Thursday, August 21, 2025 | By: Emily Lauren Photography
When I think about why I fell in love with photographing weddings, one word always comes to mind: connection. And while I adore the magic of big celebrations, there’s something profoundly powerful about photographing an elopement.
Elopements strip away the noise, the stress, and the timelines that can make traditional weddings feel more like a production than a celebration. Instead, an elopement allows couples to slow down, breathe, and focus solely on what matters most: each other.
As a photographer, and as a person who thrives on authenticity, storytelling, and a little edge of rock n’ roll, I can honestly say that elopements feel like home to me.
Why Elopements Speak to My Personality & Style
My photography style has always been described as ethereal yet timeless, romantic yet bold. I’m drawn to windswept mountain tops, hidden forests, candlelit corners, and places where couples can be fully themselves without pressure.
Elopements naturally create space for that kind of magic. There’s no rigid timeline dictating every move. Instead, there’s freedom to wander, explore, and truly experience your wedding day. That sense of freedom mirrors the way I approach my art and my life—it’s about feeling, not posing. It’s about storytelling, not staging.
For couples who crave intimacy, depth, and unforgettable imagery that feels alive rather than posed, elopements align perfectly with the way I create.
Why Elopements Are a Great Idea for Couples in 2026–2027
If you’re a 2026 or 2027 bride (or a wedding planner helping couples design their dream day), here’s why elopements are becoming one of the most sought-after choices:
1. It’s About You, Not the Guest List
When you choose an elopement, you’re choosing to prioritize your relationship over traditions. It’s not about seating charts, catering minimums, or distant relatives you haven’t seen in years. It’s about celebrating your love story in a way that feels meaningful.
2. Epic Locations = Epic Photos
From the Swiss Alps, Amalfi Coast, and Irish Cliffs of Moher to hidden waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, elopements give you the freedom to get married somewhere unforgettable. 2026 and 2027 couples are seeking destination elopement packages, adventure photography, and unique landscapes to make their day a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Less Stress, More Romance
Planning a huge wedding often comes with stress, pressure, and expenses. Elopements simplify everything, allowing you to be present and actually enjoy your wedding day. Imagine exchanging vows as the sun sets, with only the sound of waves or wind as your witness.
4. Budget-Friendly Freedom
Many brides and planners for 2026–2027 are searching for intimate wedding packages, micro weddings, and budget-friendly elopements. By focusing on what matters most, you can invest in an unforgettable experience and stunning photography rather than stretching your budget thin.
What I Promise My Elopement Couples
When you elope, I don’t just show up with a camera. I help you dream, plan, and bring your vision to life. Whether that means scouting a hidden trail, creating a timeline that feels natural, or making sure the champagne is popped at just the right moment, I’m there for it all.
I thrive on documenting real moments: your laughter echoing against a canyon wall, your dress flowing in the mountain wind, your partner looking at you like you’re the only soul in the universe. That’s what elopement photography is about, it’s raw, intentional, and deeply personal.
Elopements aren’t about running away. They’re about running toward each other, choosing presence, intimacy, and authenticity. For couples planning their 2026 or 2027 wedding, an elopement is the ultimate reminder that your wedding day isn’t about impressing anyone else, it’s about celebrating the two of you.
If that sounds like the kind of wedding photography experience you’re dreaming of, let’s create something unforgettable together.
✨ Explore more at www.photographybyemilylauren.com