Let’s be honest. I am sure in your wedding planning you have come across images of brides on cliffsides in epic locations and thought, “can I do this?” or … “should I do this?”
Fortunately, today’s elopements aren’t the ones your grandparents saw, but unfortunately, many couples may feel pressured by photographers to take a 5-mile hike to take photos when all they want to do is party with their closest friends. People define elopements differently: for some, it is just you, your boo, and your officiant, but for others, it simply means a super small group of attendees at what resembles a micro-wedding. So there’s no hard and fast rule, but let’s take a dive into what an elopement means, and how to decide if it’s right for you!
And if you still want those epic photos, let me introduce you to the industry’s best-kept secret: day after sessions.
1. What did your original plan look like?
If you’re stressed and fed up with wedding planning, and you’re looking to just get it over with, you should probably take a step back. Wedding planning is stressful and can feel like a million moving pieces – side note: I always recommend getting a planner for your wedding. Some solutions may be to hire a planner (if you haven’t already), push your date back (if you haven’t already booked a venue), choose what is important for you. I so often see couples getting opinions from all directions on things they need to have on their day, and I encourage you to sit with your partner and decide what are non-negotiable aspects (maybe you need a donut wall – I support).
If your dream wedding has always looked quiet and you want it to feel like an adventure between the two of you, then maybe an elopement is right for you! They are a great opportunity to go and profess your love and marry your person at a location that is meaningful for both of you (whether that’s a hill above San Francisco or a mountain top in Yosemite).
2. How does your guest list look? How do you want it to look?
When my mom got married, she got a 200 person guest list from her family helping her plan. She was not down. If that story sounds familiar to you… consider what your ideal list looks like.
Remember that an elopement need not exclude your family! You can absolutely say your vows with a few close friends and fam, or alone, and then return to a larger reception with drinks, foods, and incredible desserts.
However, if you want to live your dream of having a wedding party and reading your vows to all your friends and family, then stick with a more traditional approach to a wedding. That’s totally fine – don’t let anyone (especially your photographer) tell you otherwise 😡
sometimes just the two of you is enough
3. Do you have an adventure in mind already?
Most elopements on pretty cliffsides and mountaintops are also a planned day of adventure. If you and your boo are avid hikers or cliff divers or rock-climbers then most likely your adventure elopement day will be an experience, not just a few hours. If the rest of that day doesn’t sound as enjoyable to you as getting ready with some close friends or family, then it’s not worth sacrificing the rest of your wedding day just for a few shots.
BUT if that sounds like the perfect day for you and some of your close family and friends, then maybe an adventure elopement is for you! I know in this world of Instagram and Pinterest we can get caught up in what things look like, but really this day is about you as a couple and the memories you make.
And if neither of these sound right for you – follow my Insta to keep up to date on my: how to plan an elopement that fits you perfectly series. Because, although these adventure elopements may seem like freedom from the conventional, real freedom is doing whatever the hell you want – no matter how out-there and non-traditional that may be.
So … can I still get those beautiful shots from a more traditional wedding?
Wanna know a secret? A good photographer can get beautiful shots anywhere. BUT unfortunately, the world of Instagram has pushed a lot of my fellow photogs into trying to convince couples that a 5-mile hike up to a cliff is necessary when there’s pine trees or a beach just a few yards away. So, be confident in telling your photographer “no” if they suggest something you don’t want to do on your wedding day – we are here to serve you not use you as a portfolio piece.
Okay but… I want some awesome cliffside photos but without taking time away from socializing with my guests.
I gotchu. Allow me to introduce: the day-after session. A lot of these beautiful shots require a bit of adventure that may get… a little dusty… so waiting until the day-after to run up a hill in your wedding dress is a great option!
A day-after session is basically a way to get those beautiful gram-worthy adventure shots without needing to take 2 hours away from your wedding. Think of it like the best of both worlds you get the adventure of an elopement but also the traditional wedding you have always wanted.
Everyone is different, and whether your dream day looks like a big party or a small family gathering or an intimate elopement on a mountain, your dream is my mission to make come true!
Just remember to listen to yourself – your vendors are here to advise you to make your life easier, but not steer the boat. Register your email or follow me on the socials to get updates as I walk you through: selecting your vendors (surprise I may not be one of them and that’s a-ok), planning your day around your goals, and budgeting your wedding so you spend money on the things that matter most to you.
