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Couples

10 Common Elopement Questions Answered

What exactly is an elopement these days? Back in the day, an elopement was a secret, it was a couple running off somewhere to tie the knot without telling anyone, it was breaking with tradition. Today elopements are almost more mainstream than a ‘traditional’ wedding.

An elopement is whatever you want it to be.

It is no longer a secret, people now say with pride that they are planning an elopement, they tell friends and family and everyone gets so excited to see what wonderful adventure the couple decides on. Elopements open up a world of possibilities that a traditional wedding restricts.

For example, how amazing would it be to get married on top of a snow-covered mountain in New Zealand? The dream! Now picture flying 100 guests up there and everyone crowding the mountain top….suddenly not as amazing!

An elopement puts the focus purely on the couple, it is truly about the marriage and cuts out all the other bits. It’s your day and it can be whatever you want it to be.

From my experience of documenting adventurous elopements, these are the 10 most common questions I come across from my couples.

1) WHAT IS AN ELOPEMENT ANYWAY?

If we are planning it, is it still considered an elopement?

What about if we bring a few guests? Hiring vendors?

How I would describe an elopement is not a one fits all description. It is whatever you want it to be.

You may want guests or you may want to just focus on yourselves. Elopements, to me, mean an intimate wedding.

2) HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU NEED TO START PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT?

I’ve planned elopements within a week or up to 18 months, in advance so there really is no set timeline.

Typically my couples start the ball rolling on their elopement planning 5-6 months in advance, this will ensure you are able to lock in your preferred vendors, and your favourite accommodation and have your pick of dates.

Because you don’t have to book a venue, sort invites, plan seating arrangements, appetisers, and the like it is a lot easier to plan an elopement compared to a traditional wedding.

When you book your Elopement package with me, all you will need to organise yourself are –

-Purchase/hire outfits

-Book Hair & Makeup artists (if you want to get glammed up)

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3) WHAT IF I'M COMING FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY?

If you’re planning to elope in New Zealand you’re making a wise decision my friend. We have THE most incredible scenery in the world, and New Zealand is a very relaxed & easy place to visit.

Things to consider if you’re planning to elope in New Zealand and you live overseas.

-Legal? Have you applied for your marriage license?

-Visa? Make sure to check whether you need to apply for a tourist visa before you leave home.

-Turn it into a honeymoon? This is an easy one: YES! We have so many wonderful romantic spots for you to head to after the ceremony.

4) DO WE NEED WITNESSES?

In New Zealand, the law requires that you have two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate.

If you have a photographer and videographer present perfect they can be your witnesses. If you’re bringing a friend or family members they can also sign. Or your friendly helicopter pilot would be more than happy to witness your ceremony and sign your paperwork as your witness.

If you are coming solo I have no doubt we will be able to rustle up a friend to do the honours.

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5) WE KNOW WE WANT TO GET MARRIED OUTSIDE, BUT WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THE WEATHER?

Embrace it- there is no way to control the weather but you could always have a wet weather option and a dry weather option ready. Most of the time weather isn’t an issue, your local photographer will know what to do! If there is zero visibility and the mountains have disappeared we can always reschedule to the following morning.

Part of the fun of New Zealand is the variable weather and I’ve had every weather situation thrown at me so don’t worry I’ve got your back.

If the weather isn’t playing ball I also have a few wet weather options up my sleeve such as going into a beautiful forest area where the trees block out the rain.

6) CAN WE STILL INCLUDE THE GETTING READY SHOTS?

Of course, this is such a fun part of your day and a great way to break the ice and soften the nerves.

I will be there to capture all the thoughtful details and special details that make your wedding unique.

I also come in handy for pinning boutonniere and zipping up your dress.

You may want to exchange gifts or include a “first look” in the getting ready part of your day.

It’s also fun to photograph your accommodation and helps greatly in telling the story of your elopement day.

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7) IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WEDDING AND AN INTIMATE ELOPEMENT?

A wedding traditionally has more than 20 guests, including dinner and speeches, a bridal party and all the trimmings.

Elopements are smaller and more intimate- you still may like to have a friend or two present or you may just keep it intimate with just the two of you.

There is no right or wrong choice- your elopement is completely yours.

8) WE'RE AWKWARD, HOW WILL YOU GET GOOD PHOTOS OF US?

I constantly hear this from my couples and don’t worry I don’t expect you to be professional models. First off my process is very chilled, I will give you prompts and directions and always ask you if that’s something you would normally do.

For example- would you normally hold hands as you walk?

I’ll also be looking for those candid moments- sometimes you will even forget we are there.

Your edited photo gallery will be a mixture of close-ups, far away and…. So I have no doubt you will look at your photos and think “Wow we look cool/adventurous/playful/ourselves/adorable.”

At least that’s what my couples have told me so far.

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9) IS MY FAMILY GOING TO BE UPSET IF I ELOPE?

They may be initially upset but of course, they will understand, big weddings aren’t for everyone. Some people choose to elope in secret and some people tell everyone of their plans so no one is too shocked. Just remember that your day is just that: it’s YOUR day, and you should do it exactly the way you want to.

For more tips read our “How to include family in your elopement” blog posts

10) HOW THE HELL DOES ONE EVEN START PLANNING ONE OF THESE THINGS?!

First things first, head to the contact page and tell me all about yourselves and your elopement ideas- I will be in touch within 24 hours with more info to start the planning process. From there I can book your Celebrant and Videographer, plus give you contact details for my Glam Squad and favourite Florists.

We can chat locations and I can book you a helicopter landing, if you wish. Then when we have a plan in place and I’ll create a timeline for the day.

All you will need to bring is your selves and your outfits- which can even be hired here in town if you don’t have time to shop