When most people think of elopements, they picture stunning landscapes, golden-hour light, and couples in flowy dresses twirling for the camera. And while, yes, those things can be a part of your elopement experience, they shouldn’t be the purpose of your day.
Eloping is about experiencing your wedding day, not performing for the camera. It’s about doing what feels right for you, being fully present in each moment, and letting the day unfold naturally—without the pressure of making it look like a Pinterest-perfect photoshoot. If that sounds like the kind of elopement you want, here’s how to plan a day that’s about the experience first, the photos second.
1. Start with Your Elopement Experience, Not the Photos
Before you think about locations, outfits, or even what time of day has the best lighting, ask yourself:
- What kind of day do we actually want to have?
- What experiences matter most to us?
- How do we want to feel on our wedding day?
Instead of planning a timeline around photos, plan it around what feels meaningful to you. Maybe that means a slow morning drinking coffee on the porch of a cabin before a lakeside ceremony. Maybe it’s hiking to a secluded spot where you can exchange vows in complete privacy. Maybe it’s a day packed with adventure—boating, snorkeling, or taking a scenic drive through the mountains. Whatever it is, build the day around what makes you feel alive, and the photos will naturally follow.
2. Choose a Location That Inspires You (Not Just One That Looks Good in Photos)
Sure, stunning landscapes make for amazing backdrops. But the best locations are the ones that mean something to you. Instead of picking a spot because it’s Insta-famous, think about places that: ✔ Hold personal significance (your favorite hiking trail, a special beach, the city where you met)
✔ Offer an experience beyond just looking pretty (kayaking, stargazing, cliffside picnics)
✔ Allow you to be in the moment without worrying about logistics or crowds
Your location should set the tone for your day, not just serve as a photoshoot setting.
3. Plan Activities That Feel Like You
The best way to make sure your elopement is an experience, not a performance? Fill it with things you actually enjoy doing. Some ideas:
- Love the water? Charter a boat, lounge on the beach in a hidden cove, or have a lakeside bonfire.
- Foodies? Start your day at a local bakery, have a champagne picnic, or book a private chef.
- Adventurers? Hike, horseback ride, or rent a convertible and road-trip to your ceremony spot.
- Want a relaxed, intimate vibe? Rent an A-frame cabin, cook breakfast together, and say your vows under the trees.
By choosing activities that you’d genuinely want to do anyway, you’re ensuring your elopement feels like a day you actually lived, not a shoot you posed for.
4. Work with a Photographer Who Matches Your Vision
Not all elopement photographers are the same. Some focus on editorial-style images, while others (like me) specialize in documentary-style storytelling—capturing the moments as they naturally unfold without excessive direction.
When choosing your photographer, ask:
- Do they prioritize experience over aesthetics?
- Do they document the day as it happens, rather than staging it?
- Do they focus on real interactions, movement, and emotion rather than Pinterest-perfect poses?
Find someone whose approach aligns with your vision, so you don’t feel like you’re spending your entire wedding day “on set.”
5. Forget the “Perfect” Timeline—Be Present Instead
One of the best things about eloping? You’re not on anyone else’s schedule. There’s no rigid timeline, no pressure to fit everything into a tight schedule—just the freedom to go with the flow.
If something runs late? No big deal. If you decide to stop for an impromptu swim or an extra glass of wine? Go for it. The goal is to be fully present—to soak in every laugh, every quiet moment, every feeling of “holy shit, we’re actually doing this.”
Because in the end, that’s what you’ll remember—not how perfect your hair looked, but how you felt when you looked at each other and knew, without a doubt, that this was exactly where you were meant to be.
Your Elopement is Not a Photoshoot
Your elopement should feel like a true reflection of you—not a content creation opportunity. When you prioritize the experience—your connection, your emotions, the things you love—the photos will naturally follow. And the best part? They’ll be real.
So if you’re ready to plan a day that’s less about aesthetics and more about being in the moment, I’d love to document it for you. Let’s chat about how to make it happen.
Reach out to start planning your experience-driven elopement.
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