There seems to be a general consensus out there that eloping is all about taking the non-traditional parts of getting married and running with it. 

In my eyes, eloping is less about the aspect of tradition and more about the decision to focus on what truly matters–the day you and your spouse want to create. 

But even so, lots of people out there think that if you’re going to truly elope, you can’t include some of the traditional elements of marriage.

You’re already not including tons of guests and not throwing a giant, expensive party–so a lot of people tend to think that eliminating these elements of traditional weddings means you have to eliminate them all.

And you know what? None of that is true. 

Don’t get me wrong–a lot of what I just said does apply. Eloping is non-traditional. And it does often mean that couples are ditching the norm for something more aligned with what they want. And when that happens, many traditional elements get the boot.

But here’s something important to think about: traditional elements of wedding ceremonies aren’t inherently unaligned with eloping. In fact, a lot of them are super meaningful, special, and memorable. 

And what’s more, if a traditional wedding element–from florals to the first look to the first dance–means something to you and your spouse, you should 1000% include it in your day–even if you’re eloping on the side of a cliff, just the two of you. 

Elopements Aren’t Just About the Non-Traditional Elements 

I have a lot of ideas for couples who might want to include traditional wedding elements in their elopements, but first, I want to talk about why this is such an important conversation. 

Yes, elopements are non-traditional. Yes, elopements look different than big, fancy weddings. Yes, elopements rarely have much in common with a normal wedding, to begin with. 

The biggest piece of advice I give every couple–no matter how they want to get married–is to do things their way. And you know what?

If that means a couple wants to hike six miles with an officiant so they can have a traditional ceremony, I think they should go for it. If a couple wants to go river rafting and experience the rush of white water but also wants a reception when they’re done–why not? 

Elopements are so much bigger than a conversation of traditional vs. non-traditional. Elopements are wholly about doing what you, as a couple, want to do. Let your wants, desires, and bucket-list elopement dreams fall where they may. 

Who needs labels, anyway? 

Traditional Elements to Consider Adding to Your  Non-Traditional Elopement Elements 

Moral of the story? Do whatever you want to do on your elopement. 

If you’re interested in blending some more common wedding day traditions into your elopement, I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve to share with you. 

And if tradition just isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it–whatever you want for your day is the right decision. 

Getting Ready Photos & Detail Shots 

These types of shots are usually associated with traditional weddings, but as a photographer, I absolutely adore them for elopements. 

A lot of eloping couples think that getting ready photos and detail shots don’t matter as much as the big, epic, outdoor photos. And I actually disagree. 

Your elopement is all about the beautiful moments that comprise it. That means every second counts. Being able to remember every moment is a gift that people can’t fully appreciate until the day is over. With photos of everything–even the small stuff–you can relive those peak moments of your day, moments you didn’t even expect to matter so much to you.

Even those these shots might feel like they belong in a traditional wedding day, they can easily fit into your elopement day–no matter where, how, or when you’re getting married.

First Looks 

Seeing your partner in their wedding attire for the first time is such a special moment–whether you’re in a beautiful indoor venue, your family’s church, or on the top of a mountain you just hiked to. I encourage all my couples to think hard about whether or not they might want to have a first look–because everyone who does is so glad they did. 

Seeing that look on your partner’s face for the first time when they see you in their wedding attire (and vice versa, too) is a way to freeze time for a minute. You can’t get that first look back–and consciously experiencing it and capturing it can help you relive it time and again whenever you want. 

Florals Galore

When it comes to florals, I personally say go big or go home. I love flowers and always encourage brides and grooms to invest in this detail for their day. 

Flowers tend to be part of the traditional wedding day package, but there’s no reason eloping couples can’t include them, too. (And they make for great photos, as a bonus). All I ask is that we don’t bring anything invasive into the area and we make sure we don’t leave any flowers behind. 

Leave no trace is a big passion of mine, and it’s something I proudly work with my couples on. We can talk about the dos and don’ts of flowers anytime–I’ve got lots of suggestions! 

Officiant-Led Ceremonies 

There are some sweet spots where you can self-solemnize (AKA, you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to declare you legally married or sign your marriage license). 

And there are other places where you’re required to have someone licensed as an officiant be present during your wedding ceremony (more on that in another blog and another time). But no matter where you choose to get married, if an officiant is right for you, hire one! 

Some couples love the freedom of a ceremony totally made by their own rules. Other couples love a more traditional structure. Both are great options, and ultimately it totally depends on what matters to you as a couple. 

I have lots of officiants I can recommend to my couples, so if this is important to you, but you don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered! 

First Dance

There’s literally no reason you can’t have the first dance to your song somewhere high up in the mountains, in front of your car’s headlights on a dark desert road, or surrounded by pine trees. 

First dances tend to be thought of as “traditional” because it’s a go-to during a traditional wedding reception. 

But there are no rules when you elope–if you have a song and you want to have a first dance, do it. 

Wedding Guests 

Lots of elopement photographers–myself included–are stoked to talk about the beauty of marrying your person with no one else there. 

And I’ll probably never shut up about that. But the important distinction is that how you get married depends on what you value–and if you want your people there, then you should have them there. 

Lots of people have moved toward elopement-style wedding ceremonies in beautiful places where a few of their friends and family members are invited. These micro-weddings are all the rage–and for a good reason. 

Couples can balance the non-traditional elements of an elopement with the traditional element of including their loved ones in all the fun. (And for anyone who wants to include their loved ones without having them there, this blog might be a good resource to consider). 

Something Borrowed, Something Blue 

You know how that adage goes, right? Brides are supposed to have something borrowed, something new, and something blue on their wedding day. And you know what? I think that’s a fun one if a bride or groom wants to go for it. 

The origins of something borrowed, new, and blue are actually pretty cool (if you’re into that kind of thing) and are relatively well-meaning. 

There’s no reason you couldn’t include this in your non-traditional elopement–and there’s no reason you couldn’t opt for this sort of traditional element with a bit of a twist. 

Plan Your Elopement Your Way–I Can Help

No matter what you want your elopement to look like–strictly non-traditional, a beautiful blend, or something else–I’m here to help you create the day that’s perfect for you.
If you’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. If you’ve got plans in mind, I can help make them happen. Reach out to me anytime to start planning your dream day.