Our Guide to Eloping
“My mom is going to kill me!” We’ve heard that one before, but it’s never actually happened.
We meet couples all the time who dream about eloping sometimes before they’re even engaged yet. Sometimes they’re in the midst of planning and just want to clear their emails and get it done - we even hear from folks who’ve already tied the knot: “I wish we knew about you before we got married!”
We’re here for the couples who want to splurge on an experience, remove all the stress, logistics and fuss of a large to-do; Couples who get anxious at the thought of being the center of attention on their wedding day; Couples who just want it simple.
That’s who we cater to and why we’re here.
We wanted to compile a guide for those wanting to elope.
Weddings, big or small, highlight all our family dynamics (the good and the difficult). So how do you tell family you’re eloping? Gently. Telling family you have plans to elope (or that you’ve already eloped) mostly commonly has to be done with grace. Pressure to keep your nearest and dearest happy shouldn’t keep you from having your dream wedding on a realist’s budget. After all, it is YOUR wedding.
So, here’s our list of advice for those wanting to elope:
1. CHOOSE YOUR VIBE
Beach vs Barn elopement? City vs forest? This experience is designed by you, for you, and should be all about you. Ask yourself what feels like a reflection of each of you and will stand the test of time … are you rural cuties with a crush on the ocean? Do you love the hustle and bustle of a city and proudly identify as a foodie? We can pull your favourite things together and make a magic elopement that is purely and truly YOU!
2. DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT
We can walk through your day with you from beginning to end and make recommendations for all your must haves, it’s actually a really fun part of eloping! Planning the best day ever?!?! Yes, sign us up! When you go small, you can go big on experience. Treat yourself to a fancy post-nuptial dinner, rent a boat for a sunset cruise. Think about the experience you want for your wedding day and we’ll help sort out your key players to make it all come to life.
3. MAKE IT OFFICIAL
Tie the mother-freakin’-knot! We’ll walk you through the inescapable logistics (getting your license) but all that’s left is to lock that shit down. You made the commitment to one another, you’ve decided how - it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! You’re eloping! You’ve eloped! YOU’RE MARRIED!
4. CELEBRATE
You’re married. Now’s the time to make all your fun announcements. Again, let this part be totally you. Announce with a few photos online (we try to hire photographers who typically send a few teasers out within a couple days, sometimes that very day) or quietly tell your family and friends over dinner, host a small reception dinner post elopement and wow them by showing up in your wedding outfits! How you do this part is totally up to you.
5. LET THE WORLD KNOW
As much as we encourage people to elope, to cut the stress and costs of celebrating love (among many other reasons), we encourage sharing the news of an elopement gently, especially with immediate family.
Commonly couples host a reception after eloping and we love that the formality goes out the window and the pressure comes off. This can turn into a fun, relaxing, and celebratory event full of cheers and happy tears. EVERYONE loves a wedding, even if they weren’t there! Giving your people an occasion and place to celebrate post elopement is highly encouraged; The deed is done, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy being newlyweds without answering a million and one questions, keeping an eye on schedules or chasing down 15 different people for 1 photo.
You can make post-elopement receptions sentimental and special by providing an opportunity for close family and friends to help, orchestrate, give speeches, do first-dances and more.
above photo by Zack Goldsmith Photography
And there you have it. Not rules, per se, but way to keep things ceremony focused, real, and all about you.
