Why Eloping is Not Just for the Rebels Anymore

Why Eloping is Not Just for the Rebels Anymore

Weddings are often thought of as grand celebrations, complete with elaborately decorated venues, fancy outfits, and a long list of guests. However, things are changing, and eloping is no longer just for those who rebel against traditional ceremonies. In fact, more and more couples are choosing to elope instead of throwing big weddings, and for good reason.

Eloping allows couples to prioritize their love and commitment to each other, without the pressure of conforming to societal expectations. In this article, we’ll explore why eloping may be the right choice for you, debunk common misconceptions about eloping, and provide practical tips on how to plan the perfect elopement.

Whether you’re a “rebel” or not, keep reading to discover why eloping can be a romantic and intimate way to celebrate your love.

Eloping is not just for the rebels

One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping is that it’s only for those who want to rebel against traditional ceremonies. However, as we’ve already discussed, eloping is becoming a more popular option for couples seeking a romantic and intimate celebration of their love.

Eloping allows couples to escape the stress and expense of planning a big wedding and focus on what really matters – their relationship. But despite its growing popularity, eloping still faces some negative stereotypes.

In the next section, we’ll debunk some of those myths and provide a more accurate picture of what eloping really entails.

Common misconceptions about eloping

One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping is that it’s only for those who want to rebel against traditional ceremonies. However, as we’ve already discussed, eloping is becoming a more popular option for couples seeking a romantic and intimate celebration of their love.

Getting married in a special place (Eloping) allows couples to escape the stress and expense of planning a big wedding and focus on what really matters – their relationship. But despite its growing popularity, eloping still faces some negative stereotypes.

One common misconception is that eloping is selfish or disrespectful to family and friends. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Eloping can still involve loved ones in meaningful ways, such as having a small ceremony with immediate family or hosting a reception to celebrate the couple’s union. Additionally, eloping can actually be a considerate choice for couples with family conflicts or financial limitations.

Another misconception is that eloping means sacrificing the beauty and tradition of a wedding. However, eloping can still incorporate meaningful traditions and romantic elements, such as exchanging vows in a stunning natural setting or having a personalized ceremony with a private officiant.

Finally, eloping allows couples to make their own rules and prioritize what truly matters to them instead of feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations.

Why eloping may be the right choice for you

Elopements and micro weddings have become a popular alternative to traditional weddings and for good reason. While some couples may feel a sense of obligation to have a big, fancy wedding, eloping allows for a more intimate and personal celebration. It allows couples to focus solely on each other and the commitment they are making, without any distractions or outside pressure.

Eloping can also be a more affordable option, as the expenses are typically much lower than a traditional wedding. This can be especially appealing for couples who want to invest that money into other areas of their future, such as purchasing a home or starting a family.

Another benefit to eloping is the flexibility it provides. With a traditional wedding, couples may feel the need to invite certain family members or friends, even if they don’t necessarily want them there. Eloping eliminates this pressure and allows couples to invite only those who truly matter and who they want to share their special day with.

Finally, elopements can be incredibly romantic. Whether it’s exchanging vows in a beautiful natural setting, or having a private ceremony with a personalized officiant, eloping allows couples to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

So if you’re considering eloping, know that you’re not alone and it may be the right choice for you. In the next section, we’ll provide helpful tips for planning your own intimate celebration.

Tips for planning an elopement

If you’ve decided that eloping is the perfect option for you, congratulations! Now, it’s time to start planning your intimate celebration. Here are a few tips to help make your elopement planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible:

  1. Choose the perfect location: Whether it’s a mountaintop or a beach, pick a location that speaks to you and your partner. Consider the time of year, accessibility, and any necessary permits.
  2. Find the right officiant: Your officiant should be someone who shares your values and beliefs. Consider hiring a professional, or ask a close friend or family member to become ordained.
  3. Focus on your attire: Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you should skimp on style. Choose attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and don’t forget accessories like shoes, jewelry, and hairpieces.
  4. Think about photography: You’ll want to capture this moment forever, so consider hiring a professional photographer to document your elopement.
  5. Plan your celebration: Just because you’re not having a big wedding doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. Plan a special dinner or activity for just the two of you, or consider a small reception with close friends and family.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect elopement. In the next section, we’ll explore how to involve your loved ones in your celebration, even if you’re eloping.

How to involve loved ones in your elopement

One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping is that it means excluding loved ones from your special day. However, this is far from the truth. There are many ways to involve your family and close friends in your elopement, whether it’s through small gestures or more elaborate plans.

Firstly, you could consider having a pre-elopement party or dinner with your loved ones. This will give them the opportunity to celebrate with you before your big day and feel included in the process. You could also have your loved ones write letters or create videos with messages of love and support to be read or watched on your wedding day.

Another way to involve your loved ones is to have a ceremony or reception after your elopement. You could have a small, intimate gathering where you share your photos and memories from your elopement and have a toast to your new life together. This could also be a great opportunity for your loved ones to give speeches or share well-wishes.

Finally, you could involve your loved ones in the planning process. Ask for their input on things like your wedding dress, venue, or even your vows. This will not only make them feel included, but it will also help to alleviate some of the stress that comes with planning a wedding.

While elopements are often thought of as a way to exclude loved ones, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be that way. By involving your family and close friends in your elopement, you can still have a special and meaningful day without sacrificing the intimacy and romance that makes elopements so appealing.

With your loved ones involved, you’re ready to plan the perfect elopement. But before you get started, it’s important to understand the legal requirements for eloping.

Legal requirements for eloping

With your loved ones by your side, planning an elopement can be an exciting and personal experience. However, before you say your vows, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for getting married. The good news is that eloping is often a simpler process than a traditional wedding, but it still involves some necessary steps.

Firstly, you need to obtain a marriage license. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary depending on the location, so it’s crucial to research the laws in the state or country that you plan to marry in. Typically, you’ll need to provide identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, and pay a fee to obtain your license. Some places may also have a waiting period before you can legally marry.

Secondly, you’ll need to have an officiant perform the ceremony and sign the marriage license. Again, the laws regarding who can legally marry couples vary depending on the location. In some places, a friend or family member can become ordained online and legally perform the ceremony, while other places require a licensed officiant.

Lastly, once the ceremony is complete, you need to ensure that the marriage license is filed correctly with the appropriate agency to make the marriage legally recognized. It’s important to know the deadline for filing, as failing to do so can result in an invalid marriage.

Understanding the legal requirements for eloping may seem overwhelming, but it’s an essential step in ensuring that your marriage is valid and recognized. By doing your research and staying organized, you can have a stress-free process and focus on enjoying your special day with your loved ones.

Summary

In conclusion, eloping is not just for rebels anymore. It is a viable option for anyone who wants to celebrate their love in a romantic and intimate way. Don’t let common misconceptions about eloping hold you back from considering it as a valid way to get married.

With careful planning and consideration, eloping can be the perfect choice for those who want to focus on the meaning of marriage rather than the spectacle of a wedding. Remember, your wedding day should be about you, your partner, and your love for each other.

So, if eloping resonates with you, take the leap and plan the elopement of your dreams and I’d love to photograph it!

As author Fawn Weaver once said, “Happily ever after is not a fairy tale; it’s a choice.”

Are you engaged and eloping in California? I’d love to chat! 

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Lake Tahoe Elopements and Weddings

Elopement in the woods of Lake Tahoe by Jen Vazquez Photography with a Badgley Mischka Wedding gown-4891

Lake Tahoe Elopements and Weddings

Lake Tahoe has such natural beauty, unspoiled nature and romantic vibes, it offers one of the best locations for couples getting married or to elope and it’s my favorite place to photograph weddings.  

GETTING MARRIED IN LAKE TAHOE

2020 brought on a ton of change.  One big change for couples was needing to cancel or postpone weddings.  Many couples decide to just have an intimate or small wedding (also referred to as a micro wedding) or choose to elope just in the woods or on the lake or dock.  

The combination of couples rescheduling and new couples getting engaged, means that there may be a shortage of available venues or vendors.

ABOUT LAKE TAHOE

Why Lake Tahoe? Lake Tahoe is majestic, pristine, eye-catchingly blue and green, and appears to be untouched. Part of that is because of the campaign to “Keep Tahoe Blue”.  This group’s purpose is to protect Lake Tahoe, now and for future generations.

Tahoe is located at the California-Nevada border, just 58 miles from Reno.  Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine Lake on the North American continent.   

Surrounded by the Sierra Forest and numerous rock formations, the lake area is accessible all year long via seven all-weather highways and provides rugged mountain peaks, beautiful meadows, streams, and falls.

TIME OF YEAR

Depending upon what look and feel you want, Lake Tahoe offers so many options.  

January to March is great for a winter wonderland experience, 

In July and August you get summer vibes with ceremonies on a dock or beach on the lake.  

September brings less tourists, it’s still warm enough for outdoor ceremonies, and hotel prices drop.  

Weather in Lake Tahoe can be unpredictable. Rain can intrude on your plans for an outdoor wedding, so always have a plan B ready. 

To make sure you don’t miss a fabulous outdoor photoshoot, make flexible plans and be prepared to go with the flow. If it is raining in the morning, maybe you can move the photography session for afternoon hours.

Intimate Elopement in North Lake Tahoe by Jen Vazquez Photography with a pale peach badgley mischka wedding gown-6220

NORTH OR SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe has two main areas where you can find beautiful and scenic wedding venues.  Both areas are exceptionally pretty with alpine-style ski areas and charming towns.

South Shore is packed with luxury hotels and resorts, so it could be more active with tourists and thus take longer to drive places.

North Shore feels more secluded and pristine and much less crowded even during peak seasons. 

When choosing a location for your event, look for venues that satisfy your criteria in terms of ambiance, food, accommodation, and services. Because you can easily boat between the two shores, you can even book a venue on one side of the lake and do a photo shoot on another, but you need to ensure you give appropriate time to travel between both.  Don’t rely on GPS for planning purposes because it can suddenly get busy.    

RESTRICTIONS

As it’s a protected area Lake Tahoe has many restrictions regarding weddings and other events. There is a strict “no trace” rule, which means you have to pick up all the litter and leave nothing behind you. You are not allowed to tamper with trees in any way (this applies even to fairy lights and other decorations), and you must keep the waters clean.

Outdoor weddings are subject to noise regulations, you shouldn’t party outside after 10 pm. Parking is not allowed in many locations around Lake Tahoe. If you are booking one of the major venues, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if your wedding location is off-the-beaten-path, then you might need to organize a shuttle or boat service for your guests.

VENUES AND HOTELS IN LAKE TAHOE 

As Lake Tahoe is popular, weddings can be on the expensive side.  One way to save money is to get married in spring or fall (off-season). 

Some pricier venues can charge $10K+ and accommodations are around $500+ per night. If you stay in smaller hotels or motels, you can find something more affordable.

lake tahoe elopement photographer

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Following are some locatons that are perfect for an elopement or wedding in Lake Tahoe.  It has the most majestic and beautiful scenery from the blue of the lake to the green of the forests.  Here are some locations I love:

Where to Elope in South Lake Tahoe

 

Emerald Bay State Park | 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

 It is located 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe.  With iconic views overlooking Lake Tahoe.  The best time to take photographs is during sunrise since the surrounding hills block the sun as it sets in the afternoon.

Logan Shoals Vista Point | Lake Shore Blvd, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Logan Shoals Vista Point is situated along the road and is made for elopements.  There is a designated area within a short walk from the roadside parking. The best time to photograph is during sunset because of the scenic views.  

Sugar Pine Point State Park Pier | Tahoma, CA 96142

Sugar Pine Point State Park is known for its pier that offers unique opportunities for photography and of course your elopement ceremony. While it offers a big variety in backgrounds from the pier, to the beach, and our nature, it can be very windy.  You can photograph at sunrise or sunset. 

Lakeside Beach | 4081 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

This is a unique location as it’s on the lake and boasts a beach.  You have plenty of options for searching and an arbor all with a lake view.  It shares the beach with the public but is separated by a fence so you still have a private area for your elopement.

The Chateau at Incline Village in Lake Tahoe Nevada

Where to Elope in North Lake Tahoe

 

Sand Harbor | 2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452

When one wants to visit North Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is the first thing you think of to enjoy! With rock formations and clear and calm waters, this popular site easily proves it is one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe

Kings Beach and Dock | Parking lot, Bear St, Kings Beach, CA 96143

Kings beach is public so this is an option if it’s just you two, someone to marry you, and a photographer.  You sometimes have to wait your turn to walk down the dock, but the view is amazing!  You can also book the outdoor plaza and a small stage near the playground which are available for special events. 

The Chateau at Incline Village 955 Fairway Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451

The Chateau at Incline Village has a classic Lake Tahoe charm with a modern edge. Expansive lake,  mountain, and golf views, vaulted timber ceilings, large stone fireplaces, and spacious covered wrap-around decks.  

High Camp at Squaw Valley | 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Having your elopement or wedding at a ski resort ensures the customer service and experience will be second to none. Comparing it to doing it on your own at more public spaces such as Emerald Bay State Park or Sand Harbor, you will have guaranteed privacy and not have to worry about the little things that naturally come with eloping.

  • UPPER DECK AT HIGH CAMP: Your guests will marvel at the expansive views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding Sierra while they watch you exchange your vows mid-mountain.
  • TERRACE ROOM AT HIGH CAMP: Newly remodeled and perched at the top of Squaw Valley, with views of Lake Tahoe and the wide-open meadows and surrounding Sierras.

Donner Memorial State Park12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

There is actually a Lodge in this area that can be used for any getting ready options since a majority of this park is meadow and doesn’t have any cover. Visiting Donner Memorial State Park will offer gorgeous scenic views that you cannot go wrong with for your elopement in Lake Tahoe.

Airbnb in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe is considered to have an overall higher-income community compared to South Lake Tahoe. Given that South Lake Tahoe is more known for casinos, restaurants, and nightlife, it is fitting that North Lake Tahoe cater to those who are older and prefer the finer things in life. This being said, one of the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe could be at a nicely renovated Airbnb!

STAY CURRENT WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LAKE TAHOE

One of the best tips I can provide at this time is to ensure that you stay updated with what’s happening in Lake Tahoe so there aren’t surprises. I recommend checking LakeTahoe Visitors Authority to check details that may impact your wedding plans.

Are you planning a wedding or elopement in Lake Tahoe?

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