13 Elopement Questions Answered
Eloping. It may or may not be the number one thing on your mind right now. For some of you, you’ve always dreamed of that romantic private elopement. But for the rest of you, eloping is just a means to an end in a time where there doesn’t seem to be another choice. Either way, I’m answering your top 13 elopement questions today.
What is an elopement?
Traditionally an elopement was known for the couple running away without their families to tie the knot. Sometimes this was also known as a shotgun wedding because the couple was pregnant and the family wouldn’t approve. Now, elopements are one of the most romantic ways to get married without the emotional or financial pressures that tend to be linked to large wedding days. Whether it’s just the two of you with a couple of witnesses, or with your nearest and dearest, how you elope and who you elope with is completely up to you. THERE ARE NO RULES!
What is an adventure elopement?
Taking a basic elopement to a whole new level, the adventure elopement creates a completely unique experience. I highly recommend these full day elopements, and encourage you to make a list of all the “crazy” things you might want to do. Skydiving? List it. Hike a mountain? List it. Whatever your wildest dreams are, list those and go from there. Together we can plan out your perfect day down to the last detail or we can create a basic “adventure guide” then go wherever the wind takes us.
How do I start planning my elopement?
Truthfully? Start with the inspiration on the blog, including: Unique Elopements, Kiera & Wade, Sarah & Allen, Sarah & Scott, Jazmin & Dominic, and Murphy & Dustin. Then head on over to my blog post about steps to elope in Washington State. (Spoiler alert: You need a date, dress, flowers, marriage license and me!)
How far in advance do I need to book my elopement with you?
If you’re wishing to elope on a weekend between May and September, book ASAP. Most weekends during peak wedding season book a year in advance. However, if you’re looking at a week day or October through April, I recommend a minimum of four (4) weeks in advance, though I’ve booked elopements less than a week in advance. The farther out you book, the more planning time we have for your big day!
Does a backyard wedding count as an elopement?
Hell YES! I’ve seen some pretty amazing backyard weddings in my day (see Sarah & Allen’s Gig Harbor Backyard Wedding) and believe these totally count as elopements! Backyard weddings tend to hold visions of cheap DIY weddings, but you have full control over the details this way!
What vendors do we need?
At a minimum I recommend having a hair & makeup artist, florist, officiant and photographer for your elopement. However, if you’re having a backyard elopement or will be having more than your witnesses in attendance, you may want to book a decorator, caterer, DJ/MC and/or a bartender so your guests don’t have to worry about the food, decor, music or serving drinks. A videographer is also a consideration you may want to make.
What about the dress?
The dress is completely up to you! Kiera picked a black gown from Amazon, while Murphy went with a white Stella York gown. If you have big dreams of the princess wedding gown, by all means, it’s your day and you can wear whatever you want!
One note: If you’re adventuring, consider something you’re able to easily change into. Travel (and hike) in lightweight gear, and carry your dress with you.
Why are elopements just as expensive as a full wedding?
My favorite elopements take the same amount of time as a full wedding, but there’s more travel that is usually involved! For instance: We might start at Altimeter Cabin where you’ll get ready, have a first look and say your vows. From there, we grab a pre-packed picnic basket and head out to Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park, where you’ll enjoy a private meal together (while I photograph the setup and scout out a location for portraits. Maybe you’ll cut cake during your picnic and share a toast. When you’re finished, we’ll find a beautiful sunset location for romantic couple’s portraits and sharing your first dance before heading back to the cabin for your wedding night.
What planning goes into an elopement?
Aside from the basics (vendors, colors, and locations), the planning can be as simple or complicated as you’d like. Jazmin created beautiful announcement suites, similar to the traditional invitation suite, that she and Dominic mailed the day of their elopement. Other planning items to consider: Where will you stay before/after your elopement? Do you want food or a dinner/lunch reservation somewhere? Are there any super important activities or places to stop? Will you need permits for specific locations? I can assist you with all of these items while we plan your elopement.
How do we choose an elopement location?
You have the choice of almost anywhere when you’re eloping. When you’ve pre-planned a location, it’s easier to figure out if you’ll need permits to elope there (some places like MRNP require a permit for any wedding, elopements included). But if you want to be more spontaneous, you can make a basic plan and then figure it out that day based on what your heart feels. Consider if you want somewhere that is super special to you or if you just prefer something unique.
What is an elopement vision?
Your elopement vision is what you want to see, feel and taste on the day of your elopement. I can help you put this together through a conversation about the things that are most important to you as a couple, and things you share that make you unique.
How do we break it to our family?
This is completely up to you. Murphy & Dustin had their parents in attendance so no one was left out, and then posted a photo on instagram to announce to everyone else. Jazmin & Dominic sent out announcements. For some family members, face to face is the only way.
Do we still get a full wedding story?
YES, YES, ALL THE YES! At your elopement I’ll shoot everything just as I would if you were having a big wedding. You’ll be more involved is all, as we’ll have extra time to chat while I photograph your details, and we travel from place to place. It’s amazing how much we can fit into an elopement, and the only thing that will be missing are family and wedding party formals (unless you have your family in attendance or a small wedding party for your elopement).
No matter how you choose to format your elopement, it’s still one of the most romantic ways to “run away” together.
