Have you and your partner been considering eloping instead of planning a traditional wedding? First off, let me say congratulations! Second, I want to say HELL YES! Planning an adventurous or intimate elopement with your partner is such a great idea. Not only can you go on a fun adventure with your partner if you choose, but in many cases it can also save you some money as well! Check out my “Are Destination Weddings Cheaper” blog that goes into more detail on that! While eloping is such a great idea, it’s important to plan everything out in advance to make sure it goes how you want it, so I’m here to give you the best tips on eloping with your partner from an adventurous elopement photographer (AKA, me 😉 )
Elopement (verb): To run away secretly in order to get married.
Kim Kaye Photography | Elopement Photographer | Top Tips on Eloping From an Adventurous Elopement Photographer
Elope on a Weekday for Fewer Crowds | Tips on Eloping from an Elopement Photographer
This is one of those tips for eloping that can be used not only for elopements but for weddings too! If you want a more intimate elopement, try to plan for a weekday so you don’t have to worry about crowds of people. If you choose to elope on a weekend, you may run into more people because everyone is off enjoying the weekend i.e. crowded parking lots, tourists in your shot, strangers taking photos of you from a distance in your wedding attire (kinda weird), and most of all, you lose some of the intimacy if others are around distracting you from being with your person! So, while it’s certainly not a requirement to elope on a weekday, it’s a tip I’ve learned along the way as an experienced elopement photographer!
Choose a Location That Has Meaning To You & Your Partner
If you both have that one sentimental place you share together or that you both love so much, elope there! This is a huge tip on eloping and it makes the day even more meaningful if you choose a place that you both love or have so many memories of. If you don’t have a place that’s good for an elopement, then choose somewhere you’ve both always wanted to go to or vacation to! Feel free to check out my “Destination Weddings and Elopements: 5 Bucket List Locations” for some location ideas! If you do decide to choose one of the locations on my bucket list, you’ll have a discount included in your package price as well 😉 It’s a win-win situation!
Celebrate The Way YOU Want To! | Tips on Eloping
This day is for you and your partner only! All you should be worrying about at that moment is you and your partner’s happiness and no one else’s. It may sound selfish, but at these times, you really do have to be. So many couples choose the traditional route of a wedding to make others or their family happy. It’s time to ask yourself “What do we really want?” I’ve documented too many weddings and saw firsthand that the couple wasn’t as happy as they should have been because they let others make decisions for them. This is your sign to make a decision for you and your spouse, and not for anyone else!
Make it an Unforgettable Experience & Make Some Memories!
You can make your elopement an unforgettable experience by going somewhere that you can stay for a week or even a weekend. (Totally recommend a week though if you can swing it!) It’s even better if it’s at a place you both love or have always wanted to visit. Make your elopement an entire experience! I have couples who book me for a two-day elopement or elopement weekend type of deal! The first day will be your ceremony with your close friends and family (or just the two of you) and on the second day we will take a few hours out of the day to capture more portraits of the two of you whether it’s adventuring wherever you’re staying or even if it’s just you two relaxing and enjoying the fact that you’re both married!
Find Meaningful Ways to Include Family & Friends From Afar
If your parents or close family members will not be attending your elopement, there are many ways you can include them from afar. I know it may be important for you to have them included in some way shape or form. One thing you can do is stream your wedding ceremony on Skype or Zoom so your friends and family can watch (again, only if you want to!) Have your closest people write you letters for you to read before, during, or after your ceremony. Set up a picnic and Facetime those closest to your hearts to show off your wedding attire and your NEW shiny ring(s)! The possibilities are endless to include your family on your special day without having a traditional wedding!
So, What’s Your Heart Telling You? An Elopement or Wedding? | Elopement Photographer
I hope you’ve found these elopement tips super helpful in your decision! At the end of the day, all that matters is that the two of you are happy and married. That is probably one of the most important tips on eloping. Planning a wedding can be hard work, but it doesn’t have to be! It can be as simple as you want it to be. Remember, this is your day. These are your memories. If you’re thinking “Heck yes, I’m ready to elope!” then let’s start planning together! Cancun? Hawaii? Glacier National Park? IM SO DOWN! I love to travel, and would be incredibly honored to capture your elopement!
Ready to start planning together?! You can learn more about me here. If you think I’d be the perfect destination wedding or elopement photographer for you, then inquire with me here! I can’t wait to hear from you and all about your dreams for your big day! In the meantime, follow me on Instagram to keep up with my latest adventures!
