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I always remind couples that choosing to elope is about getting married the way you and your partner want to get married–no exceptions. That’s the power of choosing an elopement, after all. You decide that what you want matters more than what everyone else wants.
Often, that means couples will decide to elope just the two of them–a beautiful decision that I endlessly support.
But sometimes, that means couples choose to do things a little bit differently than that. And that’s exactly what Bailey and John did.
This sweet coupled opted to truly have the best of everything–because that’s what they wanted. They had a ceremony at home with family in a more traditional setting.
A few days later, they flew out to the Tetons in Wyoming for their Grand Teton National park elopement, starting with a private ceremony at sunrise.
And then, on that same day after their private ceremony, they had a small family ceremony with their loved ones included in a beautiful place.
What does Bailey and John’s wedding have in common with an elopement that’s a just-us style? They’re both all about a couple eloping exactly the way they want.
And that’s the secret to having a wedding day that means everything to you and your partner.
Bailey and John knew they wanted to have a little time on their elopement day where they could soak in the day by themselves. They love to explore and hike, and no time was too early to wake up for their day, so they chose a sunrise ceremony just for the two of them.
On the day of their Teton elopement, Bailey and John woke up early, ready to experience a sunrise ceremony together. We hiked to a beautiful viewpoint.
The jagged mountains of the Tetons came into view as a soft, golden light gently touched down from all sides. As the sunrise began, Bailey and John finished up the last few details of getting ready (a boutonniere pin here, a quick hair tuck there) and took each other’s hands. From their personal vow books, they read heartfelt promises they hand-wrote to each other.
The beauty of handwritten vows shared privately with your partner lies within the magic of being able to say exactly what you want. Sometimes, more public ceremonies keep couples from saying what they want to say the most. Being able to privately share your vows–whether your whole day is private or not–is one of the most genuine, intentional ways to write vows that bring you to your knees–the vows that bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes every time you think about them for the rest of your life.
Among the trees and brush with the mighty peaks in the background, Bailey and John embraced, kissed, and shared their vows.
In a private moment, all their own, they became husband and wife their way.
They spent a while soaking at the moment, exploring the area, and just embracing the views in front of them. After a bit of adventuring around, Bailey and John headed out to a new spot, one where they could include their closest family for a small, beautiful ceremony.
As they came together in front of their family and friends, Bailey and Josh started their vows again–this time, sharing abridged (and beautiful) vows in front of their loved ones.
After their ceremony, they shared coffee and pastries with their families, hosting a mini-reception in the gorgeous outdoor area with the Tetons in the background.
One of the best things about Bailey and John is that their elopement day was free of pressure or expectation. They invited friends and family because they wanted to invite them. They started their day with a sunrise ceremony because it felt right to them.
They had two ceremonies in one day because it was the best of both worlds. And what’s better, they didn’t put any unnecessary expectations on the day–even when the plans had to change.
We’d planned to spend the sunset exploring around the Tetons again, but a storm rolled in and washed away that possibility. Bailey and John didn’t bat an eye. Instead, we took some time to have a cozy moment in the cabin on the ranch they were staying at.
They curled up and read together, one of their favorite pastimes. We explored the gorgeous ranch barn–home to some adorable horses, much to everyone’s delight. And above all, they just took the chance to enjoy every second of their day together, no matter what was happening.
When couples ask me what to do on their day or how to include their families, I always have suggestions I’m happy to share–it’s what I do. But no matter what I offer, I always say the same thing–make sure your elopement day is about what you want, above all.
Bailey and John freed their day of any pressure or expectation and, instead, had days of ongoing celebration wholly devoted to them and their love. They never had to choose between intimacy and celebrating with family and friends–they simply picked both.
I hope every couple out there looking to elope takes inspiration from Bailey and John–do the things on your elopement day (or days!) that are going to leave you breathless, even decades later.
Choose the route that makes you tear up every time you look at your wedding photos. Focus on the moments, the small things, and celebrate the way that means the absolute most to you–whatever that looks like.
