Elopements, Micro Weddings, or Traditional Weddings?

With changing times, weddings have changed dramatically over the years. Traditional large weddings with the white dress and the white cake and the 200 plus guests have become obsolete. While these types of weddings to still happen, many people are realizing that following a set script and inviting people they do not really know just isn't them, and that's okay!

A flowing white wedding dress twirls in a golden meadow with mountain views in the background at sunset.

Elopements

What does it mean to elope?


By definition elopement means to "run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent" according to the Oxford Languages Dictionary. Today, elopements look very different. Usually elopements just include the couple and the minister/officiant, a photographer, and maybe a couple of close family members or friends. These are very low-key, and usually less stressful. These can be done anywhere: on top of a mountain, at the courthouse, on a dock overlooking the ocean, on a yacht, in your backyard or anywhere you want! The main difference between elopements, micro weddings and traditional weddings in my opinion is the guest count. Very few people witness elopements or get to experience them. This cuts down on costs and stress.

A pair of hexagonal light blue velvet ring boxes sit on a decorative gold-toned tray near green foliage.

The Focus is on YOU


Elopements are intimate and all focus can be on the couple and their love. They express their love and get photos taken at beautiful places. Adventure elopements are different from the traditional court house elopements. These usually involve some type of event or experience for the couple. As a photographer I suggest an all day elopement! A common misconception is that an elopement is only a short amount of time, but when planning an elopement with me we can create a magical day, curated specifically to your tastes and spirit.

A couple celebrates their wedding in a stunning field with mountains in the background during golden hour.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand through a golden meadow with blue mountains in the background.

What the day could look like.


An example full day elopement could include coffee or tea together in the morning and spending time writing your vows together, reading letters written by family and friends then getting dressed and going for a canoe float across a lake to a private, secluded island where you will share your vows with each other or going for a hike to a magnificent overlook where you share your vows. Then, going back to your cabin in the woods to a dinner by a private chef and a soak in the hot tub after your adventure experience. As your photographer, I would capture as much or as little of your day as you want and follow you around capturing and saving those memories for a lifetime.



A couple in wedding attire, with emerald suit and flowing white dress, walk together in a sunlit meadow at golden hour.
A couple embraces in a scenic mountain meadow with vibrant green grass and blue skies during a wedding celebration.
A couple in wedding attire sharing an intimate moment in a golden field at sunset.
A romantic outdoor wedding ceremony with a white triangular backdrop and couple sharing their first kiss at the altar.
A romantic wedding couple embraces in a field of tall grass against a blue sky on their special day.
A couple in formal attire embrace in a sunlit field, with the groom wearing emerald green and bride in flowing white.