How to Have an Elopement First and Have a Grand Wedding Later
Planning a wedding is a beautiful journey, but why settle for just one celebration when you can have the best of both worlds? Imagine saying your vows in an intimate setting, just the two of you, and then coming home to celebrate with all your friends and family.
I have many couples that want the privacy and intimacy of saying their vows to eachother in a place they love to travel to together. Whether that’s a hike they did together in Switzerland with the Matterhorn as their backdrop or a beach to watch the sunset in Greece. They want that deep in their soul to be their wedding day but they also want to celebrate this union with their closest friends and family in a big home celebration. There is absolutely a way to do this and I’ll show you how.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing couples in stunning locales around the world and then documenting their grand celebrations later. Here’s how you can plan an unforgettable small elopement and a big wedding celebration.
Step 1: Choose Your Dream Elopement Destination
The first step is to choose a destination that excites both of you. Consider places that hold special meaning or destinations that offer breathtaking scenery and unique experiences that you want to try for the first time. Whether it’s a serene beach, a picturesque mountain, or a charming small town, the options are endless. The key is to find a place that feels special and intimate for your elopement.
Adventure Destinations
- National Parks: Eloping in a national park combines natural beauty with adventure. Consider parks like Yosemite, Banff, or the Lake District for breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities.
- Exotic Locations: For the adventurous couple, consider destinations like Iceland’s glaciers, Costa Rica’s rainforests, or New Zealand’s fjords.
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Historic Landmarks: Choose a location with rich history and cultural significance. Castles in Ireland, ancient ruins in Greece, or historic landmarks can add a sense of timelessness to your ceremony.
- Cultural Hotspots: Immerse yourselves in a vibrant culture. Places like Bali, Marrakech, or Kyoto offer unique cultural experiences and stunning locations for your elopement.
Natural Wonders
- Mountain Retreat: Imagine exchanging vows amidst breathtaking mountain peaks. Destinations like the Rockies of Colorado, the Alps in Switzerland, or the Andes in France offer stunning backdrops and serene environments.
- Beach Paradise: A beach elopement provides a relaxed, romantic setting. Consider tropical destinations like the Caribbean, Hawaii, or the Maldives for crystal-clear waters and sandy shores.
- Desert Oasis: For a unique and dramatic landscape, elope in a desert setting. Locations like Joshua Tree, the Sahara, or the Australian Outback offer vast, stunning vistas.
Urban Escapes
- Charming Small Town: Small towns often have picturesque settings and intimate atmospheres. Think about places with historic charm or unique local culture.
- Bustling City: If you love the energy of a city, consider eloping in an urban environment. Cities like New York, New Orleans, Paris, or Tokyo offer endless possibilities for memorable backdrops and activities.
Tips for Choosing the Right Destination:
- Personal Connection: Choose a place that has special meaning to you both, whether it’s a favorite vacation spot or a destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
- Accessibility: Consider the ease of travel and accessibility for you and your photographer. Some remote locations may require more planning and effort to reach.
- Season and Weather: Research the best time to visit your chosen destination. Ensure that the weather conditions will be favorable for your elopement.
- Local Regulations: Check if there are any legal requirements or permits needed for getting married in your chosen location.
Step 2: Plan Your Elopement Adventure
Planning your elopement adventure involves creating an unforgettable experience that combines your intimate ceremony with unique local activities. Here’s how to make the most of your elopement day and ensure it’s filled with lasting memories.
1. Design Your Perfect Ceremony
Your elopement ceremony should reflect your love story and the unique setting you’ve chosen. Here are some tips to make it special:
- Choose a Meaningful Spot: Select a specific location within your destination that resonates with both of you. This could be a scenic overlook, a secluded beach, a charming garden, or a historic site.
- Personalize Your Vows: Write your own vows to make the ceremony deeply personal. Share your love story, your promises, and your dreams for the future, this is really ultimately about you two connecting intimately and privately so pour your heart out.
- Keep it Simple: Focus on the intimacy of the moment. A simple setup with minimal decorations can highlight the natural beauty of your location and keep the focus on your love. Most of my couples choose simple vendors for this like photographer (that’s me!), florist, hair/makeup, officiant etc. I can help you come up with the list of local vendors that will help make your day.
2. Incorporate Local Adventures
Enhance your elopement experience by incorporating local adventures. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Romantic Picnic: Pack a gourmet picnic with local delicacies and enjoy a private meal in a picturesque setting. Whether it’s in a vineyard, by a lake, or in a meadow, a picnic adds a touch of romance to your day.
- Private Boat Tour: Explore your destination from the water with a private boat tour. This could be a serene lake, a river, or the open sea. Enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking views as you sail together.
- Helicopter Tour: You can choose the exact coordinates of where you want to say your vows. On a mountain top in Alaska would be a wild story you can tell for generations.
- Explore Hidden Gems: Take the time to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. Wander through charming villages, hike to secluded viewpoints, or discover local markets and artisans. I can help with any location planning for any country you’d like.
- Adventure Activities: If you’re an adventurous couple, consider incorporating activities like hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, or hot air ballooning. These experiences can add excitement and create unforgettable memories. I can see us watching the balloons taking off in Turkey together already.
3. Plan Your Day’s Timeline
Creating a timeline helps ensure that your elopement day flows smoothly and that you make the most of every moment. Here’s a sample timeline to guide you:
- Morning: Start your day with a relaxing breakfast together. Take your time getting ready and enjoy the anticipation of the day ahead.
- Late Morning: Head to your ceremony location. Take some time to appreciate the setting and prepare for the exchange of vows.
- Midday: Have your intimate ceremony. Focus on the moment and let your emotions flow naturally. Afterward, spend some time together to soak in the significance of the occasion.
- Afternoon: Embark on your chosen adventure. Whether it’s a picnic, a boat tour, or exploring the area, let this part of the day be filled with joy and discovery.
- Evening: End your day with a special dinner. Choose a local restaurant or set up a private dining experience. Toast to your love and the incredible day you’ve shared.
Creating Lasting Memories
The goal of your elopement adventure is to create lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever. By designing a ceremony that reflects your love, incorporating local adventures, planning a thoughtful timeline, and capturing every moment, you’ll ensure that your elopement is a truly unforgettable experience.
Remember, this day is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and special to you. Embrace the adventure and make every moment count.
Step 4: Plan Your Big Wedding Celebration
After your intimate elopement, it’s time to plan the big celebration back home. This event is your opportunity to share your joy with friends and family who couldn’t be at the elopement. Here’s how to create a memorable celebration that reflects your style and the journey you’ve taken together.
1. Choose the Perfect Venue
Selecting the right venue is crucial for setting the tone of your celebration. You might already have a local venue at home you have dreamed of or you might want the celebration to have a totally different vibe from your smaller elopement.
Consider the following options:
- Chic City Location: Urban venues like rooftop gardens, lofts, and art galleries offer a stylish and modern setting. These locations often come with built-in amenities and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Charming Countryside Spot: For a more rustic and relaxed feel, consider a countryside venue such as a barn, vineyard, or farmhouse. These venues often feature beautiful natural surroundings and a cozy, intimate ambiance.
- Picturesque Backyard: Hosting your celebration at home or in a friend’s backyard can provide a personal and sentimental setting. With the right decorations and lighting, a backyard can be transformed into a magical venue.
- Unique Venues: Think outside the box and consider unique venues like museums, botanical gardens, or historic estates. These locations can add a special touch to your celebration and create a memorable experience for your guests.
2. Incorporate Your Elopement into the Celebration
Make your elopement a central theme of your big celebration. Here are some ideas to seamlessly integrate your elopement into the event:
- Photo and Video Displays: Share the beautiful moments from your elopement with your guests. Set up a slideshow or video presentation that showcases your elopement ceremony, the adventures you had, and the special moments you shared.
- Themed Decor: Reflect your elopement destination in your decor. Use colors, flowers, and elements that represent the location where you eloped. For example, if you eloped on a beach, incorporate seashells, driftwood, and soft, sandy tones.
- Signature Cocktails: Create a signature cocktail inspired by your elopement destination. If you eloped in Italy, consider serving a classic Aperol Spritz or a Limoncello-based drink.
- Storytelling: Share your elopement story during the reception. Whether it’s through a heartfelt speech, a written note on the program, or a conversation with your guests, let them feel connected to your journey without taking away how special that moment was for you two.
3. Plan the Event Timeline
A well-planned timeline ensures that your celebration runs smoothly and that you make the most of your time with your guests, you can choose to have another ceremony here or just make it all about the party. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Here’s a sample timeline:
- Welcome Reception: Start the evening with a welcome reception where guests can mingle, enjoy cocktails, and view your elopement photos and videos.
- Dinner and Speeches: Transition to a seated dinner with toasts and speeches. This is a great time to share stories from your elopement and express your gratitude to friends and family.
- First Dance and Entertainment: After dinner, kick off the festivities with your first dance. Consider live music, a DJ, or other entertainment that reflects your style and keeps the energy high.
- Dessert and Cake Cutting: Serve a variety of desserts, including your wedding cake. Incorporate flavors or designs that remind you of your elopement.
- Dancing and Celebration: End the night with dancing and celebrations. Make sure there’s plenty of time for everyone to let loose and enjoy the party.
4. Personalize the Details
Personal touches make your celebration unique and memorable. Here are some ideas:
- Customized Favors: Give your guests personalized favors that reflect your elopement or your interests as a couple. These could be local treats from your elopement destination, small plants, or custom-made keepsakes.
- Interactive Elements: Create interactive elements that engage your guests. Consider a photo booth with props related to your elopement, a guest book where they can leave messages and memories, or a DIY station where they can create something meaningful.
- Special Tributes: Pay tribute to loved ones who couldn’t be there, such as family members who have passed away or friends who couldn’t attend. This can be done through a dedicated table, a moment of silence, or a special mention during the speeches.
- Encourage Guest Participation: Provide disposable cameras or set up a shared online album where guests can upload their photos. This adds a fun element and ensures you get different perspectives of the event.
Creating a Memorable Celebration
Planning a big wedding celebration after your intimate elopement allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. By choosing a meaningful venue, incorporating your elopement, planning a thoughtful timeline, personalizing the details, and capturing the celebration, you’ll create an event that reflects your love story and brings joy to everyone involved. I can be there with you through the entire process from location planning to capturing your vows and then your big celebration. Contact me today to see how you can have the best of both worlds.