There’s something undeniably magical about elopements. Maybe it’s the quiet moments, or the feeling of freedom that comes with crafting a day meant for just the two of you. In recent years, more and more couples are leaning into the luxury of simplicity. Elopements offer the kind of intimacy and authenticity that can be hard to capture in a traditional setting. If you’ve been dreaming of a day where every moment feels yours, here’s why elopements might be calling your name.

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Two people share a joyful moment while holding drinks in a bright indoor setting.
A vibrant fall bouquet with orange sunflowers and burgundy flowers held against a maroon dress.
A close-up of autumn-colored bouquet featuring sunflowers and warm-toned blooms against a burgundy dress.
A black and white photo shows a photographer documenting an intimate moment in a forest setting.
A photographer documents a romantic scene in a wooded area during fall season.
A photographer captures a moment during an outdoor fall photoshoot in a forest clearing.
A photographer captures a couple's intimate moment in a forest clearing during autumn.
Black and white photo of an intimate ceremony moment in a wooded setting.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a wooded setting with attendees gathered around an officiant.
Black and white close-up of attendees during an intimate outdoor ceremony.
Black and white candid moment during an intimate forest ceremony with attendees.
Outdoor forest ceremony at sunset with attendees in vintage-inspired attire.
Black and white photo of a small ceremony group gathered in a forest clearing.
Sunset outdoor ceremony in a forest with attendees in vintage-inspired formal wear.
Black and white candid shot of a small gathering during an intimate outdoor ceremony.
Intimate outdoor ceremony with attendees in formal wear surrounded by evergreen trees.
Black and white photo of an outdoor ceremony with attendees gathered around a person in suspenders.
Small outdoor gathering with people in formal attire during a ceremony in a wooded setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in wooded setting with officiant and guests.
Wedding ceremony in progress with officiant and guests in natural forest setting.
A candid black and white moment captured during an outdoor celebration.
A joyful moment shared during an outdoor autumn celebration.
A black and white photo captures an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony.
An outdoor wedding ceremony unfolds with attendees gathered in formal attire.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a sun-dappled forest clearing with autumn trees in the background.
Candid wedding ceremony moment in wooded setting with autumn trees and natural lighting.
Black and white candid moment during outdoor forest wedding ceremony.
Emotional moment during outdoor autumn wedding with forest backdrop and warm lighting.
Intimate forest wedding ceremony during golden hour with autumn trees in background.
Black and white photograph of intimate outdoor wedding ceremony with forest backdrop.
Sunset wedding ceremony in a clearing surrounded by birch trees and fall foliage.
Close-up of wedding attire details showing suspenders and waistcoat against forest backdrop.
Black and white photo of a small wedding gathering in a forest clearing with vintage-inspired attire.
Wedding party members in vintage-inspired attire gather in a wooded clearing during an autumn ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony taking place in a wooded area during autumn with warm sunlight filtering through trees.
Two people exchanging items during an outdoor photoshoot wearing vintage-inspired clothing.
Closeup of hands exchanging items during an outdoor photo session with rustic attire.
Vintage-style black and white photograph of an intimate moment in a wooded setting.
A romantic forest photoshoot with fall foliage and vintage-inspired attire.
Black and white photograph of a group posing playfully in a forest clearing.
An autumn forest photoshoot featuring casual poses and warm earth-toned clothing.
A candid autumn photoshoot moment with people laughing and interacting in a wooded setting.
Black and white image of a romantic dip pose captured in a forest clearing.
A romantic dip pose captured during a fall photoshoot with onlookers in the background.
A playful outdoor photo session in a wooded area with people in vintage-inspired autumn clothing.
Black and white photo of figure in suspenders standing on balcony viewed through doorway.
Silhouette of person in suspenders viewed through window against forest backdrop.
Person in suspenders viewed through window frame on outdoor deck.
A couple in autumn attire poses with wildflowers in a moody forest setting.
A couple poses with fall flowers in a misty forest wearing vintage-inspired attire.
A tender moment captured in black and white as two people embrace in a dense forest.
Two people share a romantic moment among birch trees while holding autumn flowers.
A couple embraces and laughs together in a peaceful forest setting.
Two people share an intimate embrace while standing among tall pine trees.
A joyful black and white portrait of two people laughing together in a forest setting.
Two people share a joyful moment outdoors with autumn foliage and sunflowers.
A playful couple takes photos of each other on an autumn forest path.
An intimate black and white portrait of a couple sharing a tender moment with vintage styling.
A close-up romantic portrait of a couple in autumn with burgundy and cream colored attire.
A photographer captures candid moments between a couple during an autumn photo session.
A couple shares a tender embrace on a wooded path holding autumn flowers in black and white.
A romantic autumn engagement photo showing a couple embracing on a leaf-covered forest trail.
A romantic couple embraces on a forest path in autumn wearing vintage-inspired clothing with suspenders and a dress.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a fall woodland trail with burgundy and cream colored outfits.
A photographer captures a romantic moment between a couple in an autumn forest setting.
A tender moment captured in black and white between a couple in a forest setting.
A couple shares a joyful moment together in an autumn forest setting wearing coordinated formal attire.
Above photos from April and Brian's Backyard Elopement

A Day That Belongs to You


The beauty of an elopement lies in privacy and intimacy. It’s the two of you, surrounded by the world’s most breathtaking landscapes or tucked away in a place that holds special meaning. Without a crowd, without a performance, you can lose yourselves in the moment. The day becomes yours.


Couples get to lock eyes, share their vows, and soak in every moment without distractions. Because let's face it, it’s way easier to share your vows when you don’t have 200 people watching!

Carli + Bradley's Iceland Elopement

See Carli and Bradley's magical elopement in Iceland. They started their day at Seljandsfoss Horizons, helping each other get ready and sharing sweet moments just for the two of them. Their ceremony was held at the stunning Black Sand Beach where they exchanged rings and vows and then we explored Skogafoss waterfall and Dyrholaey Lighthouse and Lava Arch as well as other places along the way.


Even though it was an elopement, Carli and Bradley still wanted to incorporate some traditional wedding elements. They did a first look, had a first dance, and did a cake cutting. It was perfect.


Their love stood out against the beautiful scenery, showing us how special it is to share intimate moments between two people in love. Despite the intense winds and frigid temperatures, they were smiling ear to ear the entire time!


The below photos were captured by Sara of Black Saddle Photography with Jessica Douglas Photography + Matt Besenyodi Photography assisting.

Wedding details including white shoes, vow books, antique boxes and floral stationery arranged on wooden surface.
Elegant wedding invitation with blue floral details next to decorative boxes and white fabric.
Ornate vintage compact mirror, hexagonal ring box, and perfume vial on wooden surface.
White vow books with calligraphy lettering alongside hexagonal ring boxes on wooden table.
White bridal shoes with crystal straps displayed with wedding stationery and vintage accessories.
Delicate white lace floral applique detail next to wedding invitation with blue text.
Wedding invitation featuring blue calligraphy and floral border design with wedding ring detail.
Black and white image of engagement rings in hexagonal boxes with ornate vintage compact mirror.
Diamond ring nestled among rosemary plants against dark background.
White bridal shoe with crystal straps alongside vintage accessories in black and white.
White rose and green leaves arranged on a turquoise plate with rustic styling.
Wedding rings and delicate accessories displayed on a small white ceramic dish with handwritten details.
Wedding details including lace, handwritten notes, and decorative dishes arranged on a light surface.
Wedding accessories and stationery arranged with vintage-style trinket boxes on lace fabric.
Detail of delicate floral lace pattern on white fabric.

Less Cash, More Fun!


Let’s talk finances. Weddings can be a serious hit to the wallet. You’ve got venues, catering, flowers, and more, all piling up faster than your scheduled date. But elopements? Not so much. When you elope, you skip the line. By choosing a smaller celebration, you can save on costs but get to splurge on what really matters to you—like an epic honeymoon or a talented photographer (hint, hint) to capture every sweet moment.


Plus, with the money you save, you can invest in experiences that will be unforgettable—like a romantic getaway or fun activities that reflect your shared interests. Whether it’s a cooking class in Paris or an adventure hiking in the mountains, your savings can help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Bye-Bye, Drama!


Weddings can bring out all sorts of family drama. Guest lists, seating charts, and a million opinions on how things should go. Eloping is a great way to sidestep all that. When you elope, you get to skip the arguments over who gets an invite and how many vegan options to have. It’s just you, your partner, sometimes with a few guests, and all the love—without the drama.


No hurt feelings, no juggling requests from every family member—it’s pure and simple, just the way love should be. Your day, your way!

Speaking of sweet moments, check out this cozy elopement of Melissa and Jason at Black Saddle Barn Wedding + Event Venue, where love and rustic charm meet. They got ready at their house, had the ceremony at Black Saddle Barn, and an intimate dinner at Churchills in North Bay, ON.
Wedding preparation scene showing hair styling in progress.
Hairstyling session in progress with styling tools and products visible.
Elegant emerald velvet gown and heels displayed on wooden deck with forest backdrop.
Behind-the-scenes view of wedding day hair preparation in bathroom mirror.
A dark emerald green velvet dress hangs elegantly against a rustic wooden wall with overhanging greenery.
Professional hairstyling session in progress with curling iron and careful attention to detail.
Hair styling preparation in a bathroom setting with professional tools and equipment.
Creating elegant curls with a styling iron in a bathroom setting.
Mirror reflection captures a professional hair styling session in warm indoor lighting.
Black and white photo of professional hair styling with curling iron and detailed attention.
Professional hair styling session showing careful attention to detail and styling technique.
Wedding accessories including rings, earrings, and necklace arranged on wooden surface.
Elegant jewelry displayed on dark emerald velvet fabric with dramatic lighting.
Getting ready moment in bathroom doorway with warm lighting and casual conversation.
A stylist adjusts a woman's hair in front of a bathroom mirror during a formal preparation session.

Stress? What stress?


There’s a certain freedom in eloping—letting go of expectations, of tradition, of what a wedding “should” be. It’s about creating something that feels like the two of you. An elopement allows you to carve your own path.


There’s no wrong way to elope, and that’s what makes it feel so personal, so true. For so many, a traditional wedding can feel like a production—a perfectly choreographed performance. But eloping is different. It’s about moments. The way your partner looks at you when they see you for the first time. The quiet, unspoken promises you share when no one else is around. These are the moments that make up your day, and they are captured not for show, but for you—to treasure, to remember, to carry with you as you step into this new chapter.

Go Where Love Takes You


One of the best parts of eloping? You can get married anywhere your heart desires. The world becomes your ceremony space.


Want to say your vows on a windswept beach? How about on top of a mountain? The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing the perfect spot. Elopements give you the freedom to be spontaneous and adventurous, making your wedding day something truly unforgettable.


And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not make it a secret? You can plan a surprise elopement and share the exciting news with friends and family later. Talk about a wedding story to remember!

Speaking of adventure, check out this Marten River Provincial Park elopement of Lexi and Amadeo for some wild inspiration.
A Marten River entrance sign with deer silhouette surrounded by pine trees.
A Martin River entrance sign nestled among tall pine trees in a wooded setting.
A forest trail marker for Martin River surrounded by tall evergreen trees against a blue sky.
Black and white photo of wedding details including roses, maps and vow books.
Wedding details flatlay with pink roses, maps, and vow books on a textured surface.
Monochrome wedding flatlay featuring roses, maps, and his and hers vow books on stone.
A rustic lantern hanging on a wooden post surrounded by green foliage.
Turquoise camper trailer and bikes parked under trees at a wooded campsite.
Camping scene with blue tarps and mountain bikes in a forested area.
Happy camper relaxing in a camp chair surrounded by bikes and forest scenery.
Pink roses and camping gear arranged on a boulder with a blue hammock in the background.
White vintage dress hanging ethereally between birch trees in a sunlit forest setting.
Black and white photograph of a white dress suspended between forest trees.
White flowy dress with puffy sleeves displayed on a hanger against birch trees in dappled sunlight.
White dress hanging near a teal teardrop camper in a wooded campsite.

Make It Personal, Make it Yours


At its heart, an elopement is about telling your story. It’s about focusing on what matters—the two of you—and leaving everything else behind.  You can create a day that feels 100% like you. The way you choose to celebrate your love becomes a reflection of your journey together. Whether it’s a barefoot beach ceremony, an intimate gathering in the woods, or even a courthouse wedding followed by a fun night out, elopements let you celebrate your love in the way that’s most meaningful to you. It's yours.


And when the day is done, you’ll have the memories of a day that felt completely right. You’ll have the photos—your story, told frame by frame—a testament of your love.

So, why are couples choosing to elope? Because it’s intimate, adventurous, and allows them to focus on what truly matters: their love story. If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s true to you, let’s bring that vision to life. I’m here to capture every intimate, real moment of your day—so that years from now, you’ll still be able to feel the love that filled every second. Are you ready for your unforgettable moment?


P.S. If this doesn't resonate with you, we have a lot of blogs on more real weddings (traditional, elopement, all over the world) and wedding tips for you!

All love welcome!


Hi, I'm Sara, your Documentary + Traveling Photographer for the nostalgic + unrefined.


Me and my associate photographers are offering our services for destination weddings, elopements, intimate weddings worldwide. 


DESTINATION WEDDINGS 📍Italy, NY, Iceland, Mexico, BC+



If you're interested in eloping or having an intimate wedding, let's connect and get planning!