So... what is an elopement, really?

You’ve probably come across the word before. Elopement. It might sound old-fashioned, like something from a time when couples had to sneak away in secret to get married. But today, it means something entirely different. And for more and more people, it’s the perfect way to say yes to love.

Eloping, in the modern sense, is about stripping everything back to what truly matters: the two of you. It’s about letting go of expectations, pressure, and tradition—and creating a day that feels like you from beginning to end.

Some couples elope with just each other. Others bring a few close loved ones. But no matter how many people are there, the focus is the same: intimacy, connection, presence.

I’ve photographed elopements in quiet forests, windy coastlines, on courthouse steps, and in hidden city corners. And every single time, I’m reminded of how powerful it is when two people choose to celebrate their love in a way that’s completely honest and free from performance.

Because that’s what elopement really is: a conscious choice. Not a plan B. Not something you do because “it’s easier” or because a big wedding isn’t possible. It's a way to honour your relationship, your rhythm, your way of being together.

It’s for couples who want to slow down. Who don’t want to spend a year planning a party for 100 guests. Who aren’t excited about chair covers and seating charts. It’s for those who want to wake up on their wedding day feeling calm and present—not anxious or overwhelmed.

And yes, it takes courage. It’s not always easy to do things differently. But I believe that when you choose what’s right for you, magic happens. You create space for real moments. For laughter that bubbles up out of nowhere. For tears that come when you least expect them. For peace.

When I photograph an elopement, I’m not just documenting a tiny wedding. I’m telling the story of two people who dared to do things their own way. The quiet moments. The wind in your hair. The way your hands find each other when words fall short. These are the things I look for—and they’re the things that last.

Elopements aren’t for everyone. But they are for those who feel that love doesn’t need a big stage. That presence is more powerful than production. And that joy doesn’t always look like confetti and a dance floor.

If that sounds like you—if your heart is quietly nodding along—then maybe eloping is exactly the kind of celebration you didn’t know you were looking for.

And if you need someone to help you imagine what that could look like, I’m right here. Whether it’s city hall, a remote cliffside, or a sunrise in the forest, I’d love to help you bring it to life—and to capture the moments you’ll carry with you forever.