For too long, elopements have been the joke of the wedding industry. They have been confused with shotgun weddings. The OG Dad joke is “I’ll give you them money if you’d just elope!” In the words of Rodney Dangerfield, elopements just can’t get no respect.
With that said, there is a lot of allure for elopements these days. You might be wondering if it is for you. In my experience as a wedding photographer, there are a few reasons why you might favor an elopement over a traditional wedding.
1.) YOU DIDN’T WANT A BIG WEDDING ANYWAY
If you’re fine with just the two of you, maybe a handful of friends and/or family members, then an elopement is perfect for you. You don’t have to have a big wedding; that’s not a rule. Small, intimate weddings are still real weddings.I myself am not too keen on being the center of attention, so I definitely see the perks of an elopement.
2.) YOU WANT MORE EMPHASIS ON THE DETAILS
Think an elopement means less of the little things? Think again! When it is just the two of you, we actually get the opportunity to focus on more of the details! You will have more time and funds available to get that dress that is just a little extra or really beef up that bouquet. Elopements allow you to essentially host your own styled shoot, and you can put as much attention into everything as you want!
3.) YOU ARE HOPING FOR SOME REALLY EPIC PORTRAITS
Elopements lend themselves to unique photo opportunities. We can climb up onto cliffs, play in traffic in a downtown area, or even just cruise around on your boat. When it is the two of you, we can do pretty much anything!
4.) THERE IS FLEXIBILITY IN SCHEDULING (OR RESCHEDULING)
Should something happen where you cannot get married on your day, elopements are easy to move around. I know in my experience, many couples build in the day before and the day after their chosen date, just in case.
5.) YOU COULD POSSIBLY HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
An elopement means you could still have a reception at a later date. You would have your small wedding, and then a larger reception. This the best of both worlds!
Would YOU consider eloping? If you did elope, why would you recommend it?
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