What is an Elopement (And Why It’s the Best Decision Ever)

So, what is an elopement, really? Forget the old-school idea of a rushed courthouse moment—today’s elopements are intentional, intimate celebrations where the only rules are the ones you make. No seating charts. No awkward small talk with your third cousin twice removed. No last-minute drama about whether the florist used the exact shade of blush pink you requested. Just you, your partner, and the freedom to create a day that actually reflects your love story—whether that means exchanging vows on a mountaintop at sunrise, saying “I do” barefoot by a waterfall, or keeping it cozy with an intimate backyard ceremony followed by your favorite takeout.

Real talk time—traditional weddings often feel less like a celebration of love and more like a high-stakes production where everyone has an opinion (especially that one relative who insists they must be seated near the front). Between the endless debates over invitation fonts, seating charts that require a PhD in family politics, and the pressure to entertain 150 people you haven’t seen since childhood, it’s no wonder couples get overwhelmed. That’s where eloping swoops in like the superhero of wedding planning. 

And here’s the best part: eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing romance, adventure, or jaw-dropping photos. In fact, it often means more of all those things. Without the constraints of a traditional wedding timeline, you can spend your entire day soaking up the moments that matter—hiking to an epic overlook for your first look, sharing a private picnic with champagne and your favorite snacks (yes, charcuterie boards do count as a meal), or even sneaking away for sunset portraits just the two of you.

As someone who’s spent years capturing the magic of elopements (and also personally eloped), I can attest that these intimate celebrations are anything but ordinary. They’re a chance to strip away the noise and focus on what truly matters: your love, your commitment, and the adventure that awaits you both. So if the idea of ditching the stress and doing things your way sounds like a dream, you’re not alone. More couples than ever are choosing elopements—not because they’re “running away,” but because they’re running toward what really matters: each other.

Still on the fence? Here’s why eloping might be your perfect fit:

• No people-pleasing. Your day, your rules. Want to wear a leather jacket over your dress? Do it. Prefer pizza over a five-course meal? No judgment here.
• Adventure-ready. Swap ballrooms for breathtaking landscapes—think misty forests, desert dunes, or lakeside cliffs.
• Zero regrets. Instead of stressing over those centerpieces, you’ll remember how you felt—the quiet moments, the laughter, and the freedom to be fully present.

Wondering how long an elopement takes? It’s not just a quick 15-minute ceremony. Most couples plan for a full-day or even multi-day experience that includes everything from getting ready and hiking to sunset portraits and stargazing. Because when you elope, your whole day is your wedding—not just the vows.

Bottom line? Eloping isn’t the “easy way out”—it’s the bold way forward. And if you’re ready to design a day that’s authentically yours, I’m here to help you make it unforgettable.

Elopement Myths Debunked

Time to throw some shade at outdated ideas about eloping:

What Could Your Elopement Day Look Like?

Every elopement is as unique as the couple celebrating it—that’s the beauty of ditching tradition and designing a day that truly reflects you. To give you a little inspiration, here’s how I crafted a dream day for one of my couples.

But here’s the deal: this isn’t a template. It’s just one example of how an elopement can unfold when you prioritize adventure, intimacy, and those little moments that make your love story yours. Some couples want a slow, romantic morning with coffee and handwritten vows. Others might opt for an adrenaline-packed afternoon of rock climbing or a sunset ceremony followed by stargazing. Your day could include family, fur babies, or just the two of you—it’s all about what feels right.

Ready to imagine the possibilities? Let’s see how their day unfolded.

Sunrise Segment (5:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

• 5:00 AM: Enjoyed coffee and cake at their cozy cabin.
• 5:30 AM: Got ready together while sharing sweet moments.
• 6:00 AM: Read heartfelt letters from loved ones at a scenic overlook as dawn broke.
• 6:30 AM: Hiked along a serene trail to their ceremony spot.
• 7:30 AM: Exchanged vows surrounded by nature’s beauty.
• 8:30 AM: Celebrated with a champagne toast and a private picnic.
• 10:00 AM: Explored more trails for additional portraits.

Sunset Segment (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

• 3:00 PM: Meet back up with them, capturing candids as they finished a puzzle.
• 4:00 PM: Drove to a scenic spot with a stunning view of the sunset.
• 5:00 PM: Captured sunset portraits with the golden hour light.
• 6:30 PM: Shared a romantic first dance under the stars.
• 7:00 PM: Ended the day with a final toast.

Do We Need an Officiant to Elope?

Great question—it depends on where you’re tying the knot. In the U.S., some states (like Colorado and Pennsylvania) allow self-solemnization, meaning you don’t even need an officiant to legally marry. In other places, you’ll need an ordained officiant and witnesses. Not sure about the rules where you’re headed? That’s part of what I help with—making sure you’ve got everything covered before you say “I do.”

Can We Include a Few Guests in Our Elopement?

Absolutely. Eloping doesn’t mean it has to be just the two of you. Most couples invite anywhere from zero to twenty people—just enough to keep it intimate without the stress of a big guest list. This kind of small wedding is often referred to as a “micro-wedding” or “intimate elopement,” but honestly? Call it whatever the hell you want. It’s your day.

How to Include Loved Ones Without Ruining the Vibe

Eloping doesn’t mean ghosting your family (unless you want to). Here are some creative ways to involve loved ones without turning your day into a circus:

What Should We Wear for an Elopement?

There are zero dress codes when it comes to eloping. Some couples go all-out glam, while others opt for comfy hiking boots and wind-ready layers. The key is finding something that feels good, photographs well, and lets you move (especially if there’s adventuring involved). Bonus points for clothing that tells your story—think embroidered jackets, custom hiking gear, or heirloom accessories.

Can We Still Have a First Look, First Dance, or Other Traditions?

Yes, yes, and yes. Eloping doesn’t mean you skip meaningful traditions—you just get to do them your way. Want a sunrise first look? Let’s make it happen. Want to dance under the stars with a Bluetooth speaker and zero audience? I’ll bring the playlist. You get to keep whatever traditions feel meaningful, and toss the rest in the “no thanks” pile.

Epic Ideas for Your Elopement Ceremony

Because saying “I do” should feel as unique as your love story:

• Exchange vows by a waterfall or on top of a mountain.
• Incorporate traditions like handfasting or planting a tree together.
• Seal a time capsule with mementos from your relationship.
• Blend your own wine or beer as part of the unity ceremony—cheers!
• Get matching tattoos

Avoiding Common Elopement Mistakes

Let’s make sure your day goes off without a hitch (pun 100% intended). Here are a few common missteps that can totally sneak up on you—and how to dodge ’em like a pro:

1. Less Stress, More Chill

It’s easy to get caught up in picking the perfect mountain or beach, but don’t forget the boring-but-important stuff—like marriage license requirements. Every state (and country!) has its own rules, waiting periods, and paperwork quirks. The last thing you want is to plan an epic elopement only to find out you can’t legally tie the knot that day. Do the research or ask your elopement photographer (hi, that’s me) for guidance!

2. Understanding Timing

Sunrise elopements are magical—but getting up at 2 AM to start hair, makeup, and hike in the pitch dark? Not always the dream vibe you were hoping for (but if it is, I’m IN!). Make sure your timeline feels realistic for you. If you’re not early risers, consider golden hour instead. It’s just as dreamy, and you get to sleep in. Win-win.

3. Ignoring Weather

Mountain weather has one personality trait: unpredictability. Even if the forecast looks perfect, always have a backup plan. Pack layers, bring rain gear, and keep an eye on trail or road closures. Whether it’s a summer snowstorm or a surprise heatwave, flexibility is your best friend.

4. Forgetting to Eat

Adrenaline + excitement = forgetting to fuel up. And trust me, hangry couples don’t feel very romantic. Plan ahead with snacks, breakfast, or even a celebratory picnic. (Bonus: food breaks make for some pretty adorable photos.)

5. Forgetting Comfort

Yes, those boots are cute. But are they gonna destroy your feet halfway into a 4-mile hike? Your elopement outfit should feel amazing, but it should also let you move, breathe, and explore comfortably. Pro tip: break in your shoes beforehand, and don’t be afraid to pack a change for the hike.

Why Eloping is Perfect for Adventurous Souls

If your idea of a perfect date involves hiking through misty forests, kayaking to hidden coves, or exploring ancient ruins, eloping is basically your love story’s ultimate adventure. This isn’t just about ditching tradition—it’s about rewriting the rules entirely. You’re not just getting married; you’re creating core memories that feel as wild and free as your relationship.

Whether you are exchanging vows on a mountaintop in Iceland, saying “I do” under the stars among Utah’s red rocks, or sealing your commitment with a kiss on a secluded beach in Jamaica, elopements turn “I do” into an epic journey where the only agenda is following your hearts (and maybe the occasional map). 

Eloping means that your wedding day can mirror the way you actually live—unscripted, awe-filled, and deeply connected. Whether you choose to hike through the Rockies, sip wine in Santorini, or watch the sunset in Red River Gorge, every moment is designed around what makes your hearts race. No performance, no people-pleasing— just raw, unfiltered joy. And let’s be real: when your grandkids ask what your wedding day was like, “We hiked through a misty forest at dawn” beats “Aunt Heather complained about the chicken” any day.

Ready to Start Planning Your Day?

Planning an elopement should be as fun as the adventure itself. As your photographer, officiant, and all-around elopement guru, I’m here to make sure your day is nothing short of epic. I’ll help you with the logistics (think marriage licenses and permits) so that you can focus on the good stuff—like being wildly, unapologetically in love. Let’s start planning your dream elopement today!