A Photographer’s Guide to Must-Have Photography Gear for Elopements

April 3, 2024

Hey, fellow adventurers and photography enthusiasts! Welcome back to our corner of the digital universe, where we’re always on the lookout for the next great adventure and the perfect shot to capture it. If you’re anything like us, you understand the importance of having the right gear to document life’s most precious moments, especially when it comes to weddings and elopements. So grab your camera bag and join us as we delve into the must-have photography gear for capturing those magical moments on the go. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 

First things first, let’s talk cameras. As small business owners who live and breathe all things travel and photography, we’ve tested our fair share of camera bodies, and our go-to choice for weddings and elopements is the Canon 1DX Mark III. Its lightning-fast autofocus, superb low-light performance, and robust build make it the perfect companion for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Pair it with the Canon 5D Mark IV for backup or second-shooter coverage, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination. See more below on the cameras we recommend for any photography business!

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

I am absolutely obsessed with the overall quality of the Canon camera! It’s been a cornerstone of our photography gear for years, capturing countless breathtaking moments during elopements and outdoor adventures. In fact, we were so impressed that we recently upgraded to the 1DX Mark III to complement our setup. Even after close to 10 years of use, this camera continues to deliver stunning results, proving its longevity and reliability. From its lightning-fast autofocus to its exceptional low-light performance, the EOS-1D X Mark II exceeds all expectations. 

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Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

As a long-time user of the Canon Mark II, we were thrilled to upgrade to the Canon Mark III Body. This camera is an absolute game-changer! Building upon the exceptional quality and performance of its predecessor, the Mark III takes it to the next level with improved autofocus, enhanced image processing, and cutting-edge features.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark III

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has been my go-to camera for elopement photography and videography. It’s great for beginners and hobbyists, offering impressive image quality and durability in various weather conditions. However, it lacks autofocus tracking, which can be a downside in fast-paced situations. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for capturing intimate moments in any environment.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Upgrading from the Canon EOS 5D Mark III to the Mark IV was a game-changer for my elopement photography. The Mark IV delivers exceptional image and video quality, surpassing its predecessor. Its improved autofocus tracking is perfect for weddings, ensuring I never miss a moment. Built to last, I’ve relied on both cameras for over 10 years. If you’re looking for reliability and top-notch performance, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the way to go. Highly recommend it for capturing unforgettable moments.

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Now, onto lenses—the unsung heroes of any must-have photography gear. For weddings and elopements, versatility is key, which is why we swear by Canon’s L series lenses. The 35mm f/1.4, 70-200mm f/2.8, 100mm f/2.8, and 85mm f/1.2 are our top picks for capturing everything from intimate portraits to epic landscapes. And if you’re just starting out, we recommend starting with a Canon base and a 35mm or 50mm lens—they’re the most versatile and perfect for honing your skills. See more below on the lens we recommend for any photography business!

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Canon 85mm Lens

The Canon 85mm Lens is a must-have for wedding and elopement photographers. With its wide aperture and stunning bokeh, it captures beautiful portraits and intimate moments with exceptional clarity and depth. The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the build quality is top-notch. 

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Canon 200mm Lens

The Canon 200mm lens is a must-have for wedding and elopement photographers. I am absolutely obsessed with everything about this lens! Its versatile focal range, fast aperture, and exceptional image quality make it perfect for capturing stunning portraits and candid moments. 

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Canon 100mm Lens

As an elopement photographer for over 10 years, the Canon 100mm lens has been a constant companion in my camera bag, and it’s still impressively good! This lens has endured everything from rain to snow to sand, and it continues to perform flawlessly. It’s incredibly well-made and a true testament to quality craftsmanship. The sharpness and clarity of the images it produces are outstanding, capturing every detail with precision. Highly recommend it to any photographer looking for a reliable and high-quality lens.

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Canon 35mm Lens

The Canon 35mm lens is a game-changer. Its wide aperture allows for stunning low-light performance and beautiful background blur. The sharpness and clarity of the images it produces are exceptional, capturing every detail with precision. The fast and accurate autofocus ensures I never miss a moment, and the build quality is superb!

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But here’s the thing, you don’t need to break the bank to start capturing stunning images! While it’s tempting to drool over the latest and greatest gear, the truth is that great photography is less about the gear and more about the person behind the lens. So don’t be afraid to start small and work your way up. After all, some of the most iconic images in history were captured with nothing more than a basic camera and a keen eye for detail! If you’re eager to explore more must-have photography gear, keep scrolling for our recommendations below. Happy shooting, fellow nomads and photographers! 

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USB Charger Block

As an elopement photographer always on the move, this USB Charger Block is indispensable. Its fast charging keeps all my devices ready, from cameras to smartphones. Compact and durable, it’s perfect for on-the-go shoots!

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Wireless Noise Cancelling

As an elopement photographer jetting off to capture love stories, these Wireless Noise Cancelling headphones are my go-to travel companion. Perfect for flights to elopement destinations, they block out distractions and let me focus on editing or unwind with some tunes. Comfortable, reliable, and with top-notch noise cancelling, these headphones are a must-have for any photographer on the go. Highly recommend.

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Fujifilm Instax Mini

The Fujifilm Instax Mini is a fun addition to my gear. Perfect for capturing instant memories at weddings and elopements, it adds a nostalgic touch to any event. Easy to use and portable, it’s a hit with couples and guests alike. Highly recommend for adding a unique twist to your photography arsenal.

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Power Bank

This Power Bank is a lifesaver as im always on the move! With its massive 25,600mAh capacity, it keeps my devices charged throughout long wedding days and elopements. Compact and reliable, it’s a must-have for any photographer on the go!

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Bluetooth Speaker

This Bluetooth Speaker is a game-changer! Perfect for setting the mood during elopement ceremonies and first dances out in nature, its compact size belies its powerful sound. Waterproof and durable, it’s ideal for outdoor elopements!

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CFexpress Card Holder Case

As an elopement photographer, the CFexpress Card Holder Case is an essential accessory. It keeps my valuable memory cards organized and protected during weddings and elopements. Compact and durable, it’s perfect for on-the-go shoots. Highly recommend for any photographer needing reliable storage for their memory cards.

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Card Reader

As an elopement photographer, this Card Reader is a lifesaver. Its fast and reliable performance allows me to quickly transfer photos and videos from my CFast cards, ensuring I never miss a moment during weddings and elopements. Compact and easy to use, it’s an essential tool in my gear bag!

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3-Way Tripod Head

This 3-Way Tripod Head has a sturdy construction and precise adjustments that make it perfect for capturing stable shots during weddings and elopements. Easy to use and reliable, it’s an essential tool for ensuring every image is perfectly composed. Highly recommend for any photographer seeking professional-grade equipment for their shoots.

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 Apple iMac Desktop

As an elopement photographer, this Apple iMac desktop is my go-to workstation for editing images and videos. It effortlessly handles all the software I need for post-production, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow. With its powerful performance and sleek design, it’s the perfect computer for any creative professional. Highly recommend for photographers looking for a reliable and powerful editing tool.

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Apple MacBook Pro

As an elopement photographer, my Apple MacBook Pro has been a trusty companion for years. It’s perfect for editing images and videos for weddings and elopements, keeping up with all the necessary software seamlessly. This laptop is a powerhouse for creatives, offering exceptional performance in a portable package. Highly recommend for any photographer on the go!

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Universal Travel Adapter

As an elopement photographer traveling the world, this Universal Travel Adapter is a lifesaver. It ensures I can charge all my devices no matter where my adventures take me, making it indispensable for weddings and elopements abroad. Compact and reliable, it’s a must-have for any photographer on the move!

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Ring Light with Extendable Tripod Stand

As an elopement photographer, the Ring Light is a game-changer. It provides perfect lighting for capturing stunning portraits and detail shots during weddings and elopements. The extendable tripod stand offers versatility and stability, making it a must-have accessory for any photographer. Highly recommend for elevating your photography game.

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Tripod Bag

The this Tripod Bag keeps my tripod safe and secure during weddings and elopements, allowing me to transport it easily and protect it from damage. The padded design provides extra peace of mind, ensuring my gear stays in pristine condition. Highly recommend for any photographer needing reliable tripod storage on the go!

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 Phone Tripod

This phone tripod is the perfect addition to my photography gear! Its compact design and adjustable height make it perfect for capturing stable shots with my phone during weddings and elopements, especially for those behind the scenes videos for social media. It’s lightweight yet sturdy and it’s easy to carry and sets up quickly, ensuring I never miss a moment. Highly recommend for any photographer looking for a reliable phone tripod for their shoots!

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