I believe that the wedding industry has done a pretty poor job of shining light on elopements as full wedding experiences. Though some still decide to elope with Elvis in Las Vegas or go to the Justice of the Peace then have a one hour photo shoot outside the courthouse. If you are considering eloping in Austin then you deserve a full wedding day experience too. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise or that you need less. This is still your wedding day and a date that will be celebrated every year.

So what is an Elopement? 

An elopement is a smaller and more intimate wedding experience with a complete focus on the couple.

No production. No stressing to keep people happy. No performance. No obsessions about decor and wedding favors.

An elopement allows you to focus on the commitment you’re making to each other.

Common Elopement Myths

1. An elopement is for people rushing into marriage

   Growing up, I used to think eloping meant either a quick ceremony in Las Vegas or meeting your local judge at the courthouse and signing your marriage license. 

    The beauty of elopements are that they have no rules and can be a blank canvas for you two to create a full day of experiences that will truly be memorable.

   Imagine if the two of you had all day to do whatever you wanted for your wedding with no limits. This day is for the two of you after all! How much of an unforgettable experience could you create? One day may not even be enough.

2. Eloping is for people who are unable to put money towards a wedding

   Elopements are not just for people who are financially unable to have a bigger event. A big difference between an elopement and a wedding is that you can spend your money on what is most important to you two.

   Eloping isn’t just about saving money but about choosing to invest your money in a different and more intentional way.

   I’m a numbers guy so let’s say you have a 100 person guest list and your catering expense is $25 a person. You will be spending $2,500 just on food while eloping would allow you to use those funds towards your dream photographer, videographer, travel to the location you want to exchange vows, or towards your honeymoon.

3. Elopements can only include the two of you and nobody else

   Your elopement doesn’t need to be a secret. There is nothing wrong with inviting family, close friends, loved ones, or your dog. Intentionality is key here and you can surround yourself with the people who have truly made an impact on your lives unlike your babysitter from 20 years ago that changed your diaper.

   Your elopement can be just for the two of you but it can also be an intimate gathering of your closest 15-20 people in your lives.

   Just because this is an elopement does not mean that you are being selfish or can’t create the rules for yourself. 

Practically speaking, what does it look like to elope? How do you elope in Austin Texas?

I’ll share two sample timelines, one for the Hill Country and the other for a more Urban feel.

Hill Country Elopement Timeline

Getting Ready Location: Airbnb in Dripping Springs

Ceremony Location: Chapel Dulcinea

Additional Portrait Location: Hills and Trails of the Hill Country

Meal/Celebration Location: Tillie’s

11:00 am – Leave Airbnb for a morning hike

12:00 pm – Find a nice outdoor spot for an intimate picnic

1:00 pm – Pack bags and travel

2:00 pm – Private Wine tour at Solaro Estate Winery

3:00 pm – Drive to ceremony location 

4:00 pm – Prep/First look and vow exchange

5:00 pm – Ceremony at Chapel Dulcinea

6:00 pm – Portraits on the hills and walking trails

7:00 pm – Intimate Dinner at Tillie’s

Urban Elopement Timeline

Getting Ready Location: Airbnb in Downtown Austin

Ceremony Location: The Long Center or Auditorium Shores

Additional Portrait Location: South Lamar

Meal/Celebration Location: Ramen Tatsu-Ya

12:00 pm – Meet up and hang out at Airbnb

1:00 pm – Intimate Lunch at Juliet Italian Kitchen

2:00 pm – Portrait session in South Austin

3:00 pm – Prep

4:00 pm – First look and vow exchange

5:00 pm – Ceremony at The Long Center or Auditorium Shores overlooking Town Lake with a Downtown Austin view

6:00 pm – Journey and Portraits through South Austin

7:00 pm – Dinner at Ramen Tatsu-Ya

8:00 pm – Dessert at Gourdough’s Public House

These are just examples but your elopement DAY can be whatever you want it to be! Maybe you’re more adventurous and want to go rock climbing at Enchanted Rock. Maybe you want to spend the day visiting significant locations to your relationship. Maybe you need two days to elope! This is your time and you deserve to form it however you want to.

I truly believe that eloping now despite Coronavirus can be just as, if not more intimate and meaningful than a “full” wedding. The focus will be 100% on you as the couple without the production, stress, and awkwardness of sharing your vows in front of 100 people. If you are seeking an intimate day full of meaning and intentionality then you are truly seeking an elopement, you may just not have been exposed to the idea of what an elopement can look like for you.

This is still your wedding day and it deserves to be a DAY. You deserve more than a 2 hour photo shoot after making the biggest commitment of your lives too. 

Your entire story deserves to be told, regardless of how you decide to do it. My name is Matthew and I am an Intimate Wedding and Elopement Videographer based out of Austin and filming special moments and stories throughout Texas. If you would like to learn or chat more about what eloping can look like for you then reach out and let’s talk!