Let’s talk about intimate weddings! As the title says, they’re a crossover between a traditional wedding and an elopement.
Maybe you’re considering eloping but still want to have your closet friends and family there – that’s an intimate wedding! It allows you and your spouse to have the intimate ceremony you want surrounded by your closet people.
Perks and Tips for an Intimate Wedding:
- It allows you to choose a unique location! It could be in your backyard, on the beach, at a National Park that has a designated ceremony location, etc. It gives you more flexibility on location, timeline, and how you want your day to look.
- You can add a unique or personal element, like having a friend officiate the wedding! Every location is different depending on where you received your marriage license, but there are ways to become ordained online. If they are not ordained you can always begin the ceremony, sign the papers with someone who is ordained, and you get the best of both worlds. One of my clients had their childhood best friend officiate their wedding. When planning their intimate wedding they knew they wanted to have someone officiate it that knew them well and cared for them deeply. Years later and they are still grateful they have those memories of their close friend leading a very important part of their big day.
- You don’t have to celebrate for just one day! Post-elopement receptions allow you the intimacy of a small wedding while still getting to share in celebration with the rest of your friends and family. Besides – who is going to turn down another day to celebrate?
- Flexibility is a huge plus! Intimate weddings give you and your spouse room to change the day up. There’s no strict timeline, which gives you less stress throughout planning and during the big day. Keep in mind if your ceremony is outdoors that you’ll need to roll with the punches if the weather becomes unfavorable. Consider having a back up plan so you can change up the day if anything comes up.
- Go into it knowing that this will be an adventure! If you’re having a ceremony outdoors in a National Park, on the beach, or anywhere in nature, your dress will more than likely get dirty. But a well loved dress is just a sign of a great time!
- Above all, remember that the day is about you and your spouse. Not what your family or friends want, but what you want. This is the start of forever with your partner, make it one to count.
I am now booking weddings, elopements, and adventurous couples sessions for 2022! Contact me today to book your session.
Ryan + Stephanie chose to do a sunrise elopement in Shenandoah National Park! We woke up at 5am, drove to the trail head and started hiking to the top of this gorgeous overlook! Ryan + Stephanie had their close family members and their two golden retrievers tag along for an intimate ceremony at the top followed by hot coffee to warm our hands and bodies and some light snacks! Afterwards they reserved a private room at the lodge for lunch! Your elopement can be ANYTHING you want it to be, and I can help you brainstorm ideas along the way!!
