Deciding to forgo a wedding that doesn’t feel right for you (whatever that might be) is the first step toward having a wedding day that aligns with the unique love you and your partner share. 

But that first step is just that–a glorious first step. 

That committment you’ve made to choosing an intentional day that’s authentically you is the guiding light. The actual planning and experiencing of your wedding day, that’s the follow-through–the dedication to soaking in each and every moment of the wedding day of your dreams. 

An elopement day is no time to just go through the motions. It’s a day that is fully and whole-heartedly about you, your partner, and the expression of love and commitment you’re sharing. Why wouldn’t you want to slow down each moment, soak it all in, and experience it to that absolute fullest? 

But wedding day moves fast–no matter how you choose to get married. How can you really absorb each minute of your elopement day? How can you hold on to every second just a little bit longer, keeping it close to your heart before it drifts away? 

There are a few different things you can do on your elopement day to make sure you’re experiencing it ofr everything it is, and I’m sharing those tips with you today in this blog. 

How to Make the Most Out of Your Adventure Elopement 

Pick the Place of Your Dreams 

This advice is short and sweet, but it might be the most important tip I can share–plan your elopement day exactly where you want to. 

Do you adore Zion National Park and can’t picture getting married anywhere else? Do it. Are you obsessed with the arches in Moab and envision saying your vows beneath these ancient, sandstone beauties? That’s the perfect spot. Are you an exchange-your-rings with a snow, dramatic mountaintop in the background kind of people? The Tetons are calling for you. 

This advice applies across the board. No matter what kind of wedding you want–a national park elopement, a backyard wedding, or even in a traditional church setting–the location should feel right for you. 

The place you get married matters, and if it’s not the spot that feels perfect and right for you, it might not be the right place. 

Don’t Make Compromises (Unless You Want To)

As you might have guessed, I’m very Team Do-What-You-Want-On-Your-Wedding-Day. Picking the place that’s right for you and adventuring in a way that makes sense for you are both just parts of the overarching theme of not making compromises. If ever there was a day to say, “you know what? We’re doing it our way!” your wedding day is it. When I say don’t compromise, I don’t mean don’t be flexible–I mean don’t make changes or alterations to your plans because someone else tells you it might be best. 

If you feel in your hearts that you want to bring your favorite snacks on your elopement day instead of a gourmet dinner, do that–no matter what your Aunt tells you about having a gourmet wedding day meal. Do you love the idea of out-of-the-box florals for your bouquet? Go for it–and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Does your unique ceremony idea not sit well with others? Who cares–it’s your day! 

I genuinely believe that this advice should apply to every aspect and element of your wedding day. 

Choose Your Own Adventure

Elopements are all about doing things your way, and for so many people, that means embarking on some sort of incredible adventure.

If you’re at all familiar with the Instagram of Pinterest take on adventure eloping, you know that the boots and backpack elements of adventure elopements are very popular. And I get why. 

So many of couples I’ve worked with have gone this route.

And you know what? It’s been amazing.

But their hiking elopement days weren’t amazing just because the photos were–they were amazing because they genuinely and truly loved every moment of their hiking adventures together.

That has a lot less to do with actually hiking and more to do with each couple choosing the adventure they love the most. And guess what? That can look like anything. If hiking isn’t your thing, who cares? There’s so much adventure to be had. Do you love rafting? Do that on your elopement day. Are you obsessed with offroading on a 4×4 road?

That’s the perfect adventure elopement day.

Are you more interested in sitting back, eating a delicious meal, and soaking in a gorgeous view? That’s an adventure, too. 

No matter what your version of adventure looks like, it’s valid, it counts, and it’s the perfect choice for your elopement day.  

Focus on the Present

Pause. Breath. Soak it all in. On the day of your elopement, everything is going to feel like it’s moving at supersonic speed–that’s what happens when you’re enjoying every moment. 

I wish I had a way to stop time, something that lets you press pause and experience the beauty of a moment just a little bit longer. I’m still working on that, but for now, my best advice is to take a second to really breathe in the day as it’s happening. 

Any time you’re in a new spot, grab your partner’s hand and experience everything around you before you get lost in the details. What’s that flower smell like? Do you see how blue the sky is? Can you believe the rugged landscape? Experience every sense with your partner by your side–encourage each other to take it all in together. 

Moments Matter More Than Everything 

Try to remember that above all else, the experience of your day matters more than anything. Yes, you can want (and I hope you expect!) beautiful images you can remember and cherish forever. Yes, you can want vendor support, beautiful flowers, delicious food, and incredible weather. 

But no matter what happens or how it all plays out, the fact of the matter is you’re getting married–and that experience, every second that makes up that day, is what matters the most. Keeping that perspective and focusing on what’s truly meaningful can help you soak in and embrace the day to the fullest. 

Invite Who You Want–And No One Else

I’m not an elopement photographer who’s going to tell you that you have to have a “just-us” elopement. I’m an elopement photographer who’s going to tell you that the only people present at your wedding should be the ones who genuinely want the best for you, support every decision you make, and are folks you authentically want to experience that day with. 

The beautiful thing about elopements is that they have opened the door for so many couples to say, “this is our day, and we want to choose who we spend it with.” For so many people, that means they want a “just-us” elopement day, and that’s great. But for others, that means inviting a circle of supportive, incredible loved ones who wrap them in encouragement and joy. And that’s great, too. 

Your Elopement Day is About You–Let’s Capture That 

It is my genuine hope that you and your partner can experience and appreciate every single second of your elopement day, and when it comes to planning and capturing your unique love I’m here to help. Contact me any time to learn more about how to soak in your day fully and why capturing every moment of your elopement can help you experience that day time and time again.