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PLANNING TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT IN 2024
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
Planning your elopement in 2024 shouldn't be stressful, it should be everything you've ever dreamed of!
In 2020 I was first introduced to elopements after Covid shut down most of my bigger, traditional weddings. I had no idea that I would completely fall in love with elopements. I started to see why more of my couples were scaling down their weddings and doing things the "non-traditional" way. I watched as my couples became less stressed on their wedding day. They didn't have to plan huge elaborate days for guests and family and instead planned, meaningful days for themselves.
PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT IN 2024
7 reasons to elope:
1. Elopements are less stressful than weddings
Many couples elope because elopements require less planning than traditional weddings. You won't need a venue or wedding planner! Elopements offer couples valuable time and money to invest their expenses in meaningful experiences to them! In turn couples feel less stressed when planning their elopement because they won't have many things to worry about!
2. Elopements are unique to you as a couple
The first thing I tell my eloping couples to do is sit down and brainstorm ideas + activities they both love doing together. On your day. you can do absolutely anything you want whether it be hiking in the Whites, rock climbing in Utah or taking a helicopter ride in Alaska. Your day is special to you both!
3. Elopements have less drama than weddings
It's true that elopements are less work planning wise and come with far less drama than planning a traditional, bigger wedding. Weddings are typically "family centered" events and it's common for couples to invite extended family. It's important to focus on you both want as a couple first. Elopements provide a way for you to do things your way and not have to rely on the opinions of other family members.
4. Elopements are less expensive than weddings
Elopements are far less expensive than having a big wedding! The average wedding in the US costs around $36,000!!! CRAZY! From florists, caterers and venues to wedding planners and DJs, it all adds up.
With elopements you'll have more room to focus your spending on vendors and experiences that are meaningful.
5. You can explore a new location when you elope
Elopements offer a world of opportunity for unique locations around the world. Many couples opt for mountainous views or remote locations like Costa Rica or Iceland. Wherever you choose to elope I'll be right there with you helping you plan your dream adventure elopement!
6. Elopements are a way to express your outdoorsy side
When first planning your elopement think about what activities you like doing together. Do you love going to wine tastings together? Maybe plan a quick stop at your favorite winery. Do you love winter sports and getting outside every season? Plan to incorporate it into your day for a magical, fun filled elopement experience!
7. Elopements are sustainable + eco friendly
I bet you didn't know that you can choose sustainability for your elopement! That's right, there's so many avenues you can explore when planning to be sustainable when you elope.
Sustainable options for elopements + intimate weddings:
1. Choose a sustainable dress/suit or thrift/borrow
2. Have guests throw bird seed, flower petals (make sure flowers are native to your area), blow bubbles
3. Think local, incorporate local vendors to reduce carbon footprint
4. Limit your guests list
5. Use single use celebratory items
6. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines
HOW TO PLAN YOUR 2024 ELOPEMENT
If you think it's too late to elope in 2024, you're wrong!!! You have sooo much time.
Steps to plan your elopement
Sit down together and figure out where, why and when you're eloping. This will expedite making decisions later down the line.
Decide if it will just be you both in attendance or if you will be inviting family
Choose your elopement location + date
Hire your photographer ASAP
Begin planning your elopement
Book an travel/accommodations you might need
Hire additional vendors
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELOPEMENT LOCATION
There are many things to think about when choosing your elopement location. Remember, your photos will be a reflection of whichever location you decide to choose.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Do you want your elopement to include stunning views?
If inviting family members, do any of them need easily accessible access to locations?
Do you have any childhood places you'd love to go back to for your elopement?
Are you bringing your pets? Make sure that you're elopement location is pet-friendly
Do you want to keep your elopement close to home? If this is meaningful to you then absolutely do it!
Do you want to travel abroad? This will add a whole different level of planning
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU AS OUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?
Just head to my contact page and fill out a form or you can email me at raeannphoto056@gmail.com when you're ready to start planning. If you're planning for a weekday there's no rush but if you would like a weekend date, let me know ASAP!
