So, you’re stuck between eloping or having that big wedding your mom’s been dreaming about since, well… forever. No pressure, right? I get it. As someone who eloped (and loved every second of it), I’m seriously passionate about elopements and truly believe they’re worth considering.

At first, I totally dismissed the idea—I did too! But trust me, hear me out for just a second.

Eloping is all about crafting a day that’s 100% you. No stressing over seating charts, no awkward small talk with distant relatives—just you, your love, and an experience that actually reflects who you are. And honestly, isn’t that what really matters?

And before you ask—yes, elopements are totally legal! As long as you handle the paperwork required by your state, your elopement is just as official as any big wedding. So, no worries there! If you’re asking yourself, “Should I elope?” consider this your sign to keep reading. Hands down, it was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Need more reasons to seriously consider eloping? Here are five solid ones to help you decide if it’s the perfect choice for you.

1. Eloping Isn’t Lonely

For my husband and me, it was simple: our wedding was about us. We wanted our day to focus on our love—free from outside opinions, expectations, and the micromanaging that can come with a big celebration. I won’t lie, I had some doubts. Would it feel lonely? Would it be sad with just the two of us? But wow, was I wrong.

Eloping gave us one of the greatest gifts—uninterrupted, meaningful time together. No rushing, no distractions. Just us, fully present in the moment. We could actually savor our wedding day—taking our time getting ready, enjoying a morning coffee, and spending as long as we wanted on our first look.

On the morning of our elopement, we grabbed Starbucks, sat together, and wrote our vows. Then, we explored the California coastline, imagining where we’d be standing later, saying “I do.” It was intimate, intentional, and perfect.

Listen, as a destination elopement photographer, I’ve seen it all. But I can honestly say those quiet, personal moments made all the difference. Big weddings can be exciting, but let’s be real… they can also be chaotic. With so many people involved—moms, siblings, opinions flying everywhere—it can feel like a whirlwind.

For us, a huge crowd would’ve taken away from the intimacy we craved. We love our family, but we also knew how stressful weddings can get when too many people are involved. So, we made the call: we eloped. No drama, no stress—just love and positivity.

In the end, you want to look back on your wedding day with joy—not regret. Mindset is everything. Sure, we had doubts at first, but once we flipped the negatives into positives, the choice became crystal clear:

• What will people think? → This is our day. Now’s the time to be selfish.
• What if we regret it? → But what if we don’t?
• I always dreamed of a big wedding. → But doing it smaller feels so much more us.
  

So, if you’re stuck between a big wedding and an elopement—consider this your sign. Eloping gave us everything we wanted and more, and it might just be the perfect choice for you, too.

2. Elopements Are More Affordable Than You Think

I had no idea how insanely expensive weddings could get until I started planning my own. The sticker shock? Brutal. And that’s one of the many reasons I’m such a fan of elopements—they’re way more affordable than big weddings. No huge venue costs, no feeding 100 guests. Say goodbye to those five-figure catering bills!

Let’s talk numbers for a second. While the average wedding in 2025 will set you back around $25,000, elopements typically cost between $5,000–$8,000—sometimes even less, depending on what you include. That’s a massive difference!

And here’s the best part: the extra money stays in your pocket. Whether it’s for an epic honeymoon, a house down payment, or saving for your future together, eloping is the more budget-friendly (and stress-free) option.

As a money-conscious elopement photographer, I get it—I’m all about investing wisely. That’s why I work with couples to create custom photography packages that give you those “I can’t believe that’s us” wedding photos—without breaking the bank. Because photography isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in memories that will last forever.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of a beautiful elopement that’s also easy on your wallet—this is your sign. Your dream day is waiting, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

3. You Can Still Have All the Fun Traditions (Without the Pressure)

A lot of couples think eloping means saying goodbye to fun wedding traditions—like cake-cutting, a first dance, or getting ready together. Not true! In fact, elopements actually give you more time and freedom to include whatever you want.

Your elopement can be a mini wedding, with your favorite cake, a champagne toast, and dancing under the stars. Want to blast music on the porch of your Airbnb and party the night away? Go for it. Want to have a private vow reading before your ceremony? Absolutely. There’s no rulebook when it comes to eloping—so don’t hold back.

The best part? You can still have it all. Whether you want a single-day adventure or a whole elopement weekend, the choice is yours. Need ideas? Trust me, I’ve got plenty. Let’s brainstorm together, or I’ll send over all the inspo you need.

As a photographer who’s obsessed with capturing epic elopements, I’ll be there—whether it’s waking up at sunrise for dreamy golden-hour shots or staying up till dawn to capture your last dance under the stars.

4. Elopements Can Double as Your Honeymoon

One of the best perks of eloping? It can double as your honeymoon! You get to say your vows in a dream-worthy location, then stick around and soak it all in for as long as you want. When my husband and I eloped, we spent just under a week in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and it was absolute perfection. But if you want to turn your elopement into a two-week getaway, a months-long adventure, or even a full-on gap year of romance—you totally can. The choice is all yours.

Now, think about the alternative: a big, traditional wedding, feeling completely drained the next day, then scrambling to pack and catch a flight for your honeymoon. Exhausting, right? That’s why we loved rolling it all into one—your celebration starts the moment you arrive, making it stress-free, seamless, and way more relaxed than juggling both separately. Oh, and let’s not forget—you’re saving money while doing it!

You’ll treasure this time together more than you can imagine, and I’ll be there to capture it all—so you can relive every moment. Whether you’re eloping in the US or abroad, I’m here for you—wherever and however long you need me. 

5. Choosing to Elope Means Goodbye Opinions

One of the biggest stressors of a traditional wedding? Family opinions—though, of course, this isn’t the case for everyone! But if your relatives have a million thoughts on your dress, color scheme, venue, or even the dinner menu, it can start to feel like your wedding is more about pleasing them than celebrating your love. And honestly? That’s exhausting.

When you elope, the only opinions that matter are yours. You get to choose your dream dress, say your vows in the most magical place, and plan every detail exactly how you want it. No compromises, no pressure—just a day that’s 100% you and your person.

That doesn’t mean you have to leave your family out completely! There are plenty of ways to include them—like livestreaming your ceremony, hosting a small reception when you get back, or even letting them help plan parts of your adventure. But when it comes to the actual day? It’s all about you two. Exactly how it should be.

Your Golden Elopement Package – Most Popular! Your All-In-One U.S. Elopement Package

Planning your dream elopement should be just as magical as the day itself, and finding the right photographer is key. If you think we’d be a great fit, let’s chat! I’d love to hear all about your vision and help you make it a reality. I’m not just your photographer—I’m your friend, here to support you every step of the way and make sure your day is nothing short of perfect.

• Up to 6 hours of coverage – I’ll be there to capture every single moment, from start to finish.
  
  
• Preview Gallery – You won’t have to wait long to see your photos! I’ll send you a sneak peek within 1-2 weeks so you can start reliving the magic right away.
  
  
• 60-page hardcover guide – Packed with all the tips and advice you need to make your elopement as smooth and stress-free as possible.
  
  
• Custom timeline planning – I’ll help you map out the perfect day so everything flows effortlessly.
  
  
• High & low-resolution images – You’ll get images in all sizes, so you can print and share them as much as you want.
  
  
• 8×8 prints of your favorite images – A sweet little surprise sent to your door to keep forever.
  
  
• All photos on a glass USB – Your memories, wrapped up in a timeless keepsake.
  
  
• All travel included – I’m available to capture your elopement anywhere in the U.S.!
  
  

This is your day, and I’m here to make sure it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of—stress-free, fun, and full of the best memories. Ready to make it happen? Fill out the form below, and let’s get the ball rolling!