When Camille and Rob told me they wanted to do something fun, offbeat, and completely them for their elopement, I knew we were about to create something unforgettable. These two threw the rulebook out the window and opted for a beach elopement with a twist—starting at golden hour by the ocean, then riding the last wave of summer light into the colorful chaos of a seaside carnival.

Starting with Fun: Atlantic Fun Park Elopement Photos

We kicked things off right where the boardwalk buzzes with life: Atlantic Fun Park in Virginia Beach. When we got there, the Ferris wheel was coming to life as we wandered around like it was the first scene from the Notebook!

This is what I love about creative elopement photography—getting to document a day that feels alive and totally true to the couple. These two weren’t afraid to have fun with it, and that energy came through in every shot.

We then headed to the edge of the Atlantic, and the beach sunset did NOT disappoint. Virginia Beach gave us the perfect canvas for a dreamy East Coast beach elopement. We wandered barefoot through the sand, let the waves kiss their toes, and captured some of the most intimate, joy-filled moments of their day with the last light wrapping around them like a warm hug.

The golden light during the summer solstice is already unreal—but that night? The sky exploded into shades of golden pink, lavender and indigo. Camille’s short dress was so fun for her to play in the waves and the two of them couldn’t stop cheesing.

An Epic End to Our Night

As twilight faded, out came my flash, and we made our way to the Atlantic Fun Park—a hidden gem for couples looking for unconventional elopement ideas on the East Coast. The ferris wheel looked completely different at night, with neon lights, arcade games, and the scent of cotton candy and ocean air mixing together. The second the sun dipped below the horizon, we went full editorial elopement meets Vegas glam.

We shot with the rides spinning behind them, lights blurring in the background, and colors that felt like something straight out of a retro magazine spread. The contrast of their clean wedding attire against the wild carnival backdrop made for images that feel playful, unexpected, and full of personality.

Even when I guided them through some poses to get those cinematic frames, everything still felt genuine and in-the-moment. That’s my favorite kind of magic—the kind that looks effortlessly cool but still feels like you.

Why I Love Elopement Ideas Like This

This is exactly why I adore creative, non-traditional weddings. Whether you’re eloping on the beach in California or planning a wild boardwalk wedding in Jersey, your day should feel like you. No stiff timelines. No expectations to perform. Just an experience you’ll never forget, captured in a way that tells the whole story—vibes and all.

Planning Your Beach Elopement on the East or West Coast? Let’s Make It Unforgettable.

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate sunset ceremony by the waves or a full-on seaside carnival like Camille and Rob, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. I specialize in creative beach elopements along the East and West Coast and help my couples craft a day that’s anything but ordinary.

📍 Based in DC, but always down to travel—from Virginia Beach to Big Sur to Coney Island.

✨ Let’s plan your dream elopement. Reach out here →