You’ve decided to elope, but you don’t want it to be plain and boring. So let’s talk options. 1: Wear something fancy There’s NO RULE saying you still can’t wear a full on wedding gown and/or tux to your wedding. Listen, this is your day. You wear what makes you happy. Ballgown with red Chucks? Go for it. 2: Wear something mediumly (not a word) fancy A knee length white (or green, hot pink - whatever!) dress, a long beach dress, a nice suit, a button up with suspenders and a bow tie? So many options! Since I’ve been into this whole elopement thing, I’ve been keeping an eye out for what I woul ..read more

It may seem somewhat superfluous that we're posting near the end of 2020 about how elopements and micro-weddings are trending, when for the past four years, we've specialized in these types of events. But we think it's important to share why they're not only important and perfect for those still wanting to get married during a pandemic, but why they're also for couples who just want to marry their person without all the extra frills! (Taken during our Andrews Farm Elopement Day in August) Why would you choose an elopement or micro-wedding over a traditional wedding? Well, it comes down to a f ..read more

Summer is here and so is wedding season! We wanted to share some helpful tips on taking pictures while that beautiful sunshine caresses our faces with its hot rays. ;) Hydrate! With hotter temps and higher humidity, it’s likely you’re going to at least sweat a little bit. It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re taking photos, so be sure to bring plenty of water! We can’t have you passing out on us, can we?! Keep the Sweat to a Minimum Bringing a towel with you to wipe any extra glistening goodness off while in between photos. Unless you’re going for the extra glowing god/goddess vibe, th ..read more

Unless you’ve professionally modeled, it’s unlikely you have spent much time in front of a professional photographer’s camera. And honestly, we at The Elopement Co. completely understand what it feels like to be a tiny bit awkward when the camera is facing us. (Check out our team photos for proof!) That’s why we think it’s super important to take the time for an engagement session before your big day! Here are 4 reasons why: 1) Get to Know Your Photographer Other than when you’re chatting on the phone or FaceTiming with your photographer to get to know them, it’s unlikely you’ll get a ton of ..read more

At The Elopement Co., one of the services we offer is providing a licensed officiant to perform your wedding ceremony. However, many of our couples find it a really special touch to have a friend or family member perform the ceremony instead. So we get the question a lot, "How do I sign up to be a legal officiant?" It's a lot easier than you might think! There are a few ways to go about getting “ordained” to be able to legally officiate a wedding. Most of us don’t want to go to a theology seminary for a few years. So beyond the traditional religious way, the simplest way that I have found is ..read more

I often tell my clients that finding the perfect elopement location is often the hardest part of the planning process. And while that’s true, I think it’s also the most fun part. See, the problem is that many traditional wedding venues have traditional weddings in mind when they price. Which, of course, is understandable. They are used to dealing with large crowds, many of them drunk, all expecting the perfect accommodations, AND they have to have it all covered with some serious insurance. It’s a whole thing. So the minute you reach out and say “I’m interested in getting married at your venue ..read more

This article goes out specifically to the dress-wearers out there. Let me start by saying I don’t think an elopement requires a dress; I believe you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, gorgeous, and just damn happy. But if you WANT to wear a dress, listen up. Quite a few people have asked for recommendations on where to find dresses that are good for eloping. And again, while I believe you can wear whatever makes you happy (if that’s a ballgown or a dinosaur costume, go for it), here are a few suggestions of some more traditional-style elopement dresses. Modcloth www.modcloth.com ..read more

Quick note: (written February 5, 2021) Most courthouses are doing things quite a bit differently these days due to the COVID pandemic. For example, in Charlotte, NC, they are currently doing courthouse weddings as well as applying for the marriage license itself by appointment only. And you must create your appointment at the courthouse before starting the marriage license application online. Be sure to check with your local courthouse to see what their most up-to-date policies and procedures are. We will update this section with new information as we obtain it. Getting married at your local ..read more

Hi - I’m Charity! I am a transplant to Charlotte, NC by way of Texas, a few other places, and most recently Chicago. I am married to my most favoritest person in the world - my husband Adrian - and have two pups that I love dearly and give far too many treats. I love most things nerdy but especially Harry Potter and all things Marvel. Most weekends, when I’m not out shooting elopements, you’ll find me hiking or hanging out at a local brewery. So how did I get into this elopement thing? Well, here’s my story: Like many people, I went to college for something completely unrelated to what I ende ..read more

Hi Friends! As usual, it's been a minute since I've written a post. As you know, I don't like to write just for the hell of it. I like to have a purpose; something to say. I've realized, however, that I'm not that great at telling you about our elopements that have happened; how cool they were and/or what made them special. So I'm going to start a new series and try to keep it going for awhile. I want you to see beyond the few pictures that I post on Social Media to see a full picture of an elopement. My hope is that this will serve a couple purposes: 1. If you are new to this concept and stil ..read more