Real talk. The most important people on your wedding day are you and your favorite person.
While I love big traditional weddings, they're not for everyone. And that's okay! Your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Sometimes that involves everyone you know. Sometimes it's only your closest people. And sometimes, it's just the two of you.
Bottom line: No matter what your nuptials looks like, it's your wedding day and should be remembered as the best day ever.
Okay. You're wondering if foregoing a traditional wedding in favor of an elopement or micro wedding is the right choice for you. It can be a tough decision to make, especially if you've got family members with (ahem!) opinions... But I promise you, there are soooo many pros to cutting that guest list down to say 30 people...or 0.
1. live completely in the moment
The less people present on your wedding day, the more time you get to spend focusing on each other. Time moves slower. You can spend every second living in the moment, soaking up all those yummy emotions you'll undoubtedly have. Plus if you're one of those people that doesn't really show emotion in public, having a more private wedding allows you to be completely authentic.
2. Eliminate Stress of Planning A big Wedding
Let's face it, your mom/brother/aunt/*insert family member here* has had some strong opinions about the venue, the dress, the caterer, the centerpieces, etc. Literally everything. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this isn't going to stop, bless 'em. So now you're planning a wedding to please everyone else and it looks nothing like the romantic and stunningly perfect thing you envisioned. The less people that are invited, the less people you'll feel the need to please.
3. have a unique wedding experience
You've seen the Pinterest boards, wedding trends are...well they're trending. Elopements and micro weddings are great for people that want a totally unique experience because once you limit that guest list, TONS of options open up to you that otherwise wouldn't be available. Your wedding day can look exactly like you want without the restrictions that come along with having a traditional wedding. Whether that includes an arbor at the end of an aisle or a hike down the beach to a private picnic (or both!), is 100% your call.
Yay, you've decided to elope! Now where the heck are we doing this thing? The sky's the limit when it comes to elopements and micro weddings. Keep reading to see some of my favorite location options.
There are plenty of venues that have the experience of hosting weddings but can accommodate smaller guest lists.
One word: versatility. The beach is a perfect location for inviting a few guests but is also adventurous enough for just the two of you. One of my favorite spots for nuptials (especially if a sunrise/sunset is involved). In fact, I love beach weddings so much, I've created a Jacksonville Beach wedding planning post just for you lovelies.
If you plan on inviting guests, consider renting out a small restaurant. Definitely not available for those larger weddings but ideal for more intimate groups. Many larger restaurants also have the option to rent out a designated event space.
Backyards can be really intimate. And depending on the backyard, they can also be super sentimental. Don't have a backyard? Rent an airbnb. Just make sure they allow events first. Bonus: a vacation rental can also double as a mini-honeymoon!
The ultimate elopement option! Ideal for two people who want to leave the world behind for a day and get lost in their love for each other, whether it be some exotic place on your bucket list, or your hometown, where you've already made so many amazing memories.
Read all of my top tips for planning your elopement, plus how to know if eloping is right for you.
@fcaputophoto
Francesca Caputo Photography is based in Jacksonville Fl and available for travel worldwide.