Elopement Photography Questionnaires: How to Streamline Your Client Workflow
I love elopements because no two are the same. Each one comes with a unique set of highlights and challenges that make it worthwhile. However, without the proper information beforehand, planning a bespoke experience can be really challenging. That’s why I’m going to tell you what I’ve learned and guide you through the beauty that is elopement questionnaires.
If you’re new to elopement photography, you might want to check out my other article: How to Become an Elopement Photographer
Let’s get started!
Why Elopement Questionnaires Are So Important
Sending a questionnaire should be the first step to working with any couple. An elopement questionnaire is going to save you time, stress, and headaches down the line. It can help you:
Avoid back-and-forths about preferences or vision.
Provide a stress-free structure from the get-go.
Be a document to refer to throughout the entire process.
Position you as both a photographer AND an elopement guide (which is arguably most important)
The Core Questionnaires Every Photographer Should Have
I highly recommend having different questionnaires for different parts of the planning process. This keeps it organized for you and keeps your couples involved, engaged, and informed. Here are the kinds I use and recommend:
1. Relationship & Elopement Vision
Ask about how they met, what they love most about each other, and what they want their day to feel like. Keep it broad, dreamy, and exciting.
2. Location Planning
What kind of landscapes do you enjoy? (Remember to give them options. Most people don’t know a bunch of different landscapes off the top of their head.)
How much hiking are you comfortable with?
Do you prefer a private spot or don’t mind people passing by?
When you’re still learning how to structure elopement timelines and planning guides, my article on how to become an elopement photographer dives into the bigger-picture.
3. Personalized Activities
Excursions are a big part of eloping, even if they’re small. Ask your couples about their preferences for a variety of activities. Include traditional options like kayaking, horseback riding, and ziplining, as well as creative alternatives like cold plunges and dog sledding. Most people don’t know what they could do for a very special day, and seeing that you have all the good ideas, is one more reason to trust you.
4. Lodging & Logistics
The places people stay shape their entire experience. Ask your couples their favorite places they’ve stayed in the past, give various options to gauge their interests (Airbnb, resorts, unique stays, etc.), transportation options, and whether they want getting-ready photos, etc.
5. Vendors
Knowing the other vendors your couples plan on having, officiants, florists, etc. helps you coordinate your process and work with your couples more fluidly. As an elopement photographer, you can use this area to offer your help in other areas as well.
6. Feedback
You’ve probably already got this one, but having a feedback questionnaire after the entire elopement is over, is probably the only default questionnaire there is.
The Challenge of Questionnaires
It seems quite simple to ask a lovely couple questions about their dream elopement and be on our merry way. However, to make questionnaires beneficial to you, easy to answer for your couples, and an overall tool, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Questions that Overwhelm vs. Questions that Guide
Too many open-ended questions can leave couples stressed and unsure, while questions that are too specific can make them feel pressured into a specific direction.
Keeping Everything Organized.
Most couples don’t want one huge form. Breaking it into multiple documents makes sense, but it also means keeping track of multiple files and following up on them.
Personalizing
A generic questionnaire won’t inspire much or make couples feel like it’s coming from the photographer they hired. They chose you for a reason, so editing each version to fit your brand voice and client experience is essential.
Having a Plan
Collecting information is one thing, but building a plan around it is another. You need a system for reviewing answers, updating timelines, and putting everything back into your process and workflow.
The reality is, creating questionnaires takes a lot of time and effort, but they’re worth it, because they represent you and how your couples move through each stage of the process with you.
How to Make Questionnaires Work for You
Send Them Throughout the Process
Keep your couples included and informed with various questionnaires at different points throughout your work with them.
Keep Them Client-Friendly
Use checkboxes and short answers so it feels structured and easy.
Have a Plan, Then Review Together
This is a big one. Make sure you know what you’re going to do with the information once you have it. Then, walk through the questionnaire, and your plan/process with your couple.
If you want more inspiration for what to actually ask, check out my list of 31 questions to include in a photography questionnaire.
Pre-Made Templates to Save You Time
If creating all of this from scratch feels like a lot, I’ve built a full set of downloadable elopement questionnaires that cover everything you need to get started, or update your questionnaire game.
The Ultimate Elopement Questionnaire Bundle includes:
Vendor Questionnaire
Relationship & Elopement Vision Questionnaire
Location Planning Questionnaire
Personalized Activity Questionnaire
Lodging Questionnaire
Bonus: Feedback Questionnaire
Regular Price: $119 for the full set | Individual Questionnaires: $29 each.
Start Free: Mini Relationship Questionnaire
If you’re looking for something smaller, I’m still here to help. You can grab my free, mini downloadable elopement questionnaire to start using with your couples right away.
Questionnaires seem like an optional thing, but they’re one of the most effective tools you can use to create a smooth, personalized client experience. They save time, help you connect with couples, and keep them involved throughout the entire process.
Stay Connected + Keep Learning
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