Elopements have recently begun to be associated with crazy, spontaneous adventures somewhere far away. While some couples may run away and do just that, elopements as a whole are a much broader category. Together, let’s address a couple of misconceptions about elopements and intimate weddings to share our truth!

Myth 1: Elopements are impulsive and spur-of-the-moment. 

Reality: Many elopements and intimate weddings are booked many months, or even years, in advance. Sessions are planned out meticulously to ensure an amazing day from the moment you wake up to the moment you kiss your new husband or wife goodnight. While undoubtedly much easier and much less stressful to organize, there are still many components of an elopement to pull together. You have to find your wedding attire, a venue, figure out transportation, and book a photographer (like us!), to name a few. 

Myth 2: Elopements take place at crazy locations far away from home. 

Reality: The beauty of an elopement is that it can take place nearly anywhere. In fact, many elopements take place much closer to home than you would think. Whether it’s the bowling alley where you met or a coffee shop you visit every weekend, the most important part of selecting the special place where you’ll say “I do” is that it is meaningful to you and your significant other. This could even mean your own backyard! There’s something so magical about a backyard wedding. Your home is a meaningful spot. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and familiar. And since it’s your own house, you can do your day exactly how you want.

Myth 3: Elopements are a brief event and only take up a fraction of a day. 

Reality: Elopements are just as important and meaningful as traditional weddings, so don’t rush your day. Don’t cram it into a quick 30 minute ceremony and move on. There’s so much more to the beautiful union between you and your significant other than just your first kiss as a married couple or the exchange of your wedding rings. You deserve a whole day of beautiful photos to look back and relive a wonderful day all about the two of you. From the getting ready process to the sunset picnic dinner (or whatever your wedding day looks like for you!), document the little moments and the memories you might not even realize you’re making.

Myth 4: Elopements are the only alternative to a traditional wedding. 

Reality: If nerves are kicking in about saying your vows in front of hundreds of people, or you’re dreading that wedding day drama you know is bound to happen with all of your family in one place, you may be exploring an elopement. But if you’re still on the fence about a wedding without your parents, best friends, or siblings, know that there is a happy medium. You may be dreaming of an intimate wedding! Classified as a wedding with a limited number of select guests instead of hundreds of spectators, intimate weddings are a perfect combination of the relaxed atmosphere an elopement offers and the support system a traditional wedding provides. 

So what IS an elopement? 

Simply put, elopements and intimate weddings are celebrations of the union of two people who love each other. The difference is, with less attendees, the door is open to celebrate your day exactly how you want to. Elopements and intimate weddings are focused on YOU and who you are as a couple. The goal is to have a stress-free day full of beautiful memories of you and your new husband or wife doing what you love together.