How to Make Your Elopement Feel ‘You’

Eloping gives you the freedom to skip the expected and lean into what feels right for you two. The best part? Every choice can be personal and meaningful!

We’re Angie and Lee, a husband and wife photo and video team based in Northern California. Lee also officiates elopements and even plays music for first dances. Over the years, we’ve seen how the small details can turn an elopement day into something truly special.

So if you’re dreaming of an elopement that actually feels like you, keep reading! We’re sharing ideas to help you plan a day that’s thoughtful, personal, and totally your own.

1. Choose a Location That Has Meaning

One of the easiest ways to make your elopement feel like you is to pick a spot that means something to you. It could be a trail you’ve hiked together before, a lake you always visit in the summer, or even a brand new place that just feels right for this season of your life.

Think about the kind of landscape that speaks to you. It could be mountains, forests, or maybe even a rocky coastline. The location sets the tone for your whole day, so lean into the places that feel most like you two.

We’ve photographed couples who chose a favorite overlook from a past road trip, or returned to the exact spot where they got engaged. These places tell a piece of your story, and that makes your photos feel even more personal.

2. Write Your Own Vows

If you’re looking for a way to add meaning to your elopement, writing your own vows is where it’s at. This is your chance to speak from the heart!

You don’t need to be a poet. You just be real. Share what you love about each other, what this day means to you, or the promises you want to make as you start this new chapter.

And you don’t have to read them out loud in front of anyone, either. Some couples share vows during the ceremony, and others choose a quiet moment alone instead. One of our favorite things to capture is couples when they say their vows to each other during portraits. There’s no pressure, no audience, and it’s just the two of them. It always warms our hearts!

No matter how or when you do it, personal vows add a layer of connection that’s hard to beat.

3. Bring One or Two Personal Touches

You don’t need a lot of “stuff” to make your elopement feel personal. But bringing one or two meaningful items can add so much heart to your day.

Maybe you want to bring a journal you’ve written notes to each other in or something like your favorite craft beer to toast with. These little details tell your story in a quiet but powerful way.

We’ve seen couples bring Polaroids from past adventures to look through together, or a handwritten letter from a loved one who couldn’t be there. It doesn’t have to be fancy! It’s all about having a little something that makes you smile and reminds you of what matters.

4. Include Your Furry Friend (If You’ve Got One!)

Dogs + elopements = a match made in heaven. If you’ve got a four-legged friend, why not include them in your big day?

Whether they’re trotting down the aisle as your ring bearer or posing for portraits with you, we’ll help you find pet-friendly spots and make sure they’re part of the big day. Your pup is part of your story too, and having them with you on such a special day can make it even more meaningful.

5. Think About How You Want to Celebrate

After you say your vows, what’s next? The day is yours to enjoy however you want!

Some couples love a post-ceremony hike, while others go on a picnic or celebrate with loved ones at a cozy restaurant. We’ve seen everything from Jeep rides through Joshua Tree to popping champagne on the beach to sharing cake just the two of them at the campground. We’re here to help you choose what feels right for you and capture every bit of it.

6. Skip Traditions That Don’t Matter to You

If you want to wear black or get ready together… do it! We’re here to support you however you choose to celebrate.

Your day, your rules. We’ll help you create a timeline that focuses on the moments that matter most to you. There’s absolutely no pressure to follow the usual wedding traditions.

7. Build a Vendor Team That Gets You

This is one of the most important parts of an elopement day! Your vendor team should understand exactly what you’re going for.

As a husband-and-wife team, we’re there to capture the moments and cheer you on through every step of the day. We’ve even officiated weddings, played music for first dances, and helped with timeline details when needed. We provide whatever it takes to make your day flow smoothly.

At the end of the day, your elopement should feel like you! Whether that means choosing a spot that means something to you, writing your own vows, or bringing your dog along, we’re here to help you make those personal touches happen.

As a Northern California photo and video team (who also officiates and plays music!), our main focus is capturing your day in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and true to your story. If you’re planning an elopement and don’t know where to start, check out our Lake Tahoe Elopement Guide or our article on Insider Tips from a Yosemite Elopement Photographer.When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, reach out. We’d love to help document it all!