WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT?

I am a huge fan of elopements!

I realize that elopement is not yet all inclusive. Not everyone really has a clue what it is and what it entails.

For these reasons I have decided to shed some light on the subject.

An elopement is a small, intimate wedding day where the focus is on the couple, their love and nothing else, no stress, no rigid timeline. 

Far away destinations are often chosen by including a trip or by choosing places with particular significance for the couple.

This does not exclude that there is a small circle of guests. 

There are those who prefer to do an elopement where there is only the couple, accompanied by the photographer of course ;), or those who instead bring close relatives and friends with them in this adventure.

Even an elopement can be rich in details, with the choice of the dress you have always dreamed of, the graphics of the votes designed according to the location and your tastes, the flowers of course and everything you want to add.

For the part of the ceremony there are those who decide to climb a mountain and be framed only by the view.

Those who choose a location that is easily accessible and that allows them to create small settings.

I really think that the beauty of elopements is that there is much more decision-making freedom in the organization and much more freedom during the day itself.

Unfortunately you know, with large weddings often the timing is not dictated by us, but by the catering that rightly has to do its job to better serve more than 100 guests.

IS IT BETTER TO ELOPE?

I do not think there is a right or a wrong one.

I think it is simply a matter of taste, there are those who may decide not to get married only because of the pressure that for some it implies a large marriage, this is a beautiful alternative.

DOES ELOPING MEAN EXCLUDING CLOSE FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

Not at all! here too the decision is up to you.

You can decide to escape alone and in case have a big party on your return or invite your family and friends wherever you want to get married.

ARE ELOPEMENT CHEAPER THAN A TRADITIONAL WEDDING?

I’d say it’s all very relative, but if it’s about comparing an elopement with just the bride and groom versus a wedding with +100 guests, well I’d definitely say yes!

I think it’s really complex to answer this question it really depends on many factors.

I believe that the budget can be distributed differently, choosing to use perhaps most of the budget for the trip or the location, you are more free to decide and organize the day only and exclusively on yourself.

Maybe you have always dreamed of seeing a certain place in the world and getting married there, or having dinner enjoying the dish of some particular chef or staying in some hotel with a particular design.

There are those who dream of a dress by some designer for a lifetime or who cares just to have some beautiful photos.

If you put it all together you could get to spend the same amount but in this case only for you or the few guests you have chosen to bring with you.

In this case, you would not just give yourself a wedding but all the experiences you have always wanted to do and that you have never granted yourself until now.

HOW IS IMPORTANT PHOTOGRAPHY FOR AN ELOPEMENT?

Well, if you ask me, I’d say a lot!

Especially if you choose to do an elopement by yourself, the photographer will be the only one who can really document the day and make sure you can relive those moments forever and share your memories with friends and family. You can just focus on enjoying the moment and letting go of the emotions. The task of a photographer will be to capture every moment and every emotion of your day.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN CHOOSING AN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?

A very important thing for me to consider is not only the style of the photographer, which surely must be liked, but I think it is very important that you create a connection on a personal level. For this reason, for example, it is very important for me to organize video calls or if possible meetings with the couple, to get to know each other better and make you felle free and confortable on your big day. I will be fully part of your day, especially in the case of a very, very intimate ceremony and the most important thing is that not only beautiful photos remain but also a beautiful memory.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS ON OUR ELOPEMENT DAY?

Photographers and suppliers in this case are usually very flexible. 

Personally I always advise my couples to embrace what comes during a day. 

I know that maybe the expectations were different but unfortunately the only thing we cannot control is the weather, especially if you decide to do an elopement in the middle of nature. 

What I always try to make people understand is that often what we did not expect could be even better and create beautiful and fun memories.

So if it rains, don’t be afraid and don’t get anxious, take what comes and make sure it doesn’t ruin your day.

HOW LONG SHOULD WE BOOK AN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR?

There is no precise timing to organize your elopement, it all depends on how you organize your day. 

What I can tell you is that It’s not just some nice shots of you as a couple but the story of every detail that brought you to that moment. 

Your preparations, the wait, your first look, the journey to reach your destination and all the magnificent landscapes that you will see around you.

I assure you that all of this will help create a beautiful memory.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS?

They are a lot! You can really decide to do an elopement wherever you want, in Italy the most popular destination is the Dolomites, but you could also choose to do it in some Apulian masseria or in some splendid Italian city.

The United States is also very popular for elopements, there are places for every taste and need.

In my article “WHERE TO ELOPE?” you can find some of my favorite elopement destinations, you might find some ideas.