10 Ways to Elevate Your Elopement Experience
10 Ways to Elevate Your Elopement Experience
An elopement isn’t only about having the perfect wedding day; rather, it’s about having and creating experiences that are both meaningful and representative of you as a couple. You are unique and so is your love story, so your wedding day shouldn’t just look like anyone else’s. It should be tailored to you and the unique experience you want to share as a couple. Over the year, I’ve had the honor of capturing many elopements and guiding couples in creating unique experiences that they can cherish, and here are 10 ways you can elevate your unique elopement experience and create a day that is truly your own!
Dream Up an Amazing and Unique Elopement Experience
The first step in creating a unique elopement experience is to dream up your ideal day. Before you reach out to vendors and before you even start deciding on a location, think about how you want your day to feel. Elopements are about so much more than just having a ceremony and saying ‘I do’. They’re about breaking traditions and creating a day that is filled with intention and meaning, and that first starts with understanding exactly what is important to you both.
I like to tell couples to start by asking themselves, "How do we want our wedding day to be?". “What is our ideal way to spend time together?” Paint a vivid picture together in your mind and don't be afraid to dream big. Think outside the box and consider what elements you'd like to incorporate into your day to make it unique to you - not just what others have done or what is typically expected. Do you want an adventure experience where you exchange vows on a mountaintop at sunrise? Or do you prefer something low-key, like a cozy beachside ceremony at sunset? Maybe you envision a more upscale and luxurious experience with a romantic dinner at your own private villa in a destination location. No matter which experience you dream of, the key is to make it uniquely yours.
Select the Right Elopement Location
Now that you’ve dreamed up your ideal day, it’s time to decide where your elopement will take place. Begin by asking yourself a few questions: Is there a place that’s important to both of you and your relationship? Would you like to experience visiting a new place? Have you considered a destination elopement?
Your chosen location will set the tone for your entire experience. It could be a spot that already holds sentimental value - like where you had your first date - or a destination you've always dreamt of exploring together. There are no right or wrong choices here, only what feels right to you.
Keep in mind that capturing your story will always come first. And while the location you choose for your elopement is important, it’s good to keep in mind that while it’s secondary, it will become the spot where your memories are created and will be the backdrop of all your wedding photos. So, whether it's a serene beach, a majestic mountain, a charming cityscape, or a hidden forest, make sure it resonates with your unique story as a couple.
Decide Who To Invite To Your Elopement
Another major decision many couples face is who to invite to their elopement (and yes, elopements can and often do have guests which I talk about more in my guide What is an Elopement). A few questions that are helpful to consider when deciding whether or not to invite guests are: “Are we leaning towards eloping and cherishing the intimacy of the moment with just us?” or “Do we envision an experience that includes hosting and celebrating with a group of loved ones?”
While you may feel torn between both options, the beauty of eloping is that you don't have to choose just one path. I’ve worked with many couples who took a hybrid approach and planned parts of their elopement day that were focused solely on the two of them while also incorporating meaningful moments and celebrations with loved ones later on. This unique elopement experience allows you to have the best of both worlds – a deeply personal elopement experience followed by a small, meaningful gathering or celebration with those closest to your heart. Again, there is no right or wrong way to elope so take the time to reflect on what feels right for you and your partner, as this decision will set the tone for your unforgettable elopement experience.
Consider Planning a Multi-Day Elopement
When it comes to creating an unforgettable and unique elopement experience, thinking beyond the traditional one-day elopement can open up a world of possibilities. One of the benefits of a multi-day elopement is the ability to continue the celebration in even more unique ways. One way this could look is by celebrating with family and friends on the first day followed by your own private adventure experience on day two. As an elopement photographer, I love brainstorming with my couples to come up with the perfect timeline, and truly, the options are limitless when planning a multi-day elopement, so dream big.
Another benefit of planning a multi-day elopement is that it also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings, making it an ideal choice for those opting for a destination elopement. With more time to explore and savor the scenery, you can create lasting memories while documenting your experience with photos that truly capture the heart of your love story. One of my favorite examples of a multi-day elopement was M&T’s four-day Guatemala elopement where they explored multiple locations and went on all types of adventures making for one of the most unique elopement experiences I’ve ever witnessed and captured.
Choose Your Elopement Vendors
A big misconception about elopements is that they are less work to plan than traditional weddings. And yes, while there are elements of wedding planning that are not typically needed for an elopement, elopements, and intimate weddings still require lots of planning, just with a different approach.
This is where vendors who specialize in elopements and intimate weddings come in to assist and guide you in making sure your day is as amazing as it can be. Hiring the right professionals will instantly elevate your elopement experience by making the planning process smoother and your celebration more intentional.
And of course, with hiring elopement vendors, comes hiring your elopement photographer! Hiring a professional photographer to document your elopement will help you relive the magic for years to come, and in many cases, like with hiring me for your day, a lot of the planning and guidance in how to intentionally approach your day will be woven into what’s provided in my services.
Incorporate Meaningful Traditions Or Even Create Some of Your Own
Just because you decided to elope, doesn’t mean that you have to let go of all traditions. Some traditional wedding moments might feel right for you, or they might not and that is ok too. Oftentimes, when we refer to wedding traditions, we think of the moments surrounding the ceremony, but traditions can play a part in any part of your day.
When it comes to elopement ceremony traditions, know that no matter what religious or cultural background you come from, or what ideals are important to you, it is possible to include them in your day. No matter what it is, a symbolic unity ritual or a family tradition, including these special moments is a great way to elevate your experience while bringing a ceremonial feeling to the day.
Take Time to Exchange Personal Vows
There is nothing I love more than photographing couples reading their personal vows to each other on their wedding day. Whether it takes place after their first look or during sunset while soaking in the final moments of their day, many couples decide to dedicate a portion of time during their wedding day to privately share their vows. There is something about saving these words for just your partner to hear (if you are inviting guests) that makes this moment so special plus, it allows you to see and experience different backdrops for your day which adds to your overall experience.
Choose Your Wedding Attire and Personalize with Accessories and Details
A great and simple way to elevate your elopement experience is to make sure you feel and look your absolute best. The best way to do this is by choosing elopement attire that screams you! There are so many different styles of wedding attire to choose from that range from non-traditional colors to multiple outfits or styles. Your elopement attire is one of the biggest ways to show your unique style and personality through your photos, so have fun with it and choose an outfit (or outfits) that you can feel comfortable and confident in.
Another way to elevate your elopement attire is by including accessories and other fun details. Having special jewelry and different accessories to add to your look will bring a stylized feeling to your day and it’s also a great way to incorporate family heirlooms or special pieces that hold a lot of meaning.
Plan a Post-Elopement Celebration
The celebration doesn’t have to stop just because your elopement day is over. After the big day, consider hosting a celebration or reception for friends and family who weren't present at the ceremony. This could look like a casual backyard BBQ or a five-course meal at a fancy restaurant. No matter how you choose to celebrate, a post-elopement party is a great way to share your joy with your loved ones in a more relaxed setting. Plus, by planning it after your elopement, you’ll have lots of photos and stories to share from your special day.
This is the time to Splurge on What’s Important to Both of You
I know elopements can be huge money savers when it comes to getting married (this blog shows the full breakdown of how much it costs to elope in comparison to having a traditional wedding), but there is no better time to “treat yourself” than when you elope. Your elopement is one of the biggest days in your relationship and it’s a day that will mark a new start in your life, so take this time to splurge on a few extra things that will elevate your elopement experience. Whether it’s an adventure excursion, a fancy Airbnb or an all-inclusive resort, a classic car rental, a catered dinner, or whatever you can dream up, spending a little extra on the moments that are important to you will be such a wonderful addition to your day. When it comes to eloping, anything you spend money on is directly related to your experience and helps set the stage for how you will enjoy your day.
Your elopement day should be just as unique as you and your relationship and these 10 ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning a unique elopement experience.
RECAP:
10 Ways to Elevate Your Elopement Experience
1. Dream Big
2. Chose an amazing location
3. Decide who to celebrate with
4. Consider a multi-day elopement
5. Chose the right vendors
6. Incorporate meaningful elements
7. Make time for personal vows
8. Choose an awesome attire
9. Plan a Post-Elopement Celebration
10. Splurge on what’s important to you.
If you’re ready to take the next step, or you have questions on how to get started, head on over to my contact page and send me a message. I’d love to help you plan your special day!
Ready to start planning your dream elopement?
I know just the photographer (wink wink) to help you capture all the important moments and details. Learn more about what planning an elopement with me can look like or, if you’re ready to get started, head over to my contact page or fill out the contact form below!
I can’t wait to meet you!
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