Why You Should Elope – From Your Arizona Elopement Photographer

If you’ve gotten engaged but the thought of planning a traditional wedding is overwhelming you, here are some reasons why should consider elopement. As an Arizona elopement photographer, I can tell you that this has become such a popular option among couples. While I do LOVE a traditional, classy, chic wedding – there can also be a lot of stress associated with them and/or a lot of money involved in planning one. Don’t worry, I’m here to show you another way to celebrate your nuptials that’s just as romantic and memorable.

So many of us start planning a wedding with a list. A list of names which usually goes in the order of best friends, closest family, distant family, the family you’ve hardly heard of, and maybe some random distant friends or business associates of your parents. All of a sudden you’re at 150+ people you barely know and you’re tasked with starting to “cut” people. This can be super stressful and the weight of not hurting anyone’s feelings can be pretty heavy. Pleasing others on the day that is supposed to be all yours doesn’t seem fair! A perfect solution is to have a day that really is just for you. An experience where you are free to get lost in each other’s emotions without all the distraction and worry about everyone else.

WEDDING PLANNER TIP: The fastest way to blow your wedding budget is by inviting too many guests.

Let’s go back to the idea of your dream wedding. Not everyone had that vision of a grand affair, surrounded by people while keeping to a strictly scheduled day. And that is OK! It’s so important for you and your fiancee to study your wedding day visions together. Too many times do I hear brides say, “If I had to do it again, I would do it completely different”. Now, it’s ok to have a different style in mind that can be saved for a vow renewal but to completely regret the way your big day unfolded should never happen to anyone. Eloping is a great way to stay true to yourself.

WEDDING PLANNER TIP: Do your best to hush the wedding day opinions that will inevitably come your way. Having a graceful response to the way others think your day should go is a nice way of saying, “Thanks, we’ve got this”. Don’t forget, this day is YOUR DAY.

One thing every couple that I talk to has in common is that no matter what their wedding plans are, they want to avoid all family drama. We do everything that we can to avoid drama during wedding planning but oftentimes no matter how much you do – it’s always going to happen. Let me introduce you to ELOPING. While you may have some other types of drama leading up to your elopement, and maybe even some tears from certain family members or friends, in the end, they will understand. If they don’t, then that’s ok, too. Again, this is your day and the last thing you need or want to worry about is that the attention will be turned from you to your family who can’t ever seem to avoid the drama.

WEDDING PLANNER TIP: Plan to break the elopement news gently and thoughtfully. Plan out what you want to say and points you want to make – be direct but empathetic. A conversation is always recommended and if this can’t be done in person, a phone (or zoom!) call is the next best thing. Avoid text or email as this type of communication can be misread in a tone that you did not intend.

Next, let’s talk about money. Not everyone has the luxury of other people paying or assisting in paying for their wedding. Not everyone wants that either! The average wedding cost in 2020 was between $19,000 – $21,000. I don’t think I need to tell you how much that amount of money can buy you (or go to your future by saving!). The costs of weddings are actually going down as we experience the global pandemic and people are actually enjoying the perks of smaller weddings. Micro weddings have become more popular, and of course, elopements. You can have a magical elopement for as low as $1,200! Maybe even lower if you choose something local to your home. Of course, you can spend more depending on where you go, but the money you spend on a destination elopement usually goes hand in hand with your honeymoon and turns into the most epic experience you as a couple may ever go through together. Don’t forget, choose an Arizona elopement photographer that will help guide you through the process.

If you’re looking to specifically elope in Arizona, check out this guide showing everything you need to do it right! Also, here’s a link to some fun things to do in Arizona while you’re here. Your Arizona elopement photographer can be a great resource for just about any type of elopement planning. Be sure to take advantage and ask lots of questions!