Your 2 Hour Sunset Session is Not an Elopement
I’m going to say something that most photographers won’t: If you’re treating your elopement like a run to McDonald’s and only hiring a photographer for two hours for the sake of getting pretty pictures, you aren’t eloping. You’ve just had a photoshoot in fancy clothes. There, I said it.
Getting married is a huge milestone in your life, and how you spend your day should be an outward expression of the love you both share. Sure, you could just go to the courthouse, sit in a room with thirty other couples just like you, and be reduced to a number in a line—or stand at the base of an arch to say “I do” and get a couple of pretty pictures. This is the equivalent of me going through a drive-thru for a quick bite. Sure, it tastes good, but it’s nothing special. I’m not going to write home about it or tell my friends how badly they need to try it for themselves.
You deserve the 5-star Michelin of elopements and nothing less!
I completely understand the thought behind wanting to do something easy to escape Aunt Carol’s family drama and the stress of deciding on seating charts that make you want to gag just thinking about them. Eloping gives you the freedom to decide what every aspect of your day looks like. You will have so much more to gain out of your day! I will walk you through why a full-day elopement is a better option than a quickie ceremony.
Stay somewhere with a soul
Instead of staying in an outdated hotel room with thin walls, no privacy, and other guests walking the halls, opt to start the day of your elopement in an Airbnb or similar rental property for a more personal and noteworthy experience. By opening up your home base options, you’ll get access to things like hot tubs and private backyards. This is where you’ll be winding down at the end of the day as well, so I encourage my couples to look for places with an iconic view. That way, you can enjoy your morning coffee with a view that gives you a small glimpse into what your day is going to hold, and a place to reminisce under the stars once it’s all said and done.
Where I would stay
Here are some of my favorite stays in the states I photograph:
Utah
- Moab – A charming cave converted into a hideaway with desert views
- Salt Lake City – private swiss style barn with chickens + goats ( has a hot tub!)
Alaska
- Seward Cabin with private amenities.Your porch is also situated to ensure you have magnificent mountain views from comfy Adirondack chairs – perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee while viewing the eagles and moose that frequent the forest next door.
- Anchorage – The cabin has an open A-frame layout designed to feel bright, simple, and comfortable 1 hour from Anchorage
Missouri
Slowing down and being intentional with how you start your day sets the tone for the whole elopement. The truth is, your elopement day isn’t just reading your vows on a mountaintop; it starts in those quiet moments. It’s in the way you write your vows while sipping coffee together in the early hours, or the way his fingers hover over your skin as he helps you into your wedding dress. These are precious moments that you will want to look back on just as much as the ceremony itself.
The Journey
Jumping right into the ceremony journey! You both have gone on an incredible journey to get to this moment. From chatting to eventually meeting each other’s families and asking the big question. Your relationship has been a journey leading you to this adventure!
So, let’s imagine your elopement day after leaving the Airbnb like this:
We begin at a trailhead and make our way to your ceremony spot, taking our time along the way to take in the views and soak in the memories as you make them together. Choosing to elope at sunrise means you won’t have another soul in sight that you didn’t personally choose to be there. Consider the hike to your ceremony as a shared journey toward the commitment you are making to each other, turning a simple walk into a memorable adventure.
Ceremony
Elopement ceremonies are one of the most intentional and personal ways to start your marriage. When the ceremony is woven into a full day of adventure, it becomes a high point of a much larger story, allowing you to be truly present in every look, every tear, and every word spoken. There is no longer a need to rush to fill a timeline. Take the time to hold hands and get lost in the view around you. Ask your closest friends and family to write you letters that you can read during your ceremony for a personal touch. Read and recite your handwritten vows to each other in a stunning location that speaks to your soul.
After your ceremony, celebrate over a picnic and your drink of choice.
Go on an Adventure
The day doesn’t end just because you’ve officially tied the knot; it’s just beginning! With the main event behind you, you can now explore and enjoy your day with no limits. My couples thrive on adventure and incorporating fun activities that make the whole day even more special and memorable. The activity can be as simple as horseback riding to a packed picnic in a meadow, talking over the events of the day, or as extreme as skydiving from 15,000 feet in the air. Your elopement deserves to be one of the most memorable days of your lives. Your story deserves more than a quick “I do.” Let’s do something that actually feels like you.
Start planning your elopement day here!
XOXO, Alyssa
