An elopement can look like a lot of different things, and so it can be daunting or confusing to consider it as an option for your wedding.   So, to start off I want to define what an elopement is to me from a more modern perspective, and debunk the idea that it means secretly running away to Las Vegas to get married.  Then!  Below there is an example of a full day elopement in Salt Lake City, Utah to give you some ideas of what your day could look like.

Spoiler Alert! Elopements are meant to be truly reflective of who you are as a couple.

So what is an elopement?​

An elopement is a wedding, the union of 2 people in marriage, without the production of many of the things that a traditional wedding encompasses.  It’s a celebration focused on the couple and crafted to what the couple enjoys in celebration of the beginning of their journey in life together.

Elopements are intimate (meaning smaller than traditional weddings, but can still have guests!), intentional (meaning they are focused on the couple and their marriage, not on a party to entertain guests) and a reflection of the couple so they can truly be themselves and enjoy each other on their special day.

Elopements do not *necessarily* mean:

• They only last about 1 hour for the ceremony and pictures and then it’s done.  You can do so much more, and why not?  A wedding is a whole day affair, why can’t your elopement be a whole day of fun too?  No matter the way a wedding “looks”, they all deserve the same amount of celebration and honor.
• You can’t invite friends or family.  You totally can have guests, the difference is that they usually are under 25-30 people (so just the most important people in your life) and the day is focused on the couple, not entertaining the guests.
• You have to keep it a secret.  Tell who you want to!  It’s your choice, there are no rules.  Invite or involve people you love whatever way you want.
• Las Vegas or lots of hiking… they can be as simple or as complex as you want.  The point is that it’s crafted to encompass what you and your partner enjoy together.  AND!  They can take place (almost) anywhere you want (as long as you have the right permits for some places).  For example, you can elope in  your backyard or local park, a place you have always wanted to go, or a place you always go, in a city, at the beach, in the mountains or desert, wherever is going to be special for you!

Yes, elopements can be whatever you want them to be, so have fun with it! Check out this RAD example of what your day could look like if you like hiking and you want some family and friends to join.

Example Elopement in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Picture a simple, relaxing, but fun day in the mountains with your family with a sunset ceremony at an alpine lake.  Then having a special meal at an adorable cabin with a bonfire and s’mores. 

Lodging, getting ready and first look location:  The Cozy Cabin at Brighton

Main hike with family for ceremony:  Brighton Lake – 2.5 miles to lake

Ceremony location:  Brighton Lake – by the lake with the mountains in the back at sunset

Additional portrait location:  

–  Sunrise hike: Sliver lake Loop – 0.9 miles out and back

–  Star photos: Near cabin or *optional* again at Sliver Lake Loop

Meal/Celebration Location:  

–  Brunch before hike: Silver Fork lodge

–  After ceremony: Back at cabin for campfire, dessert and dancing.

Example Timing:

6:30am – Short sunrise hike in casual clothes (just couple) at Silver Lake Loop Trail

9:00am – Go back to the cabin for coffee and relaxing

10:30am – Casual Brunch with Family at Silver Fork Lodge

12:30pm – Getting Ready

2:00pm – First look in front of the cabin

3:00pm – Start Hike (with family) to Brighton Lake

4:00pm – Stop along the way for photos at lake

5:00pm – Picnic/Snacks at lake

6:00pm – Ceremony

6:30pm – Family Photos (then family hikes back)

7:00pm – After Ceremony Portraits with Sunset

8:00pm – Couple Hike back

9:00pm- Late Dinner with family at the cabin with a caterer or private chef

11:00pm –Hang out at the cabin and have a fire pit first dance and cake/dessert.   *Optional* star photos near Silver Lake.

12:00am – End of photo coverage

How fun does that sound?!?  What do you think of that example elopement in Salt Lake City, Utah?  Can you see yourself doing something similar to this?