Elope /əˈlōp/ verb
- To choose a wedding laser-focused on you as a couple, your relationship, and your commitment to each other. It can be with or without close friends and family who are integral parties to the success of your marriage. “They chose to elope and begin their marriage intentionally strengthening their bond by doing something special together.”
So… what exactly is an Elopement?
An elopement is all about crafting a wedding day that’s laser-focused on your unique bond, celebrating your love story in a way that’s undeniably you.
Elopements have evolved into intimate celebrations for those who crave privacy and cherish experiences over larger events.
*Keep in mind that many public lands limit guests to just the two of you, up to 10-20 guests. Larger gatherings might need a reserved space, even outdoors.
and what it is not…
Gone are the days when eloping meant sneaking off to a courthouse. Today, it’s about embracing a wildly intentional union, free from the stress of orchestrating a massive event.
Elopement vs. Photoshoot
An elopement isn’t a marathon photoshoot. It’s about curating an epic experience, with me there to capture the magic as it naturally unfolds.
How are Elopements different from a large traditional wedding?
Traditional weddings often turn couples into event hosts, aiming to dazzle a crowd. The spotlight shifts to the guests’ experience.
Elopements flip the script, centering the day on you two and perhaps a select few who are pivotal to your journey, making your experience the undeniable focal point.
Elopement Synonyms
- Intimate Wedding
- Micro wedding
- Mini-mony
- Adventure Wedding
- Backyard Wedding
- Commitment Ceremony
- Small family wedding
- Alternative Wedding
- Destination Wedding
Whether you call your day an intimate wedding, a micro wedding, a simple backyard wedding, a commitment ceremony, or any of the other interchangeable names, if the focus of the day is specifically on activities that bring you closer to your partner, it all falls under what is now widely classified as an Elopement!
Who are elopements for?
Elopements are for those who feel a grand wedding isn’t their jam, seeking a day that resonates with their true selves.
If the thought of a big audience for your vows feels more nerve-wracking than joyful, it’s totally okay to design a day that feels authentically ‘you.’
Craft a day that’s all about you two. Pouring time and intention into your wedding isn’t selfish; it’s a bold move to invest in your marriage.
Wondering if eloping is your path? Ask yourselves:
If you answered “YES” to one or more of the questions above, an elopement might be in your future! Still not sure? Take this fun quiz to see what kind of wedding you should have!
So what does a full day elopement look like?
Not sure what you would do on a full day elopement? Does a full day with a photographer sound crazy?
Check out a few sample timelines below to get a feel for what your day could look like!
- 9:30 am – Photographer arrives at airbnb to capture detail shots & getting ready photos
- 10:45 am – First look outside airbnb
- 11:00 am – Head to ceremony location, stop along the way for photos at scenic overlook
- 2:30 pm – Arrive at location; ceremony followed by exploring & portraits
- 5:00 pm – Head back to airbnb (30 min drive)
- 5:30 pm – Arrive back at the airbnb for dinner by private chef overlooking the creek
- 7:30 pm – Photo coverage wraps up- we say goodnight!
3:00 am – Meet at the trailhead, gear up
3:15 am – Begin hike in the dark with headlamps (1.8 miles)
4:45 am – Arrive at first look location, alpenglow begins, change into wedding apparel
5:30 am – Sunrise first look followed by portraits & exploring
8:00 am – Begin hike back to trailhead, portraits along the way (1.8 miles)
9:30 am – Arrive back at trailhead, head to cabin (30 min drive)
10:00 am – Arrive at cabin for ceremony
10:30 am – Ceremony
11:00 am – Family photos
11:30 pm – Brunch party with champagne popping & Pancake Bar
12:30 pm – Detail shots
1:00 pm – Photo coverage ends
5:30 am – Meet at location one & set up for first look
6:00 am – Sunrise first look in location one followed by portraits
7:00 am – Head to location two (15 min drive)
7:15 am – Arrive at the trailhead, gear up
7:30 am – Begin hike, taking portraits along the way (2.0 mile hike in)
9:30 am – Arrive at alpine lake for ceremony & picnic brunch
12:00 pm – Hike back to the trailhead, taking portraits along the way (2.0 mile hike out)
1:30 pm – Arrive at the trailhead, head to location three (30 min drive)
2:00 pm – Arrive at location three for exploring & kayaking
5:00 pm – Return kayaks, photo coverage wraps up
1:30 pm – Photographer arrives at Airbnb to capture detail shots & getting ready photos
2:30 pm – Head to ceremony location in separate vehicles so couple does not see each other (30 min drive)
3:00 pm – Meet at the trailhead with walkie-talkies for first look
3:15 pm – First look on location followed by portraits
3:45 pm – Gear up for hike to ceremony location
4:00 pm – Hike to Ceremony location (1.5 miles)
5:30 pm – Arrive at Ceremony location for ceremony & pop champagne to celebrate
6:00 pm – Exploring & portraits
6:45 pm – Hike back to the trailhead, taking portraits along the way (1.5 mile hike out)
8:00 pm – Head to stargazing location (30 min drive)
8:30 pm – Arrive at stargazing location- couple’s portraits with stars
10:30 pm – Photo coverage wraps up
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.
I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
I appreciate the sample timeline you laid out! Gives me a good idea of how to plan out my day better.
I love this! There are so many stigmas still floating around about elopements, so this is a great resource for your couples to let them know that times are a changin’! I love it.
100%! I am on a mission to let couples know **IT’s OK** to choose something non-traditional, it’s their wedding day!
I really enjoyed the choices you gave for different types of elopements. Very helpful for anyone considering doing this!
Thank you so much! *Choices* is what an elopement is all about 🙂
1This is super informative and absolutely wonderful. It is great information and those sample timelines are so helpful!
Sometimes we have to see it. I used to be part of the “what would I even do all day with a photographer” crowd. Especially with a husband who dislikes having his picture taken. And of course the answer is- exactly what you would do without a camera person there (but PG-13 haha) I think that is what is so great about elopement photography in general. It’s way more hanging out with an old friend, or at times, having a fly on the wall documenting your day.
so many cool and useful information in here. Especially giving a few timeline examples , so that everyone can have it clearer in mind what it really means . So cool!
Thank you Rita! The way the definition has morphed over the years is fun. I’ve always been more of a backyard/ farm wedding kind of girl- I’m so lucky that I now get to incorporate wild adventures as well!
This is such a great explanation, and I love that you included all the synonyms! So many names for what it is!
I love the timeline examples! This is always so helpful for couples! And including the synonyms was a great idea too!
Super informative for anyone just starting to consider an elopement (or adventure wedding 😉 )!
I love this informative post about what an elopement is and I love the sample timeline you included! Such a helpful post for inquiring couples.
These info are so helpful. I love that you also include some mock timelines so people can understand elopements a bit more