Elopements really had their spotlight moment during COVID when gatherings were limited and with epic photos of adventure elopements taking over IG for a while.

Elopements in general seem to still be pretty popular and look to be staying as part of the wedding industry norm, which I think is awesome!

The truth is, eloping is an amazing way to get married in its own right.

Depending on your wedding vision, there are pros and cons of eloping, like everything else. But if you consider yourself pretty chill and low-key, if you feel a bit uncomfortable about the idea of a big wedding, or if you dream of getting married in a more remote location, then the balance tips HARD for the pros!

So here we go, these are my ACTUAL top 3 great reasons to elope:

What Is Eloping?

First thing’s first! Let’s get on the same page by answering what’s probably the most important question you might have: What is eloping?

Traditionally speaking, and according to Brides.com, eloping is “a marriage conducted without the knowledge of the couple's family and friends, particularly their parents. Typically, those who elope only have a ceremony and do not host a reception or celebration.”

But these days, , eloping is so much more than that! It’s rarely a secret scheme carried out without permission. Instead, it’s a conscious choice couples make to get married their way. It’s a loophole, a life hack. A way to have exactly the wedding day you’ve always imagined— without any of the fuss you don’t care for.

This is what makes elopements sooo special. It’s also what makes them my favourite type of wedding to document!

3 Reasons To Elope

Bottom line: Do all the things you want to do and none of the things you don’t!

#1 Eloping Gives You Freedom

CHOOSE THE HOW

Eloping gives you the freedom to choose how you get married. Do you want to spend the day hiking in the mountains? Going to the beach and splashing in the shallow waves? Getting hitched and eating or just having some drinks? Or, do you want to spend your day at home, barefoot, in PJ’s, sharing your vows in your backyard under patio strings lights next to a bonfire?

Elopement says an enthusiastic “YES!” to any and all ideas of what a wedding day could look like.

CHOOSE THE WHERE

Eloping also gives you full control over where you get married. Choose to get married locally (choose one of your fav spots in your city), or explore your own backyard and choose a beautiful, close-by place that you’ve never been before.

Want to take it even further? Choose a bucket list location! Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Why not commit your lives to each other in the destination of your dreams?

If you’re worried about this meaning tons of travel and logistics, remember that you don’t always have to fly to a bucket list location! Depending on where you live, the perfect place to get married might be just outside of town. If you’re in BC like I am, maybe you take a helicopter ride to the top of a mountain and say your vows there! Point is: take a second to really let yourself dream about what the perfect elopement would be, then see how you can make it happen.

CHOOSE THE WHO

One of the other major perks of eloping is being able to choose who is with you when you say, “I do.”

If you want to keep it really small and I’m your photographer, my hubby/photography assistant Dennis and I can be your officiants and witnesses. If you want one or two key people there, you can each bring a bestie. If you want the core family bubble with you, you can invite your immediate family. And if you want an almost-but-not-quite wedding, then bring all your must-have peeps!

#2 Eloping Lets You Skip The Drama

Let’s face it, every family has its drama. It takes different shapes and forms and definitely varies in degrees, but it’s almost always there in some way. It might feel taboo to admit this, especially because the picture-perfect image of a wedding in the media and in our society sees the couple surrounded by their parents and dozens of their relatives. But, surprise! TV and society often get it wrong— love-filled, extended family celebrations are actually not the case for MANY couples on their big days. So, it’s a-okay if it’s not your situation, either.

Maybe you’re not close to your family, and you’d feel awkward having them present on such an intimate day. Maybe you have such a big extended family that keeping it to immediate family will make the day run smoother (and save you from making hard choices of who’s in and who’s out). Or maybe there’s no drama at all— it’s just about you not wanting to stand in front of a bunch of people! And even though you’re close to your family, having no one else there makes you both feel WAY more comfortable.

Point is, whoever you want with you on your day is your choice, and elopement gives you way more wiggle room to follow your heart on it!

#3 Eloping Means Less Planning (If You Want)

With an elopement wedding, you get to plan as much — or as little! — as you want.

Keep it simple by finding clothes to wear, writing your own vows, and maybe having a ring or some flowers. Find a photographer who can help you scout an amazing location and create an incredible experience for you. And, that’s it! Just relax, take it in, and be present.

Want to up the ante? Plan a bit more? Bring family and friends? Amazing! Rent a super cute venue or have your wedding in your backyard. Order up some local catering, book a food truck, or make it a low-key potluck and surprise everyone with your nuptials when they arrive!

The Best Reason To Elope? Your Happiness!

Okay, so these are all great reasons to skip the big wedding if I do say so myself. But, above all, know that just the simple fact that you want to elope is reason enough. You don’t have to justify, explain, or prove yourself to anyone. This day is about you, and you have full permission to follow your heart.

Full-Day Elopement Packages

If you’re like me — if you’re low-key and low-fuss — then elopement weddings are pretty much the best thing ever invented. Eloping isn’t a sacrifice, it’s your golden ticket to having the happy, liberating, drama-free, and decidedly un-stressful day that you’ve always wanted! It’s a first-choice, big-deal decision, and it deserves first-choice, big-deal documentation!

While I wholeheartedly believe in full-day elopement photography packages because, well, it’s your freaking wedding day, I also offer half-day adventure elopement packages and can happily create a custom quote based on what your envisioning. Why not hike a mountain, head to the beach, or hit up city hall and have all-day photography that makes you feel special and has incredible photos to show for it?!

If you’re nodding your head right now like, “hell yeah!” let’s do this! Click to book a free chat about your amazing elopement and I’ll get back to you in 24 hours, promise!

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3 Great Reasons To Elope

What Is Eloping?