2020 has thrown everyone through a loop! But even before the pandemic altered peoples’ wedding plans, intimate weddings were already happening everywhere. Although today, elopements surely are becoming increasingly popular! Switching plans may be perfect for you. If you want to elope and you don’t know where to start, we hope this post will help guide you. Featuring April & Sean’s Romantic Beach Elopement in Southern Maryland, here’s is How to Plan an Elopement!
What is an Elopement?
Historically, an elopement often referred to when a couple ran away together to conduct a marriage in a sudden or secretive fashion. What was once intended to be kept undisclosed from parents and the rest of the family, has now evolved to a positive adventurous affair to celebrate what is important. That is, the marriage of two people.
An elopement is a very small wedding, particularly a wedding where just the couple are in attendance with just the officiant who marries them (and of course their photographer too).
Reasons you might want to do an Elopement:
You Love the Non-traditional – You want it to be about you and don’t want to conform to social standards. You want to marry on your own time and your own rules.
You are an Introvert – You don’t want to be the center of the attention and would rather recite private vows.
Family Dynamics – Unfortunately, it’s too difficult to gather everyone in the same place and there may be some delicate relationships not worth straining.
Saving Money – Because you’re investing in other things, for example, a big honeymoon travel experience, hosting guests for a wedding just doesn’t fit your bill.
Prefer Smaller Celebrations – The idea of a large event is not at all motivating.
Covid19 Safety – You rather not have to worry about social distancing, masking, and running the risk of someone getting sick. This may also include geographical dilemmas and ability to follow mandated guidelines.
Whatever the reason, your day will be magical. And the possibilities are endless. You can let your imagination run wild!
Planning Your Elopement:
- Brainstorm What You Both Envision – Think about the details. What do you really want, even if your elopement is a prequel to a bigger wedding down the road. Is there a certain time of year you prefer? Do you want it to be indoors or outdoors? Do you have a special location in mind?
- Consider if You Want a Private/Semi-Private Elopement – This is where the lines are blurred between an elopement and a micro-wedding. To define a micro-wedding, it’s technically 25 people or less in attendance. An elopement is typically just the couple (although you can surely include your closest family too). But who cares about the rules! This is about you!
- Set a Budget – How much do you want and can invest into your elopement? Is your elopement going to be a destination? Maybe you want to tie the knot in another country. PS, if you want to elope in Italy, we speak Italian and have some hook-ups! We are there with you!
- Get Legal – Be sure to research the rules and procedures for your state and local government to make your marriage a legal one.
- Hire Your Vendors – This may include a Planner, Photographer, Florist, HMUA, Videographer, Baker, etc. Just because you aren’t having a traditional wedding, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have typical wedding things such as flowers, cake, professional makeup, wedding attire, etc. We are a little biased, but your photographer is perhaps the most important vendor if you want to Elope. They’ll be able to give you ideas of the most picturesque and private places. We have special packages and will guide you through the entire process. Did we mention we are brain-fulls of ideas?
- Pick your Outfits – This is where you can let your true self shine! Not planning to have a lot of people attend your wedding? Don’t let that stop you getting amazing pictures to show off to family and friends later. We have brides and grooms that keep things rather casual, and we have couples that dress to impress for their elopement sessions. Go with whatever feels right for your special day.
- Make a wedding day timeline – Just like a full wedding day filled with reception events, elopements can still have a timeline. Your photographers and officiant should have an allotted amount of time and most courthouse in our area will give you an appointment or a general timeframe to be there. Are you getting your hair and make up done professionally? Are you planning photos around sunset? Are you having that very romantic dinner that you have planned to celebrate afterwards? Point is, schedules and timeframes are good for everyone so expectations can be met… and you won’t be late for that dinner.
- Decorate Your Venue – Whether you are getting married in a forest or on a beach you can certainly hire a decorator to dress to set to create the perfect mood for your elopement. For this beach elopement, wedding decorator, Erica of Erica’s Events and Decor styled our beach for our lovely couple. She started with wood pallets (recycling props!) and built up from there. You can incorporate anything you’d like and hire somebody like Erica who’ll do a fantastic job to create a visual just for you.
- Love Dessert? – Why go crazy and share an entire wedding cake for just the two of you? …(unless that’s your vision of course). We recommend sharing a few cupcakes or small desserts from your favorite bakery. For April and Sean’s Beach Elopement we choose an array of sweet goodies from Charles Street Bakery in La Plata, Maryland. Their cakes are always delicious and they’re a local company that we like to support. We also served a small plate of fruit that included chocolate covered strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.
- Plan a Romantic Dinner Afterwards – Everyone has their preference, but we recommend going all out. Reserve that hot place in town you’ve heard so much about. Do some recon and find that perfect little romantic spot. It’s up to you!
- Go on a Short Honeymoon – Want to celebrate the classic way? Get out of town for a few days afterwards.
Conclusion
An elopement is all about you! There is no right or wrong way in how to plan an elopement. We touched up on just some options but there are so so many more. Make lists of things you want to do and think of the overall experience. Work with vendors who are ready to be flexible and contribute ideas to your day. Most importantly, have fun and Congratulations!
Romantic Beach Elopement in Southern Maryland: April & Sean
Dress: Elite Secrets Bridal
Florist: The Flower Cart
Decorator: Erica’s Events and Decor
Hair Artist: Lexi Brenneman
Invitation Suite: Larsen Lane
Bride: April Fowler Gomez
Photography: Love Charm Photo
Venue: Greenwell Sate Park
To learn more about our wedding photography, engagement or portrait sessions visit our Information page. To book your wedding with us, send us a message or call us at 301-848-0020. Can’t wait to chat with you!
All Photos Copyright © Love Charm Photo. All Rights Reserved
