Why Elope? // How to know if it's best for YOU
Elopements are becoming a sweet, intimate alternative to the standard, traditional wedding. Yet, I think a lot of people have fears, misconceptions, or worries about eloping. Probably because the word elope technically means to run away and secretly get married, especially without parental consent. However, I think that eloping is taking a different direction in todays culture. Eloping today is simply viewed as a small, intimate wedding, with only a handful of family member or close friends, most times taking place at an adventurous destination.
When Kayla & Dustin reached out to me about photographing their wedding, they mentioned that they wanted to elope somewhere in the mountains, with only a few family members. They were very flexible with the location, so I mentioned that I’d be in Colorado in June, if they wanted to fly out and do it there. Luckily, they were already planning on honeymooning in Colorado, so it worked out perfectly!
They got married one June afternoon in Chautauqua Park in Boulder, and everything about this experience couldn’t have been more perfect. So I wanted to ask Kayla & Dustin a few questions regarding their elopement, in case any future couples are interested, curious, or possibly looking into eloping themselves.
What made you guys decide to elope?
Money was honestly a big factor. We didn't think it was logical at all to put anyone into any sort of debt over a one day wedding. We asked ourselves, “At the end of the day, what are the most important things? That we love each other and that we are married!”
Obviously, eloping isn’t for everyone, so how did you know this was the best decision for you and your fiancé?
Neither of us like to be the center of attention at all, so we knew this would be a perfect option for us. We also knew it would be a lot easier to plan, which it most definitely was!
What were the best and worst parts about eloping?
The best part…goodness there are so many things! Number one, it’s so intimate! We chose to have a very small number of family members with us and it made it so special! Another thing is you can choose to have
it anywhere you want without the worry of guests traveling. And honestly, we couldn't think of a negative thing about it! Maybe just the fact that some people were disappointed they couldn't be there too.
Any tips for future couples who are considering eloping?
Don’t procrastinate your planning. I know it seems like there’s nothing to plan, however, those small details can be big problems if you don't take care of them with enough time. And don't let anyone guilt trip you out of doing it! It’s YOUR day!
If you could go back and change anything, what would it be?
This probably sounds cheesy, but we wouldn't change a thing!! Everything turned out so perfect!!!
Are you glad you chose to elope?
Absolutely! We'd do it all over again if we could and I would encourage anyone who is considering to elope, to just do it!! They won't regret it!!
I think elopements are so special in so many ways, and since I’ve photographed a mix of huge, traditional weddings to small mountainside elopements, I figured I’d share a few of my own personal opinions. I think eloping is a great alternative because it:
allows you to focus more on what truly matters, which is getting married, not planning a wedding.
can combine your wedding and honeymoon into one.
takes away so much stress that comes with planning a large wedding
allows you to have a more carefree day, with no rushed timeline or agenda.
gives you an opportunity to get a lot of photos of you and your spouse in a beautiful location
helps save a lot of money
allows you to be fully present in the moment and not distracted by stress, a tight schedule, and hundreds of guests
Like I said, eloping isn’t for everyone. I had a huge, 300 guest wedding and loved it. Yet, looking back, I don’t remember that much of it, because it was so rushed, there were so many people to talk to and thank for coming, and we were on a tight schedule. I couldn’t be fully present in the moment because I was being pulled in every direction possible. However, the bottom line is, you have to decide what is best for you and your spouse. That might look like having a large wedding, but then doing a session the day after with your photographer, to eliminate a lot of the time it would take to do photos on your wedding day, so you have MORE time to enjoy the day and be present in the moment. Or maybe it looks like having a small backyard wedding and serving pizza and coke for dinner. Or maybe you want to be adventurous and elope in a place you’ve always dreamed of going. Every couple is different, therefore every wedding is different. There is so much freedom in deciding whats best for you and your spouse and what best fits your personalities, even if its different from what everyone else has done or is doing. If you have any questions about eloping or want to discuss personal ideas or dreams for your own wedding, reach out over on my contact page and I’d love to talk!
