Imagine this: Beautiful Pagodas, nostalgic sounds of local trains, and cute vending machines everywhere you go
Welcome to Japan, One of the safest and most beautiful places in the world
You love Japan, and you feel like it's the perfect place to get married.
You want an intimate, fun, stress-free, and flexible day full of food, drinks, and adventures.
You want photos that represent your adventurous heart. Timeless, artful photos that capture more than just how it looked — but how it felt.
But where do you start?
Eloping across the world, especially in Japan, does come with challenges. So you may be thinking:
- What's the best location in Japan for me to elope in?
- Will the place be overcrowded?
- How do I get permission to have a ceremony here?
- When is the perfect time to elope
- How will the day flow?
Even without a traditional wedding, there are still moving parts. And you just don't want “logistics”. You want a day that feels effortless, natural, and deeply you. A day where you’re fully present, instead of managing timelines, vendors, and last-minute changes.
You're here because...
Don't sweat it. I'll take care of this.
All you need to do is show up and enjoy your adventure.
Features &
Trusted Affiliations
Features & Trusted Affiliations
Your Japan Elopement Photographer
I learned to tell stories in Japan and now I help others tell theirs
I'm Calvin Nguyen, Japan elopement photographer, planner, and location expert for couples who love to travel. My friends describe me as driven yet goofy AF, and can never stay in one place.
That's because Japan was where photography started for me, and since then, I've gone all over this country photographing it's people, places, and culture and I'm addicted to it. Now I help others who appreciate this place as much as I do celebrate their love.
From beautiful locations to fun activities, my greatest joy is hyping you up to experience Japan like never before. So if you're thinking of eloping in here, I'd love chat with you.
I wanna to hear what your dream adventure sounds like and bring it to life.
Perks of working with me:
I location scout and do a test run of your elopement timeline in-person to ensure your day will run smoothly when you get here
I provide same-day film so you can access your photos on your elopement day. Plus sneak peeks within 48 hours
My years of travelling in Japan have taught me every nuance of what it takes to create an amazing adventure here.
I book fewer than 25 couples a year to make sure you get my full attention.
I treat you as a friend. Many couples keep in touch long after their elopement.
STORY DRIVEN Photo Coverage
Exclusive 100+ Page Elopement Guidebook
Wedding & Elopement Planning
LIFETIME Photo Gallery
Sneak Peeks
Video Consultation
High-resolution Images
GIFs and Double Exposure Art
No Extra Travel Fees
LOCATION gUIDANCE
LOCATION SCOUTING
FUN ACTIVITY IDEAS
Personal Client Portal
DIRECT ACCESS TO CALVIN
Personalized Timeline
PERSONALIZED PACKING LIST
EASYGOING POSING AND DIRECTING
Instant Film photography
Photo Coverage (4 HOURS T0 2 DAYS)
Exclusive 100+ Page Elopement Guidebook Digital Download
Wedding & Elopement Planning
Online Photo Gallery
Sneak Peeks
Every Elopement Package include:
Exclusive 100+ Page Elopement Guidebook Digital Download
Wedding & Elopement Planning
Online Photo Gallery
Sneak Peeks
Video Consultation
Every Elopement Package include:
Wedding & Elopement Planning
Online Photo Gallery
Sneak Peeks
Video Consultation
High-resolution Images
Every Elopement Package include:
Online Photo Gallery
Sneak Peeks
Video Consultation
High-resolution Images
GIFs and Double Exposure Art
Every Elopement Package include:
Sneak Peeks
Video Consultation
High-resolution Images
GIFs and Double Exposure Art
No Extra Travel Fees
Every Elopement Package include:
Video Consultation
High-resolution Images
GIFs and Double Exposure Art
No Extra Travel Fees
LOCATION gUIDANCE
Every Elopement Package include:
High-resolution Images
GIFs, Double Exposures, and illustration
No Extra Travel Fees
LOCATION gUIDANCE
LOCATION SCOUTING
Every Elopement Package include:
GIFs and Double Exposure Art
No Extra Travel Fees
LOCATION gUIDANCE
LOCATION SCOUTING
fUN ACTIVITY IDEAS
Every Elopement Package include:
No Extra Travel Fees
LOCATION gUIDANCE
LOCATION SCOUTING
fUN ACTIVITY IDEAS
Personal Client Portal
Every Elopement Package include:
LOCATION gUIDANCE
LOCATION SCOUTING
fUN ACTIVITY IDEAS
Personal Client Portal
dIRECT aCCESS tO cALVIN
Every Elopement Package include:
LOCATION SCOUTING
FUN ACTIVITY IDEAS
Personal Client Portal
DIRECT ACCESS TO CALVIN
Personalized
Timeline
Every Elopement Package include:
FUN ACTIVITY IDEAS
Personal Client Portal
DIRECT ACCESS TO CALVIN
Personalized
Timeline
PERSONALIZED PACKING LIST
Every Elopement Package include:
Personal Client Portal
DIRECT ACCESS TO CALVIN
PERSONALIZED TIMELINE
PERSONALIZED PACKING LIST
EASYGOING POSING AND DIRECTING
Every Elopement Package include:
DIRECT ACCESS TO CALVIN
PERSONALIZED TIMELINE
PERSONALIZED PACKING LIST
EASYGOING POSING AND DIRECTING
ARTISTIC Film Photography
Every Elopement Package include:
PERSONALIZED TIMELINE
PERSONALIZED PACKING LIST
EASYGOING POSING AND DIRECTING
ARTISTIC Film Photography
Photo Coverage (4 HOURS T0 2 DAYS)
Every Elopement Package include:
PERSONALIZED PACKING LIST
EASYGOING POSING AND DIRECTING
ARTISTIC Film Photography
Photo Coverage (4 HOURS T0 2 DAYS)
Exclusive 100+ Page Elopement Guidebook Digital Download
Every Elopement Package include:
EASYGOING POSING AND DIRECTING
ARTISTIC Film Photography
Photo Coverage (4 HOURS T0 2 DAYS)
Exclusive 100+ Page Elopement Guidebook Digital Download
Wedding & Elopement Planning
Every Elopement Package include:
ARTISTIC Film Photography
Photo Coverage (4 HOURS T0 2 DAYS)
Exclusive 100+ Page Elopement Guidebook Digital Download
Wedding & Elopement Planning
Online Photo Gallery
Every Elopement Package include:
3 easy steps
How It Works
What our adventure together will be like:
01 Consult Call:
getting to know you
Let’s hop on a call and dream out loud. Tell me your story, what lights you up, and how you want your elopement to feel. I’ll take notes and start personalizing the adventure.
02 Planning:
I give you the game plan
You’ll get a personalized timeline, a ready-for-anything packing list, location scouting, vendor recommendations, everything you need for a stress-free day.
03 Adventure Time:
Live your best life
How are my elopement packages different?
Portrait expertise & natural posing that puts you at ease.
You don’t need to know anything about elopements. I gotchu.
“We’re not photogenic” — says every couple ever. No worries, I’ll have you walking, laughing, moving — doing things that feel natural because they are. My job is to make you forget about the camera, and just be you.
True 1:1 partnership.
I only work with 25 couples a year to keep it personal and real. You won't be pointed to another person to photograph, email, or plan your day, giving you a true intimate partnership.
By your wedding day, you won't be thinking about 'the photographer' — you'll just be hanging with Calvin who happens to have a camera.
When you work with me, there’s no prior knowledge you need. I give you all the tools, guidebooks, and support you’ll ever need, And if it ever feels overwhelming, I’m just a text message away.
"Calvin provided us with a ton of information on locations and best lighting and it really showed how passionate he was about photography. I think pretty quickly into the call we knew that he was someone we'd definitely get along with. He was also just great with responding to our messages in a timely manner throughout the whole process.
Going into the experience, my husband and I were both were pretty relaxed. I think we just knew that Calvin would do a great job because we felt so comfortable around him."
Hannah & Simon | Eloped at mount fuji, japan
"Calvin provided us with a ton of information on locations and best lighting and it really showed how passionate he was about photography. I think pretty quickly into the call we knew that he was someone we'd definitely get along with. He was also just great with responding to our messages in a timely manner throughout the whole process.
Going into the experience, my husband and I were both were pretty relaxed. I think we just knew that Calvin would do a great job because we felt so comfortable around him."
Hannah & Simon | Eloped at mount fuji, japan
FUN COUPLE Activity Ideas
PERSONALIZED VISIONBOARD AND STYLING
artistic hand-crafted photo editing
A Once-in-a-lifetime Adventure
Artistic Elopement Photography
Your Personal Elopement Planner & Consultant
Here's what's included
IN ALL OF MY ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES
cozy Lodging Recommendations
Local vendor Recommendations
expert guidance on legality, Permits, & Marriage License
Detailed Packing List
Personalized Experience-based Timeline
BEAUTIFUL Location Recommendations
VIP Planning Guide
No Extra Travel Fees
UNLIMITED SUPPORT FROM Calvin
planning & Scouting for location
GIFs and Double Exposure ArT
same-day access to film photos
Sneak Peeks within 48 hours
lifetime access to your Photo Gallery
I'll recommend you locations that best fit your day based on your vision.
I'll give you countless ideas on what you can do with your partner on your elopement day beyond hiking. Some examples are: brewery hopping, helicopter ride, luxury picnic, and the list goes on!
To make sure your day run smoothly, I'll personally craft you a laid-back elopement timeline/itinerary.
You probably have to pack so much on your travel already. The last thing you want is to make another list for wedding gear. That's why I craft your own elopement packing list so you know exactly what to bring for your day.
I'll recommend nice places you can stay that suits your vision. It could be an Airbnb, Glamping dome, Hotels, etc.
I'll help point you to the right elopement vendors in my network if it's part of your vision. It could be florist, hair & makeup artist, private chef, etc.
I location scout (pre-scope) the location you choose for your elopement. And I do a test run of your elopement timeline in-person to ensure your day will run smoothly when you get here.
I'll bring your vision to life by presenting what it looks like on a moodboard to ensure you're happy with the visual aesthetic of your elopement.
You can ask me questions any time you want about anything. I'll even give you my phone number so you can text me if that's easier for you. You can also schedule video calls with me whenever you need.
I'll point you to the right direction on where and how to apply for permits so you do things the legal way.
As a travel hacking expert, I travel basically for free. So I don't charge you extra for travel fees. I can also give you some travel tips on how you can do the same!
Receive a digital download of my exclusive elopement planning guide with everything you need to know about elopements. It includes travel advice, gear checklist, and travel advice.
Receive some of the best moments of your elopement day within 48 hours while you're still stoked!
Have your entire gallery kept safe on your personal online gallery forever. Download your high resolution photos anywhere you go in the world.
Watch your images come to life. and cherish them on the same day with Instax Films. You get to take these home and keep forever.
All of your photos are personally edited by me in my own unique style to make sure each of them are a masterpiece.
Elevated photos that aren't just photos — They're artistic masterpieces turned into GIFs and Double Exposure. GIFs are moving photos and Double exposures are dream-like layered images showing you two moments at once, creating a surreal effect.
Black & White Photos
I add emotional depth to your photos by processing them in black & white. Relive your moments with mood and timelessness.
The Ultimate Japan Elopement Experience
Includes:
+ Coverage from 4 hours, Full Day, and Multi-day.
+ Planning consultation from Calvin, including personal planning portal where we communicate 1 on 1.
+ Personalized Timeline, Packing List, Permits & Marriage License Guidance, Location Recommendations, Local vendor Recommendations, Activity Ideas, Lodging Recommendations, and Travel Advice.
+ Plus access to my exclusive 100+ page Elopement Guidebook — packed with everything you need to know about elopements.
+ Film Photos, GIFs, and Double Exposure Art, High-resolution photos with print rights, Artistic Photo Editing, and Lifetime access to private online gallery .
+ Location Scouting.
+ Sneak peeks within 48 hours + Instant Film on wedding day.
+ No additional travel cost. No hidden fees.
From Kyoto’s timeless streets, to epic Mount Fuji, to Tokyo’s electric pace. Celebrate your love in the land of the rising sun known to be one of the most safest and beautiful countries in the world with every season having a unique charm.
Starting at $5800
My Promise To You
what it's like working with me
My Promise To You
what it's like working with me
Five Unique Views Into Your Love Story
My style comes from years of travel and exploration — learning how to capture people, landscapes, wildlife, and everyday life around the world.
I’ve spent time mastering each of those styles one by one, and now I bring them all together to tell your wedding story in a way that feels real, dynamic, and alive.
04 Landscapes
05 Wildlife
03 Portraits
02 Candid
01 Details
Helping you relax and feel comfortable, empowered, and effortless in front of the camera.
Patiently capturing genuine connections in dynamic landscapes, including the animals that wander into your story.
Catching the defining moments you don’t even know are happening with pure, unposed emotion.
Finding the right light, angle, and moment to make your grand adventure the most natural and beautiful place in the world for you to be.
Close-ups that let you relive the tiny details you might otherwise miss.
This is how I story tell
Eloping is bold, but occasional doubts are expected. I’ll be right there to hype you up, help you unwind, and make sure your day goes as smoothly as possible.
Empowerment
You’ll get the space you need to design your dream elopement with the inspiration, guidance, and travel-tested experience to make it all happen.
Partnership
From location to vows to those in-between moments, everything will be planned for a reason, so your personalities, values, and stories shine.
Intention
Kind Words
Neylan & Nathan
"My husband and I had the pleasure of having Calvin as our elopement photographer in June of 2025. I had searched all over for a photographer who didn't simply take posed photos and apply an instagram filter, but rather created art with their images. Calvin was a very obvious choice. He came off as friendly and hardworking immediately, and accommodated all our needs to the very last minute. He planned a very detailed, fun-packed itinerary from before dawn until after dusk in and around Mt. Rainier, and went out of his way to include a location that held sentimental value for me. He was so fun and down-to-earth, and it felt like my husband and I were off on a wild, beautiful adventure and our friend Calvin was just along for the ride. He EXCELS at candid photos, and thus we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves while he documented the full story, including the silly moments along the way, like when I had to tuck my dress into my leggings so that we could hike to the lookout before sunset, or when we chugged energy drinks to stay awake. He captured the moments that mean the most to me in a way that is far more beautiful than anything I could have hoped for. Thank you Calvin!!!"
Charli & Belinda
"It felt like he was a friend we’d known for years. His passion was obvious from the moment he showed up. Checking the light in every corner, gathering our most meaningful mementos to photograph, and asking how we wanted our story told. We decided on a candid approach, and it was hands-down the best decision. The photos are raw, genuine, and emotional. We went about the day simply being ourselves, and now we have these beautiful memories frozen in time to relive again and again.
Calvin also has an amazing eye for locations. He not only captured the most epic landscapes, but also went above and beyond when things didn’t go exactly as planned. Originally, we were set on Latourell Falls for our ceremony, but the area was crowded that day. Calvin gently suggested another spot that would feel more intimate. We trusted him completely, and it turned out to be the best surprise of the entire day. The location was stunning, better than we could have imagined, and made the ceremony even more special.
What stood out most, though, was how stress-free and fun Calvin made everything. His easygoing, down-to-earth nature put us completely at ease. And while he might come across as a little shy and quiet at first, he’s incredibly adventurous and open to any ideas. To this day, whenever we talk about our adventure elopement, we always say how lucky we were to have found him.
I truly believe Calvin is the perfect fit for bold, adventurous couples who want photographs that don’t just document their day, but bring them back to the exact emotions and memories. Captured candidly, authentically, and beautifully through his eyes."
Karyssa & Luis
"Calvin was able to incorporate multiple sceneries and moments of our elopement with Mount Rainier. He had a really amazing idea with my veil, that was my grandmother, once we got to the top of Panorama Point. Calvin used the veil to diffuse the photo it was a very special moment for me. The overall experience was unforgettable, and the pictures are stunning and unique. It was amazing to get the stars, sunrise, the mountains and the whole hike with the Tatoosh range and Mount Rainier incorporated throughout our photos. Calvin was able to capture a little bit of everything for us to make our day perfect. He was super helpful and prepared. There were 0 issues, and he had amazing ideas and creativity for our photos. I would 100% recommend Calvin to everyone, especially if you would like photos in amazing sceneries. He was super easy to hike with and wonderful for any couple who wants to travel, hike or anything adventurous. Calvin’s personable energy made the whole experience wholesome and comfortable. I have no negative things to say. It was truly perfect. Thank you, Calvin, for the most special and perfect day!"
So, are you ready to start this journey?
drop your details below!
The FAQS
Where are you located? Do you travel?
When will I get my photos? How many will I get?
What makes you different from other photographers?
What gear do you shoot with? Do you have backup?
Do I need to hike during an adventure elopement?
We don't know how to pose. Will you help us?
Do you have a second shooter?
What's the difference between an elopement and a small wedding?
How do you edit your photos?
Where are you located? Do you travel?
I'm currently living in the beautiful PNW, specifically Seattle, Washington. This is where I grew up and have been living for most of my childhood.
I'm open to traveling anywhere worldwide, and I only charge for travel in unique scenarios such as helicopters, hot air balloons, all-inclusive resorts, etc.
When will I get my photos? How many will I get?
You'll get sneak peeks within 48 hours of your big day. My turnaround time for full galleries is about 6-10 weeks.
I never put a limit on the amount of pictures that I deliver. My goal in photography is to always be intentional with my storytelling. Every shot is intentional.
But as a ball park, a full micro-wedding/elopement day tends to have at least 300 photos.
What makes you different from other photographers?
My photography is primarily candid. I capture pure, organic moments and expressions. There are times when we will pose for some epic portrait shots, but a majority of it will be documentary-style.
What I notice is that my lighting approach is different from many of my photography peers in the sense that I have a strong preference for using ambient/natural light. I rarely use. flash because I love the natural feel. Flash photography and natural light photography are two completely different looks, and since I prefer the ambient look, I prefer to stay consistent. I use flash when it is impossible to find natural light.
My favorite time to shoot is during sunset and I plan around this time. Harsh midday light and Golden hour light yields a different look, and, again, I want to stay consistent with my photos so I try as best as I can to produce the most photos at that time of the day.
What gear do you shoot with? Do you have backup?
I'm a huge fan of Sony cameras. Sony has always been what I use since the beginning of my photography journey, and I don't think I can live without Sony.
I use the Sony A7RV as my main and the Sony A7RIV as backup. I have the sharpest Sony lenses (G-Master series) because I believe in investing in image quality for my couples.
In terms of storage, I have the most robust Sandisk Tough SD cards when I shoot, and I use Solid-state drives to offload my photos to a safe place after the shoot. I basically have backups of backups and two of everything so that there's no room for disaster.
Do I need to hike during an adventure elopement?
Nope, Adventure elopements to me aren’t always about hiking. Your elopement day CAN be a hike but it can also be a relaxing day at the beach.
If hiking is what you enjoy, I'll be ready to take it on. However, if it’s not something you love, I can certainly help find easy access locations for you and your family.
If you’re looking to hike, I recommend no more than 2-3 miles each way since hiking for an elopement experience is different from hiking for fun as you’ll be carrying gears and outfits you’d typically not have.
We don't know how to pose. Will you help us?
I encourage you to express yourself and pose however you feel most comfortable. From time to time, I'll suggest poses that I feel work well in certain scenarios. What's most important is that you feel relaxed and confident. When we achieve that, I'm sure we'll create something amazing :)
What's the difference between an elopement and a small wedding?
The main difference between an elopement and a small wedding is in the guest list, specifically the amount of guests invited.
Since I offer one custom package, I don’t charge extra for small weddings that have more guests. I understand the importance of having all of the most important people in your lives there.
Therefore, I use elopements and intimate weddings interchangeably.
However, with elopements that use public space (National Parks, State Parks, etc…), there are often restrictions from the governing office. In order to follow the rules and preserve the intimate setting of this intentional experience, I recommend to have guest size of 30 or less. I understand that sometimes, you might want to have more than 30 guests. If that’s the case, let me know and I can guide you on finding a venue that can accommodate all your loved ones.
How do you edit your photos?
My colors are light and never overly saturated, staying true to color. I work with both warm and cool tones, depending on the weather and mood of the day. I want you to look back at your photos and remember exactly how you felt in that moment—that's what a timeless photo means to me.
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