Should you just Elope?
Think with your Heart
Eloping is not what it used to be, It’s no longer running to the courthouse, repeat after the judge, and sign the paperwork. Elopement has become so so so much more.
Couples who choose to elope now have more options in terms of how big, how small, where, how, and what they do they want to include on their wedding day.
With options and choices, sometimes, it is harder to decide exactly what you want to do. This is a huge decision so we recommend you take some time, sit down with your fiance and discuss what you want out of your wedding day.
Don’t think about logistics and how you would do it, but rather what you want?
Who would you absolutely want there to be in this moment with you?
Where do you picture yourself? Are you in the middle of a beautiful forest, on the beach with the waves crashing toward you, a temple in Bali, or next to a waterfall in Iceland?
Will you have a small celebration afterward in a local pub, with a picnic on the beach, or at a small bistro by the sea?
These are just some of the things to let your mind wander to help you discover what you want in a wedding day and to help you determine if an elopement is for you.
When you think with your heart instead of your head, you can truly determine what you want without all of the other pressures influencing your decision. By doing so you just painted a picture of what you truly want to do. It did not involve money or who you have to please. Just simple things that would make your elopement day a meaningful one
This is an excellent start to planning your elopement, it may not be everything you need to do to make it happen, but it is certainly a huge step forward.
Who should you invite?
The best thing about an elopement is that there are no rules. There may be some stipulations with the laws where you are getting married, but in regards to traditions, you are free to do as you please.
No rules on how many people should be there. No rules on how long the day has to be. No rules on what you need to include in your day.
Generally speaking, it is usually a very small guest list when it comes to an elopement. More often than not a couple may opt to travel to a beautiful destination they have either traveled to before or have always dreamed of going. In these instances it is likely they choose not to have any guests in attendance, or maybe limit it to their best friend(s). When you choose a destination the fewer people are often the better choice because you don’t have to worry as much about all the logistics of everyone, but rather focus on the moment.
You know your people, you know what they can handle. The important thing to remember is that this is not their wedding, this is not about them; this is about you making the choice as a couple as to how you would like to start the next phase of your life together. This should be an experience you look back on with fond memories, not stress and anxiety.
How do you start planning an elopement?
The first step is to nail down a few ideas as to where you want to elope. From there you can look at what requirements you have to fulfill to get married in that location?
From there I would figure out where you actually want the ceremony to take place? What do you envision being surrounded during the moment you say “I do”? You know when you see something and you just know this place is special, and when you are finally there you just can’t believe you are finally there in person? This is where you should get married, in the place that sends your body into complete euphoria.
From here you want to look at the rest of the experience; Do you want to have a small gathering after your ceremony? Are you thinking about having a private chef or some sort of catering, looking for a florist or a violinist, someone to take care of all the logistics, who advocates for you? If the answer to these questions is yes, then it may be worth looking into an elopement planner.
if it’s the two of you and all you care for is a beautiful location with beautiful photographs + video, than you don’t need anyone else but an officiant.
How to Make Your Wedding Official.
It’s your wedding day and you need to make sure you can get everything officially documented and filed.
When picking a beautiful location, google search “Marriage License” and add that location to it.
Some of the factors you need to know:
Do you need an officiant?
Witnesses?
Keep in mind we are a team of two cinematographers and can act as at least two witnesses.
How many?
Required wait time between applying for the license and actually getting married?
Is Eloping Cheap?
Just because it’s an elopement, it doesn’t mean you will spend less money on vendors. Overall yes you might spend less because of the guest list, but not on each individual vendor. Your dress, suit, veil, rings, planner, florist, videographer, and photographer do not become cheaper because it’s an elopement. An elopement is a unique experience, it is non-traditional, and it is very personal. We are there to capture not only the moments and sequence of events but the feeling, the raw emotions, and the beautiful statements + promises you are making to each other. Our goal throughout the entire process is for you to re-live those moments, bring tears to your eyes, and goosebumps throughout your body. This is also an important factor when it comes to any doubts of not having certain people in attendance, the ability for them to experience the moment with you even though they weren’t physically present.
Choosing your Elopement Videographer
By now, just to make things easy, I am just going to say “Us”. But we may be a bit biased, ha ha ha!
In all seriousness, a Videographer or photographer can make it or break it when it comes to guiding you through the planning process and capturing the moment that truly reflects you, your love for one another, and your story.
Learn about them and what they stand for.
Watch their wedding films. Do their films leave you with chills, the ones that speak to your heart, the ones you wish to have for generations to see?
Budget: Yes this topic is sensitive and trust me, I don’t like talking about money either but it’s so so so important. I am a huge believer in “You pay for what you get”. If everyone you see charge around $4,000 for an elopement and you see someone else wants to charge $1,000. Ask yourself why? Why is that person charging so low? Are they aware of how much work involved in planning and filming an elopement? If they are not aware, what is their experience? I am not saying that you have to book a cinematographer with the highest price, I just want you to be aware of the industry standard and what’s appropriate and what’s not.
If you love what they do, if you think how much they charge is within your budget, send them an Inquiry and discuss your vision with them.
Hopefully, this article has helped you in any way when it comes to planning your dream elopement. As you can see, I don’t like using the word “perfect” so no, you won’t see me say “plan your perfect elopement”. Because truly, that’s the beauty of an elopement. Things don’t have to be perfect. Perfection doesn’t exist and is not necessary when it comes to planning on a day full of memories and happiness.
