You’re engaged!! Woohoo!! You’re super stoked and everything is just happy right now, right? That’s awesome! But now you’re starting to think about planning your wedding or elopement, and things start to get overwhelming. They don’t have to be! The first step I always tell couples to decide is – do you want to have a big wedding, or elope just the two of you and maybe a couple others? This decision is 100% up to you. If you want to have a big wedding, great! Go for it. But if you don’t, please don’t let other people force you to. You will end up regretting your day and no one wants to regret their wedding day! So for now…. I’ll give you five reasons to elope.

Five Reasons to Elope!

Reason #1 – Because you want to!

I mean, if you don’t like being the center of attention and big crowds aren’t your thing, then an elopement sounds perfect! Personally, I hate all eyes on me, people looking at me, congratulating me etc. I would cringe if I tried to have a big wedding for myself.

You will likely receive some pushback from family and friends who want to be at your wedding. This is normal. Just remember, your wedding or elopement day is about you, not them. There are many ways to include them, even if you are eloping. Check back soon for another blog post specifically on that!

Reason #2 – It’s so personal and intimate.

This is probably my favorite part about elopements. The whole day is completely focused on YOU, the couple! You two are with each other all day, your focus is completely on each other. When you read your vows, there is nothing about them that is trying to please others. It’s just so intimate and private and personal and I love that. You’re not focused on pleasing all your guests. There’s no worry about keeping people waiting. It’s just so relaxed and liberating.

Reason #3 – The epic views.

When you have a huge wedding with a lot of guests, it’s pretty hard to hike up a mountain with 200 guests who are dressed in fancy clothes and heels! Haha. So unless you do a separate session with just the two of you after the wedding (which, by the way, is an amazing option!), it’s pretty hard to find epic mountain top views unless you elope. But that is the amazing thing about an elopement. You can literally go ANYWHERE.

If you need help finding a hike in Alberta to elope on, just ask me! I’ve hiked so much in Canmore, Kananaskis, Banff and other areas and have tons of recommendations based on your fitness level. Just imagine being surrounded by the most stunning mountain peaks as you commit your lives to each other forever. There’s nothing like it.

Reason #4 – No time constraints.

This is one of my favorite parts about photographing elopements. There is no timeline – I mean, apart from like sunrise, sunset etc. But even those aren’t really constraining, because hiking in the dark happens all the time! You don’t have to make sure you’re ready at a certain time, have the ceremony at a certain time. There is no need to rush photos so you can make it to the reception on time. Again, this reduces SO much stress for you as the couple. You can just relax and take your time on what matters to you.

Reason #5 – You’ll save money.

Choosing to do an elopement won’t necessarily mean the vendors that you hire will be cheaper, but you will have less expenses overall. For example, you won’t have to pay for a venue, a meal for all your guests, or decor and rentals. Did you know that in Canada, the average cost per plate for a meal at a wedding reception is $62? That means for 100 guests, your food alone would be $6200! Not to mention any entertainment or other things you involved in your reception.

The vendors that you will still require or want are: photographer (duh! haha), videographer, florist (hint, Elkae Creative is amazing!), hair/makeup, officiant, dress, suit, shoes (or hiking boots). Not all of those are necessary either! That’s the beauty of an elopement, you can literally do whatever YOU want.

If these five reasons to elope are resonating with you, that maaaay be a sign ;). I’m super chill and love talking to people, so if you’re considering an elopement and have further questions, please reach out here!