Eliminate Wedding Stress: Elope
Bride and Groom
Coming from a Colorado Wedding Planner, you might think we are CRAY for encouraging people to elope. But truthfully, a big and/or elaborate wedding IS-NOT-FOR-EVERYONE! Many people might think that it’s crazy for someone to want to elope and give up the grandiose weekend affair… But in reality, there is so much pressure on couples these days to have the perfect wedding and it’s big business. Weddings are not cheap! On average, our clients spend upwards of 6 figures (and higher). For some couples, throwing an over the top event is what they have always dreamed of! (Yay for us!) But, for other couples, this type of pressure can lead to a lot of stress and a marriage starting in debt.
Many couples are faced with the decision of whether to elope or have a traditional wedding. Should you go against the grain and have an authentic elopement? In this blog post, we let our friend and destination and elopement wedding photographer Brittany West share with you all of the benefits that come from having an elopement!
An elopement is a wonderful alternative for couples who simply want to get married without all of this added stress and expectation—it’s the perfect way to have an authentic, intimate wedding! Eloping will allow you two privacy and with the help of an elopement photographer you can have an adventurous day with a scenic backdrop.
Reasons to Elope:
- In the age of Covid, an elopement can be the perfect opportunity to have an authentic experience while addressing the health and safety of your guests.
- You don’t want the added stress of planning a traditional wedding.
- You want to save money and eloping is more affordable.
- You want to elope for the privacy aspect and want to have a party later.
- If you and your partner are not religious and you don’t want a church wedding or your two families might have conflicting religious views.
- Your family might be dysfunctional or small so there’s no one else but the two of you!
- The pageantry of a traditional wedding is anxiety inducing and you just simply prefer an intimate celebration with those who are closest to you rather than hundreds of guests you barely know.
- You want your engagement period to be romantic and fun and all the planning seems to hamper the joy that comes along with an engagement.
- You want an intimate, authentic wedding with just your closest family and friends.
- Your dream location isn’t available for a traditional wedding but want the natural scenery that is common for an elopement.
- You don’t like being in the spotlight or feel uncomfortable being the center of attention.
- Eloping is simply a more unique alternative for you and your partner as you might see yourself as a nontraditional couple.
- You want unique activities at your wedding that your guests might not be thrilled to take part in, this might include hiking, rock climbing, skydiving or camping.
No matter what your reasons are for wanting to elope, know that there are countless benefits to doing so! You’ll have an unforgettable experience and you’ll be able to start your marriage off on the right foot—without all of the drama and hassle.
Bride and Groom
What are the best locations to elope?
Self solemnization states are popular locations to elope. This includes California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, Nevada, Kansas, Maine, and Illinois. Even if you aren’t having a large wedding you may want to still consider hiring a Wedding Planner to assist with all of the details. So for instance, if you want to elope in Colorado, consider hiring a Colorado Wedding Planner.
-A cabin in the woods, a beach, or even your backyard!
-Hawaii is especially popular for eloping because it’s so easy to get married there and you can have an authentic Hawaiian ceremony.
-A secret location in your city or town that you love.
-National parks are a great way to escape the daily routine of life and be surrounded by beauty! A variety of climates can be found within the variety of U.S. national parks.
What do we need to elope?
-A marriage license
-An officiant for non self solemnizing states (this can be a friend or family member)
-Witnesses if you want them! You might not even need witnesses. (research the state laws in the location you want to get married)
-An elopement photographer
What does an elopement photographer do?
Elopement photographers will capture your day and preserve the memory of this momentous occasion for years to come. They can take photos at any location, including weddings in national parks that are usually off limits to regular members of the public. Elopements provide great opportunities for photography because there is less stress involved than with traditional wedding planning so couples tend to enjoy themselves more which makes for better pictures! Whether it’s raining, snowing or beautiful outside, these guys know what they’re doing and how to use the landscape to their advantage.
The list could go on forever… all it takes is a little bit of creativity, spontaneity, adventure, and lots of love for each other. With advice from an elopement photographer, who knows where your perfect day might take you? Eloping doesn’t mean settling for something less than what you want; it’s simply another opportunity to make things exactly how they should be—just the two of you and no one else (no matter how hard anyone tries to convince otherwise!). Wherever it may happen, we hope this blog post has given you a sense of guidance and filled your head with ideas of a romantic and fun elopement.
XO,
Table 6