6 things to consider before eloping
Is elopement right for us?
This comes from the bottom of my heart, sincerely.
Read this article as if a dear friend were explaining something new, interesting, and crazy to you. Just go with the flow :)
I ) Don't think with your reason, but with your heart.
The definition of elopement has changed over the past three or four years. It's no longer just for couples who are solitary, ashamed, or simply don't want to invest in a traditional ceremony.
An elopement is so much more than that…
Couples who choose to elope have a wide range of activities and locations to choose from – regardless of how intimate it will be, or how many guests will be present.
With all these options, it's sometimes difficult to know exactly what you truly want. One of the recurring questions is: "Is this the right choice? Should I continue down this path, or change everything?"
To help you, here's what I suggest you do:
• With your partner, position yourselves in a way that makes you feel comfortable: Cuddled up on the sofa; sitting face to face, hands discreetly touching…
• Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
• Out loud, describe what you envision for your future ceremony.
• Don't think about the logistics; let your imagination run wild: a large lake in the Italian mountains; a helicopter taking you to one of the peaks of the Himalayas; your union in the Patagonian wilderness… A cozy cabin, a crackling fire… Does a special cake come to mind? What activities would you like to do during your day? Be creative!
What you're doing now is the right way to begin planning your elopement and to understand what your heart desires, not just your rational mind. You may not be able to make everything a reality, but it will be YOUR wedding!
II ) How many guests can you invite?
With elopements, the beauty lies in knowing that there are no rules, just the standard laws to follow.
No rules about the number of guests. No rules about the duration of your elopement. No rules about what you must include in your ceremony.
Many photographers have different opinions. Some charge an extra fee, more or less expensive, if you bring 1, 2, or 15 guests. Be sure to check what they offer to ensure you stay within your budget.
From my perspective, I sincerely believe that every elopement is so unique that I have no rules about the number of guests you can bring; this is perfectly normal, because for your special day, the people who matter most to you should be there.
Generally, couples arrive with an average of 15 guests, or a maximum of 30. It's entirely up to you!
III ) Is a wedding planner necessary? What other service providers should you consider?
If you don't feel comfortable organizing the elopement without one, I can recommend some quality vendors.
Furthermore, if your only goal is to have a unique experience in a beautiful location with stunning photographs, you won't need anything other than an officiant.
My job is also to support you and provide you with the best resources and assistance I have available to help you plan the elopement of your dreams.
Most of the time, these elopement planners have additional skills – such as being an officiant or florist – and they will be happy to share them with you.
IV ) How do we make this official in the eyes of the law?
In the United States, each state has its own way of issuing marriage license. You'll need to carefully review the requirements to obtain one.
If you wish to get legally married in Europe, it's possible as long as you follow each country's process and obtain your legal license. Just like each state in the U.S., each country in Europe has its own laws, so be sure to follow them carefully. Obtaining a marriage license can be complicated for Americans, so it might be easier to opt for a symbolic ceremony.
If you really want to get legally married abroad, I recommend visiting the website of the U.S. embassy in each country where you are considering getting married.
V ) How much can you save?
This topic is a myth that many people believe to be true.
It all depends on how you want to organize your elopement. You will certainly pay less compared to the number of guests, but not for the vendors.
Your dress, suit, wedding rings, florist, wedding planner, photographer... The reason for eloping is not enough to make the vendors cheaper.
Your elopement isn't limited to 4 hours, or 8, but it's a whole day, regardless of the time you've booked with your vendors. When you think back on it, you'll remember that it's a full day, 24 hours, 24 hours that are just for you. Personally, that's how I see it: I will photograph you all day long, without exception!
Keep in mind that the average cost of a wedding is $30,000; and $6,000 for the honeymoon. An elopement will cost you around $15,000 to $25,000.
VI) Who should you hire as your elopement photographer? How do you decide?
I'll make it easy for you: "Me," simply. Lol. Just kidding.
Let's be serious, a photographer is THE person who can make you endure the worst or experience the best when it comes to guiding you and photographing your union, your story.
To decide if a photographer is right for you, I recommend:
- Read their or "About Me" page, and learn about them and their desire to please their clients.
- Read their articles, look at the photos they offer. Do these photos evoke a particular feeling in you? Would you want to show them to future generations?
- The price: yes, it's the painful subject. I don't like talking about money either, but it's important. In my heart, I believe you get what you pay for. If the average is €4,000, and a photographer offers you €1,500, ask yourself why? Why such a low price? Are they aware of the workload involved in an elopement? If not, do they have experience? I'm not saying you should hire the most expensive photographer, just be careful about what vendors in the wedding industry offer.
- If you like what they do, if you think the price is within your budget, send them a message, and then call after the initial exchange. Never pay a vendor if you haven't spoken to them on the phone. We want to learn about our clients. We want clients to know more about us. We want to know if we connect, so that we can create an authentic relationship = authentic photographs. If it's not possible, that's okay. It's nothing personal. There are photographers everywhere.
My work begins the moment you contact me. Even if you don't hire me; What I know is that I'm already thinking about your plans from the moment I receive your first email. I listen to you, I read your messages, and I call you to learn more about you. Then, we start researching locations that might be perfect for you and the other steps involved in planning your elopement.
I hope this article has helped you gain a clearer understanding of one or more specific aspects of your dream elopement.
Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Just send me an email :)
Or perhaps I'm the right person to help you and make your dream elopement a reality?
