What is an elopement?
What is an elopement? Usually when I tell someone that I photograph elopements and intimate weddings, I get a weird look.
And then they usually say something along the lines of, “There’s a need for photographers with elopements?? Do they just call you with little notice? How does that work?”
I’ll usually chuckle to myself, and then we have a discussion about how elopement doesn’t mean what it did 5-10 years ago.
Today, eloping is a way to make the day more about the couple and what they want on their wedding day. It is a way for them to be more authentic to themselves.
Why do people elope?
For people like me, sometimes there is family drama. And you wonder how you’re going to have a celebration meant for you, while having to please everyone one else. Keep mom away from dad since they’re divorced and fight every time they’re around each other, or how you’re going to truly be happy on YOUR day, feeling forced to invite that one person who has wronged you over and over again. But they’re family, so you have to invite them, right?
Absolutely not.
Whether you decide to elope or have a traditional wedding, remember that it is your and your partner’s day. Not anyone else’s. This day is supposed to be a day that you look back on as being one of the best days of your life.
But that can be hard when other people are involved. So the idea of having a small ceremony with just you and your lover, and maybe a few other people who have shaped who you two are, is becoming more and more ideal! Plus, you know… Covid.
I think eloping or having a small intimate wedding, is one of the best decisions my couples will make. When you elope, your day becomes solely about you and who you are as a couple.
You can design it in a way that speaks to your soul and be able to make all of your wildest dreams come true.
These days, elopements are very well planned and thought out. And typically the couples choose to elope in a location that is beautiful to them. Whether that be in the mountains, the beach, the desert, or even a national park! You can basically do anything you can think of!
An elopement is meant to be a true reflection of YOU. YOU get to decide who will be there, where your ceremony will take place, and how your day will look and what you want to include.
Costs of traditional weddings versus elopements
And if you’re still on the fence because you love the idea of everything I have already mentioned, but you’re just not sure of how to go about planning an elopement or what people will think… Let’s also talk about how the average traditional wedding in the United States in 2019 cost almost $34,000!!
That is insane!!
Now, eloping doesn’t mean “cheap” by any means. But let’s talk for a minute about all of the things you could do on your day, for half of the cost mentioned above.
For starters, you could have an awesome photographer like myself (humbly speaking hahaha). Even if you went for my very top package!
Next, as I have mentioned, you get to choose where you elope. Want to travel somewhere exciting and elope in a national park or on the beach? Mountains calling your name (because same haha)? Great, let’s do it!
Then let’s say you need permits for where you want to elope. I got you and will help you take care of that.
Next, what exciting things can you dream up for your dream elopement? Want to include a helicopter tour or a hot air balloon ride into your day? Or rent a jeep and go off roading? No seriously, let’s go!
Then maybe you could end your day with a meal prepared by a private chef, cake, and a champagne celebration.
You could literally do ALL OF THIS for half of the cost (or less) of the average cost of a traditional wedding.
Let’s say you’re not looking to go all out like the examples above, and you really are looking to cut costs. Or just want something simple and chill, all while still being able to have the best day ever. Totally fine and great! Remember, it’s your day and you get to decide how it goes! You would spend a fraction of the cost, all while getting amazing photos and planning assistance from me. Plus the day of your dreams. Gives you a lot to think about, huh?
If any of this speaks to your soul or made you feel really excited to start planning, reach out and let me help you through the process! Let’s make this the best experience you ever have!
