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10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING TO ELOPE FROM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER THAT DID
You guys know that myself and Mr T have been planning to elope for some time now. Aside from the fact we would be planning a small intimate affair surrounded only by our nearest and dearest, in reality planning a wedding abroad has been very difficult. I’ve been told more than once that I can’t book my event more than three months in advance and the time difference means that a simple conversation that would have taken a few minutes on the phone has taken over two weeks by email. I think it’s fair to say I’m already starting to feel the stress of planning a wedding abroad. So I have an enlisted the help of McKenzi Taylor owner and photograher at Taylored Photo Memories & Cactus Collective Weddings, to give some of her best advice for planning an elopement.
Eloping has always symbolized an adventure in love, a private commitment, a romantic way of living on the edge. If you’re excited to abandon the aisle, you’re not alone. Famous couples like Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett have all held “secret weddings.”
Just running away to make it official isn’t enough, so don’t wing it. Elopement should involve some basic planning; we know because we’ve done it. How to elope the modern way is smart, fun and creates incredible memories you’ll hold dear to your heart.
1. Calendar Day Flexibility
If you’re willing to bend and not adhere to a specific-only date for an intimate wedding, you’ll find great advantages.
We suggest looking at a weekday. Booking a midweek flight will deliver much cheaper fares then trying to fly out on a heavy travel day like Friday or Sunday. In addition, wedding vendors are more available during mid-week.
Weather wise, avoid the months of July and August if you’re planning to do it in Vegas.
2. Elopement 101
How to Elope the proper way takes fore thought. First, a couple should be honest about why they wish to take off for their wedding day. Family and close friends could freak out over this style of nuptials.
Will you hold a reception after your elopement and include loved ones?
Those are key things to think about.
(See the full wedding here!)
3. Strip – Chapel = Yawn
Eloping in Vegas is the best, but there’s much more than heading to the strip for a chapel wedding or one involving the typical Elvis theme. Las Vegas is a desert wonderland that presents multiple creative options for planning a fabulous outdoor ceremony bathed in golden sunshine and gorgeous sunsets all year round.
We have watched hundreds of happy couples say their “I dos” at Red Rock Canyon, Dry Lake Bed and Cactus Joe’s Nursery, to name a few.
4. Planning For Permits
Natural outdoor wedding venues often require a permit, especially those located around the Vegas valley. Planning ahead with a few extra dollars will make your wedding day official.
These gorgeous habitats are protected under the law, ask you vendor to see if they can handle the permits for you and check the price.
5. Don’t Skimp On The Day
Set up an early budget with your honey, and remember, your wedding day is a major deal even when you’re seeking a small, intimate affair. Flowers, photos,wedding attire, reception, lodging, post-nuptial activities are all key.
Transportation for you and your guests is a necessity, and this is something often overlooked in the planning.
6. Communicate With The Vendors
Don’t be afraid to know your vendors. These professionals are providing a service or product, and they’re often flexible with their pricing. A hairstylist might give you a special rate, or your wedding officiant might suggest a few things to make your ceremony more unique.
Eloping doesn’t have to be difficult, and there are many experts who can hook you up with excellent vendors, so you don’t sweat a thing.
7. Post Elopement Etiquette
You have just eloped, and it was an amazing adventure in the middle of the Mojave Desert, for example. It was beyond expectations, but if your loved ones weren’t part of the moment, it can create a little post-elopement drama.
We’ve been there and wished we had been more sensitive about the feelings of our family and friends. We suggest including them in the post-elopement euphoria with creative planning like framed photos for all, unique gifts from your wedding venue, a dinner party to catch everyone up, etc.
8. De-Stress With The Experts
How to elope shouldn’t come down to rocket science. We’re there to guide you along and design the perfect nuptials your way.
You don’t have to do it yourself and sew a gown, build an altar, glue frou-frou centerpieces, and lug them all to your destination elopement. Get the pros to simplify your big day.
9. Post-Wedding Romp
Congratulations, you’ve tied the knot. Elopement offers you more time and money saved to enjoy your wedding moment. Dine out, go horseback riding or do the tourist thing, and have a blast. As a couple or small group, you can plan on some niceties.
10. Say It And Mean It
If it’s just the two of you or involves a small party, it’s all good. Secret or blasted from the rooftops, your wedding day is yours and symbolizes your love and commitment.
Be firm, and go for it.
Photography: Taylored Photo Memories |
Are you and your partner planning a destination wedding or elopement? Have you had any issues? How have you tackled it? Leave your comments below, we would love hear your stories.
If you would like to see more weddings from McKenzi click here.
