Hi! Its Megan, your Montana Elopement Photographer!
Are you thinking about eloping? Here are my top 10 reasons on why you should elope.



Coming from a Montana Elopement Photographer, it might come as a shock, but I believe everyone should elope.
Top 10 Reasons You Should Elope…
- You want to focus on you: “We just wanted to focus on us and the love we share.”
A big wedding can be so much fun. But it’s not the time or the place if you want the “just us” experience that an elopement can bring. Many couples wish to enjoy each other without the pressure of planning a big wedding and dealing with all the issues that can arise.
A traditional wedding can leave couples running around trying to please guests, while eloping allows them to spend more quality time together before, during and after the ceremony.
Eloping allows couples to focus solely on each other without distractions or the pressure of entertaining a large crowd. It creates a deeply personal and meaningful experience.
- You want an intimate and meaningful ceremony: “It was so nice to look as far as we could see and only find the mountains and each other.”
Being surrounded by family and friends can be so much fun. But, sometimes, a big crowd is just overwhelming.
If that’s not your style, elope! In a state where the cows outnumber the people, you’re more likely to see a bear or mountain goat than someone you have to hug. Nothing is more intimate than spending your wedding day with just each other, Smokey, the Bear…and me.
- You don’t want to be the center of attention: “I only wanted one set of eyes on me on my wedding day.”
So many of my couples say they want to avoid being the center of attention on their wedding day. Having 200 pairs of eyes staring at you can be a great feeling, but it can also be overwhelming and not desirable on a day that is supposed to be about you and your new spouse.
If you’re anything like me, the only set of eyes you want looking at you is your partner’s. It’s less overwhelming and more romantic, and you can enjoy the one set of eyes you care about most.
- You want something different: “Everyone has a big wedding; we wanted something unique and special.”
Most people spend the summers of their mid-20s going to wedding after wedding, often times as the couples getting married throw elaborate parties, taking their shot at the perfect social trend wedding. Most of them are beautiful and fun – you wouldn’t miss them. But, after awhile, they can start to look and feel the same.
You have complete creative freedom when you ELOPE! Elopements often take place in intimate, special and stunning locations, providing the couple a chance to soak in every detail of their day. As you go to each of those big weddings, you can’t help but think about what you like and don’t like. Based on what you’ve seen, you and your partner can make decisions based on what you want to do, and what you don’t want to do, and you don’t have to worry about what others will think. Sometimes, the big weddings lose authenticity, and you want something…real. There’s nothing more authentic than the two of you and nature (and again…me).
- You’re adventurous: “What do you like to do for fun?”
If you’ve ever been on a first date or, God forbid, had a conversation on Tinder, you’ve asked and answered the question above. The most common answers (at least in Montana) are a token list of what everyone thinks you want to hear: hiking, fishing, camping…you know, anything outdoors and adventurous.
While those answers may not ALWAYS be accurate, they are for some of us. Eloping allows for a wide range of fun and memorable activities that can provide unique moments. Some of these activities can include Hiking, Canoeing or Kayaking, Helicopter, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Board Games or Cooking.
- You can include things you love: “I know a lot of people like to get dressed up to go out on the town, but that just wasn’t us.”
For many couples reading this, the REAL answer to that first date question was that you were adventurous. It may be how you connected with your partner, and why it has lasted…maybe even a part of why you’re getting married?
One of the reasons I love shooting elopements is that I’m very adventurous myself. I love having couples that are up for anything. I love to get to know you, then help throw out ideas I think you will like, and that will create amazing memories (and pictures). I also love when couples have their own ideas, and are surprised when I’m game! You can do any of the things you love – Camping, Hiking, Canoeing, Skiing, Snowshoeing, Fishing, Horseback, LARPing – I don’t judge.
- You have the option to bring your animals: “It meant the world that we got to bring Bentley with us on our wedding day.”
Let’s face it. There is something in our lives that we all love just as much or more than our partners. Our pets. For many of us, that’s the first thing we have owned with our partners; they are a big part of our lives and relationships.
So why not have them be a part of your big day? Have a dog, a cat, or a flying squirrel you love? Bring them along for the adventure and the ceremony! One thing to note is that you should check the regulations for pets wherever you happen to be celebrating. They may not allow pets…which is sad and unfortunate!
8.You want incredible photos you’ll look back on.
Eloping gives the photographer the opportunity to capture authentic, raw moments, as the couple feels more relaxed and as ease without the presence of a large crowd. This creates an environment where genuine emotions can flow freely, allowing the photographer to truly capture the essence of their relationship.
9. You want to avoid family wedding day drama. “We love our families very much, but we struggled to balance everything they wanted with what we wanted.”
Let’s face it; sometimes, it’s a struggle to please everyone. Our families almost always want the best for us, but sometimes it doesn’t align with what we want. Especially when it comes to the wedding day.
The easiest way to please the most important people on your wedding day (YOU!) is to elope, and have the opportunity to do exactly what you want on your special day.
10. MAKE IT UNTRADITIONAL- MAKE IT YOU!
Eloping is often the perfect choice for couples seeking an untraditional wedding because it breaks away from the typical expectations and structures of a conventional celebration. Here’s why: Freedom to be yourself, Non-conventional locations, intimate and personal, simplified and stress-free, personalized vows and less pressure to conform.
For couples who aren’t drawn to the the traditional wedding format, eloping offers the ultimate freedom to celebrate their love in a way that feels true to who they are, without compromise or convention.
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