10+ Things Couples Regret After Their Elopement
You’re just starting to plan your elopement and you want to know the things couples regret after their elopement day? As an elopement photographer focused on creating the best damn day for my couples, I want to help you get everything perfect for your elopement!
Here’s a list of 10 things couples wish they had done on their elopement day:
Couples wish they had:
- Exchanged personal vows
- Hired a elopement-specific photographer
- Hired a videographer
- Choose a meaningful location
- Planned a special celebration afterward
- Incorporated personal touches/activities
- Arranged for a meal
- Wrote letters to each other
- Included loved ones
- Planned time to relax and savor the moment
- Included their dogs
Exchange Personal Vows
One of the most intimate aspects of any wedding ceremony is the exchange of vows. Couples often wish they had taken the time to write and share personal vows during their elopement. When you’re planning your elopement, dedicate time (at least a month or two ahead of time) to write personalized vows for you and your partner to share.
Hire an Elopement Photographer
When it comes to planning a flawless elopement, investing in an elopement photographer is key. Elopement photographers specialize in planning elopements specific to the couple from customized timelines, vendor recommendations, lodging and travel assistance, and so much more. An elopement photographer is an invaluable resource for eloping couples. Couples often regret not hiring a photographer that specializes in elopements as the burden of planning fell on their shoulders.
Hire a Videographer
When it comes to preserving your elopement, investing in a videographer is huge! Couples often regret not hiring a videographer for the elopement day to share the day with friends and family that couldn’t be there, to relive the memories, and to be able to hear the vows all over again. If you’re on the fence about hiring a videographer, then you should know you will not regret the decision to hire one, but you might regret the decision not hiring one.
Choose a Meaningful Location
While eloping often means escaping to your favorite destination, couples sometimes wish they had chosen a more meaningful or picturesque location. Whether it’s a spot that holds sentimental value or a breathtaking natural setting, selecting the right location can enhance the overall experience and provide epic elopement photos. When choosing a location, consider where you feel happiest, if a location has sentimental value, or if it’s a bucket list location.
Plan an After Party with Friends & Family
While elopements are typically meant for just the two of you, couples later regret not organizing a small celebration or reception with close family and friends. Consider planning a post-elopement casual reception to extend the celebration with loved ones. This can be right after you elope or a couple months later and as simple as a brunch at your favorite spot or an all out reception!
Plan the Day Around Things You Love to Do
Couples often wish they had incorporated their hobbies or things they love to do into their elopement day. This one is one of my biggest regrets! I wish that I had stopped at a brewery with my husband, but we ran out of time between getting ready and when we had to be at the ceremony location. Whether it’s including your love of boating, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, or brewery hopping, you should plan time into your day to spend some time enjoying these things. Afterall, this is your day! Spend it how you want.
Plan a memorable meal
Amid the excitement of eloping, couples sometimes forget to plan a special meal to enjoy after the ceremony. Consider finding a fun food hall or making a reservation at a cozy, intimate restaurant to up the ante for your elopement. Even if you don’t want to go to a fancy restaurant, you can always schedule time to hit up a cool dive, food truck, or your favorite place to eat!
Writing Letters to Each Other
Taking the time to write letters to each other can be so intimate for your elopement. Couples sometimes regret not having this tangible expression of their love as a keepsake. These letters can be read as vows or read while you’re getting ready privately.
Including Friends & Family
Some couples opt for a private elopement and later wish they could have included close friends and family. If you think that will be you, here’s a few ways that you can include them on your elopement day. Couples can set up a live stream (Facebook Live), video call (Zoom or FaceTime), or invite a few close friends and family to the ceremony.
Enjoying the Moment
Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, couples often wish they had taken more moments to relax, breathe, and truly soak in their elopement day. It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy, but remember, this day is about the love you share. Plan to take breaks, hold each other’s hands, and create memories.
Including Their Dog
On top of not adding in time to do things we loved, this one hits home for me. Other couples often regret not including their dog on their elopement day. If your dogs are like kids to you, find ways of involving your pup in the celebration.
Now What?
Your elopement day will be a beautiful adventure filled with love, spontaneity, and core memories. While it’s natural to have a few “what-ifs” after the fact, you can use this list as a way to avoid the most common regrets.
As an elopement photographer, I’ve seen firsthand the magic that unfolds on couples’ elopement day. Incorporating these elements into your elopement will create unforgettable elopement. If you want help planning, curating, and capturing your elopement today, then reach out! I would love to help you avoid these top things couples regret after their elopement and create a day that’s uniquely yours!
