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THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN ELOPEMENT AND INTIMATE WEDDING AND PLANNING TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR DAY
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
If you're at the beginning stages of planning an elopement or intimate wedding but you're confused on what the difference is between the two, you're not alone. Intimate wedding, small wedding, micro-wedding, eeek! It can be hard to know what the difference is, but all of these are the same!
WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT?
While the history of elopements has kind of a bad rep meaning to run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent. Eloping in 2024 has a brand new meaning and is geared towards the adventurous.
An elopement is now a meaningful, intentional and intimate way of celebrating your love together. Eloping is steering from the "traditional big wedding" and creating a day that feels most like "you."
The most popular are adventurous hiking elopements where couples plan their day around hiking to the top of a mountain. Other activities include air balloon rides, kayaking, rock climbing etc.
WHAT IS AN INTIMATE WEDDING?
An intimate wedding is a wedding where couples are not expected to follow the "wedding norms" of traditional weddings such as the dreaded garter or flower toss. Many couples opt for first look, sans first dances and speeches and do things their way. Intimate weddings focus on meaningful traditions. They are the perfect way to give family and friends an opportunity to feel included while keeping the focus of you, the couple.
4 MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELOPEMENTS AND INTIMATE WEDDINGS
Scale:
Elopements: Typically involves just the couple getting married in a private and intimate setting usually outdoors. The guests count often just includes the couple but can be anywhere between 2-20 guests including immediate family.
Intimate Weddings: Involves a smaller guest count anywhere from 20 to 75 people.
Planning:
Elopements: Take of ton of planning and logistics from location scouting, vendor recommendations, timeline planning and locking in permits.
Intimate Weddings: Intimate weddings, although smaller than traditional "big" weddings still involve lots of planning. Couples may choose to have their wedding in their backyard or at a small wedding venue such as an Inn or Airbnb.
Location:
Elopements: Often takes place in a location that holds personal significance to the couple, such as a beach, a mountaintop, or a cityscape.
Intimate Weddings: Can be held in various venues, including traditional wedding venues, private homes, or destination locations, but with a focus on creating a more intimate atmosphere.
Hosting:
Elopements: Can include parties with family and friends afterwards. Often times, the couple and I will go off on our own to take more photos after the ceremony.
Intimate Weddings: Often times with intimate weddings, there is a reception afterwards such as a dinner at a restaurant or party with guests. This is often a laid back celebration.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN ELOPEMENT + INTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGES
Intimate weddings and elopements included many of the same things in all packages. To me, your elopement or intimate wedding is just as in important as a traditional wedding and should be treated with the same amount of planning and importance.
Depending on what you're looking for most of my packages include full coverage from getting ready, first look to sunset portraits. Whatever you have planned for the day I will work with you to make sure it gets covered.
Every package includes up to 3 customizable packages so you can choose whichever fits you needs best. You will receive a sneak peek downloadable online album within 48 hours of your wedding. This will included 30 hi-resolution images to share with family and friends. Not only will I be your photographer but also your 24/7 access for any questions or concerns you might have while we plan your dream day together. We will cover everything from timeline creation, elopement guides to help you plan, location scouting the perfect spots to the permit process if it's needed. You won't ever feel lost while planning. No matter where you end up choosing a location for your elopement you won't have to stress about any added travel costs. I will take care of all of my own travel If you're eloping, just you two I am ordained and can sign your marriage license papers for free!!! I know many couples want privacy + seclusion so this helps you achieve that!
HOW TO PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT
Book your photographer
As a photographer myself that books out months in advance, it's so important to find a photographer who's available for your date. As your elopement photographer I will also help you create a custom elopement timeline so your day goes by smoothly.
Find a location
Find a spot that you love and can see yourself getting married at.
Find an officiant to officiate your wedding. If you want me to be your officiant I will happily officiate you both. In certain states like Colorado you don't even need one so make sure you look at each state's lows.
Book your lodging
I will work with you to plan your travel and lodging for your elopement because if you're out of state I know how hard it is trying to do it all on your own.
Videography
Think about hiring a videographer, right next to photography, video is just as equally important as it allows you to have a different form of media to capture your memories.
Book all other vendors ASAP
Vendors book out fast so snag your vendors quick before all their dates fill up. Please remember that if you've been in contact with a vendor and decide to go a different direction to please let us know! We promise we won't get offended, we just appreciate being kept in the loop so we're not constantly bombarding you with follow up emails!
HOW TO PLAN YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING
Planning your intimate wedding is very similar to planning an elopement. You are welcome to use any tips and advice from the info listed above.
Book your venue
If you're thinking about having your intimate wedding at a small wedding venue (see this link for more in depth info about small wedding venues). You are not restricted to your venue or Airbnb depending on the wedding style you're going for.
Find an officiant
One of the best things about officiants is they can be your friend or family member! This adds a fun, intimate way of celebrating your wedding with your loved ones.
Choose a photographer
One of the most important parts of your day is finding the right photographer to capture all those candid, authentic moments. This includes first looks with parents and your partner to candid family photos where guests are lost in the moment.
Obtain permits
If you opt for celebrating a state or National Park then you may need to get a permit which will allow you to bring family and friends along with you on your day. I will walk you through the permit process step by step.
Book an Airbnb or Inn
If you're hosting any guests for your wedding you might want to consider booking an Airbnb or Inn for your guests to stay at!
Book any additional vendors
Think hair + makeup, catering, florals, a band etc.
A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN CONSIDERING IF AN ELOPEMENT OR INTIMATE WEDDING IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Deciding on what is best for you as a couple can be hard when it comes to choosing between an elopement or intimate wedding. I've created these questions to help you narrow down your options!
How many guests do you want to invite?
How do you feel about having a just us elopement experience without guests?
Do you want your family present on your elopement or wedding day?
Do you want your wedding at a venue or in nature?
What activities do you both like doing together?
Do you value privacy on your wedding/elopement day?
What is most important to you on your wedding/elopement day?
What is your main focus for your wedding or elopement?
Are you more on the traditional side or do you want to plan something unique?
Are details important or do you go with the flow?
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU FOR OUR WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT?
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!
