Okay, so first off, let’s define (or redefine) eloping. Times have changed and “to elope” no longer means to sneak off and get married without telling anyone. While you can still do that (you do you boo), “to elope” in 2021, takes on another meaning of having an intentionally intimate wedding, whether that be 2 or 10 people, in your backyard, with a trip to city hall, or on an epic summit in your favorite national park, that is entirely about the two of you and your marriage. It’s that simple. 

Every photographer has a slightly different definition. And nowadays, with terms like “micro wedding,” the lines get even fuzzier. I personally define an elopement to be 10 or less people and your elopement day can be planned however you’d like! But what truly sets an elopement apart from a larger wedding, or even from a micro wedding, is the idea that the day is planned intentionally about and for the two of you. 

I love large weddings but I love elopements for the flexibility and the intimacy! So if you’re on the fence, here are my 5 biggest reasons why you should consider eloping (with or without COVID-19 concerns). 

1. IT’S AN INTIMATE DAY ALL ABOUT YOU TWO

Yes, a large wedding is still about the two of you. The whole purpose is to celebrate the joining of your lives, your families and your commitment to one another. However, a large wedding is also about your guests, your guest’s experiences, the party and event itself, perhaps the church, maybe your family’s own wishes and visions of your wedding day. With an elopement, because it’s just the two of you or you and very close friends and family, you can create your most perfect and epic day that’s about you and your partner to the core. 

2. YOU CAN BE TRUE TO YOU

If getting dressed up, choosing and design floral arrangements and crafting signature cocktails doesn’t excite you, but waking up at 3am to hike up Cathedral Rock in Sedona and say your vows at sunrise does, then an elopement might be more true to you. Or maybe you really could care less about the big party and decor and have always wanted to get married in city hall. Then let’s plan your perfect day with your vows at city hall followed by lunch and cocktails at your favorite downtown restaurant and photos at all of your favorite downtown Detroit locations. Or a trip to the zoo. Seriously – whatever your perfect day looks like, that can happen when you elope. 

3. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE CENTER OF ATTENTION

If the thought of 200 people staring at you and your large ass family coming up to embrace you all day long is making your introverted nature scream inside, maybe an elopement is more your speed. I am always down to break tradition, especially if tradition doesn’t sit well with you. Both a larger wedding and an elopement are an investment and a celebration. At the least, that investment should be into something you truly are excited for and love.  

4. DEAL WITH LESS OPINIONS & LESS FAMILY DRAMA

Yes, telling your family and friends you’re eloping could ruffle some feathers but since they love you, with time and some explaining, they’ll come around to the idea and support you. At the end of the day, your wedding is about the two of you and they just want you to be happy. Beyond the initial “we’re eloping conversation,” you’ll have a lot less opinions to take into consideration when planning your day. Less people there means less family drama and ultimately, less planning overall. 

5. IT’S AN ADVENTURE

I went to art school and studied photography and design. So believe me, I love and appreciate design, decor and the details of beautiful invitations and florals and so on even more than most. But I will spend my money on experiences and adventures over things any day. (And to be clear, an elopement can still incorporate beautiful details and decor and planning, it’s just on a smaller scale). If you’re one for experiences and adventure, then an elopement can be the first adventure you go on in the adventure that is marriage. You can explore a new location, be outside, travel, hike, swim, take a helicopter, whatever you want. It can be a wild and totally fun or relaxed and casual. 

I could give you a dozen more reasons why you should consider eloping. Whatever style of wedding you choose, it should be perfect for you. It’s not wrong to want a big traditional wedding, just like it’s not wrong to elope. Heck, I want both! Hopefully now you see what eloping can mean in today’s world. If you’re on the fence or planning to elope, I’d love to chat! Just click below to get in touch and we can plan your most epic wedding, whatever that may look like.

 

 

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