How to Make an Elopement Special & Plan a Truly Meaningful Day

Back in the day (like, a few years ago), eloping was all about tying the knot as quickly, inexpensively, and easily as possible – these tiny weddings took place in a courthouse, or even spontaneously in a chapel somewhere in Vegas, with little to no thought given to how to make it actually meaningful or unique. But, that’s not what elopements are anymore! 

Today, eloping is all about prioritizing yourselves and each other – because shouldn’t weddings be about the couple, the ones getting married? Eloping means that you can get married however you want – whatever that means for you, and it’s no less special, meaningful, or important than a big, traditional wedding! Planning an elopement doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put time or care into your day, and in fact, it’s so worth it to make sure your day is truly meaningful and personal to you. This guide will give you some tips for how to make an elopement special, and talk about the keys to planning a truly unique and meaningful day!

What Makes an Elopement Special?

First things first, let’s get this straight – your elopement is special. A lot of couples have been conditioned by the society we live in to believe that if you don’t throw a huge party, invite everyone you know, and get married in a ballroom, your day is somehow less important, less special.

But, this couldn’t be further from the truth! You’re getting married – that’s a big deal, but you’re also doing it in a way that truly feels right to you, making sure that you begin the rest of your lives together in a way that you really love. I’d say that’s pretty special! 

The value of your wedding day doesn’t come from how big it is, how well it fits the mold, or how much money you spend – it comes from the two of you making sure that your elopement is everything you want, and nothing that you don’t.

So let’s get this straight – your elopement is special!

Tips to Make an Elopement Special

What makes your elopement special and meaningful is unique to you! Here are some things you can do to ensure that your day is perfect for you, and some tips on how to make an elopement special.

Choose an Amazing Elopement Location

Finding the perfect spot to tie the knot is one of the most exciting things about planning an elopement! This will be your backdrop for the day, and it will be the place you’ll remember forever as the place where you began your marriage. Keeping your ceremony small gives you so much freedom when it comes to finding your elopement location, and you can totally get creative! Some examples can include a hike to your favorite overlook, an epic national park, or even your very own backyard. It’s all about finding a place that’s meaningful and special to you – whether it’s somewhere you already love or a new adventure on the day you get married.

Prioritize Your Elopement Budget

While in the past, elopements were thought of as “cheap,” today it’s not about spending as little money as possible or trying to cut corners. Keeping your wedding small allows you to save money on a venue, on catering for 200, and on other parts of the day, but this means that you can go big in other ways! 

The most important thing to remember is that you should allocate your budget and prioritize costs based on what matters to you – so if you’re a foodie, you might spend more on a private chef. Or, you might pack your own picnic lunch and spend more on your attire, or invest in an epic adventure like a helicopter tour or a kayaking trip! Think about what’s important to you, and how you want to spend your money. 

If you’re on a tighter budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing elopement day! One of the most incredible things about elopements is how customizable they are – for example, going on an amazing hike costs little to nothing, and there are plenty of ways to personalize your day and to make your elopement special without spending a ton of money.

Get Elopement Attire That You Love

You should feel absolutely incredible on the day you get married, so when it comes to how to make an elopement special, what you wear can make a big difference! Don’t be afraid to go outside the box with this – if a white dress or a classic black tux isn’t your thing, you can totally try on different colors and styles, and opt for something completely unique. On the other hand, if you’re dreaming of that perfect beaded lace wedding gown, wear it! It’s all about how you feel!

Think About the Details

Little details make such a big difference in how your day looks, and how it feels. To make an elopement special, think about how you want to decorate. Hire an experienced florist to put together some gorgeous arrangements, get a unique cake, some personalized silverware, or other details and decorations!

Plan an Incredible Adventure

You’ll likely have a ceremony, but what happens the rest of the day is where you can really make your elopement special and unique. On your elopement day, you can do absolutely anything, so think about what would make this day the best day of your life. Your adventure can be more laid back, like a picnic on the beach or a relaxing day at a cabin, or it can be something like a hike, a 4×4 tour, a snorkeling trip, or trying out kitesurfing! There are no limits – and the best way to make an elopement special is to plan something unique that’s just right for the two of you. 

Hire an Elopement Photographer

A huge part of making your elopement special and meaningful is having photos to look back on afterwards! These memories deserve to be documented, so invest in a photographer who will help you plan a unique day.

As an elopement photographer in Otario, my job is to document love stories for unique couples like you, and to help you create a day that’s meaningful, intentional, and personal to you! So if you’re ready to say “I do” in your one of a kind way, contact me!