Long gone are the days where elopements are associated solely with recklessly running away and getting hitched in Vegas without a soul knowing. Over the years, and particularly throughout COVID, elopements have become increasingly more popular with couples, who are choosing to opt for something a little more intimate for their wedding day. But by no means is this a simpler route!

The beauty of an elopement is the idea that it can be anything you desire it to be. Much like a traditional wedding, you can choose what you do and don’t include. However, more often than not, elopements tend to stray away from large-scale parties and tight schedules to focus on more intentional activities and being present in the moment with your partner.

Now you might be wondering, what do I mean when I say “intentional activities?”

Stripping everything back to its core, I believe that an elopement is all about creating a day full of meaning, romance and excitement. You’re marrying the love of your life, that’s nothing short of magical!

The beauty of this is that the experiences that conjure these feelings and emotions are different for each and every couple! How beautiful is that?!

It’s truly one of the biggest highlights of my job as a wedding photographer, to not only witness heartwarming love stories but to also be able to capture them for my couples to cherish for years to come.

So, to bring it back to the idea of “intentional activities”.

It’s all about making your day the perfect celebration of your love. I like to think of an elopement as one big picturesque puzzle, except you’re in control of the final picture and all the little pieces are handcrafted by you and your love.

What do you do in your everyday life that sparks joy, or what do you look forward to the most?

For me, I love knowing that when Linden comes home from work, we can spend time cuddling on the couch together and be able to talk about our day. I look forward to this time and cherish it wholeheartedly. Therefore, on our wedding day, I’d love to have some time just for us to be together, in our own little love bubble.

We also love making waffles, so that will definitely be included! But it could be anything for your relationship! It’s about taking the moments and activities you cherish and having them in your day. If it’s a magical, meaningful moment in your everyday life, imagine what it’s going to feel like on your wedding day!

If you’re looking for more inspiration on activity ideas for an elopement, check out my blog post here, where I delve further into some ideas for all types of couples!

An elopement is a glorious celebration of your love!

And just like your love, elopements know no bounds. Truly, there are very few boundaries when it comes to an elopement. It can be as wild and grand, or as small and intimate as you desire.

If you’re seeking an adventurous day packed full of hikes, or jet-setting to an exotic location – you’re free to do that! Perhaps you’re after something a little low-key? A ceremony on your family’s farm, followed by dinner and dancing with a few loved ones.

The point I try to get across to all my couples is that you’re in complete control of your day! There is no right or wrong way to celebrate your marriage and you shouldn’t feel pressure to conform to something that isn’t 100% solely your dream.

There also shouldn’t be any competition between opting for a more-traditional wedding structure or following the elopement path. Both are beautiful representations of love, and as a wedding photographer, I do appreciate and admire both.

At the end of the day, a celebration of love is an incredible thing regardless of how you chose to celebrate it! For some, the decision between the two is an easy one. For others, you could feel torn either way.

The best advice I can offer is to prioritise what is most important to you and your partner, don’t shy away from any tricky conversations, and make sure to remember that at its core, your wedding day is about marrying your partner in life and embarking on a new adventure together!

Having had the privilege of shooting both traditional weddings as well as elopements, I’ve witnessed so many incredible couples on their special day, as well as the different structures between the two.

If you’re still wanting a little more information on an elopement, check out my blog post here, which further explores the idea of an elopement and if it’s the right decision for you! And always, if you have any questions or concerns or simply want to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for a chat!