elopement / micro wedding

Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding:  What’s The Difference?

Getting married is an exciting time in a couple's life, but it can also be overwhelming when deciding on the type of wedding to have. Two popular options are an elopement or a traditional big wedding. Both have their pros and cons, and ultimately the decision should be based on what the couple wants and what fits their budget.

What’s the difference?

Is there a difference in price? Or services?

All those answers and more after the jump.

  • Elopements are typically much more intimate affairs, often with just the couple and a small group of close family and friends. They can be held in a variety of locations, from a courthouse to a scenic outdoor spot, and are often much more affordable than a traditional wedding. Elopements are perfect for couples who want a low-key, stress-free wedding experience, without all of the planning and coordination that comes with a big wedding. 
  • When it comes to defining a wedding versus an elopement, opinions will vary. Some photographers make the distinction based on the number of guests — 25 guests is a pretty common cutoff these days. Others will say that any celebration that involves more than just the couple and an officiant is a wedding and not an elopement. However, in the end, the labels we give to these celebrations aren't as important as the experiences they bring. What truly matters is how the day feels for the couple, and the memories they create that will last a lifetime.



  • On the other hand, traditional weddings offer a chance for couples to celebrate with all of their family and friends. They can have a big party with a DJ, dancing, and lots of food. This can be a great way to bring everyone together and make lasting memories.
  • One of the biggest differences between elopements and traditional weddings is the level of formality involved. Elopements tend to be much more casual and laid-back, with a focus on simplicity and intimacy. Traditional weddings, on the other hand, are often much more formal, with a focus on tradition, elegance, and grandeur. 
  • Another major difference between the two is the amount of money and time that is involved. Elopements are typically much more affordable and can be planned relatively quickly, often with just a few weeks' notice. Traditional weddings, on the other hand, can be much more expensive and time-consuming, often requiring months of planning and preparation. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELOPEMENT AND A WEDDING?

Here’s a pretty typical wedding day timeline:

Here’s an example elopement timeline:
Note There isn’t really a “typical” elopement day. I have never shot 2 that are the same! This is an example, but they vary wildly.

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12:00 PM – Photographer arrives for getting ready photos

1:00 PM – First Look

1:30 PM – Portraits of The Couple

2:00 PM – Wedding Party Photos

2:30 PM – Family Photos

3:00 PM – Guests Arrive for the Ceremony

3:30 PM – Ceremony

4:00 PM – Cocktail Hour Begins

5:00 PM – Reception Begins

5:15 PM – Couple is Announced

5:20 PM – First Dance

5:30 PM – Salads are served, Toasts.

5:45 PM – Dinner is Served

6:45 PM – Cake Cutting

7:00 PM – Dance Floor Opens

9:00 PM – First Guest Shuttle Back To The Hotel

10:00 PM – Sparkler Exit

4:30 AM – Couple and photographer meet at the trailhead

6:15 AM – Couple changes into wedding clothes

6:30 AM – Sunrise first look at the overlook

6:45 AM – Make coffee and breakfast on the camp stove

7:45 AM – Portraits and exploring

8:30 AM – Begin hike back to trailhead

10:00 AM – Arrive back at parking lot

10:30 AM – Begin drive to second location

11:30 AM – Arrive at second location

12:00 PM – Friends and family arrive

12:30 PM – Begin short hike to ceremony spot

1:15 PM – Ceremony

1:30 PM – Group photos

2:00 PM – Sandwiches and Champagne

2:30 PM – Toasts and well-wishes

3:00 PM – Friends and family hike back to cars

3:15 PM – Portraits and private vow exchange

3:45 PM – Couple and photographer hike back to cars

4:15 PM – Arrive back at cars, head to Air Bnb

5:15 PM – Arrive at Air Bnb

6:00 PM – Private caterer serves dinner

7:00 PM – Campfire and s’mores

8:00 PM – Photography coverage wraps up


Elopement is a term that describes a type of wedding where the couple gets married in secret or without the knowledge of their family and friends. It is a concept that has gained popularity in recent years as more and more couples seek to have a more intimate and private wedding experience. Elopements can take place in a variety of settings, from a small ceremony in a courthouse to a romantic getaway on a secluded beach. The beauty of elopements is that they can be tailored to suit the couple's preferences, allowing them the freedom to create a unique and personalized wedding experience.

BRING ME TO ELOPEMENT PRICING AND PACKAGES

I NEED MORE INFO! SCROLL DOWN AND READ MORE 

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT I CAN HELP YOU WITH IF YOU HIRE ME AS YOUR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?

  • Scout for locations
  • Plan your timeline
  • Recommend lodging and vendors
  • Help with planning and activity ideas
  • Provide multiple consultations and meetings before your wedding day
  • Sign your marriage certificate
  • Help with securing location and special-use permits
  • And more!
Note: Services provided will vary from photographer to photographer, but these are some of the things I help couples with as a part of every elopement package. Be sure to ask your photographer about their specific offerings.

ARE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER CHEAPER THAN TRADITIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Short answer: No.

Some photographers will have low-priced “elopement packages” that just include a couple of hours of photography coverage and none of the additional planning help, but I would encourage couples to look beyond those options.

Your wedding day will always be your wedding day whether you have 2 guests or 200, and it deserves the same amount of respect, celebration, and coverage either way.

Many elopement packages will be significantly more expensive than traditional wedding packages.

ONCE MORE FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE EXPENSIVE THAN TRADITIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY.


When I am working with my eloping couples, easily 2/3 of my work is done weeks and months before their wedding day ever arrives. From researching locations and securing permits, crafting a timeline, researching vendors and activities, having calls and planning meetings with the couple, etc.

I am doing so much more than showing up for a handful of hours on the couple’s wedding day, we also limit ourselves photographing larger scale wedding (10 per year versus 30-40 per year back 2022!) to make sure that I can provide best experience and be  there to help from day 1.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHETHER TO HAVE AND ELOPEMENT  OR A TRADITIONAL WEDDING?


ELOPEMENT


TRADITIONAL WEDDING

  • You are not interested in a lot of the components of a “traditional” wedding celebration.
  • You are looking at remote locations or places other than standard wedding venues.
  • You want help choosing activities, locations, and vendors in places where traditional wedding planners may not be able to help you.
  • You are having few to no guests.
  • You are looking to keep things simple, and are placing more importance on your experience of the day than on the pomp and circumstance. TRADITIONAL WEDDING?














  • You are looking at more traditional wedding venues like churches, event spaces, country clubs, manor houses, etc.
  • You love weddings exactly the way they are.
  • Working with a wedding planner to secure your vendors and venue just makes sense.
  • You are hoping to have more than about 25 guests.

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- Josh and emily

"While we obsessed over having the perfect wedding, after everything was said & done, our favorite memories were the ones that were completely candid.”