If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering your options for tying the knot. You’ve probably heard plenty about traditional weddings—the big venues, the guest lists, and the long days full of planning, coordinating, and the pressure of keeping everything perfect. But have you ever thought about the alternative? Eloping.

As a photographer who’s had the privilege of capturing some truly magical elopements, I want to share why, from my perspective, eloping might just be the better choice for so many couples. It’s a choice that allows you to focus on what truly matters—your love, your commitment, and your adventure together—without the distractions and expectations that can come with a large, traditional wedding.

Here are some reasons why eloping might be the best decision you can make for your wedding day.

A bride and groom eloping at sunset in Calgary.

1. It’s All About the Two of You

Let’s face it: weddings can quickly become about everyone else. The guest list, the expectations, the pressure to please family members—it’s easy for the focus to shift from your love story to the performance of a "perfect" day. But when you elope, the focus is entirely on you and your partner. There are no distractions. It’s just the two of you, making a commitment to each other in a way that’s intimate, personal, and, most importantly, genuine.

Eloping gives you the freedom to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to who you are as a couple. Whether that means saying your vows on a mountaintop, exchanging rings in a quiet forest, or getting married in a small, intimate church—it’s your day, your way. The best part? No pressure to meet anyone else’s expectations. You’re free to be as adventurous, spontaneous, or simple as you want.

A bride and groom eloping at city hall in Calgary.

2. Stress-Free Planning, More Focused on Your Love

Anyone who’s planned a traditional wedding knows the stress involved. There are venue bookings, caterers, florists, guest lists, RSVPs, and so many decisions to make. It can feel overwhelming. Eloping, on the other hand, is simple and stress-free.

Instead of getting bogged down in endless details, you get to focus on the experience itself. You can choose a location that’s meaningful to you, whether it’s an intimate spot close to home or far away destination. There’s no need for a big event to make your day special—the experience itself is the focus.

I’ve worked with many couples who felt more at ease and connected on their elopement day because the focus was on the love they were celebrating, rather than the event surrounding it. You’ll have more freedom to enjoy your day and each other’s company rather than rushing from one planned moment to the next.

A bride and groom eloping in Canmore, Alberta.

3. Elopements Are More Budget-Friendly

Let’s talk about money for a moment. Traditional weddings can get expensive—sometimes even astronomically so—with costs adding up for a venue, catering, entertainment, flowers, photography, and so much more. With an elopement, you can drastically reduce costs, putting your money toward experiences that matter most to you.

You could allocate funds toward a dream destination wedding in the mountains or by the beach, hiring a photographer (me!) who truly understands your vision, or splurging on an unforgettable meal for two. Plus, you can avoid spending on things like 100+ guest meals, large floral arrangements, or a huge reception hall.

Eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or meaning—it means creating a wedding day that’s uniquely yours without breaking the bank. And I’m all for couples investing in what makes them happiest on their wedding day.

A bride and groom in a car on their wedding day.

4. More Freedom to Personalize the Experience

One of the most beautiful things about eloping is that you get to fully personalize the experience. Want to say your vows at sunrise on a quiet beach, or exchange rings in a forest surrounded by just the sounds of nature? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of eloping in Europe, or saying your “I dos” in a charming little church in the city.

Eloping gives you the freedom to choose the location that speaks to your heart. No need to compromise with a venue that might not align with your style or vision. And because your day is smaller and more intimate, you can focus on adding personal touches that truly reflect your relationship.

Perhaps you want to exchange hand-written vows under a waterfall or hike to a mountain peak to seal your love with a kiss. The possibilities are endless when you’re not confined by the structure and tradition of a big wedding. The whole day can feel like an adventure—one that is as unique and beautiful as your love story.

5. The Experience: An Unforgettable Day, Just for You Two

Weddings, for all their beauty and tradition, can sometimes feel more like a whirlwind—a series of events happening fast and furiously. Elopements, on the other hand, allow for a more slow, intentional experience. The pace is different. You’re not rushing through your ceremony or trying to fit in a million photos with distant relatives. Instead, you’re immersed in the moment, soaking in the experience and creating lasting memories just the two of you.

The most magical elopements I’ve photographed have been full of quiet moments—hand-holding, quiet gazes, laughter, and spontaneous joy. There’s no rush to move on to the next thing. You can savor every single second of your day and truly celebrate the most important commitment you’ll ever make, without feeling like you’re “on display.”

Elopements are often more meaningful and emotional because they strip away the noise and focus solely on the bond between the couple. This is the one day that is all about you and your partner—and there’s nothing more beautiful than that.

A bride and groom kissing on their wedding day in Calgary.

Eloping isn’t just an alternative to a traditional wedding—it’s a powerful statement about what matters most to you as a couple. Whether you’re looking to escape the stress of planning, reduce costs, or simply want to celebrate your love in a meaningful and personal way, eloping offers something traditional weddings can’t always provide: the freedom to do it your way.

As a photographer who specializes in capturing the intimate, emotional moments of elopements, I can tell you that these moments are some of the most powerful and beautiful I’ve had the privilege to document. There’s something incredibly special about witnessing a couple express their love without the distractions of a large wedding.

If you’re considering eloping and want to capture the raw beauty and emotion of your day, I would love to be a part of it. Together, we can create timeless images that tell your love story in the most authentic and cinematic way possible.

Let’s make your dream elopement a reality. Reach out to me today, and let’s begin planning the adventure of a lifetime.