As an elopement photographer, I have worked with all kinds of couples, planning out their perfect adventure wedding in the Grand Tetons and beyond! It has been such and honor to be trusted with planning and capturing so many weddings and elopements of all types. However, because of this, I know some of the most commonly made mistakes to avoid when planning your elopement. If you are planning your Grand Teton elopement, or really any elopement, here are the mistakes to avoid!
Being Solely Focused On The Photos
If you are reading an elopement photographers blog, then chances are you really care about your wedding photos. Which you should, the photos after all, are what preserve these important life moments! However, as much as I pride myself in my photography, I also pride myself in creating experiences for my couples that will become unforgettable memories. Your day is a time to focus on your commitment to one another and celebrating this big milestone in your lives. Choose a good photographer that you trust to capture your day and one that can help you plan meaningful moments rather than just a long photo session.
Not Hiring Professionals That Know The Area
You will want a photographer that knows the best locations, a florist that knows what flowers can be used in the national park, and someone that really knows the area and can help you plan the needed details. Because a wedding in Grand Teton National Park has rules and regulations that outsiders don’t know about like a permit you will need for your ceremony. Plus, when you book with local vendors you are supporting the community here so we can keep this national treasure thriving!
Planning A Tight Timeline
You don’t want to feel rushed or stressed about fitting everything into your Grand Teton elopement. Plan extra time for getting ready, traveling between locations and buffer time so that you can enjoy your day! When you plan for lots of time in between events, you can even stop and watch the wildlife that you see along the way. Like I said earlier, this is more than just saying your vows and getting pretty photos. It’s about the experience you get in a national park. Your elopement should be a cherished day that gives you more than just a marriage certificate. I want you leaving with dozens of one of a kind memories!
Allowing Phones At Your Ceremony
There seems to be a mix of opinions on this common elopement mistake, but trust me on this. You don’t want phones to be a prominent feature in your Grand Teton elopement. Not only do they serve as a great distraction, but it also doesn’t look great in photos when you’re reading your vows off your phone or when your guests are more focused on getting photos and video than being present and listening to your vows. Trust me with the documenting and get some beautiful vow books to read your vows from!
These are the mistakes I’ve seen in some Grand Teton elopements that you can easily avoid for a less stressful and more beautiful day! Ready to start planning your elopement? Reach out!
