After much deliberation, you and your honey have decided to forgo the daunting tasks of planning a full wedding and want to elope instead. Well, there is good news; elopements aren’t what they use to be. A few years back the term “elope” brought up visions of running off to Vegas to get hitched or a quickie ceremony with the Justice of Peace down at City Hall. But today elopements have evolved into more of a “mini-wedding” experience thanks to creative wedding planning companies and intuitive photo/video studios like ours. Couples can now choose from an array of locations and add ons to really personalize their big day and make it special! After planning the weddings of over 100 (and growing) elopement clients, we came up with a few pointers to keep in mind when planning your elopement.

#1 Prepare yourself for your family’s reactions to your decision to elope. We can’t tell you how many of our couples wanted to just go to City Hall, get hitched and call it a day but due to the pressure from disappointed parents, family and friends, decided to plan a full wedding. Have no doubt not everyone is going to be happy with your decision to have a smaller wedding. However there are creative ways to involve your family and friends so they don’t feel left out. Let them be there for your ceremony (central park has great locations that can accommodate larger groups). Host a post ceremony brunch at a local restaurant as a sort of “mini reception”, and of course be sure to hire us to capture photos and video of your ceremony so those who couldn’t make it can share in your big day later on.

#2 Don’t downplay your elopement. Just because you aren’t necessarily “walking down an aisle” or having a traditional wedding doesn’t mean your elopement isn’t special. After all it’s still your wedding day. So buy that beautiful wedding dress you always wanted, hire a professional hair stylist and make up artist (we have an amazing team available for you), and go all out on a beautiful bouquet. We can even put you in contact with intimate restaurants and venues that will host a romantic dinner for you and your new spouse after your ceremony!

This adorable couple knew they made the right choice to elope and called us seeking an all-inclusive package that would take care of all the details (including finding an alternative location the morning of due to rain!).

Angeli and Gregory weren’t going to let a little rain stop the show on their big day. Originally set to elope in Shakespeare Garden, with some quick thinking and help from our friend Reverend Samora of Common Grounds, we switched the nuptials to Belvedere Castle (a great back up location in case of rain). The two exchanged vows under the Northwest Pavilion, a wooden and iron structure on the side of the castle.

The blushing Bride was stunning in a knee-length pastel dress and her groom sported a blue suit. After the ceremony the newlyweds took romantic photos throughout the park before heading to lunch with their guests.

We were honored to be a part of their elopement wedding and wish a lifetime of happiness!