Elopements for the Minimalist Planner
We all know elopements are becoming a much more mainstream now than they were five or ten years ago. Couples are opting to save money and skip the party. But what is REALLY needed to elope? Do you have to opt for a wedding gown, florals or custom vow books?
Short Answer: No.
Longer answer: Depends on your state. Washington only requires you, your spouse, an officiant and two witnesses. In all honesty, you really don’t need any of the “extras”.
Minimalist Elopement Suggestions
For a long time, the idea of an elopement meant you were spending very little money or getting married at the Justice of the Peace. Watching the industry, elopements appear to be getting much more expensive, and people are going all out at the JP even. Thousand dollar wedding dresses, full florals, and so many more expenses seem to go hand in hand with eloping.
I suggest taking a hard look at what you really value*. Top priorities for my past clients have been: attire, florals and details. Some of these can cost a pretty penny, but you don’t have to spend thousands to get your dream elopement.
*(Obviously being a photographer I’m always going to recommend prioritizing photography, so this blog post won’t go into that argument)
Elopement Attire
This is probably the easiest place to blow your budget, especially if you’re looking for a traditional wedding dress. However, I’ve had clients who’ve found wonderfully beautiful dresses on Amazon for under $100, like Keira’s dress. JD Couture in Bonney Lake features dozens of incredible traditional dresses around the $500 mark. There’s always the option of renting your attire as well. Flutter Dress Rentals are incredibly gorgeous and will be the highlight of every location.
Men’s attire is so much easier to find and budget. Have your man grab his favorite nice pants, a button down and toss a bow tie on him for a quick and easy level up. My favorite bow tie shops are on Etsy, where you can find pretty much any hobby or interest in a bowtie.
Florals for Elopements
Florals is another big item you’ll likely want to splurge on. For Jazmin + Dominic’s wedding, Karrie Michelle Floral Design put together an incredible bouquet. It was the feature piece in all Jazmin’s details and a stunning statement during her portraits. I highly recommend checking out the following florists for your elopement!
Elopement Details
In all honesty, if you have a bouquet, your rings and attire accessories, I can make magic for your detail shots. Sometimes it’s fun to go above and beyond, buying a few extra keepsakes to use during your elopement. A few key pieces other clients have brought include: customized vow books, a copy of their wedding announcement/reception invite, the wax stamp (and a pre made seal) from their announcement, and custom ring boxes. These little keepsakes and details can really be anything your heart desires.
In reality, you don’t need much to elope. You can wear whatever you have on right now (yes, your Disney PJs are totally acceptable), and get married wherever you want (a pizza parlor on Main Street? Why not?). A few extras will give me more to photograph, but they really aren’t necessary. And if they aren’t your style? Ditch all that extra planning and stressing over the little details.
