Elopement or Wedding? How to Choose the Right Celebration for You

Choosing how to celebrate your wedding day is one of the biggest and most exciting decisions you'll make as a couple. With so many options—from a private elopement to a full-scale wedding—it can be tough to figure out which path will create the most meaningful experience for you.

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I'm here to capture the authentic connection of your wedding day, no matter the scale. To help you choose the right coverage, I've outlined the key differences between five photo packages based on guest count and event flow.

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Adventure Elopement

If your dream day involves zero distractions and an experience focused purely on you and your partner, an Adventure Elopement is the perfect choice.

• Guest Count: Just the two of you (and perhaps a beloved pet).
• Focus & Flow: The entire day is about your experience. Picture a secluded ceremony by a waterfall, a vows exchange on a quiet beach, or a special city hall ceremony followed by exploring the city. There are no guests to manage, timelines are completely flexible, and the focus is 100% on your connection and the beauty of the moment.
• Photography Coverage & Officiating: Our time together is dedicated to documenting your vows and your portraits in a stunning location. As an ordained minister, I can also sign your official marriage paperwork, simplifying the logistics if you choose a private vows ceremony just for the two of you.

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Extended Elopement

An Extended Elopement keeps the spirit of a private day while including a few of your absolute favorite people.

• Guest Count: Up to 10 guests, typically limited to immediate family or best friends.
• Focus & Flow: The ceremony is the main event, often held in a natural setting like a park, cabin, or small venue.
• Officiating & Ceremony Options: I am an ordained minister and can sign your marriage paperwork, allowing you to say personalized vows without hiring a separate officiant. Alternatively, you can choose to hire a professional to manage & perform a structured ceremony.
• Photography Coverage: The priority remains documenting you as a couple. I'll capture the ceremony and  group photos, but the majority of the day is dedicated to portraits & post-ceremony adventures, ensuring your personal experience is never overshadowed.

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Micro Wedding

A Micro Wedding is a beautifully scaled-down version of a traditional wedding that allows for a larger, yet still intimate, gathering.

• Guest Count: Up to 30 guests.
• Focus & Flow: This event includes a ceremony and a small celebration meal or reception highlights (like a first dance or toasts). The feel is relaxed, allowing for quality time with every guest.
• Photography Coverage: Coverage includes the ceremony, all group and family photos, and getting ready highlights with first look, or initial reception highlights that involve your guests. I also dedicate specific time for couples' portraits and can travel off-site to a park or different area to capture beautiful images of just the two of you.

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Intimate Wedding

When you envision a wedding with all the beloved traditions, but still value a close-knit guest experience, an Intimate Wedding might be the right choice.

• Guest Count: More guests than a Micro Wedding (often 30–75+).
• Focus & Flow: You will likely incorporate more formal elements: a dedicated venue, a bridal party, a more comprehensive reception with a seated dinner, and guest-focused events like toasts, and possibly some dancing. The day has a distinct timeline to accommodate these more complex activities.
• Photography Coverage: Full coverage of the day is needed, from getting ready through the reception highlights. Documentation includes formal portraits with a bridal party and more extensive guest-based activities, plus lots of candids from throughout the day.

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Full Day Wedding

The classic wedding day experience with every moment captured.

• Guest Count: A large celebration (typically 75+ guests).
• Focus & Flow: This involves a complex timeline with many moving parts: a large bridal party, multiple locations for prep, ceremony, and reception, and a long list of traditional events. This scale requires significant planning and coordination.
• Photography Coverage: Due to the large size and complex timeline, a second photographer will ensure full coverage of both partners getting ready and to capture multiple perspectives of the event simultaneously.

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No matter where your perfect day falls on this spectrum, the most important thing is that it feels authentic to your relationship. The format is just a framework—your love is the masterpiece.

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