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ELOPEMENTS

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April 4, 2024

A man in a light beige suit stands with his arms crossed and eyes closed while a woman in a floral dress holding a bouquet stands behind him in a forested area, ready to break the norms at their elopement.

How to Break the Norms at Your Elopement Wedding

For far too long, weddings have followed the same pattern. For most of eternity, they’ve been about tradition and adhering to the rules to make others happy. It’s 2024, and my couples don’t consider marriage to be the transfer of property between men, so Fuck the Patriarchy. Let’s break some norms at your elopement. The […]

For far too long, weddings have followed the same pattern. For most of eternity, they’ve been about tradition and adhering to the rules to make others happy. It’s 2024, and my couples don’t consider marriage to be the transfer of property between men, so Fuck the Patriarchy. Let’s break some norms at your elopement.

The whole idea of eloping is to do whatever you want to – from the adventures, and activities to how your day plans out. It is personal to you and your preferences and that is the fucking beauty of it. (Oh! And the best part of it all is that not only am I an experienced wedding photographer, but I’m also a certified travel advisor, and ordained minister so I can help you plan every second of your dream elopement!)

So, Imma give you some ideas on how to break the norms at your elopement wedding.

7 Ways to Break the Norms at Your Elopement Wedding

Do What You Want

First of all, you have to remember that you can literally do whatever you want. 

There are no expectations from family members and no rule book to tell you where to get married and how you do it.

The beauty of elopements is the freedom you have to create a unique day for yourself that is so personal, only you could create it!

If there are certain traditions you want to keep and others you want to scrap, then you do that. There is nothing to say you can’t keep “traditional” elements in your timeline, as long as it makes you happy. 

First Look

You do not have to walk down the aisle for your partner to see you for the first time– especially if you have family and friends at your elopement– it may feel awkward to you. 

So, instead, to do something a little different at your elopement, you could opt for a first look, where you and your partner see each other privately before you walk down the aisle.

This is a really intimate moment for couples and it holds so much more meaning! As an elopement photographer, I love capturing this moment. 

You can also choose to get ready and dressed together. This is your day, and you can spend it exactly how you’d like.

A woman in a floral dress walks through a dense forest with leaning trees and lush greenery—truly breaking the norms at your elopement.
A person in a floral dress standing among tall trees and bushes, holding a bouquet of flowers, ready to break the norms at her elopement.
A man in a light beige suit stands with his arms crossed and eyes closed while a woman in a floral dress holding a bouquet stands behind him in a forested area, ready to break the norms at their elopement.
A man in a light-colored suit stands with his arms crossed in front of a woman in a floral dress holding a bouquet, both amidst the serene beauty of the forest. Together, they break the norms at their elopement, celebrating love in their unique way.
A man in a light beige suit and tie smiling at a woman with braided hair in a floral dress, holding a bouquet, standing in a forested area. They seem to break the norms at their elopement with their unconventional yet enchanting setting.
A couple in floral attire embraces and kisses outdoors, surrounded by dense greenery. One person is holding a bouquet, choosing to break the norms at their elopement.

Personal Vows

Personal vows are an awesome way to add a personal touch! If you do not like the idea of “cringe” vows that are already written or anything soppy, then write vows that you will enjoy writing and saying out loud to your partner.

They could be funny, reminiscing back on fun times in your relationship and inside jokes can be included. Honestly, personal vows are so much more fun and have a lot more meaning most of the time!

No Guests

One of the most popular ways to break the norms at your elopement wedding is by having a truly intimate elopement with no guests. 

Most couples simply don’t like having all eyes on them during such a personal event, which is totally understandable!

So, an elopement wedding is a perfect way not to feel obliged to invite anyone. 

You can always celebrate with everyone after your elopement.

Scrap the Dress

You do not have to wear a traditional white wedding dress– so many people are opting for bright colours, unique designs and two pieces!

Or, some people are simply ditching the dress altogether and opting for jumpsuits, suits or whatever else they want to wear. 

The beauty of no expectations is getting to be unapologetically yourself – express yourself with your clothing, hair, makeup and accessories to feel confident and beautiful!

A couple stands in a rocky, orange desert landscape, with the man leaning against a rock formation and the woman leaning into him, ready to break the norms at your elopement.
A couple, dressed formally, shares a moment on a rocky path in a mountainous landscape during sunset. The woman wears a pink gown while the man is in a dark suit. Break the norms at your elopement and embrace spontaneity with such breathtaking backdrops.
A couple stands on a city street at night, illuminated by surrounding neon signs. The woman wears a fringed dress and the man wears a dark suit. They are holding hands and smiling at each other, ready to break the norms at your elopement.
Two people in black outfits posing with a white fountain in an outdoor area decorated with an elephant statue and neon signs, ready to break the norms at your elopement.
A couple, dressed in formal attire, stands on a scenic mountaintop with lush green hills and cloudy skies in the background. A bouquet of flowers lies on the ground, as they break the norms at your elopement for a more authentic celebration.
A woman sits on a leaning palm tree by a calm waterfront, surrounded by other palm trees. There's a dock extending slightly into the water, and the overcast sky adds a touch of drama. Break the norms at your elopement and make unforgettable memories in this unique setting.
A couple embraces in front of a pink convertible with "Little White Wedding Chapel" written on the door. The woman, breaking the norms at your elopement, wears a black dress and white boots while holding a red bouquet.
A man in a black suit and a woman in a light, sequined dress hold hands while walking in a rocky, mountainous landscape, breaking the norms at your elopement.
A person gives a piggyback ride to another on a rocky trail surrounded by hills and shrubs, both are smiling and laughing, breaking the norms at your elopement with pure joy and spontaneity.
A couple stands on a rock formation in a desert landscape during daylight, with the woman wearing a red dress and the man in light-colored clothing, breaking the norms at your elopement.
Two individuals walking away on a grassy surface; one is wearing brown pants and sandals, the other a white dress and sandals. They break the norms at your elopement.

Create Your Timeline

You can create a timeline of events that equals your perfect day!

Break the norms at your elopement wedding by not sticking to a “normal” schedule. If you do not want to walk down the aisle you don’t have to, if you don’t want a reception you don’t have to! If you want to brewery hop, let’s go! If you wanna hike, my boots are ready.

If you choose to have elopement vendors during your day, make sure you give them a timeline, too, so they know where to be and when for no wedding day hiccups. (This is something I help all of my couples with, and I can even handle full coordination and logistics for my couples! If you’re looking to hand things off, let’s talk!)

Choose Activities

Aaaand what’s the best way to have THE MOST fun during your elopement? Fill your day with activities that bring you absolute happiness and joy.

There are so many ideas here and this is a personal decision. Whether you decide to go on a hike to see the sunset, or you choose to do wine tasting– choose the activities that you want to do.

Maybe you both have something on your bucket list that you’re eager to tick off. What better day to do this than on your elopement day?

Plan an elopement day that you love and you will have no regrets at all!

Are you ready to break the norms at your elopement?

Now you’ve got some ideas — and I want you to go think about it! What do you dream of doing for your elopement?

Now I wanna hear about it: what “norms” will you be breaking?

If you would like to inquire about your elopement or wedding photography to have your unique day captured, then get in touch here!

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Your go-to elopement and wedding photographer, based in Joshua Tree and the Midwest. 

My mission is to create a safe space for all couples to be themselves, and to document your love story in a way that’s raw, real, and honest. I’m here to capture your most authentic moments while helping you plan a day that’s as unique and badass as you are.

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