The Modern Elopement
Learn about how elopements have evolved and how to have the best day ever
Summit and Sur Photography | Southern California Elopement and Lifestyle Photographer
Are you engaged and thought that having a big wedding just wasn't your thing but didn't know where to go from there? Maybe the idea of eloping is more your speed but your thoughts immediately go to a cheesy Elvis ceremony in Vegas. While there is nothing wrong with having the king of rock and roll marry you on the strip, that isn't everyone's vibe either and guess what? That is totally okay! But what option is left for these couples that don't fit the mold?
The modern elopement is the antidote for couples who don't fit in those wedding-specific boxes. It is a wedding day that is entirely crafted to your wants and needs as a couple. It is a way to keep traditions that are important to you and ditch the ones that aren't. To share that special day with just your significant other or to bring along your inner circle or, heck, even your dog. It is the opportunity to put your love front and center without feeling like all eyes are on you (because let's face it, that can be SO stressful for a lot of people). Leaving behind the notion that feeding 150 people and doing things like every other couple before you is the only way to get married.
"This is the day you will celebrate for the rest of your life as your wedding anniversary---why not make it a true representation of who you are as a couple?"
Most importantly though, it is a way to create an experience that is memorable and true to you. This is the day you will celebrate for the rest of your life as your wedding anniversary---why not make it a true representation of who you are as a couple? Whether that means hiking to the top of a mountain together and exchanging vows as the sun rises, having a relaxing day wine tasting before committing to your significant other overlooking a vineyard, or taking a helicopter ride to a glacier to say "I do", your day should reflect the things that bring you joy as a couple. It is also important to mention that while some couples choose adventure elopements as a way to celebrate their day, it is also totally acceptable to choose something low-key and accessible to everyone, including any guests you may be including. There are a myriad of options for couples looking for killer views or intimate ceremonies that are just steps away as opposed to a long 10 mile hike.
The truth of the matter is that with elopements, there are no rules. You can have your first dance in a grove of Redwood trees on the coast of California. You can look into your partner's eyes and commit to them forever while hearing the crashing of waves from a cliff overlooking the ocean. You can wear a white dress, a pink dress, a black dress, a green dress, or maybe no dress at all (I'm looking at you super-cool-suit brides). Maybe you want ten guests, one guest, or no guests at all. Hiking boots or heels, veil or a fedora, bolo or bowtie, you can't go wrong. There is no wrong way to elope and that is the beauty of it!
So while big weddings will always have their place in our world, I believe that elopements are also here to stay. It is your wedding day and your are completely justified in having the experience that means the most to you and your future spouse. The even better news is that there are now plenty of dedicated elopement and intimate wedding vendors like myself to help you craft this day to exactly what you want with no judgement, but rather excitement and joy! So, if you are thinking of eloping because it feels like the right thing, don't dismiss that. Embrace it, enjoy it and know that elopements are a beautiful way to start your marriage.
Are you ready to start planning the elopement of your dreams?