What is an elopement?

Couple sits on top of rock in Garden of the Gods. Mountains are in the background.

Even though Covid has made elopements more popular, there is still some misconception when it comes to the definition of an elopement. You don’t have to run away from home as young kids to elope. Gone are the days of an elopement being some hush-hush shameful thing.

So, elopements don’t have to be a secret? Nope, only if you want it to be! Do we have to go to Las Vegas and get married by Elvis? Again, no. You don’t have to, but you certainly can if that’s the vision you have for your wedding day. You could elope in your backyard, right here in Kentucky, on a secluded trail near a waterfall in Tennessee, or in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah. The options are limitless! Choose something that’s meaningful to you and your significant other.

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Elopements offer couples the chance to have an intentional, intimate experience that allows them to focus more on what the day is really about, EACH OTHER, and less on the stress of creating a day for their family and friends. But don’t worry, you can still 100% find a way to include your family and friends if that’s what is important to you! While traditions are great, eloping means that you’re totally allowed to throw away the rule book when it comes to your wedding day.

Sometimes a wedding can feel like a performance for your family and friends. What if you want to write vows for your partner that the rest of the world doesn’t hear? An elopement gives you the chance to do just that. The worries and stress of all of the craziness of life melt away and it’s just you and the love of your life, looking into each other’s eyes having a truly intimate wedding experience, while you commit your lives to each other.

What does an elopement look like? Let’s say that one of your favorite things to do as a couple is explore. Land Between the Lakes has so many amazing options for hiking and enjoying the outdoors, so I’ve put together an example of what an elopement day in western Kentucky could look like.

Avoid these common 5 mistakes that couple make when planning their elopement.

Names: Tucker & Eliza
Location: Land Between the Lakes
Date: March 18, 2022
Getting Ready Location: Airbnb Cabin
Ceremony Location: Hematite Lake Trail
Additional Portrait Location: Center Furnace Trailhead, Hotel California, overlooking Cumberland River near the Lake Barkley Bridge

1:00: Tucker is ready and outside while Eliza gets ready at the cabin. Get wedding dress photos, detail shots and groom portraits while Eliza gets ready.

1:30: Get photos of Eliza finishing getting ready inside the cabin.

1:45: Couple is doing a first look outside of the cabin. After first look, get Bridal portraits of Eliza and a few photos of the couple.

2:00 Head to ceremony location and hike to the perfect spot.

2:15 Vow exchange.

2:45 Hike back to the Hematite picnic area where couple has some snacks. Take a few portraits by Long Creek.

3:30 Walk up the road for portraits alongside the road and while exploring the Center Furnace Trail.

4:30 Drive to Hotel California for some exploring and portraits.

5:30 Drive to Cumberland River overlook. Couple has picnic blanket, champagne and cupcakes. They will also be dancing their first dance.

6:30 Sunset portraits at Cumberland River and Lake Barkley Bridge.

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So, you see? Once you start dreaming of all of the different things that you can do to make your wedding day a memorable one, the options are never ending! And the best part is, there is no right way or wrong way to do it!

Check out my elopement portfolio!