Elopement Questions Answered | Elopement Myths | Elopement Photographer

“Elopements are when you run off spontaneously to get married, keep it simple at a courthouse, and keep it a secret”.

Well, that CAN be what an elopement is, but it can be so much more than that too! Elopements have modernized a bit and are essentially just another word for a non traditional wedding. The only thing consistent about elopements is that you’re getting married. How you go about that is completely up to you, which is the exciting part! With adventure elopements becoming more and more popular over the last few years, I think there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about elopements that might hold back someone from eloping, even if it’s truly the best option for them! So, today we are debunking those myths and misconceptions. Always remember that there are no rules, your day is up to you!

COMMON ELOPEMENT MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED

DOES MY ELOPEMENT HAVE TO BE A SECRET?

Heck no! You can keep it a secret, you can tell everyone, or you can tell a few people. Totally up to you. This is a total misconception about elopements, but if you prefer to keep it a secret, you can!

DOES IT ONLY HAVE TO BE THE TWO OF US?

Elopements can just be the two of you, or you can invite a few guests, or even 20-30 guests! I’d say about 70% of the elopements I shoot have a few guests, and about 30% are just the couple, me and the officiant! If you have guests, you can have one of them become ordained and lead your ceremony!

CAN I HAVE A BRIDAL PARTY?

You can most definitely have a bridal party. It’s up to you if you just celebrate with them through pre-wedding events, or if you have them there the day you get married. But either + both are acceptable! Here is of my brides who brought her bridesmaids/best friends along to her elopement!

CAN I HAVE FAMILY AT MY ELOPEMENT?

There is a big misconception about elopements that your family can’t be there. Your family can absolutely be there, in fact many couples who are eloping do have a few family members there! I encourage my couples to invite whoever they want as long as they feel loved + supported by them! But if the people who you feel like you should invite would cause you stress, make that a hard no!

ARE ELOPEMENTS AS SPECIAL?

HECK TO THE YES! Elopements are just as special, if not MORE special than traditional weddings. Elopements take a lot of the fuss and distraction out of getting married, which means you’re truly focusing on the things that matter to you + your partner on your wedding day. You’re able to slow down and be present in a day that is completely yours, which is an incredibly special thing. And I have lots of ways to include elements in different parts of your day that will make it feel special.

DO I HAVE TO GET MY DRESS DIRTY?

If you’re down to get your dress a little dirty, awesome! But the thought of that makes you want to cringe, that’s okay too! We’ll choose area’s that are less likely to touch your dress, and take some extra precautions to keep it clean. A fitted bedsheet can do wonders!

HOW DO I PLAN AN ELOPEMENT BY MYSELF?

You don’t! That’s why I’m here! Yes I’m your photographer, but I’m here to help you make this day one of a kind + unique to you, so that we have something incredible to photograph! I’m here to help you land on a place, find hikes, find vendors, rave about your dress, give you advice + ideas + help make this day the once in a lifetime experience it should be!

DO WE HAVE TO BE HIKERS?

Nope! While a lot of my couples do like to hike, it’s not something that has to be apart of your wedding day! Again, this is about creating a day that is filled with the things you love + like to do, and if hiking isn’t one of those, then we don’t include it! If you still want to be somewhere beautiful, there are PLENTY of places that just require a pull off the side of the road. No hiking necessary!

CAN WE STILL HAVE PRE-WEDDING EVENTS?

Have your shower, have your bachelorette party, have your engagement party. Celebrate the way you want to! In fact, these events can be really great ways to still include people in your wedding celebrations if you’re choosing to not have people there on the day you get married.

CAN WE STILL HONOR WEDDING TRADITIONS?

Bring all the traditions you want into your wedding day! I frequently have couples do first dances, have their dads walk them down the trail aisle, bring something borrowed and blue, or have a friend give a speech whether it’s there or through a video. You can absolutely still include + honor the traditions that are important to you!

ISN’T IT SELFISH

Yep! But who says that’s a bad thing!? Yes, elopements are selfish, but thats GOOD! Elopements are about taking back your day and making it about you and your partner, because you guys are the ones that are getting married after all, right!? This is the one day that it is OKAY and should be celebrated to be selfish!

DO WE HAVE TO BE ADVENTUROUS?

If you don’t feel like you’re an adventurous person, a-okay! I can help you become adventurous if you’re wanting to do something you wouldn’t normally do, or we can also fill your elopement day with the things that do make you happy!

DOES MY ELOPEMENT HAVE TO BE IN THE UNITED STATES?

Your elopement is limitless. Sure we can head to plenty of beautiful places in the US, but if you’re wanting something extra exciting, we can head abroad. I’ve shot elopements in 7 countries, and have a whole list of places that would make for an incredible elopement experience. Your options don’t stop at the US border - they’re endless!

So there you have it. Many of the myths + misconceptions I hear about elopements debunked and your questions answered! It all comes down to remembering that this day is about you and your partner, throwing all the rules out the window, and celebrating in a way that will make your heart light on fire. But don’t worry, I know that that can also be a very overwhelming feeling. “We can do anything, but what does that actually mean. What can and should we do?!”. Well friends, stay tuned for my next post because I’ll be answering all of those questions for you, so that you can figure out how to make this day special + unique!

Ready to start chatting about your elopement? Send me a message through my the bottom below + let’s get the conversation started. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, I’m here to help!

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