I have seen it before – you get engaged and all of a sudden feel pressure to plan a huge wedding, but that is something that has never really resonated with you. You feel pressure from family members to invite that aunt you’ve never met; you don’t know how you are going to fit ten meal tastings into your already busy schedule; you are feeling overwhelmed looking at venues; you don’t know if you need a coordinator or not. SO MANY THINGS! As a seasoned traditional wedding photographer, I can confidently say that traditional weddings can be beautiful — but they’re not the only option. Eloping is a wonderful way to celebrate your love YOUR WAY. You can create a day that is all about intention, authenticity, and freedom.
Here are ten of the best reasons to elope:
1. The Freedom to Design a Day That Actually Feels Like You
You can build a day around your priorities, not traditions. I will work with you to plan the perfect day for you with no pre-existing expectations. We can say NO to the cookie-cutter timelines and build whatever type of experience you want! Do you want to say your vows at sunrise? Do you want to hike with your dog and skip to a brewery for lunch? Do you want to roast some marshmallows and toast your new journey? We can do it all!
2. Less Stress = More Joy
Traditional weddings often come with decision fatigue, family pressure, and planning overwhelm. Eloping simplifies everything with fewer logistics, fewer moving parts and more fun. You can then focus on each other and be present & allow me to take care of the tiring details.
3. Your Budget Goes Toward What Actually Matters to You
When you choose a traditional wedding, your money goes towards catering, décor, rentals, venue fees, etc. When you elope, your money goes towards meaningful experiences, photography, travel and adventure. Instead of splurging on an expensive venue, you can score a log cabin airbnb. Instead of dropping a bunch of money feeding other people, you can hire a private chef to curate a perfect meal for you and your partner.
4. An Intimate Experience for Introverts
If you are like me, you value real moments over staged ones. When you elope, you have the space to cry, laugh, be yourselves, and take it slow. You can say your vows privately and not worry about stuttering in front of a hundred people. You get to create and be 100% present for an intentional experience.
5. You Spend the Day With the One You’re Marrying
I used to shoot traditional weddings and often, couples would feel like they barely got to talk to each other! Crazy, right? Eloping lets you spend the entire day by each other’s side and sharing every single moment together.
6. Your Photos Become More Meaningful
When your day is uninterrupted, the photos reflect real emotions. I might help you pose, but I am focused on your authenticity and relationship, not trying to fit into the latest posing trends. When you adventure, you get to enjoy candid moments that create real images. When I take your photos, I look for those little in-between moments that show your true connection and cannot be replicated.
7. You Can Still Celebrate With Whoever You Want To
Elopement doesn’t mean excluding loved ones. There are so many options to include family members! From choosing a small ceremony followed by a private adventure session to doing a reception with loved ones after you say your vows – you get to choose other people’s involvement in your day! If you don’t want anyone else there, that is great too! Eloping is about making every decision that will make you happy in the moment.
8. You Can Choose Whatever Locations You Want!
When you decide to elope, we get to adventure around instead of sticking to one venue all day. We can travel to the top of Colorado mountains, hike into a pine forest, chase stunning waterfalls – whatever your heart desires.
9. You Can Bring Your Dog(s)
Do you consider your dog your fur child? Do you want them to be there every step of your day? When you elope, you get to bring your furry family member along for the ride. I personally prefer elopements with dogs – they are our chosen family and should be a big part of your day! Plus, who doesn’t love a good array of dog photos?
10. You Can Still Add All the Elements You Care About
We can bring flowers, a cake, a picnic with champagne, your favorite meatball sub and a beer – literally whatever you want. If you still would like to include classic wedding elements like a first dance, we can do that atop a Colorado mountain! Elopements aren’t all about doing less, they are all about doing things differently.
BONUS: It’s Better for the Environment
There is so much wedding decor, food, etc. that goes to waste after a large wedding day! Eloping allows you to use your natural surroundings as your venue and decor. Less wedding guests means less trash which means a lower footprint. Not to mention all the paper that is wasted sending out save the dates and invites!
Conclusion
If you are feeling overwhelmed by traditional wedding expectations, if you want adventure or something unique and prioritize experiences over things, eloping is the way to go. When you elope, the day becomes truly about your story, your connection, your relationship and your promises. It gives you the opportunity to reflect on your journey together, creating an intentional start to your married life.
It’s your day! Celebrate how YOU want!
