What is an elopement

An elopement is a wedding ceremony that is performed with only a small number of people in attendance. Elopements are often chosen by couples who want to keep their wedding a private affair, to get married somewhere in nature, or who want to save money on a traditional wedding.

Why do I like elopements as a photographer?

One of the main reasons why I love photographing elopements opposed to larger weddings is because of the ability to spend a whole evening up to 2 days with my couples, documenting their real love, storytelling them in a cinematic and artistic way, not rushing anything, the couples not having the stress or drama that usually comes with weddings, and the ability to go anywhere and finding a place that means a lot to the couple or is really exciting to them.

Elopements are intimate and personal. They are a way for couples to celebrate their love with just each other, without the pressure of a big wedding. This can create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere for you to photograph.

• Elopements are often more adventurous. Couples who elope are often looking for a unique and memorable experience. This can lead to you shooting in beautiful and exotic locations, or capturing the couple's love in a more creative way.

• Elopements are more flexible. There are no set rules or traditions when it comes to elopements. This gives you the freedom to be creative and capture the couple's love in a way that is truly unique to them.

Here are some specific reasons why I love photographing elopements:

• I love capturing raw emotions. Elopements are often more emotional than traditional weddings. This is because couples who elope are usually more present on this day and are able to just enjoy every step and part of the day. As a photographer, I get to capture these raw emotions and preserve them for the couple to cherish forever.

• I love being in nature. Many couples who elope choose to do so in beautiful outdoor locations. This gives me the opportunity to photograph the couple's love in a natural and serene setting.

• I love being creative. Elopements are a great opportunity to be creative. I can experiment with different styles and techniques to capture the unique personality of the couple and their elopement day.

How do I plan an Elopement?

If you're thinking about eloping, there are a few things you need to know to make sure your day goes smoothly.

1. Choose a date and time. The first step in planning an elopement is to choose a date and time. You'll need to make sure that the date and time you choose works for both you and your partner, as well as any witnesses or officiant you may have.

2. Choose a location. The next step is to choose a location for your elopement. This could be anywhere you and your partner love, such as a beach, a mountaintop, or a forest.

3. Hire a photographer. A photographer is essential for capturing your elopement memories. When choosing a photographer, be sure to find someone who has experience with elopements and who can capture your unique love story.

4. Plan your ceremony. If you're having a religious ceremony, you'll need to contact your officiant to schedule the ceremony. If you're having a non-religious ceremony, you can write your own vows or choose a pre-written ceremony.

5. Pack your bags. On the day of your elopement, be sure to pack your bags with everything you'll need, such as your wedding attire, your marriage license, and your ID.

6. Relax and enjoy your day! Eloping is a great way to celebrate your love with your partner in a private and intimate way. So relax, enjoy your day, and focus on each other.

Here are some additional tips for planning an intimate elopement:

• Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and roll with the punches.

• Don't forget the details. Even though you're having a small wedding, it's still important to pay attention to the details. This includes things like your wedding attire, your flowers, and your food.

• Take your time. There's no need to rush through your elopement. Take your time, enjoy each other's company, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

With a little planning, you can easily plan an intimate elopement that is both special and memorable.

These are some of my favorite elopement places in Utah

• Antelope Island

• Moab Utah

• Capitol Reef

• Cottonwood Canyon

• Springville Museum of Art

• Utah Capitol Building

Anywhere is the world is a good place to elope and I am very confident in finding places no matter where I am or go. I have a list of bucket list locations that I offer discounted or waived travel fees, to see the full list click here.

Below is part of Whitney and Bradens intimate Antelope Island Elopement. It started off with a slow and romantic getting ready together at their home and then we went to Antelope Island and spent around 5 hours together, exploring, them sharing their love story, moments that mean a lot to them and getting to be fully present with each other. There was a lot of time for them to be in the moment with each other and just as much time for me to be able to create and be creative with them. No rushing, no stress, just them, me, and their ability to choose how their day went.