All About Elopements and Why You Should Have One
What is an elopement?
The majority of people immediately think of eloping as running away and getting married alone and in secret. And while that was the case a while ago, it’s much different now.
This is my definition of what an elopement today looks like:
AN ELOPEMENT IS AN INTIMATE AND UNIQUELY CRAFTED WEDDING EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS AUTHENTIC TO WHO YOU ARE AND IS COMPLETELY FOCUSED ON YOUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER.
- Eloping today usually involves a small ceremony with close family and friends, and intentional planning in the areas that matter most to you.
- Elopements give you the freedom to do whatever you want on your wedding day. Whether that’s getting married on a mountaintop, or in your backyard.
- Elopements are for couples who want a wedding that is a true reflection of them, without the distractions and stress of a traditional wedding.
- Eloping is for couples who feel that they don’t need a big, extravagant wedding with hundreds of guests and would prefer something more intimate and focused on them.
Why should you Elope?
- Eloping does not have to be just the 2 of you – You can still invite your close friends and family to their elopement and spend the day with people you love, but there’s a much smaller guest list.
- Less stress, More fun – The day isn’t about anything else but YOU. Wedding planning can be so overwhelming with long guest lists and expenses, having an elopement eases so much of that stress and planning. Because your wedding is supposed to be FUN not stressful!!
- You value experiences over stuff – Less planning allows you to put your money into what matters most to you. With a big wedding, your expenses will add up veryyy quickly. Having an elopement allows you to pick a few things you really want to invest in.
- Location – You can get married literally anywhere you want!! Whether that’s eloping at a national park or in your backyard, it can be any location, style or vibe, whatever feels most you.
- Eloping is not just a photoshoot – Your elopement deserves just as much documentation as a traditional wedding. 1-2 hours is simply not enough time to capture a day you’re going to remember forever. Eloping is more than just saying vows, eloping is an all day experience.
Wondering what you’re all day elopement could look like?
Here is a sample 8-Hour Timeline for a North Carolina Elopement so you can picture what an elopement would look like for you!!
1:00pm: I arrive at your Airbnb for some getting ready and detail photos.
2:00pm: First Look at a pretty spot outside of the Airbnb.
2:30pm: Leave the airbnb and head to Max Patch for your ceremony.
3:30pm: Arrive at Max Patch for your ceremony, where your close family and friends will be waiting. Say your vows and celebrate with family.
4:30pm: Portraits at Max Patch with beautiful mountains views.
5:00pm: Picnic dinner with your family.
6:00pm: Head to nearby trail for a little hiking.
6:30pm: Hike to a beautiful spot with a view of the sunset.
7:00pm: Golden hour portraits, watch the sunset together.
8:30pm: Hike Down
9:00pm: End of the Day
Choosing to elope is saying no to all the added stress and saying yes to an unforgettable experience that is a true reflection of your relationship. Imagine planning a day for YOU, doing something you love on your wedding day, making memories, and having that whole experience documented to look back on forever.
Thank you so much for reading!! If you’re new here, Hi I’m Erin!! I’m an intimate wedding and elopement photographer here to help you plan an unforgettable wedding experience and capture every second of it. I’m based in Charlotte NC, but I travel worldwide for weddings every year. I’d love to chat with you about your dream elopement and how we can make it a reality!!Head on over to my Experience Page to read about how I can help you plan your dream elopement!!
