A Few Reasons to Elope
Is Eloping Right for You?
If you are looking for a few reasons to elope from someone who has done it, you are in the right place! So, you’re newly engaged (congrats!!!!). You’re starting to think about planning your wedding day and you are wondering if eloping might be for you (YES PLEASE!!). Maybe you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a big ol’ wedding, being the center of attention and spending a lot of your time planning your big day. The definition of eloping has changed over the years, and it is no longer about running away secretly with your lover to get married without anyone knowing (but that’s cool too), it can really be whatever you want it to be nowadays – from a cute, backyard ceremony with your dog at your feet, a sunrise or sunset hike, just the two of you to tie the knot on top of a mountain, or at one of your favorite places with your closest peeps by your side.
Ultimately, it comes down to a very intimate and intentional way to get married, where you get to focus on each other and what is the most important to you. An elopement can be as elaborate or as simple as you want it to be, and let me tell you, I am ALL for elopements. Having eloped myself, I am a big supporter of couples choosing to elope and doing whatever feels right for them on one of the biggest days of their lives. For those that know me, know that eloping is near and dear to me for a number of reasons, one being that having a big wedding just didn’t feel the same knowing my Dad wouldn’t be there with us. I am so glad that we made the decision to elope, and it truly was the most perfect day.
Here are a few reasons why eloping might be for you from someone who has done it!
01. You get to focus on your partner, your love and being fully present during your wedding day
This really is the best part. This is one of the best days of your life! So, rather than stressing about sticking to a strict timeline or making sure everyone else is having a great time, you get to be fully present in the moment with your partner as you tie the knot and promise each other forever. You can spend the whole day together and bask in each other’s love and do whatever the heck you want to do! Eloping is an incredibly intimate and personal experience, and you get to make the whole day about the two of you.
02. Planning an elopement is less stressful than a traditional wedding
This was one of the big reasons why my husband and I decided to elope! We didn’t want the stress of planning a big wedding or putting in the time to plan it. When we made the decision to elope, we immediately had less anxiety about our day and we were able to put our hearts into the most important things we wanted for our celebration. There was less pressure to do things the “traditional” way and we could celebrate in a way that felt more authentically like us! Planning for an elopement comes down to deciding on a date + location, what you’re going to wear, and finding a photographer to hire (hi, it me!) along with figuring out the small details to make it feel as much like you as possible.
03. You can make your day authentic and intentional
Your elopement can be whatever you want it to be. There are SO many different ways to elope, and at the end of the day it is about celebrating your love and lifestyle as a couple. You can hike a mountain for sunrise or sunset, have an intimate ceremony in your backyard with your closest friends + family, or you can travel to your favorite place or a brand new place you’ve been dreaming of (hello, Fernie, British Columbia dream destination) to say your vows. The options truly are endless!
04. You can include your pets
Need I say more? Honestly, this was a big one for us. Our dog is our baby, and we wouldn’t have wanted to get married without him at our side. Sometimes, venues don’t allow pets and I know how very much part of the family your pets are and it is important to have them present when their humans get married.
05. Eloping allows you to splurge on what is most important to you
Even though this isn’t the main reason eloping is a great idea, you can potentially save money, or, spend what’s in your budget on the things that are most important to you. You can splurge and travel to one of the places on your bucket list, buy the dress (or for me, clogs) of your dreams, and hire a photographer to capture all of your memories.
06. Incredible photographs for you to look back on.
Eloping allows you to have more time, just the two of you to capture meaningful moments of your big day without any distractions. More time for connection and candid moments, allowing your photographer to document the raw emotions between you so you can remember every detail from your celebration when you look back down the road.
Choose What is Best For You!
Even though I am ALL for eloping, it isn’t for everyone and if having a big wedding feels like you and something you’ve always wanted – please, please have one! I am a big believer in doing whatever it is feels right for your big day, big or small, and I will be here to cheer you on every step of the way!
Elopement Photographer & Packages
Hello! I’m Sam and I’m an elopement photographer based in Fernie, BC! I love elopements so much, and even more so after eloping myself! I love going on adventures with my husband and our sweet pup, and I also LOVE capturing you as you embark on your adventure of a lifetime!
My approach to photography aligns with a documentary-style approach, chasing those in between moments, candid captures and stolen glances. If this sounds like something you’d love to have for your elopement day, send me a message here! You can also check out more about me here, and my portfolio here!
