Here's how to make your big day extra special, no matter the size!
Photo: Bethany Jeffrey Photo via Luxe Event Productions
1. Hire a professional photographer no matter what. "Elopements are fun and you can still have Instagram-worthy elements. No matter your vision, hire a professional photographer. It is an art and on your wedding day you should be the center of attention." —Ariel Becker, Executive Planner, Becker and The Co.
2. Choose your dream gown, no matter the destination. "During peak COVID times, many brides opted to elope and postpone their big wedding to when it was safer for their guests. What surprised us is that many of these brides opted to wear the wedding dress they purchased for their wedding to their elopement and took fun and memorable photos in outdoor locations. They had their wedding dress professionally cleaned after their elopement and ready for to wear when they could reschedule their formal wedding. One of the most commonly asked pre-order questions is in regard to dirt/grass stains on the bottom of their dress during an outdoor wedding or photoshoot. Even though it may look like the dress is ruined, in 99.9% of cases, our team is able to return the dress back to its original beauty. You can have fun on your elopement by taking silly photos in your wedding dress, wearing it out to dinner, etc., all while knowing you can still have it professionally cleaned and preserved as a memory of your special day." —Leah R. McCoy, President, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit
Photo: Photo Cine Art via New York City Bride
3. Consider a destination-elopement. "Plan an ultra-romantic ceremony for two on one of Antigua and Barbuda's pink or white sand beaches and set up cozy luxury picnic spread with plush cushions and fresh flowers to celebrate your ceremony for two. Choose one of Antigua and Barbuda's many epic sunset spots such as Shirley Heights Lookout, where you and your love can exchange vows with the colors of the sunset and the breathtaking harbor views as your backdrop." —Shermain Jeremy, Romance Lead & Events Manager, The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority
4. Personalized details. "It's all in the details! Have fun personalizing items like jackets or accessories as keepsakes that tell your wedding story. They will be both meaningful and Instagram-worthy." —Colleen, The Handkerchief Shop
Photo: Love Me Do Photography via The Handkerchief Shop
5. Try some color. "An elopement allows you to ditch so many rules and traditions, including wedding party attire, guest attire, etc. Now is the time to get the shoes your heart has always desired, no matter the color or style. Have fun with whatever you choose to wear, including accessories. Make the two of you the fashion stars of the show." .—Angela Carter, CMP, Carter Group Creative
6. Show-stopping altar. “An Instagram-worthy elopement wouldn't be complete without a beautiful altar! Because you don't have as many elements to think about (tables, vendors, etc.), you can put more thought into a special altar design that reflects your personality and the environment perfectly." —Melanie Levin, owner of LuckEleven Events
Photo: Wild Whim Design + Photography via LuckEleven Events / Florals: Wild Muse Floral
7. Be a little extra. “Eloping is truly about you, your partner, and your love story. Splurge on what is important to you, whether that is the location or a private chef." —Becca Davis, Adam and Becca Photo & Video
Photo: Adam and Becca Photo & Video
8. Hire a planner and designer. "This may seem like a no-brainer for me, but I say hire a planner and designer even if you're eloping. It may seem as though the bulk of what we do revolves around guest management, but we're actually 'the (hu)man behind the curtain' for all of the experiences, textures, and moments your guests get to live through alongside you. Your planning and design team can take your elopement to the next level, whether you're wanting an intimate oceanside moment, or something way up in the clouds. We can also recommend the vendors you'll need to have truly swoon-worthy memories to look back upon." —Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events
Photo: Sheff Production Photography & Video via Tong Tong Cake
9. Don’t forget about music! "Integrate live music into your elopement, such as a guitarist, violinist, or even a local band. Music creates emotional resonance, and capturing these musical moments in Instagram videos can be incredibly captivating." —Natalya Kolosok, New York City Bride
10. Play with golden hour magic. "Plan your elopement ceremony during the golden hour—the hour just before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times adds a magical and romantic touch to your photos." —Misty Damico, CEO & Founder, Luxe Event Productions
