How to Make an Elopement Feel Special | So Much More than Activity Ideas

“Make an elopement feel special”

If you’ve typed “make an elopement feel special” into google hoping for answers, I got you 🙂 You’re probably used to only seeing larger weddings on the internet, but you aren’t quite sure they will bring you joy. You’re thinking about eloping but are worried about it feeling as special as those who have a big wedding.

However, you know deep in your soul, you feel alive during small, intimate experiences with the people you love. An elopement can be an extension of that small group experience, which will leave you feeling just as alive.

Imagine if you decided to choose a big wedding because it’s what you see around you – you’ll probably be stressed and not be able to allow yourself to enjoy the moments. By choosing an elopement, you’ll do something that better aligns with you as a person which will automatically be better for your soul. Forget the big wedding production and choose things that are intentional for you and your partner. It will feel like an amazing day!

Not convinced? Check out my resource if you’re not sure if an elopement or big wedding is right for you!

Elements to make an elopement feel special

Plan more than a 10 min ceremony.

Larger weddings usually take 10-12 hours to photograph. If you’re worried about making an elopement feel special I’d really suggest taking your time, and choose activities that would be meaningful to you. Be intentional about everything you decide to do!

See examples of timelines for Washington elopements here! 

Think of things to add to your day that would mean a lot to you and your partner.

What do you and your partner enjoy doing together? 

Do you want to splurge and do something you’ve never done before? That would be pretty memorable! Get creative! 

For example – you might decide that hiking means a lot to you and North Cascades National Park was where you got engaged. Get married on a hike and get a photographer to take awesome adventure photos (hi, me!) If you’re trying to figure out how to plan a hiking elopement in WA State, check out my resource here!

OR maybe you and your partner love wineries. You head to the eastern part of the state, do a wine tasting and then have a private dinner at a vineyard! 

Some other intentional ideas include:

• Write your own vows
• Have your best friend marry you.
• Invite your fur baby to help you celebrate.
• Don’t wear a traditional white outfit
• Cook your own campfire dinner together
• Eat macaroons and drink champagne instead of having cake
• Stargaze

Take your time.

Elopements are not tied to a strict timeline like weddings are. I can’t tell you the number of couples I see unable to truly let go and relax because they are being shuffled from one thing to the next. Build in relaxation time to enjoy everything. Your day should feel chill, not like a checklist! A good photographer will build in time for you to relax and enjoy your day, without being back to back. This in itself takes away the stress and allows you to relax and savor every moment.

Go with the flow and don’t stress too much.

An elopement is more fun because it’s more carefree. You won’t cater to guests, you won’t need to appease family, and you won’t get pulled into traditional activities you think are ridiculous (garter toss anyone?) You’re doing what you want to do. And if something happens, it’s really ok – it will not ruin your day, it will just make it even more memorable and might open doors for more than you anticipated!!

Be realistic about the things you do.

If you don’t like the cold, don’t get married when it’s cold. If you don’t like hiking, don’t plan a 5-mile hike for an elopement! Listen to your likes and dislikes and honor those!

Invite only who you want to invite.

Who will bring you the most joy and love on your wedding day? Those are the people you want to celebrate with! Check out my resource here on how to narrow your guest list and a resource on ideas to involve your friends and family on your wedding day!

Have a larger party later on!

If you want both that small intimate experience to truly celebrate you and your partner, and a big party that is OK! Plan both! You get to have that intimate moment alone for your vows and  “wedding day.” Then you get to choose an entirely different day and throw a party where you can just, well, party! You can celebrate with your friends and you won’t feel guilty about not focusing on your partner 🙂 

Hire an elopement photographer who wants to tell your story.

Every couple is different and unique. Elopement photography to me is more about you than the pretty pictures you can post on Instagram. Every story has a beginning and an ending and your photographer can document all of it, from getting ready to a campfire sunset!