Elopements of 2026 /2027

Information Guide

COntents

01. ABOUT

02. ELOPEMENT COLLECTIONS

03. APPROACH

Hello, I’m Sofia.

For more than a decade, I have photographed weddings and intimate ceremonies around the world. Today my work is dedicated almost entirely to elopements in Japan. Because of my background in weddings, I approach elopements with the same level of care and storytelling. Even the smallest celebration deserves to be documented with depth, artistry, and attention to detail. I guide couples through locations, timing, and the natural flow of the day so everything feels relaxed and effortless.

Alongside my photography, my dedicated team in Japan help support couples planning their elopement here. Together we can assist with arranging trusted local vendors such as florists, hair and makeup artists, videographers, officiants, and any other services you may need to bring your day together seamlessly. Planning an elopement in another country can feel overwhelming, so our goal is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

I photograph both digital and film. Film holds a particular magic for me. It slows the process down and captures light with a softness and depth that feels timeless. The result is imagery that feels less like documentation and more like memory.

My journey into photography began long before my first commissioned work in 2014. As a third culture kid, Pakistani by heritage, born in the UK, raised in Hong Kong and the UAE, and now living in Japan, travel and cultural exchange have shaped how I see the world. They also shape how I photograph couples who come to Japan from all over the globe to begin their marriage here.

When you invite me into your story, you are trusting me with something incredibly meaningful. My role is to take care of the details so you can focus on being fully present. I will guide when needed, step back when the moment calls for it, and document not only how your elopement looked, but how it truly felt.

Elopement Collections

Standard offerings include:

  • Up to 7 hours of elopement coverage with Sofia

  • A curated gallery of over 500 photographs edited in my signature style, delivered in a private online gallery with full download, sharing access, and lifetime printing rights

  • Atleast 100 images photographed with analog mediums (film)

  • A trusted second photographer, ensuring every glance and moment is beautifully documented

  • 2 Giclée Hahnemühle Fine Art Prints of your favourite photos from the day, delivered to your home address (one A2 & one A3)

    ¥1,100,000 / 7K USD

OR

  • Up to 4 hours of elopement day coverage with Sofia

  • A curated gallery of over 300 photographs edited in my signature style, delivered in a private online gallery with full download, sharing access, and lifetime printing rights

  • Atleast 50 images photographed with analog mediums (film)

  • A Giclée Hahnemühle Fine Art Print of your favourite photo from the day, delivered to your home address (A2)

¥635,000 / 4K USD

Elopement coverage is offered on a custom quote basis, thoughtfully tailored to the unique vision, scale, and flow of each celebration.

A NOTE ON OUR WHAT AND WHY.

How would you describe your work?

It’s all about the details in the mixture of editorial and documentary imagery. My work is rooted in honesty, emotion, and intention. Each project is approached with care, allowing your day to unfold as it truly is, while gently revealing the beauty often found in between the big moments.

I’m drawn to deep reds, rich contrast, and golden warmth, tones that echo the intensity of love, the strength in vulnerability, and the poetry of quiet connection. My style blends candid, unscripted emotion with thoughtfully guided portraits, creating imagery that feels both artful and timeless.

When looking through your wedding gallery, I want you to feel as though you’re stepping back into your day, feeling the energy and spirit all over again. 

How do we define documentary photography?

Documentary photography is an honest, non-invasive style of capturing a gathering. Focusing on candid imagery, this approach relies less on posed or staged directions, and more on the natural flow of each moment. My aim is to allow you and your guests to remain fully immersed in the rhythm of your celebration. Blending artistry with observation, documentary photography offers a lens into the texture of your day (the exuberant exchanges, the atmosphere humming, etc.). With a reverence for the unscripted and an eye fixed on the unnoticed, this approach picks up on fluid details that tell the story of your wedding.

What you receive is more than a collection of images; it’s a visual reverie that holds the essence of your day, like the memory of a perfect dream.

What about traditional images?

Tradition holds a meaningful place in every celebration - a thread that ties the past to the present. It’s something I deeply value and honor. Family photos, in particular, are close to my heart, and we’ll make sure they’re included thoughtfully alongside the other cherished rituals you’ve chosen to include.

How do we define editorial photography?

Editorial photography is about curating moments intentionally. Though my approach is always rooted in ease and authenticity, I can offer subtle guidance and direction, should you desire it. No rigid poses or forced laughter. I offer gentle prompts and natural movements to craft portraits that feel effortless. Take a deep breath, and be present with us in the moment.

Kind Words


‘‘I cannot stress how Sofia is absolutely AMAZING at what she does. All of our wedding pictures came back so beautiful. She had a link to a quick look SO fast. And all of the pictures she edited were also sent to us in a timely fashion. Sofia is so cool and chill-we really enjoyed having her at our intimate ceremony. She clicked right in to our group and felt like one of the fam once she left. ALSO I was booking from the United States (stressful) and Sofia walked me through everything so professionally and calmed my nerves. She even went to the venue (my husband’s grandparent’s house in Nagoya) and looked at venue ahead of time with my in-laws. She really does go above and beyond for her clients. 100/10 recommend Sofia as your wedding photographer in Japan, She’s GREAT!!’’

Angie & Ken


‘‘Working with Sofia was Amazing! Unfortunately for us, she's 'Miss Popular' and already had a wedding booked on our date so she sent Yoshi from her team of photographers to capture our elopement and he was great. He made us feel very comfortable (to be real, getting your picture taken 100 times in one day SUCKS!) and he did an amazing job posing us and getting the shot! I am in love with Sofia's editing style, it's just so unique and different! has just a little more edge to it than the usual bright and airy wedding photos you see out there. I am so so happy with my photos, I swear I just stare at them and relive my happiest day over and over again. Sending all my love from San Diego, California and If anyone out there is thinking about skipping the wedding and eloping in Japan... DO IT! and hire Sofia to take your pretty pictures :)’’

Ariel & Daniel


“Booking a wedding photographer, especially one from another country, can be daunting and nerve-wracking. This was a significant moment for my partner and me, so finding someone professional and reliable was crucial.
The process with Sofia was smooth from start to finish. When I reached out to her, I received a prompt response, and we encountered no issues with the booking. Communication was effective throughout the entire process, which helped ease my worries and made me feel very comfortable working with her.

Sofia is knowledgeable and knows the best locations to capture stunning shots. She is approachable, sweet, and very attentive to our needs. Even though we booked at the last minute, she was kind enough to fit us into her schedule. She recommended a fantastic videographer and suggested several local restaurants for us to try.

We highly recommend booking with Sofia if you want a personable photographer. You won't regret choosing Sofia Hiramatsu Photography.’’

Sonya & Brian

An ending note:

I choose to take on a limited number of events per year.

My hearts desire is for you to feel seen and cared for through each step of the booking, preparation process, wedding day and final delivery of your thoughtfully prepared gallery.

I truly look forward to being apart of capturing your story and love.

Sofia x