STOKED - The Adventure Elopement Photographer Podcast - Build a Six Figure Elopement Photography Business
Do you dream of having a successful elopement photography business but don’t know where to start? Welcome to STOKED, the go-to podcast for adventure elopement photographers at every stage—whether you're looking to book your first elopement or take your business to the next level. Imagine confidently raising your prices, filling your calendar with dream couples in breathtaking locations, and feeling truly stoked about your business, your life, and your bank account! I'm your host, Megan MacPhail. After photographing over 200+ elopements worldwide, I can tell you with certainty that your dream elopement photography business is 100% possible. Tune in every Thursday as my elopement videographer husband, Todd, and I share our experiences, strategies, and lessons learned. We also bring in successful elopement photographers and industry experts for fluff-free, actionable interviews that will help you book more elopements and grow a thriving business. We’re the only podcast specifically for elopement photographers, making STOKED your go-to resource in this niche. Not sure where to begin? Start with Episode 82: "The Secret to Booking and Planning All-Day Elopements " Get ready to be STOKED about your elopement photography business, life, and bank account! Cover photo by the amazing Henry Tieu → https://www.henry-tieu.com/ Check us out at → https://www.meganmacphail.com
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147. How I Built an Elopement Photography Business During the Hardest Season of My Life
01/23/2026
147. How I Built an Elopement Photography Business During the Hardest Season of My Life
Have you seen the “Where were you in 2016?” trend on Instagram? I’ve been seeing it everywhere, and when I look back at that year, it’s literally the year that changed everything for me. In this episode, I open up about what 2016 looked like for me, which was the year I launched Hazel & Lace Photography and the same year my life was completely derailed by a serious car accident, chronic pain, burnout, and a ton of medical debt. When everything else felt uncertain, photography became the one thing that gave me purpose. This conversation is for anyone building a business while life is throwing curveballs, whether it’s working a demanding job, navigating health or financial stress, or feeling like you’re behind everyone else. It’s an honest reminder that success is rarely linear and that building something meaningful often happens alongside hardship, not after it. If you’re questioning your timeline or wondering if it’s worth continuing, this episode will remind you why you started in the first place. The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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[REPLAY] 33 Quick Actionable Tips for Your Elopement Photography Business
01/16/2026
[REPLAY] 33 Quick Actionable Tips for Your Elopement Photography Business
Almost one year ago, we recorded our 100th episode, and as a thank you to you, our amazing listeners, we loaded the episode with 33 actionable tips you can use immediately for when you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're spinning your wheels in your elopement photography business. And while this episode was recorded a year ago, all of these tips still hold true today. We cover mindset, marketing, gear, client experience, and planning so you can work smarter, not harder. We’ve been in your shoes and know the challenges of running an elopement photography business, and we want to help make it easier for you. Ready to make running your business easier? Hit play now! Resources mentioned in this episode: , my favorite CRM for managing your contracts, workflows, and invoices (affiliate link) The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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146. Overcoming Perfectionism as an Elopement Photographer
01/09/2026
146. Overcoming Perfectionism as an Elopement Photographer
Is perfectionism holding you back from going even further in your elopement photography business? If you feel like perfectionism has been keeping you feeling stuck, behind, or constantly second-guessing every move in your business, then this episode is for you. Today, we are having an honest conversation about perfectionism and talking about why it leads to procrastination, how taking imperfect action can lead to faster success, and our own personal experiences struggling with perfectionism. If you’ve been holding yourself back because you’re afraid to put something out before it feels flawless, hit play now because this episode will help you take the pressure off, trust yourself more, and start moving forward again. The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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145. Inside the Elopement Photographer Mastermind: Real Wins & Real Numbers
01/02/2026
145. Inside the Elopement Photographer Mastermind: Real Wins & Real Numbers
Do you need proof that it’s still possible to create a successful elopement photography business, even in this economy? In this episode, we’re sharing $1.6 million in real, documented wins from elopement photographers we’ve worked with inside the Elopement Photographer Mastermind. These aren’t highlight reels or inflated numbers; they’re real women, in different seasons of life, building sustainable businesses that actually support their lives. We also take you behind the scenes of the Elopement Photographer Mastermind and talk about why this mentorship works and why it’s been such a catalyst for growth for so many elopement photographers. If you’re ready to stop doubting what’s possible for you and start seeing real evidence that this work can support your life, your family, and your goals, hit play now. Connect with Megan: 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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144. The Biggest Elopement Photography Trends We Saw in 2025
12/26/2025
144. The Biggest Elopement Photography Trends We Saw in 2025
Curious about what has and hasn’t been working in the elopement photography industry? Well, the cool part about what I do is I get to work with hundreds of elopement photographers, so I get to see some of the biggest trends happening across the industry. And in 2025, some things stayed the same, but some really important things shifted. In this episode, Todd and I break down what we saw throughout 2025. We go over why last-minute bookings are more common than you think, why all-day and multi-day elopements are becoming easier to book, and where you should be focusing your marketing efforts. Hit play now to hear the full 2025 elopement industry recap and get clear on how to move into 2026 with momentum. The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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143. Efficient Photo Editing Strategies to Save Time and Boost Consistency with Christopher Wurzbach
12/19/2025
143. Efficient Photo Editing Strategies to Save Time and Boost Consistency with Christopher Wurzbach
Does the amount of time you spend editing photos make you want to rip your hair out? Editing is a huge pain point for elopement photographers. Whether you’re drowning in galleries or struggling to create a consistent style, it’s keeping you from the thing you want most, which is more freedom, more creativity, and a business that feels sustainable. In this episode, I have my own editor, Christopher Wurzbach of LUXEDIT, to talk about ways to make the editing process easier. He shares the importance of defining and sticking to one consistent editing style, how to cut your edits down to one minute per photo, and the ways AI can actually help when editing. He also gives some tools, shortcuts, and systems that help photographers escape the editing cave. If you're ready for editing to feel lighter, faster, and far less overwhelming, hit play now and learn how to take back your time and get back to the part of elopement photography that you love. Connect with Chris: LUXEDIT Website: LUXEDIT IG: Get help defining your editing style: Power Keys, editing tool: Website: IG: The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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142. How to Build a Six-Figure Elopement Photography Business in a Non-Traditional Location with Juliana Wall
12/12/2025
142. How to Build a Six-Figure Elopement Photography Business in a Non-Traditional Location with Juliana Wall
Whether you’re surrounded by Colorado mountains or based somewhere on the East Coast, you can build a successful elopement photography business anywhere. Don’t believe me? In this episode, I’m chatting with Juliana Wall, who built a thriving six-figure elopement photography business in some of the most unexpected places: Washington, DC and Virginia. Juliana shares how she went from being virtually unknown in her new city to ranking at the very top of Google for “DC elopement photographer.” She breaks down the exact marketing and SEO strategies that helped her start booking $8K elopements, and why becoming an expert on your local area is one of the smartest things you can do for your business. If you’ve been feeling limited in your area and are not sure if elopement photography can work where you live, Juliana is living proof that you can thrive as an elopement photographer anywhere. Tune in now! Connect with Julianna: Photography Instagram: Photography Website: Coaching Instagram: Coaching Website: The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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141. The 7 Types of Eloping Couples
12/05/2025
141. The 7 Types of Eloping Couples
Not all eloping couples are the same, and if you’ve ever wondered why some couples ghost you while others book instantly, this episode is about to make it all make sense. After several years as an elopement photographer, I’ve learned there are seven types of eloping couples, and knowing which one you're talking to changes everything. In this episode, Todd and I break down each type, including the four dream couples you want to work with and the three you definitely don’t. We’re sharing how to spot red-flag couples early, the personality traits of couples who will happily pay your prices, and why trust (not cost) is the real deciding factor when it comes to booking all-day elopements. Hit play to learn the seven types of eloping couples so you can attract the right clients, book more full-day packages, and work with couples who fully trust you. The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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140. What a Solid Post-Elopement Workflow Can Do for Your Time and Sanity
11/28/2025
140. What a Solid Post-Elopement Workflow Can Do for Your Time and Sanity
Does your post-elopement workflow feel chaotic, inconsistent, and like it takes over your whole week? In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact post-elopement workflow that blew up on social media after I shared it a few months ago, and how I’m able to deliver sneak peeks to my couples by 11 AM the morning after shooting an elopement. You’ll hear the step-by-step process I use the night of an elopement and the morning after, plus why having a repeatable workflow can totally transform your client experience, your vendor relationships, and even your marketing. If you’re ready for your post-elopement workflow to feel easier and less stressful, hit play to hear the full breakdown now. The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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139. 26 Ways to Get Your Elopement Photography Business Ready for 2026
11/21/2025
139. 26 Ways to Get Your Elopement Photography Business Ready for 2026
Does the end of the year have you wondering if you’re elopement photography business is ready for 2026? If you want to hit the ground running with your business at the start of the year, then this episode is just what you need. We’re diving into the 26 things you can do before the new year hits so you can set your business up for the most successful year yet. From website updates and social media refreshes to gear checks, CRMs, workflows, and business systems, this is your complete quick-start checklist for 2026. Plus, you’ll want to stick around until the end because we are sharing our 3 incredible Black Friday deals that are only available until midnight on November 25th. Tune in now to get clear, organized, and ready for a successful 2026. Resources Mentioned in This Episode PDF Checklist Check out our The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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138. The Secret to Why 3 Styled Shoots Are the Key to $5K+ Elopement Bookings
11/14/2025
138. The Secret to Why 3 Styled Shoots Are the Key to $5K+ Elopement Bookings
What is the best way to get your elopement photography business off the ground fast? It’s not constantly posting on Instagram or flying all over the world. It’s actually doing 3 intentionally planned styled shoots in one location. In this episode, we break down why 3 is the magic number that builds credibility and creates a portfolio that actually converts to $5K+ elopements. We also dive into why choosing one consistent location is the smartest move for attracting your dream couples and how we pulled it off at our recent Moab workshop. Tune in now to learn how a simple styled shoot strategy can elevate your elopement photography business faster than you ever thought possible. The 2026 lineup for the Dream Destination Workshop: Alaska: July 12-17, 2026 Iceland: August 2-7, 2026 Switzerland: August 10-15, 2026 Apply now for the Connect with Megan: If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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137. From Zero Bookings to a Six-Figure Elopement Photographer with Kristin Smith
11/07/2025
137. From Zero Bookings to a Six-Figure Elopement Photographer with Kristin Smith
If you’ve been in the messy middle of your elopement photography business, you know how defeating it can feel. You’re showing up, posting blogs, and running ads, but you’re still not getting the bookings you’ve been hoping for. My returning guest, California-based elopement photographer Kristin Smith, has been there too. Fast forward to today, and she is officially a six-figure elopement photographer! In this episode, Kristin shares how she went from having zero bookings in 2025 to earning $105,000, and the year isn’t even over! She dives into the mindset shifts that helped her move from scarcity to abundance and how learning to say no to unaligned clients created space for her dream couples. Tune in now if you’ve been feeling stuck in your elopement photography business and you’re ready to move away from the messy middle to thriving. Take a listen to Kristin's first episode back in May: Connect with Kristin: Instagram: Website: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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[REPLAY] Shifting Your Mindset From Scarcity to Abundance
10/31/2025
[REPLAY] Shifting Your Mindset From Scarcity to Abundance
Having abundance isn't something that happens once and it's achieved. It takes conscious effort and needs to be practiced every single day. In this replay, we talk about one of the most important and empowering mindset shifts you can make, and that’s going from a scarcity to an abundance mindset. While this episode is from 2023, it's still one of the most important conversations we've had on the show. We share some of the things that you can implement today to help you make the switch to an abundance mindset, because once you are able to do that, you can start living a more positive, empowering, and fulfilling life. Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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136. How Politics Impact Your Elopement Photography Business and Why You Should Care
10/24/2025
136. How Politics Impact Your Elopement Photography Business and Why You Should Care
If you don’t think being an elopement photographer is political, think again. Between working on public lands, photographing queer couples, and running businesses as women, we are exercising freedoms that people literally fought for, and freedoms that could easily be taken away from us. We dive into specifics about how politics and elopement photography are intertwined, why we feel so grateful for the freedoms we have today, and different ways we can honor those freedoms not only in our businesses but in our lives. This isn’t about one side versus the other; it’s about staying aware of what’s happening with the things that deeply matter to us and our couples. Tune in now to hear why our job as elopement photographers is more political and powerful than you might realize. Resources mentioned in this episode: - "Breaking Barriers as a Child of Immigrants with Laura Bertaud" - the easiest and most effective way for U.S. constituents to make a political impact Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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135. How Caleb Clayton Runs a Thriving Photo + Video Elopement Business Without Social Media
10/17/2025
135. How Caleb Clayton Runs a Thriving Photo + Video Elopement Business Without Social Media
Can you imagine capturing an elopement as both the videographer and the photographer at the same time? How about running your elopement photography business without social media? In Todd’s first solo interview, he interviews Caleb Clayton to talk about how he and his wife, Amy, run their business with zero social media and are still getting inquiries. Caleb shares how he and Amy seamlessly balance photo and video to deliver unforgettable elopement experiences and why stepping away from social media actually helped him attract more quality couples. If you’ve been feeling burnt out by social media or pressured to constantly post just to stay visible, Caleb’s story will show you that it is possible to simplify your marketing and focus on connections rather than the algorithm. Connect with Caleb: Website: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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134. The Business and Mindset Habits of Successful Elopement Photographers with Christina Perhac
10/10/2025
134. The Business and Mindset Habits of Successful Elopement Photographers with Christina Perhac
Are you feeling like your mindset is holding you back from building the elopement photography business of your dreams? In this episode, I chat with California elopement photographer Christina Perhac, who once struggled with perfectionism, slow inquiries, and being unsure of how to attract the right clients. But after joining the Elopement Photographer Mastermind and doing the inner and outer work, she’s now on track for her first six-figure year! Christina shares the marketing strategies she used to start booking high-end couples, how she shifted from perfectionism to having confidence that has helped her business grow, and why focusing on strategy and mindset work was the key to creating a sustainable business. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure how to start booking your dream elopements, this episode will give you the clarity and inspiration you need. Hit play to hear Christina’s story and start building the business that supports the life you want. Connect with Christina: Instagram: Website: TikTok: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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133. Hawaii Elopement Photographer Aly Dove on Creating a Sustainable and Aligned Business
10/03/2025
133. Hawaii Elopement Photographer Aly Dove on Creating a Sustainable and Aligned Business
Have you thought about how some elopement photographers seem to create a business that actually supports the life they want instead of the other way around? During this episode, I chat with Hawaii elopement photographer, Aly Dove, who has proven that following your passion and investing in yourself can completely change everything. Aly dives into how she went from using a small point-and-shoot camera as a kid to shooting multi-island experiences. She dives into the importance of building a business based on your values, why investing in a coach and mentorship can pay off in the long run, and the simple systems and automations that have been a game-changer in her business to help keep it running smoothly. Hit play now to hear her inspiring journey and walk away with ideas you can apply to your own elopement photography business. Connect with Aly: Photography website: Photography IG: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website:
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132. Best Marketing Strategies for Elopement Photographers in 2025
09/25/2025
132. Best Marketing Strategies for Elopement Photographers in 2025
Ever wonder why some elopement photographers are hitting $20–30K months while others are saying bookings are slow? The truth is, couples are still out there searching, and the photographers I coach are already booking dream elopements well into 2026. In this episode, I break down the exact marketing strategies that are working for elopement photographers right now based on real wins from the photographers I coach. You’ll also hear why showing up on Google is a non-negotiable, and simple ways to adapt your marketing without burning out on social media. If you’ve been feeling stuck with booking elopements, tune in now to get the tools you need to start getting yourself booked out with ease. Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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131. Elopement Photographer Success Story: How Eva-Johanna Lepik Built her Business in Less Than a Year
09/18/2025
131. Elopement Photographer Success Story: How Eva-Johanna Lepik Built her Business in Less Than a Year
What does it really take to launch your elopement photography business in less than a year? Estonia-based photographer Eva-Johanna Lepik has the answer. Just 9 months after joining the Elopement Photography Mastermind, Eva has gone from shooting micro-weddings to building a thriving elopement photography business. In this episode, Eva shares her journey of navigating life near the war in Ukraine, and how this change in her career has given her a sense of safety and stability for her and her family. She also explains why having a positive mindset is crucial for elopement photographers, and what she has done to attract her dream clients and shoot in places like the Dolomites and Italy! Eva’s story is proof that you don’t have to wait years to build your dream elopement photography business. With hard work and the right mindset, it can happen sooner than you think. Connect with Eva: Instagram: Website: TikTok: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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130. What a $5k Elopement Photography Experience Really Looks Like
09/11/2025
130. What a $5k Elopement Photography Experience Really Looks Like
So, you want to charge at least $5k for your elopements, but you’re not sure what a $5k client experience looks like? Don’t worry, because we break down exactly what it should look like and why having high-quality photos isn’t the only thing that you should be focusing on. In this episode, we talk about what your elopement couples truly value, why your personality matters just as much as your photos, and how your knowledge of locations, logistics, and planning helps build trust with your clients. If you’re ready to start charging $5k, or even $8k elopements, then hit play now! Check out our upcoming workshops: Moab: Nov. 3–7, 2025 Alaska: July 12–17, 2026 Iceland: Aug. 2–7, 2026 Switzerland: Aug. 10–15, 2026 We’re now accepting applications for all four applications! If you’re ready to level up your elopement photography, learn alongside Megan, and build a portfolio in some of the most epic locations in the world, Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website:
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129. Why $5K Should Be the Bare Minimum for Your Elopement Photography Packages
09/04/2025
129. Why $5K Should Be the Bare Minimum for Your Elopement Photography Packages
Are you still charging the same prices that elopement photographers charged years ago? If you are, it’s more than likely holding you back from creating a profitable and sustainable elopement photography business. In this episode, we talk about why $5,000 should be the bare minimum you should be charging for your packages. We also dive into how undercharging is probably hurting your business, ways to get over money mindset issues and fear of rejection, and why charging more will actually help you find better clients who value your work. If you’ve been hesitant to raise your prices or you’re tired of working harder while making less, this episode will give you the permission you need to finally step into the profitable elopement photography business you deserve. The ultimate guide to elopement pricing Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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128. Allyship in Elopement Photography with Virginia Elopement Photographer Cameron Warren
08/28/2025
128. Allyship in Elopement Photography with Virginia Elopement Photographer Cameron Warren
Inclusivity in elopement photography isn’t optional; it’s an absolute must. And with LGBTQ+ rights being under attack, it’s more important than ever to step up. This is why I decided to bring on Virginia elopement photographer, Cameron Warren, to share how allies can create safer, more affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ couples. During this super important conversation, we talk about steps you can take to create more inclusive spaces in your elopement photography business, the importance of educating yourself and amplifying queer voices, and some powerful ways to take action. Being an ally isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, learning, and doing better. Press play now to learn ways you can support the LGBTQ+ community. Connect with Cameron: Instagram: Website: More resources to check out: Theo Nash: Shannon Collins: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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127. Celebrating Two and a Half Years of the Elopement Photographer Podcast: Our Story and What’s Next
08/21/2025
127. Celebrating Two and a Half Years of the Elopement Photographer Podcast: Our Story and What’s Next
It's been two and a half years since we released our very first podcast episode, which is crazy to think about, and a lot has changed since then. If you haven’t gone all the way back to the first episode, you may not know our story, so we figured it was the perfect time to reintroduce ourselves and share where life has taken us. We are getting personal in this episode by giving you an inside look at how Todd and I met, what got us into elopements, how our lives have changed, why we started the podcast in the first place, and where we see it heading in the future. If you’ve been listening to us for a while, thank you for sticking with us. If you’re new here, then welcome! We hope to continue to offer you valuable content so you can create the elopement photography business you've been dreaming of. Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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126. Essential Photography Gear Every Elopement Photographer Needs
08/14/2025
126. Essential Photography Gear Every Elopement Photographer Needs
When you’re hiking in a remote location or shooting in unpredictable weather, the equipment you have can make or break the elopement day. In this episode, I share the must-have elopement photography gear I rely on, including what’s in my bag, why I chose each piece, and why I stick to a simple, lightweight setup rather than overpacking. From my favorite camera to shoot with to which lenses I love, you get a look inside at exactly how I organize my bag to keep elopement days easy and stress-free. If you’ve ever wondered what gear you actually need for elopement photography, hit play and learn how to build the perfect adventure-ready camera kit. Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Are a Game-Changer for Elopement Photographers Check out our favorite equipment: (not an affiliate link) The Stoked Podcast is part of affiliate programs for Amazon, B&H, Imagen-ai, Dubsado, Pic-time, and Flodesk and that some of the links above are affiliate links which may compensate us for using shopping tags in this episode and show notes. Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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125. Elopement Photography Q&A: Branding, Pricing, Booking Tips, and More
08/07/2025
125. Elopement Photography Q&A: Branding, Pricing, Booking Tips, and More
If you have a question about elopement photography, chances are we have the answer. In this episode, Todd puts me in the hot seat with some of the most common questions we hear from photographers, like how often you should follow up with inquiries, how to price for travel, whether your Instagram follower count really matters, and how to know when it’s time to raise your prices. We’re diving into real-world advice and behind-the-scenes strategies to help you feel more confident in your brand, make simple tweaks to your website, and actually get those client reviews you’ve been wanting. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to go all in on elopements, this episode is packed with the kind of tips and mindset shifts that will take you from overwhelmed to stoked. Hit play now and let’s get into it! Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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124. Why Elopement Photographers Need More Than Money Goals to Stay Motivated in Their Business
07/31/2025
124. Why Elopement Photographers Need More Than Money Goals to Stay Motivated in Their Business
Are you setting goals in your elopement photography business that are fueled by purpose or by pressure? If your only goal right now is to book enough elopements to pay the bills, then we need to talk. I have actually been struggling a lot with my motivation lately, and I haven’t been able to figure out why, until now. If you’ve been feeling stuck in survival mode, chasing the numbers, and still feeling unmotivated, this episode is for you. I share why money goals won’t fuel your business long-term, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and some journaling prompts to help you get clear on what you’re actually working towards. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through your business. Listen in to change the way you set your goals. Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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[REPLAY] From Struggle Bus to Six-Figure Success with New Hampshire Elopement Photographer Vanessa Halliday
07/24/2025
[REPLAY] From Struggle Bus to Six-Figure Success with New Hampshire Elopement Photographer Vanessa Halliday
Think making money from elopements is impossible? My guest today is here to bust that myth. Vanessa Halliday is an elopement photographer based in the white mountains of New Hampshire. She went from studying kinesiology to being a struggling wedding photographer to having a thriving elopement photography business on the East Coast, and she is sharing her story of how she did it. During the conversation, Vanessa opens up about the challenges she faced in 2023 of being overworked, relying on social media to get bookings, and having crippling anxiety and depression. However, through all of the struggles, she found a turning point. She invested in a business coach and manifested her goals, which helped her achieve the success she had always hoped for. Vanessa went from making $18K in 2023 to already booking $110K in elopements this year alone! Now, she’s booked with clients she loves, traveling to national parks, and hoping to retire her fiancé within the next 5 years. She also gives advice to those on the fence about pivoting from weddings to elopements - Take the biggest deep breath of your life and dive in head first. Figure out a way to go and invest in yourself because if you do the work intentionally, you’ll absolutely change the inner workings of your business, your mind, and how you operate as a human, and you will find success. In this episode, we chat about: Vanessa’s backstory - how she went from kinesiology to photography Why Vanessa’s 2023 was so tough and the difference 2024 has been Busting the myth that you can make money with elopements The turning point for Vanessa that made her realize this was going to be successful Overcoming comparison How Vanessa was able to convert elopement couples when she hadn’t photographed a ton of elopements Vanessa’s advice for those who want to pivot into elopements Connect with Vanessa: Instagram: Website: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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123. Why Every Elopement Photographer Needs an Artist Statement with Meagan Lawler
07/17/2025
123. Why Every Elopement Photographer Needs an Artist Statement with Meagan Lawler
Have you heard of an artist statement? Basically, it’s a written statement that drives your work, and something that represents you as a photographer. If you don’t have one, it can definitely change the game for your elopement photography business. Writing an artist statement can sometimes feel like a struggle, but my guest, Colorado-based elopement photographer, Meagan Lawler, breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand. Meagan shares her artist statement, how to begin writing your own, and the importance of taking time to figure out what really inspires you. If you want to feel even more connected to the work you’re already creating, then you’re going to want to hit play on this one! Connect with Meagan: Website: Instagram: TikTok: Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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[REPLAY] Five Steps to Booking Your First $5K Elopement
07/10/2025
[REPLAY] Five Steps to Booking Your First $5K Elopement
Does booking your first $5K elopement feel impossible? Well, what if I told you it’s totally doable? In fact, the photographers I work with have been doing it even faster than I was able to do it on my own! Today, Todd and I are revealing the 5 steps - align, attract, convert, funnel, and plan - to successfully book your first $5K elopement. You will learn how to know your worth and target the right clients, get a clear roadmap to optimize your website and implement effective marketing strategies, and hear proven tips to create an incredible elopement experience that clients will rave about. Plus, we provide an exclusive look into The Elopement Photography Mastermind, which is now accepting applications! This program is designed to elevate your business with coaching, resources, and community support. Hit play now to start booking those $5K elopements you’ve been dreaming about! Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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122. How Elopement Photographers Can Use AI to Save Time and Boost Creativity
07/03/2025
122. How Elopement Photographers Can Use AI to Save Time and Boost Creativity
Are you debating whether you should be using AI for your elopement photography business? Here’s something you may not realize: if you’re using Instagram, Facebook, or Lightroom, you are already using AI. So, this episode isn’t about whether you should be using AI or not, but how you can use it strategically to save you time and energy. From editing and culling to streamlining your marketing, we walk you through the ways AI can actually support your business while still holding onto your creativity. We share how AI tools like Aftershoot and Imagen AI can save you hours of your time, what tasks we have chosen to use AI for (and which ones we still hand off to humans), and how your use of AI may not be impacting the environment as much as you think. Tune in now to find out how AI can become a powerful and game-changing part of your elopement photography business. Connect with Megan: 🔥 The only membership community for elopement photographers ready to hit six figures in their business without hustling on social media. All for less than the cost of a new memory card for your camera. 🔥 Learn more about . If this episode made you feel stoked, be sure to share it with a friend, leave a review, or DM me on Instagram at and let me know your thoughts. You can also connect with me on my website: STOKED with Megan MacPhail guides entrepreneurs in scaling their elopement photography business to achieve six-figure income, financial freedom, and adventure-filled travel while growing their photography career.
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