If you’re planning an intimate wedding and wondering how to keep your elopement personal, this is for you.
Eloping gives you the freedom to begin with a blank slate. You can plan a micro elopement with 20 to 40 guests. Or you can exchange vows with just the two of you and an officiant in a gorgeous location.
There is no right way. There is only your way.
This couple chose intention over tradition. This was a second marriage for both of them. And they wanted something simple, intimate, and family centered.
Their winter ceremony took place at The Episcopal House of Prayer on St. John’s Campus in Collegeville, which is a beautiful retreat nestled in the woods. Snow covered the ground and bare trees framed the chapel. The setting felt quiet and sacred.
This was a Winter setting that felt true to them.
They shared a quiet first look outside among the trees before their ceremony. Snow and fallen leaves mixed under their feet while they laughed and embraced. Everything was laid back and so authentic, that’s what I love about elopements.
Another part of planning your intimate day, is that you can wear whatever you want!
While some brides choose to wear non-traditional colors or designs, this bride opted for a classic silhouette that looked absolutely incredible on her.
It was a long sleeve ivory gown with a low open back and delicate buttons down the train. She paired it with a soft wrap for warmth in the chilly December air. Her bouquet featured white roses, evergreen sprigs, and pinecones.
It was the perfect nod to the season.
The groom kept things classic. A crisp white shirt, black tie and dark trousers. I loved how effortless they looked together out there in the snow!!
You can’t talk about small weddings without talking about the ceremonies!
The chapel for their ceremony glowed with warm wood tones and soft candlelight. Lanterns lined the aisle. A wreath circled the center of the room. It was so intentionally meaningful for one of the biggest moments of their life.
Designing a Day Around What Matters
If you are wondering how to keep your elopement personal, and feeling inspired by this day, here’s what these two lovebirds prioritized:
- A short, meaningful ceremony with immediate family
- A few getting ready images
- A first look before the ceremony
- Portraits together in the winter woods
- Family photos after vows
- A private dinner to celebrate
They hired me as their Minnesota wedding photographer to document just the ceremony and portraits. No full day coverage. No extras they did not need, just intentional storytelling.
This is the beauty of eloping.
You can design your timeline around your values. And you can focus your budget on what feels important. You can create space for connection instead of performance. And that’s exactly what these two did this wintry December day.
After the ceremony, we stepped outside for family portraits against the stone walls. Their children joined them for photos, and I loved knowing these are the images that will hang on the walls and accent their families homes.
After their big day, the bride wrote me to say: “Thank you thank you thank you for everything you did to make our wedding day absolutely perfect. You definitely captured the day exactly as I was hoping.”
This is the feeling you want when you walk away from your elopement. That’s what I always strive to give my clients.
How to Keep Your Elopement Personal? Create a Day That Reflects You
At the end of it all, it comes down to intention. Choose the traditions you love. Leave the rest. Invite the people who support your story. And build a day that feels honest from beginning to end.
That is where the magic lives.
If you want to see more elopements from Rule Creative Co, here’s a few recent ones to explore!
- Outdoor Elopement at a Friend’s Home
- 5 Tips for Planning Your Dream Minnesota Elopement
- Windswept North Shore Elopement
- Backyard Elopement
- Garden of The Gods Elopement (Colorado!)
If you’re planning a special day, and are considering eloping, I hope these ideas brought you inspiration and clarity! And, if you’d like to chat about having me as your photographer, you can reach out here.
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