Why An Outdoor Elopement Might Be the Best Wedding Decision You’ll Ever Make

Hey, wild hearts and dreamers!

If you’re here, you’re probably the type who’s never quite done things the "traditional" way. You’re looking for something a bit different, something that feels real to you and I’m here for it.

So, let’s talk outdoor elopements and explore if they could be for you…

The Freedom of Just You Two

It’s no secret that planning a wedding is stressful and takes a lot of work. And the bigger or more elaborate the wedding, the bigger the amount of stress and work to juggle everything.

That’s not to say it isn’t worth it, it absolutely is for some couples, but it isn’t for everyone.

So imagine this: no big timelines, no worries about catering for a load of people, no juggling a hundred different people's expectations. Just the two of you, somewhere beautiful, committing to each other with nothing but the sound of nature, the wind in your hair, and your love to keep you grounded.

Sound like a nice idea? Then maybe an outdoor elopement is your bag.

Elopements strip everything back and gives you the freedom to plan the most special day for just the two of you.

And as an extra bonus, they can be a beautiful budget friendly option for your wedding.

All the Adventure, None of the Fuss

If you’re the adventurous outdoorsy kinda couple or just love being in nature together away from the hustle and bustle of life.

You could literally plan the best adventure day out, have a gorgeous intimate ceremony and savour every second of your day with your loved one.

When thinking about locations, your elopement could be at your favourite outdoor spot, or at a location you have been desperate to go to because it’s just so flipping stunning.

And if you’re not looking for a big wedding, why the hell not?

Plus, elopements overall have a lot less time pressures, which means you can take longer to enjoy each part of the day too.

Capturing the Love For An Outdoor Elopement

From a photographer’s perspective, couples that choose to elope can slow the day down a lot.

Often during a traditional or larger wedding the timeline can be quite full, so the couple can end up feeling like they don’t have time to enjoy the party and are rushed through a lot of the day. And that includes photo time.

Although personally my approach is to always the same, to capture the true essence of my couple and their love. I do this through both pure documentary photography as events unfold and in a more documentary style during the couple’s portrait session. However, elopements allow this whole process to be slowed down and create a more intimate gallery as a result.

Elopements provide a greater flexibility for couples to take their time exploring their surroundings, celebrating each other without an audience and have some fun together which makes beautiful intimate photographs that can be cherished forever.

Also, I know what you’re thinking, but Joy what if we plan an outdoor elopement and it rains?!

Well honestly, I say we are in the UK and we should embrace the rain!

But don’t worry we can avoid getting too wet with my handy clear umbrellas that I always have with me, and if it gets really super rainy, we can find a cute pub or inside location to go to for shelter and some warmth. The great thing about an elopement is the flexibility it can provide you. 

Eloping Isn’t Running Away

There’s a lot of misconception about elopements being some sort of “escape,” but it’s more about choosing what you want and what is right for you.

Breaking free from the traditional wedding “shoulds” and embracing the freedom to say, “This is us. This is our love, on our terms.”

Essentially, it’s about having a wedding day that reflects your relationship, your story, and your priorities if eloping is your ideal wedding.

Plus, when you hire a lovely wedding photographer to capture the day for you, you still have memories to share with family and friends.

And hey, you can even throw a celebration later if you want!

Let’s Make An Outdoor Elopement Yours

If this sounds like the kind of wedding that resonates with you—full of raw moments, laughter, intimacy, and adventure—then maybe having an outdoor elopement is your perfect fit.

So, are you ready to let go of the noise and find your own way to say “I do”? Because if you are, I’m here, camera in hand, ready to help you create something unforgettable.

Plan your wedding your way and keep it full of wonder, love, and endless possibilities.

And if you want to elope but don’t want it outdoors, there are plenty of options for that too which you can explore!