What is an Elopement? Let me help explain exactly what an elopement is!

If you think you may want to elope, or you may even be wondering, what exactly is an elopement? Well, here are a few questions to ask yourself: Do you value your alone time with your partner and want to celebrate an intimate experience? Or do you want to treasure these first new moments with family and friends? 

If you answered alone, then that is the first big step towards knowing that you probably want to elope! So, what exactly is an elopement? Well, fundamentally, they are just as legal and binding as a conventional marriage, but, elopements are for the couple and no one else. 

What if I want both a day that celebrates my alone time with my partner and includes my family? In that case, a micro-wedding or as I like to call it, an intimate wedding might be best for you! You get a little of both worlds, and if you want to read more about micro weddings, check back soon for a post about how magical these can be!

What exactly is eloping?

Eloping is the best way to share an experience with your partner. It is really about the two of you and doing what YOU want. Nobody else! You can adventure to the mountain tops, run away to a dreamy destination, or even have a relaxing picnic among the wildflowers. It’s really up to the two of you to create whatever you’ve been dreaming of!  

Let’s break that common misconception – not all elopements are secrets! Pretty often couples will tell their closest family and friends about their elopement plans. While others may treasure being able to keep it a secret. It’s really a choice that the couple gets to make.

Eloping can also be a budget friendly option or even a more personalized, luxury adventure! That’s really one of the most beautiful benefits of elopement – the options are endless and can fit whatever budget is needed!

Planning an Elopement

One area you want to keep in the budget is photography and videography. I highly recommend having both a photographer and videographer for elopements. It’s important to have something to share with your family and friends, but also to have a beautiful snapshot of the moment you and your other half start your lives together.  One way you can announce your elopement is by sending a photo album or a video to your closest friends and family. 

Eloping doesn’t have to be a simple, quick thing either. You can have gorgeous florals, first looks, detailed ceremonies, cake, first dances, dinner, and whatever else you can imagine. It is completely up to you to decide if you want a quiet & quaint ceremony or still have all the great features of a wedding, but downsized perfectly for two. 

Crafting the Perfect Elopement Ceremony

The main thing to keep in mind when you  plan your ceremony is that this day is all about you. What are the things that are most important to you and your partner? Make a list starting with the most important features to least important features. This will help with budgeting down the road, as well as give you a place to start the planning.

Once you have your list, start looking up vendors who can help with each item. Your photographer/videographer most likely can help out with locations and planning, but if you really want to make it simple and stress free, a planner is the best way to go! They can connect you with the best vendors and plan the details of your day. It really can help to make it all as stress free and fun as possible. Then, the day of, the planner can also make certain that everything goes accordingly and runs smoothly so that you get to enjoy your special day together. 

If the budget doesn’t allow for a planner, that is where your photographers and videographers come in ( another reason why your photographer/videographer is such a great investment) . We are your personal assistants that will capture all your best moments along the way. We also have a lot of fabulous connections to recommend, so no matter what you are envisioning, we can help get you the wedding professionals you need. 

But no matter the details, the main thing about eloping is that it should be a ton of fun and stress free. It’s about you and your partner making one of your biggest choices together, and creating the perfect day just for you.

Photography by: Foxtails Photography