Every elopement feels different because it is! This day is about you as a couple. Whether your elopement is a celebration of just you two or a small wedding getaway for 10 of your closest loved ones, there are no rules!
WHY ELOPE?
Couples choose to elope for a variety of reasons. The short version can usually boil down to one of the following reasons:
- It's just about the two of you + what you want for the day to celebrate your love (you can still invite the most important people in your life).
- You're not a big party person. Crowds and the idea of being the centre of attention is not your thing at all!
- You don't like/want tradition or obligation on your wedding day.
- You want to save some money. Eloping can be much more cost friendly than a traditional wedding. You will still have expenses, but things like a big venue or caterer won't be on your budget.
- You can get married literally anywhere! Obviously you need to look into the legalities of getting married in another province or country, but you have the freedom to travel for your wedding. You can also roll your wedding and honeymoon into one!
These are just a few reasons you might want to elope, but the short version is that you want a wedding that is completely about the two of you, and exactly how you want to get married. Whether you decide to elope with just the two of you or to gather with just your closest loved ones, you get to marry your soul mate in an intimate and personalized ceremony, and then adventure through your beautiful surroundings for amazing photos that celebrate your love.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What even is an elopement?
Elopement does not mean sneaking away secretly to get married! Modern elopements are intimate weddings where couples get to do whatever they want to do to celebrate their love. There is no rule book. Whether you want to jet off to Vegas without letting anyone know, or plan a beautiful ceremony in the Canadian Rockies with you parents + siblings present - you do you!
Can other people come?
Absolutely! If you have close family + friends that are on board with your wedding vision + you want them there - go for it. Keep in mind this is a very small intimate group. If you are having a larger group this becomes a destination wedding. My elopement packages cater to 10 or fewer.
How long does it take to plan?
The average length of planning time depends on what you want the day to look like. Typically most couples begin planning about 4 - 10 months before the big day. This gives you time to book appropriate flights + accommodations if you are eloping away from home. Many vendors are available for elopements on shorter notice if you decide to elope during the week or a Sunday!
How much does it cost?
This varies so much from couple to couple! Most couples dish out for accomodations, travel, attire, rings, photography, flowers, officiant, hair + makeup for their elopement day. Some addition costs might include videography, or food + venue if you decide to bring along a few people to witness your day.
EASY AS 1-2-3.
• ONE • INSPIRATION
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• ONE • INSPIRATION
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Come up with a vision for your wedding. Important things to consider include location, time of year, and overall style and mood you want to see for your day. Pinterest can be helpful in this stage!
• TWO • BOOKING
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• TWO • BOOKING
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Start booking the things you'll need, including flights, accomodation and photographer. Choose vendors who align with your vision!
• THREE • FINALIZING
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• THREE • FINALIZING
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Line up the rest of your vendors, purchase your attire, plan activities + develop a timeline! Your photographer can help you develop a timeline to make sure you receive the best images possible from your elopement.
Seek inspiration from multiple sources!
• ONE • INSPIRATION
To help yourself plan, get inspired and excited about new ideas. Think of what you want to do, the places you want to be, the vibe you want to feel, and look for inspiration accordingly! Use Instagram, Pintrest, travel guides, books, Google Earth to get started. Once you start to discover the type of things you like, it is easier to make your vision happen.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER IN THE INSPIRATION STAGE
Where do you want to get married?
Would you like others to be there?
What do you want to wear?
What type of weather/climate do you like best?
Do you want to go local? National? International?
What activities and things do you like best? How can you incorporate them?
• TWO • BOOKING
Once you have been inspired and have a vision, find your location + vendors that align with that.
WHERE SHOULD YOU ELOPE?
First things first - determine your location! Elopements give you so much more freedom to choose the spot you say your vows in. Simply because it is just the two of you, or a few additional people to witness, you are able to get to many different spots you would have never considered for a traditional wedding. The options are endless!
- your backyard
- a local brewery or vineyard
- the top of a skyscraper
- where you met each other
- in a wheat field
- beside a lake
- on a mountain
- in the forest
- in a foreign country
Logistical QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What are the local marriage laws & requirements?
How accessible is your marriage site? How will you get there?
Do you want to do some sort celebratory meal/drink?
What is the weather like? How will you prepare for this?
How secluded, busy is your location?
Do you want to do a first look?
What vendors do you need? Local or will you be bringing them with you?
If you are inviting guests - How many? Are they arranging their own travel/accommodations?
I got you covered!
eloping in saskatchewan?
To elope in Saskatchewan you need 3 things:
1 . A marriage license. These can be purchased for $60 from most jewelry stores and town administrative offices. They are valid for 90 days after the purchase date.
2. A licensed marriage commissioner who is registered in SK according to the Marriage Act, 1995.
3. Two witnesses over the age of 18. They must be present during the ceremony to witness and sign legal documents. Your photographer can count as a witness!
to tell, or not to tell?
If you opt to not have friends or family along on your elopement you need to decide if you are letting them know ahead of time or not. If you decide to let them know, make sure to stick to your guns! Sometimes family doesn't understand your choice to celebrate without them. Just to be clear - this day is for you, not them!
If they would like to be part of your celebration in some way encourage them to throw an engagement party or a reception for you + your partner after the elopement. They can also write letters of love & support for you and your partner to read on your elopement day.
• THREE • FINALIZING
Create a checklist of all the details + everything you want to make sure you have with you on the big day!
ATTIRE
- A dress that is easy to move around in freely is recommended for outdoor or adventure elopements.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good support and good tread on the soles—if you’re adventuring outside all day this is crucial!
- If you are travelling somewhere that might be cold or windy, make sure to have lots warm layers that you’d be happy being photographed in.
Vendors
- Confirm dates, times + start/end locations with vendors.
- Photographer
- Hair/MUA
- Officiant
- Flowers
- Music
- Catering
- Etc...
Activities
- Your elopement day can look however you’d like. Do something you love together! Go skiing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding! This is the best part of eloping - you can customize your day to you!
- If you’re planning to hike to your location, you’ll need to bring some extra items. Find a quality backpack that will fit everything you plan to bring. If your hike is at sunrise, consider packing your attire in your bag, and changing when you get to your location
ITINERARY
Coverage can begin in the early morning and continue until the evening. This is your story! How would you like it to be captured? Not sure what tha could look like? Here is an example timeline for an elopement:
• 2:00 pm - Casual early afternoon shoot together (ex kayaking)
• 4:00 pm - Getting Ready preparations
• 6:00 pm - First look + hike/walk to ceremony
• 7:30 - Elopement ceremony
• 7:45 pm - Pop some champagne
• 8:00 pm - Sunset photos
• 9:00 pm - Romantic dinner together
investment
roadie
$1,500 + tax
roadie
$1,500 + tax
This package is for the short and sweet local elopement!
• 3 hours consecutive coverage
• 10 or less friends and family present
• online gallery with final edited images
• SK Elopements only *travel included*
wanderer
$2,600 + tax
wanderer
$2,600 + tax
• 6 hours consecutive coverage
• 10 or less friends and family present
• SK elopements only *travel included*
• online gallery with final edited images
• USB and $100 print credit
for adventurous lovers
• Travel + accommodations to all Canadian + most international destinations - inquire for more information
• 6 hours of consecutive coverage on your wedding day
• A day before or after session
• Personalized help + guidance for planning and locations
• 300+ images.
• + OF COURSE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
