9 ideas to make the most of your intimate elopement
9 ideas to make your intimate elopement special- tips from a destination elopement photographer and videographer
Once you’ve decided that a big wedding production is not for you, the fun part is deciding where, how, and when to elope. It’s no secret that elopements are becoming more popular but often times we find that couples are struggling to find ways to make their tiny little wedding special and unique to them. There can be wayyy more to an elopement day then just posing for pretty photos and video in an epic landscape like a national park or a mountain with rolling views.
What Is exactly does it mean to elope?
Many moons again, the definition of eloping was to run off and get married without the knowledge of friends and family, (usually a shock to parents and besties!) Nowadays, particularly in the time of (dare I say it? It starts with a C and ends in -ovid), couples are using the excuse of gather limitations and safety precautions to head off to their favorite adventure landscape and say their vows privately. And has two people who eloped in Jamaica, we are TOTALLY here for this trend.
Whether you choose to run off to Spain, stay local in your city with a trip to city hall, or something in between like your favorite national park, we find that once couples decide to elope they actually get stuck on how to elope. “What exactly do we do all day"?” is a common question we get allll the time. No fear, we are hear to help with all of our favorite ideas.
From meaningful mornings to styled décor to rad adventures in your wedding clothes, read ahead for 10 elopement ideas from real couples that may just have you convinced to go all-in for your elopement day.
Spend your morning together in a way that is meaningful to you.
If you’ve rented an AirBnb or cabin nearby to your elopement location, instead of rushing out the door, take the morning to slow down and spend some time together. Think about ways to incorporate your favorite at-home activities before getting dressed in your wedding clothes. Some of our favorite ideas we’ve seen are: making pancakes/breakfast together, having coffee on the porch, doing a crossword puzzle together, playing Scrabble, etc. The ideas are endless- the key here is to think about what feels true to you. If you need help incorporating these activities into your elopement day, run them by your photographer/videographer and seek out their professional opinion.
2.Write private vows or letters to each other
With bigger weddings, couples tend to feel that their vows are so personal and private that they don’t want to share during their ceremony with so many people watching. When you have a private ceremony, your space and time for intimacy is boundless. Incorporate writing each other intentional and personal vows or letters to each other during your day. We’ve even heard of someone writing their partner a song and singing it to them (cue the freaking tears!)
3. Splurge on a charcuterie board
Charcuterie boards are making their rounds of trends over the last few years and we can totally see why (we make a pretty rad spread ourselves). After you’ve ran around all the epic spots with your photographer and videographer for portraits, consider packing in the fixings for a charcuterie board, because trust us you’ll be ready for a big snack. If that sounds like something you don’t really want to worry about, hire a local small business to set it up for you. Win-win because you don’t have to worry about it and your supporting the local economy!
Charcuterie boards not your thing? Keep it simple and just grab a pizza.
4. Go all out on a fancy dessert
There’s something about a well-thought out cake, pie, or any dessert that can just make any special celebration more exciting (and yummy!) Although I am a big fan of fancy desserts, some couples that we have worked kept it simple with and packed in gas station Zebra cakes for their celebration. Do what feels right to you and if it involves a set-up or packing in a dessert from a bakery, your elopement team (photo/video) can aid with these logistics. Or, there’s always the option to hire someone to do it for you!
5. Combine the two with a gorgeous, styled picnic
Make the most of your photo and video time and have a styled picnic- think cute pillows, candles, and intentional design elements that add to the gorgeous backdrop of your elopement location. Unless you’re the DIY type, we’d recommend keeping this one to the professionals. There are design and planning companies that can pack in a stunning elopement reception for you so after your done with your portraits and ready to relax with your honey, you can walk right up to a done-for-you reception and get right to stuffing your face (because that’s the best part to be honest.)
Photo by Brittany Hamann Photography www.brittanyhamannphotography.com
6. Incorporate a first dance
You don’t have to ditch tradition completely when you plan an elopement. Quite a few of our couples love incorporating first dances (and just music in general) on their elopement day. It allows for some space to breath and feel connected while still getting some traditional photos that your family may enjoy too! Usually you just need a speaker, a playlist, and someone to hit play (your photographer or videographer would be happy to do it!) If you really want to take it up a notch, consider hiring a local musician. A friend of ours plays the banjo and guitar and not only does she perform covers of popular songs, she also writes her own. This is definitely a super rad option to consider if music is important to you.
Photo by: IsabelStudios https://www.isabelstudios.com
Photo by: Lone Peak Photography
7. Do something unique that just screams adventure!
Some fun ideas for elopement locations near the water include getting on some kayaks and taking a spin in your wedding clothes. Feeling even braver? Jump in to the water with your wedding clothes!
Photo by Kathryn Cooper Weddings
Photo by: Amy Weits
8. Hire a private chef for an intimate dinner at your AirBnb, cabin, or local venue.
Sometimes when you elope in an adventurous location like a national park or a secluded mountain town, finding a nice restaurant that is within reasonable driving distance can be a daunting task. Plus it just feels good to have a professional take care of you, not to mention the food from a trained chef cannot be beat. With a quick google search, you can easily find quality, trained chefs in the area of your elopement and hire them privately to create a custom meal for you and your honey after your elopement.
9. Hire a private masseuse or make reservations for couples massages
Maybe jumping into the lake after your elopement isn’t really your vibe. If rest and relaxation is more your speed, consider finding a local day spa or massage therapist to give you the works after a long day on the trails. You may get lucky with a salt spa or steam room as well. A full evening of pampering could definitely be incorporated into your elopement day, just ensure that this fits into your elopement day timeline that you and your photo/video vendors build together.
We hope you find these ideas helpful and if you need suggestions for your own elopement based on location, we are always happy to help. Just shoot us a quick email at hello@thebreiters.com or fill out our contact form here if you’re on the hunt for a rad photo/video team for your elopement day.