1000 miles away is a whole other thing. Stumbling upon Michelle was nothing short of fate. After one look at her page, I knew that her photography style and overall vibe was exactly what I was looking for. Within minutes of reaching out, she got back to me and was ready to start talking details and for me to fill her in on what my “dream” day would look like. Over the next couple months she was my go-to-gal for all things Gulf Shores beach wedding providing me with all the best tips and recommendations. I was so thankful to have found this woman!

Come wedding day, she arrived right on time and in the middle of all the excitement. Us women were upstairs scrambling with final touches. I was minutes away from putting on my dress. She came up and said, “Hey I’m Michelle. What can I do?” We laughed and she jumped right in!
It was like an old friend had just shown up.

My favorite thing about Michelle was how she made me feel like there was no where else she would rather be than right there with me on my special day. Her professional yet laid back personality reminded me to slow down and take it all in. She never made me feel rushed and worked with me to make the most of our time together. She captured the most candid moments while still paying attention to all the little (but big) details. She made me feel comfortable enough to share my own ideas and ask for certain shots that I had envisioned in my head.

I trusted her to capture the moment and she exceeded my expectations. She simplified the wedding planning process, helped the wedding day run smoothly, and delivered the most beautiful wedding gallery I could have ever hoped for.”

-Rachel R.

Elopement, Micro-Wedding, and Intimate Wedding Photography Packages Designed with You in Mind

I’ve designed wedding photography packages for all-inclusive weddings, romantic intimate wedding celebrations, and even simple elopements.

I decided to offer packages that specifically cater to your needs because:

This is about you finding your dream wedding photographer.

If you’re into documentary style photography, intimate gatherings with the people you hold dearest, embracing the imperfections, and soaking in the moment, I would love to be your photographer.

After years in the business, and planning my own destination wedding in Gulf Shores (that’s a story to cover later on), I’ve realized that:

  • getting married doesn’t have to be stressful

  • there is no “right” or “wrong” way to get married

  • weddings shouldn't be planned to please anyone but yourselves

  • nothing has to be perfect (it rarely, if ever, is)

  • you should LOVE your vendors

I’ve learned how to create amazing memories and unique photos without the pressure for everything to be perfect.

I am already invested in your experience starting with your inquiry, and will be there with all of this knowledge to assist you every step of the way. I’ll tell you about all my favorite vendors to help you bring your vision to life. I will listen if there’s an issue with your plans and offer alternatives. I’ll literally be next to you all day- pumping you up, but also reminding you to slow down and be present.

As your elopement or wedding photographer, I will be there for you. I promise to document your love story in a way that feels effortless and authentic to you. Documentary style photographer in Gulf Shores, Alabama

An intimate wedding at Supposey in Pensacola, Fl by Michelle Hatcher. She is a documentary style elopement and wedding photographer based in Gulf Shores.

All-Inclusive Gulf Coast Wedding Photography Packages

Many couples today are looking for all-inclusive wedding photographers, and I totally get it!

The good news is that wedding and elopement photographers love what they we do. We’re already obsessed with venues, dresses, flowers, and cakes. And yes, we’ve probably seen that inspo photo on Pinterest! So we don’t mind sharing all of our “secrets.” All-inclusive Gulf Coast Wedding Photography

Having a photographer to offer all of their best tips and tricks alleviates so much of the stress around planning and shopping for different vendors.

These wedding photography packages can be used for any size event you may be planning, but allow for extra time on your wedding day so that you can take it slow and enjoy every moment. All-inclusive weddings usually include 8 or more hours of photography coverage.

They also offer planning assistance, venue & vendor recommendations, a custom day-of timeline, and even a wedding officiant!

My all-inclusive Gulf Coast wedding photography packages include everything mentioned above, as well as an engagement session, film photography, 48-hour digital sneak peeks, a personalized ceremony script, and video calls or in-person meetings so you can feel confident that your every aspect of your vision will be executed perfectly (and the photos will be STUNNING.)

Starting at $5,500 All-Inclusive Gulf Coast Wedding Photography

Intimate and Micro-Weddings Photography Packages

The couples who book my intimate and micro-wedding packages are looking for something different or unique and still want a very personal experience, but also plan on inviting guests. They are always FUN and opt for non-traditional weddings!

A back yard wedding and dinner under candlelight, an Airbnb with a breathtaking view, a sunrise ceremony on the beach with your closest family and friends- the options for intimate and micro-weddings are endless! These are my favorite kind of weddings because I’m able to create a unique visual narrative of the entire day, capturing all of the most intimate moments and truly showcasing your love story.

These packages start at 6 hours of coverage and are my most frequently booked for weddings taking place on the Gulf Coast. They still include all of the planning assistance, a custom day-of timeline, some film photography, sneak peeks and a beautiful finished wedding gallery.

Intimate wedding clients also receive $100 off any additional sessions. This can be engagement photos, rehearsal dinner coverage, a bridal session, or anything else unique you have in mind!

Starting at $3,800 Pensacola Wedding

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Elopement Photography Packages

For the non-traditional couple who wants to keep it simple. Maybe you’re doing a romantic beach ceremony or a courthouse wedding, but you still want photos that are to-die-for.

These packages include a ceremony officiant and are usually around two to four hours of coverage, in areas like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Mobile, and Pensacola.

We can spend this time together doing anything you'd like, including the ceremony, cocktails, celebrating, and anything else that honors your love story.

I started out as a Gulf Shores wedding photographer and years later, I still think the beach is one of the most romantic places for a unique elopement. I’d love to help you plan your dream elopement on the Gulf Coast!

Starting at $2,000 Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Elopement Photography

How do I book you as my elopement or wedding photographer? in Gulf Shores

You might be wondering, what happens after you reach out?

First, we’ll talk about all of your unique details and ideas, you’ll receive my full pricing guide, and we’ll decide which package is perfect for your big day.

Then you’ll receive an invoice for a 50% deposit and our contract. You’ll need to complete these in order to reserve the date.

Once the boring part is over, we really dive in!

I’ll send you a questionnaire to get all the deets on your big day as well as get to know more about you & your partner.

If you’re local & looking for a Gulf Shores wedding photographer or anywhere nearby, we can meet for coffee (or wine), or if this is a destination wedding we can plan a call on FaceTime!

You’ll have access to me throughout your entire planning process. I’ll be here to offer any assistance I can, including permit and marriage license information (for elopements), vendor recommendations, vision boards, and build a custom day-of-timeline.

Your wedding day will be here before we know it! When the day arrives you can expect me to show up early and stay until the last dance. You’ll receive some amazing sneak peeks within 48 hours and your full gallery will be delivered within four weeks. Documentary style elopement and wedding photographer

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