Elopement vs Wedding
Elopement vs Wedding
Which Experience is Right for You?
Eloping is a theme that has become super popular in recent years. But what exactly is an elopement and what is the difference between eloping and having a traditional wedding? As an elopement and intimate wedding photographer, I’ve seen couples get married in so many different and beautiful ways! Today on the blog I’m sharing what is the difference between an elopement and a wedding and how to know which experience is right for you!
Elopement vs Intimate Wedding vs Wedding: What is the Difference?
Choosing between an elopement, intimate wedding or standard wedding is one of the first decisions couples make after getting engaged, but how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s start with the basics and learn what each of them means.
What is an Elopement?
A lot of people still think of elopements as something couples do when they don’t want to spend time or money on their wedding - when they want a quick courthouse ceremony and nothing more. As an elopement photographer, I’m here to tell you that’s not what elopements are about!
So if an elopement isn’t a five-minute ceremony with a judge in black robes… what is it?
The truth is, an elopement can be anything you want it to be! I mean literally anything you want! Eloping is all about being intentional in planning your wedding day. Instead of following traditions and what's expected, it's about doing things your way!
Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you can't include traditions into your wedding day. It simply means that you can keep any traditions you want and toss out any that you don't. You can even p ut your own spin on traditions, such as having your first dance around a campfire, or skipping traditional wedding attire and replacing it with something that's uniquely YOU. Maybe you'll even create completely new traditions! An adventure elopement is all about you and what would make this the best day of your life.
What is an Intimate Wedding?
The definition of an intimate wedding can vary slightly depending on who you ask, but the easiest way to define an intimate wedding is simply a wedding with a small guest count. While there isn’t an exact number, typically intimate weddings range between 20-50 guests.
Intimate weddings can often look similar to traditional weddings, but they also incorporate some of the best elements of elopements. Since they have a limited number of guests, intimate weddings allow you to be intentional about your day and keep the focus on you as the couple while still being able to be surrounded by loved ones. It's a much simpler approach to traditional weddings that also incorporates all of the best aspects of elopements.
What is a Wedding?
This one likely does not need any explanation, but a traditional wedding is a celebration that focuses on the couple’s heritage and culture. Traditional weddings can vary in size ranging from a couple of dozen people to hundreds of guests and they often take place at a traditional wedding venue. Weddings often follow strict timelines and focus on the events of the wedding rather than the couple.
Why Those Terms (Or No Terms) Need to Define Your Experience
Maybe after reading the above, none of these terms define your experience. Guess what - that’s ok! I think a lot of people like to put these definitions…as well as a lot of other things…into a box. They limit the day to a particular type of location or specific things you can do, or the number of people you can or can’t invite, etc. Really though, I think the point is that couples should be able to customize their experience and make it look however they want it to. Pick pieces of any tradition or non-tradition you want. You can and should truly do whatever the fuck you want, just because you can!
Why Elope?
I’ve said it before but your love story isn’t the same as everyone else’s, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either! There are so many reasons why couples choose to elope or have an intimate wedding and each is unique to them. Below are some common reasons couples elope.
To Have an Intentional & Meaningful Day They Can Remember
To Avoid Pressure From Family
To Plan a Day Full of Activities & Adventures
To Save Money
A Big Wedding Doesn’t Feel Authentic To Them
Elopement or Intimate Wedding? Choose Both & Have the Best of Both Worlds!
Still can’t decide whether or not you should elope or plan an intimate wedding? The good news is you can have both! A ton of my couples have a mix of a "just us" experience while also including some family and friends.
Sometimes that's a couples session the day before or after, or it might simply be a few hours on their elopement day where we steal away and do something for just them. I’ve had couples exchange private vows, go on an adventure experience, or simply do something super low-key and meaningful to them. They get to experience quality alone time with each other while also getting to celebrate with their closest loved ones.
You truly can have the best of both worlds when it comes to your elopement. It all simply comes down to the experience you want to create. Just know that anything is possible and that you can create a day that is completely tailored to YOU!
Traditions That combine elopements + traditional Weddings
Thinking about planning an elopement and intimate wedding combination? Here are some traditional ideas some of my past couples have opted to include on their wedding day.
Elopement wedding dress/attire
Officiant
Wedding cake
Intimate dinner or reception
“Walk down the aisle” in nature
What an Intimate Wedding or Elopement Experience Could Look Like
Whether you choose to elope or have an intimate wedding or a little bit of both, your day can look however you want. You can plan an all-day adventure in the mountains or a multi-day experience complete with a couples session and a ceremony and reception dinner with loved ones. If you want to invite guests, do it! If you want to include guests in part or all of your day or keep the day to yourselves and invite guests to celebrate with you after, then do it! Your wedding day can and should look however you want it to and you shouldn’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Here’s some examples of what your day could look like!
2-DAY EXPERIENCE:
Day 1 - With Guests
● 2:45 pm – meet at ceremony location & set up for first look
● 3:15 pm – first look followed by capturing details
● 4:00 pm – family arrives & set up for ceremony
● 4:30 pm – ceremony begins
● 5:15 pm – ceremony wraps up, pop champagne to celebrate
● 5:45 pm – family photos
● 6:30 pm – family photos wrap up & family heads into town/airbnb
● 6:45 pm – exploring & portraits with just the couple
● 7:45 pm – sunset, head to airbnb (1 hour drive)
● 8:45 pm – arrive at airbnb & meet family for dinner, toasts, and cake
● 10:45 pm – photo coverage wraps up
Day 2 - Just The Two of You
● 4:30 am – meet at trailhead, begin hiking up trail in the dark (2 mile hike in)
● 6:00 am – arrive at summit, change into wedding attire
● 6:30 am – sunrise portraits & exploring
● 8:30 am – begin hike back down, portraits along the way (2 mile hike out)
● 11:30 am – arrive back at the trailhead, photo coverage ends
ALL-DAY EXPERIENCE:
Sunrise/Morning Ceremony
● 4:00 am – meet at the trailhead, gear up
● 4:15 am – begin hike in the dark (1.5 miles)
● 5:45 am – arrive at first look location, alpenglow begins, change into wedding attire
● 6:30 am – sunrise first look followed by portraits & exploring
● 9:00 am – begin hike back to trailhead, portraits along the way (1.5 miles)
● 10:30 am – arrive back at trailhead, head to airbnb (30 min drive)
● 11:00 am – arrive at airbnb for ceremony
● 11:30 am – ceremony
● 12:00 am – family photos
● 12:30 pm – brunch party with champagne popping & mimosas
● 5:00 pm – photo coverage ends
Sunset/Evening Ceremony
● 8:00 am – meet at airbnb for breakfast mimosas
● 9:00 am – begin getting ready + detail shots
● 11:oo am – first look at airbnb
● 11:30 am – head out to ceremony location (1 hour)
● 12:45 pm – walk out to accessible ceremony location
● 1:00 pm – ceremony
● 1:30 pm – family portraits
● 1:45 pm – family heads back to airbnb or their stays for a break / couples portraits begin
● 3:00 pm – couples portraits end / head back to airbnb (1 hour)
● 4:00 pm – arrive at airbnb + take a few to chill
● 4:30 pm – family arrives + reception begins
● 8:00 pm - photo coverage end
8 HOUR EXPERIENCE
Sunset/Evening Ceremony
● 2:00 pm - details + end of getting ready
● 2:45 pm - first look
● 3:00 pm - head to trail head
● 4:00 pm – meet everyone at trail to hike out (1 mile)
● 5:00 pm - ceremony
● 5:15 pm – hugs/family/ guest photos
● 5:30 pm - family heads to airbnb
● 5:45 pm - sunset couples portraits
● 7:00 pm - hike back to car + head to airbnb
● 9:00 pm - toast, dancing ect.
● 10:00 pm - photo coverage ends
6 HOUR EXPERIENCE:
● 6:00 am - details + end of getting ready
● 7:00 am - first look
● 7:15 am - head to ceremony location
● 7:00 am – couple portraits
● 9:00 am - ceremony
● 9:15 am – hugs/family/guest photos
● 9:45 am - head back to airbnb
● 10:15 am - mimosas + toast w/ guest
● 11:00 am - photo coverage ends
NEED SOME ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION? CHECK OUT THESE ELOPEMENT WEDDING IDEAS!
YOUR DOWN FOR ANYTHING ELOPEMENT + Intimate WEdding PHOTOGRAPHER
that’s me, Rylee!
One of the best ways to make an elopement special is to hire a photographer! Being able to see your photos after the day is over is so magical - and it’ll transport you back to that incredible day. You’ll be able to see the entire story unfold all over again!
Another reason why hiring an elopement photographer makes your elopement special is because I also double as a planning assistant! Through getting to know you and figuring out what you’re dreaming of for your elopement day, I’ll craft the perfect adventure, completely personalized to the two of you.
If you’re ready to plan a special, meaningful, personal elopement day, contact me!
Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
Complementary planning assistance from me
locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
Fully edited, High-Resolution photos
Custom Online Gallery
Personal Printing Rights
Sneak Peek Photos
Custom GIF’s & Double Exposures
Traveling Included
