How to Plan an Elopement | Everything You Need To Know To Get Started!
WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD "ELOPEMENT", YOUR THOUGHTS MIGHT TURN TO A FAVORITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW WHERE THE COUPLE RUNS AWAY TO BE TOGETHER.
Maybe you think back to Gretna Green, a small border town between England and Scotland, known for centuries as a place for young lovers to commit without the consent of parents. You might even have a grandmother or grandfather who thinks elopements are just another kind of shotgun wedding! How times have changed as the definition of an elopement has widened into something marvelous that even granny will approve of!
Now I'm sure you're wondering, if all this is not what I mean when I talk about elopements, then what in the world is an elopement?
An elopement is a wedding celebration that focuses on the couple, not traditions or the expectations of others. Every element of the day connects to the couples relationship and how they are stronger together than apart. While some elopements may just include the couple and an officiant, other elopements can include immediate family and close friends (in person or via Skype.) A couple who chooses to elope may prioritize the intimacy of a small wedding, desire to choose their dream vendors while staying within a smaller budget, or dream of unique photography opportunities (whether in nature or an urban settings.)
HAVING A WEDDING DAY UNLIKE ANYONE ELSE, WITH AN ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE, HELPS MAKE THE PLANNING OF AN ELOPEMENT A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE (YES, THE PLANNING CAN BE JUST AS FUN AS THE DAY!)
It all starts with a dream.
Imagine your favorite place on earth. Yep, it can be in the USA or abroad, wherever you find yourself wanting to adventure time and time again. Maybe it's Washington state or Scotland, or perhaps you're envisioning a tropical elopement.
Okay, now think about those activities you two love to do together. Canoeing on a lake at sunrise, eating cupcakes from a hole-in-the-wall bakery, learning to ballroom dance, or hiking to watch an unreal sunset might be some things that come to mind, but the possibilities are endless.
Lastly, think about who is most important in your life. Maybe it's your parents or other family member. A friend from childhood or your best friend might be on your list as well.
Now continue to imagine working together to bring all these things into a day that embraces it all. With the most beautiful surrounding views as a witness, you're going to say your vows. We'll make sure to include some of those favorite activities throughout the day because eloping is so much more than just taking pretty pictures. And whether your loved ones are present or sending love from afar, we'll find ways to allow them to pour out their love for you.
YOU CAN FIND A WAY TO EMBRACE ALL THAT YOU BOTH LOVE INTO A DAY (OR TWO) OF AMAZING ADVENTURE IN AN UNFORGETTABLE WAY!
My own elopement is what's made me a passionate elopement photographer. I want to share the joy I felt on my wedding day and the pure magic that can be found when you put the pressures of what others think your wedding should look like aside. And here's the best part, because it's all about you, you totally can include traditions if that's what you want (I wore sixpence in my shoe and a Scottish family broach on my bouquet!) You can also make it as unique to your relationship as you desire (my husband sang as my brother played the guitar while I walked down the "aisle".) The possibilities are endless!!!
Let's take a look at a possible elopement right outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee!
Cloudland Canyon
A lovely state park about 40 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Cloudland Canyon State Park boasts lovely overlooks and cascading waterfalls within a couple miles hike. Fall colors are glorious, but spring time is equally magical.
Cloudland Canyon might be perfect for you if you're wanting changes in scenery without a lot of hiking, lots of AirBnB options for getting ready/honeymoon cabins, and close access to downtown Chattanooga for working with some of the best vendors in the area. My personal favorite part of hosting a wedding here is that they have a group shelter with a fire place that can be fixed up to be a perfect reception area (specifically as a back up location in case of rain.) The process for getting permission to hold a wedding in Cloudland Canyon is simple and may not even require a fee depending on what you're planning (always check with the park rangers months ahead of time as permits tend to change.) Cloudland Canyon is a popular spot (especially in the fall!) so planning ahead when making reservations is a must. If considering eloping here, make sure to remember that hiking down to the falls includes 600 steps which might prove difficult for older wedding guests.
Some Leave No Trace principles to be aware of include sticking to the heavily-trafficked paths, leaving the plants and wildflowers we might find as they are, and being sure to pack up any waste from a picnic, etc. As a state park, you'll also want to leave complicated set ups, like ceremony arches, at home.
What might an elopement at Cloudland Canyon look like? I'm glad you asked! I've made up a timeline for an imaginary couple to help you envision what an elopement day could look like.
Nikki and Andres' Elopement Timeline
1:00 pm - Photographer arrives and begins detail shots of bouquet, rings, etc. Hair and makeup are finishing with Nikki. Playlist of the couples favorite love songs play while they’re getting ready.
1:45 pm - Getting ready with Nikki at AirBnB with her mom and sister and Andres outside on the porch with his parents.
2:00 pm - First look and private vows outside of AirBnB (possibly down by a lake on the property or another unique location.) Leave for Cloudland Canyon (25 minutes.)
3:15 pm - Arrive at Cloudland Canyon, pop some “champagne” (eco-friendly sparkling water for the spraying shot) and read letters from family and friends unable to attend.
4:00 pm - Start hike down to the chosen waterfall and take photos along the way (30-40 minute hike)
5:00 pm - Ceremony at the falls with immediate family
5:30 pm - Picnic with immediate family at the falls (takeout food from favorite Chattanooga restaurant, Good Dog). Backup location at Group Shelter if rain is in the forecast.
6:30 pm - Hike up and begin drive to overlook spot (20 minutes)
7:30 pm - Arrive at the overlook spot for sunset photos. First dance with a live musician(s). Nikki and Andres watch the sunset as a newlywed couple.
8:30 pm - Head back to AirBnB (25 minutes) for stargazing and s’mores over a fire.
An Adventure Awaits...
Deciding to elope can be a tough decision. It may not be right for every couple but for some, it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience! Whether it's stressing over trying to please relatives, wanting a more intimate day to fit your introverted heart, loving the outdoors, or wanting to do something completely out of the ordinary, eloping can check all those boxes. Eloping isn't just for those needing to get hitched fast anymore. Eloping has become an option worth pursuing for anyone who wants to do things just a little bit differently than the rest.
If you're wondering if eloping might be the perfect way to celebrate your marriage, send me a message as I'd love to help you envision what an adventure elopement could mean for you!
