Should We Elope?
If you’re thinking of eloping but have no idea of where to start, we’ve got your back! We’ve been all over elopements since before they were cool and we can answer all of your burning questions.
Simply put, big weddings just aren’t for everyone and your reasons are totally justified! Maybe you’ve had to postpone because of a pesky global pandemic or maybe you just can’t stand the logistics of seating arrangements, the thought of eloping has probably crossed your mind but outside pressure and questions of wtf do we even start can quickly make it feel just as overwhelming as those seating charts.
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ELOPEMENT?
I don’t like to dictate what an elopement is to anyone, especially since all the ones we’ve seen have been vastly different but by definition, an elopement is a marriage conducted often in secret without a reception. But in saying that we’ve shot plenty of elopements with a handful of guests or a low key ceremony with a bangin’ afterparty. You do you boo! But if you’re really unsure, here are a few questions you can ask yourselves.
DO YOU WANT TO BE THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION?
Some people absolutely thrive in the limelight while other’s would rather anything else, if the thought if mackin’ on in front of Grandma freaks you the f out or public speaking makes you want to curl up in the fetal position then possibly a big wedding isn’t your jam. If you feel like you might be missing out though lots of couples opt for an intimate or private ceremony and have a next level party later.
DO YOUR WEDDING PLANS FEEL MORE LIKE THEY’RE ABOUT PLEASING EVERYONE ELSE INSTEAD OF THE TWO OF YOU?
This is a huge biggie for nearly every couple we’ve met with wether they’re having a huge wedding or a small one. So many plans have been derailed by well intentioned family members to the point where the day no longer feels like it’s a celebration of your love at all.
For some couples, the thought of spending the night before and let’s face it, most of your wedding day apart from your partner just doesn’t sit right with many people. If you’re not convinced that eloping is for you you can still say a big f you to tradition and get ready together on your wedding day.
DOES YOUR BUDGET GET YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT?
By most people’s standards, weddings aren’t cheap. By some people’s standards, even cheap weddings aren’t cheap! When you add up the costs of wining and dining 150 people at a fabulous venue it might have you considering pizza in the back yard (a totally awesome option) or running away together instead.
We’re biased AF because we make wedding photos and videos but all to often we see budgets stretched to the max on the stuff that you probably won’t really remember afterwards and subsequently not allowing enough spend on the things you’ll treasure forever like photos and videos. My fav part about elopements is they give couples more flexibility to spend their money on the stuff that makes the biggest impact.
DOES YOUR BUDGET GET YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT BUT YOU’D PREFER TO SPEND IT ON SOMETHING ELSE?
I’ve heard a million people say that they couldn’t bear the thought of spending all that money on just one day. Although I disagree that it’s just one day (it’s the beginning of your future, duhhh) I agree with the sentiment that you could use that money creating a way more meaningful experience.
The appeal of an elopement for some is spending less money on getting married, though for others, the appeal is creating an experience. Lots of couples opt for an amazing location to elope and make a holiday out of it.
DO YOU WANT TO MINIMISE YOUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Typical weddings are absolutely shit for the environment. On average a wedding generates 200kg of rubbish and anywhere from 10-20% of wedding food ends up in the bin. With over 100,000 weddings in Australia each year we found these figures absolutely mind-blowing and decided we needed to spread the good word of elopements!
DO YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON MORE INTIMATE MOMENTS?
Whenever we’re shooting a big wedding we take every couple out for some sunset photos, not only is the lighting absolutely stunning but we want you to have time to regroup and connect with each other. When your guest list includes your entire office and extended family you haven’t seen for years, it can be so easy to caught up in the moment and before you know it, the bar is closing and the whole day is a massive blur. I love watching couples together on their elopement day, getting ready together, having brunch, adventuring, whatever! Just being TOGETHER! If crowds give you sensory overload then eloping might just be your jam.
I hope that’s given you some insight and helped you figure what’s important to YOU! If you need help getting busy we’ve helped loads of couples plan their elopements from start to finish. Let’s do this!