Choosing to elope during Covid is a wonderful idea for many couples right now. One of the most compelling reasons is primarily because having a traditional full-sized wedding right now has been super tricky. Whether you’re dealing with friends and family not being able to come, or the venue’s not accepting more than 50 guests, it’s been quite the challenge. Although, you aren’t alone. No one wants to be indefinitely engaged, and you don’t have to. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider eloping during Covid.

1.) The Magic of Elopements (And Eloping During Covid)

The first and foremost reason I believe an elopement is an awesome choice is that they are absolutely magical. Choosing to elope during covid can help you get married during this hectic time, but they’re so much more than a fast pass. Modern elopements aren’t going to a courthouse and signing marriage licenses in secret. They are all about planning an intimate full day with your partner. Some couples even choose to have two-day elopements. These days can be filled with any and all activities that your partner enjoys, your favorite food, your favorite places, and so much more.

The options really are limitless, and when you open the floodgates to possibility, you and your partner have the option to create something incredibly unique and beautiful. No strict timelines, no worrying about guests, no feeling like you’re putting on a performance when you say your vows to the person you love. If you’re not totally sure what a modern elopement looks like, you can read more about them here.

2.)The World is your Venue

Did you know that you can elope in National Parks? National Forests? On beaches? In mountains? And all it costs is the fee to get the permit. Amazing, right? Couples will pick one location or multiple. For example, I had a couple who eloped in Mt. Rainier National Park. For their ceremony, we hiked a short and easy trail over a suspension bridge into gigantic trees. After that, they had a celebratory picnic in a meadow overlooking the mountains. During sunset, they hiked to a glacial lake and had their first dance. Finally, we went back to their amazing Airbnb so they could enjoy a dinner made by a private chef. Keeping your wedding outside is a safe and awesome way to elope during covid.

Maybe I’m biased, but this sounds a lot better to me than paying thousands of dollars for a venue. Unsure of where you would want to elope? No worries, most of us elopement photographers double as planners. I would absolutely love to help you find your dream elopement location anywhere in the world! If you’re traveling away from home for your elopement, you’re also going to want to book a place to stay. Airbnb’s are a perfect way to have your own small venue to continue the elopement festivities after your wedding. Here are my favorite Airbnb’s for elopements in Oregon, Washington, and Utah. Always make Airbnb aware of your plans! Be sure to let them know upfront if you’re planning to elope during covid and use their Airbnb as a venue for your day.

3.) You Can Include Your Family

Another huge misconception about elopements is that they only include the couple. This is completely incorrect. Whereas some couples do prefer to have a “just us” experience, there are so many who want to have guests. A wedding can still be considered an elopement if it’s around 20 guests. This amount of people has been deemed safe outside during everything going on with covid. This is another reason why choosing to elope during covid is both a safe and awesome option. No need to disclude the people you love most. You can absolutely choose a stunning outdoor ceremony location and have them there to support you as you become a new married couple.

One thing to consider if you’re thinking about eloping with family is to maybe keep it local. Your friends and family will probably feel a lot safer if they can get to your elopement by driving their own personal vehicles as opposed to flying. If you are considering going a far distance for your elopements, just make sure to check with your loved ones first to be sure they’re okay with making the journey. Odds are, they will feel a lot safer in an intimate setting than showing up to a 200 guest wedding.

4.) Vendors To Help you Elope During Covid

Covid hasn’t just affected engaged couples, it has definitely also made life a lot harder for us vendors. The good news is, we are all still available and ready for work. Now a lot of vendors are totally catering to smaller weddings (and loving it.) Having an elopement doesn’t mean that you can’t have amazing vendors to make your day perfect. You are still able to get rentals such as benches, arches, and decorations. Florists are here and ready to make your bouquet. Bakers can make you a wedding cake or whatever dessert you’re into. I’ve shot elopements that ever had an outdoor DJ in a national forest. Once again, eloping during covid doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any of the details to make your day exactly how you want.

5.) Weather

The weather is gorgeous this time of year (Summer-Fall). It’s a perfect time to have an outdoor ceremony and a day filled with whatever outdoor activities you want. Some of these activities include sightseeing, hiking, rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, renting a boat, picnicking and so much more. Couples have gotten insanely creative with what they want to do during their elopements, and a lot of them choose things outdoors (which is perfect for eloping during covid).

Although, winter elopements are totally a thing and they rock. I’ve seen couples go on glacier tours, explore ice caves, go on helicopter tours, visit the bears in Kodiak AK, snowmobile, enjoy hot springs, the options are seriously endless. You can even choose to elope during winter and go somewhere warm such as Hawaii! Eloping during covid means the ball is in your court. Whether you want to elope now during these beautiful months, have a winter elopement, or switch it up and go somewhere with a totally different climate.

Why to Elope During Covid in 2021

In conclusion, there are tons of reasons to elope PERIOD. But all of those reasons have been further amplified by covid. Having a wedding should be about you celebrating your love with your partner, and you shouldn’t have to wait for who knows how long to do so. Eloping during covid means the world is your venue, you can involve your family and keep it safe by having a small group, and you don’t have to sacrifice any of the good stuff. Planning an elopement can seem hard at first when there are so many amazing possibilities. If you’re ready to make the jump, I’m here to help with EVERY step and get you to your dream day.