Being an Elopement Photographer based in Shenandoah National Park, I am constantly being asked one question more than any others. This question is, “GABRIELLE, HOW CAN I MAKE MY ELOPEMENT SPECIAL?”
I want you to know that when you make the decision to elope, your wedding day is already super special and unique. I mean, you have taken the chance to throw tradition in the wind, and you have ran with it. Although, that already is enough to be celebrated, I understand wanting to multiply that special feeling ten fold.
For this reason, I have taken some time to put a list of together of some ideas I have seen couples do throughout my time as an elopement photographer.
LET’S DIVE RIGHT IN.
14 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR ELOPEMENT DAY SPECIAL + Unique
ONE | Make sure to include your
favorite foods or drinks
What better way to celebrate your wedding than to partake in your very favorite snacks? Whether it is coffee on a brisk morning or s’mores before the sun goes down, I want you to think about your very, very favorites and bring them along for the ride.
TWO | Include Local Specialties
This allows you to experience everything the location has to offer. In Virginia, cider + apples are a big deal, and I love when my couples decide to include them in their elopement.
THREE | TURN YOUR ELOPEMENT INTO A GETAWAY
Rent a cabin or house that allows you to enjoy your time together and spend a long weekend or a whole week there. You can either get a large cabin for you and all your guests or something small and intimate. From elopement straight into the Honeymoon!
FOUR | INCLUDE FAMILY + FRIENDS
Just because you are making the decision to elope doesn’t mean those closest to you can’t be included. Instead, find the best ways to add them into your day. Whether it is celebrating together at a cabin or brewery, reading letters from them, or setting up a FaceTime, it is a perfect addition to your special elopement.
FIVE | CREATE YOUR CEREMONY TOGETHER
Spend time really planning your ceremony with your significant other. Decide to include things that mean a lot to both of you and your relationship.
For more on this, check out my previous blog post: 8 Meaningful Ceremony Ideas for your Adventure Elopement in Shenandoah National Park
SIX | CHOOSE SUNRISE OR SUNSET
No matter which of the two you decide, you are going to add something beautiful to your day. Do you want to know why? Either you start the day by getting married or you end your day with your ceremony and popping champagne. There’s something magical about these times!
Sunrise is typically less busy and is beautifully peaceful.
Sunset is just *romantic* - there’s nothing like sitting together to watch the sun set on a perfect day!
SEVEN | CHECK OUT LOCAL THINGS TO DO
As a part of turning your elopement into a getaway, look for other things to do the days leading up to or after your elopement day. Check out caverns, local music spots, museum, etc. MAKE IT FUN, ADVENTUROUS, AND UNIQUE.
EIGHT | TAKE SOME TIME TO ENJOY THE MOMENT
Although you will probably have a photographer capturing your elopement, take in the moments together. You will never have the opportunity to be directly in that time ever again.
One way you can do this is by even bringing your own polaroid camera to take photos of each other.
NINE | CHOOSE A MEANINGFUL LOCATION
Seems cliché, but I promise it will change your entire experience. Consider where you got engaged, or choose a location you’ve never been to so you can explore. You really can’t go wrong with either!
TEN | SPLURGE ON THE (Fun) DETAILS
Since you’re saving money, have fun with the details. You can get beautiful vow books to have as keepsakes, personalized mugs, a gorgeous bouquet, fairy lights for the trees, “just married” signs for your hike, a delicious dessert, or even a flower crown.
ELEVEN | HAVE FUN DRESSING UP
Have fun with your clothes! Even if you’re going to be hiking, bring along what feels like you. You can switch your hiking boots out for sparkly heels, wear a cape, bring a veil, opt for a black dress, or whatever else feels like you. Or, heck, what doesn’t feel like you that you’ve always wanted to wear!
TWELVE | GET READY TOGETHER
On a typical wedding day, most couples don’t get to hang out leading up to their ceremony. But here’s your chance to get ready together! Have your coffee and help each other out. Listen to music, and spend your whole day together!
Thirteen | Make a Playlist
Consider making a playlist of your favorite music to play while you’re driving, hiking, or hanging out in your Airbnb. Every time you hear the music for years to come, you’ll be brought back to this magical time.
One of my favorite memories was the first adventure elopement I ever photographed. The couple had canceled their large wedding because it didn’t feel right for them.
After waking up at 3am and hiking with the couple and their friends and family for their sunrise ceremony, we were driving back to their cabin when they played “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. If you haven’t heard it, give it a listen. Hearing that song after they did something I had never thought possible for a wedding, I was hooked.
Fourteen | Dance!
I know, not everyone is into dancing (and sometimes a traditional “first dance” can be scary in front of a crowd!) but what if it’s just the two of you and you’re on top of the world? Or in a meadow? or a beautiful forest?
MEET YOUR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK Elopement PHOTOGRAPHER
Hi, I am Gabrielle!
I am a storyteller.
Humor & stories are my love languages.
Rainy days are my sunny days.
The wind is always preferred
Looking for someone to capture your special elopement in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park?
