Have you thought about having an elopement instead of a big wedding?
Post-covid, eloping has become an increasingly popular choice for couples getting married. From my years of experience as a NYC elopement photographer, I’ll shed some light on this growing trend and give you 8 reasons why it’s a great idea.
However, before I start, let me say I’m not anti-wedding. Weddings are my favorite and I photograph them a lot. It’s just that I love elopements more.
1. Less Stress, More Joy
Planning a large wedding can be overwhelming, but eloping minimizes stress and allows couples to focus on what truly matters – their love for each other and having elements that enrich their lives present during the day. Getting married should spark joy not rob you of it.
2. Budget-friendly
Having a wedding… in this economy? A New York wedding costs around $50k, according to this Forbes 2023 article. That’s why I love NYC elopements. With countless free or affordable locations, you can still have a beautiful ceremony and meaningful day. Due to the fact that a big chunk of the wedding budget goes to the venue, it’s important to note that weekend prices (especially Saturday) can be astronomical in peak months. You may also be able to get your dream venue for a steal since most elopements take place during the week.
During the wedding season, Saturdays are usually the most expensive days, followed by Friday and Sunday. Most venues have flexible pricing for events Monday through Thursday (except federal holidays or long weekends). Check out your options. There’s no harm in reaching out.
3. Flexibility and Freedom
Once the financial constraint disappears, eloping grants couples the freedom to design a wedding day that truly reflects their personalities and preferences. Whether it’s a sunrise ceremony atop a skyscraper (Empire State Building or Top of the Rock anyone?), a city hall wedding ceremony, or a sunset exchange of vows in a hidden garden in Central Park, the possibilities are endless.
4. No Guest List Pressure
One of the most stressful aspects of planning a wedding is navigating the guest list. Eloping eliminates this pressure, allowing couples to invite only those closest to them or even to forego guests altogether and focus solely on each other.
5. Seamless Planning Process
With less logistics and crunch of a jam packed timeline, couples are able to easily map out how they want their day to unfold true to their vision.
6. Quality Time Together
Traditional weddings often leave couples feeling pulled in a million directions, with little time to spend together and their loved ones. Eloping provides couples with the opportunity to be really present and share meaningful moments, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
7. Unique and Iconic Backdrops
From the dynamic skyline to the serene beauty of Central Park, NYC offers a variety of iconic backdrops for couples to choose from, ensuring breathtaking photos that represent the very essence of your love.
8. A Truly Authentic and Personal Experience
Everyone has a special connection to New York and eloping makes it incredibly easy to honor the role this vibrant city has to play in your lives. This city allows couples to design an elopement experience that incorporates adventure, romance and the very best that NYC has to offer.
New York embodies the qualities of being authentic, nostalgic and iconic all in the same breath. The freedom of celebration here allows couples to not only create an experience that is meaningful to them but also share with their loved ones an opportunity to interact with their version of this city. And that is what I love more than anything; experiencing the city through the eyes of my couples and documenting it for them as an NYC elopement photographer.
If you’re interested in eloping in the Big Apple, check out my guide on How to Elope in NYC.
For my elopement photography availability and rates, inquire here.
