If you’re reading this, then you’re either thinking about eloping or are already planning your elopement, right?! Maybe you’re just curious. That’s cool too! I’m here to tell you why it’s important to have a photographer on your elopement day, AND why you need more than one hour of coverage with them.
A Little About Modern Day Elopements
Back in the day (as they say), eloping meant truly and honestly running away and getting married in secret. While that is still totally the case in some instances, elopements have shifted a bit in modern day! There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and what it looks like is specific to each couple.
Some invite a few friends and/or family members, and some don’t.
Some people go to the courthouse, while some people go to an epic location that requires a hike.
Some people tell others they’re eloping, and some don’t.
Some people make it a bigger celebration with dinner to follow, and some go to Waffle House.
Plus the in between options and all the possibilities I didn’t mention!
And typically, couples are choosing to elope as an intentional act of their marriage and love for one another. No pleasing others. No strict timelines. Just good, easy vibes.
Why You Need a Photographer for Your Elopement
The answer is hella simple….because it’s still your wedding day.
“Um, okay random person on the internet…”
Hear me out though! Just because you’ve chosen to do something different doesn’t mean it’s any less important than if you were to have a bigger wedding. In fact, the intentional act of eloping is even MORE of a reason to have it documented. How else are you going to relive the day? How else are you going to show your friends, family, coworkers, internet besties, and maybe even your future kids who weren’t there your day? Cell phone photos? NAH, shawty. You need professional photos. To print. To hold. To share. To remember.
AAAAAND (most) elopement photographers help you plan your day.
and finally,
Why You Need an Elopement Photographer for More Than an Hour
I know I’m repeating myself, but I shall say it again…because it’s your wedding day. It’s a big deal. I totally understand that for some couples, an hour is fine. It’s enough. Slay! If you’ve read this far, you’re probably not “some couples.”
Just because you’re having a (much) smaller wedding doesn’t mean you have to celebrate smaller, and your day deserves to be documented in it’s entirety. Does it have to be a 12 hour long, full day adventure? No! Can it be? Yes!
So I guess what I’m saying is make it a day…or at least a few hours. 😂
“Okay again random photographer lady. What are we supposed to do for a few hours?”
- Enjoy a slow morning or afternoon together (and have it photographed)
- Have your ceremony (and have it photographed)
- Get photos together at your ceremony spot
- Go somewhere cool, pretty, epic, or all of the above for more photos together
- Cut a lil cake, pop some champagne, or have a private dinner (and have it photographed)
And before you know it, POOF! A few hours have passed. I promise you’re not going to regret having too many photos of your day, but you may regret not having enough. Because at the end of the day, all we have is memories, and photos are a way to hold memories in your hands.
Hey, I’m Colleen.
An Ellijay, GA based destination elopement and wedding photographer with 9 years of experience in the wedding industry. If you’re thinking about going against the norm and eloping or having a badass wedding, let’s chat about photographing your day in a way that’s authentic to you!
