Whether it’s an adventurous mountaintop exchange or an elegant seaside soiree, elopements allow for a level of freedom that traditional weddings often can’t accommodate. To gain expert insight, we spoke with Ari, owner and lead photographer of Theel Wedding Productions, and a recent bride and wedding wedding florist Katie, who planned and experienced her own dream elopement.

The Art of the Elopement: Advice from an Expert

Ari, who has captured countless elopements in stunning locations worldwide, encourages couples to fully embrace the creative freedom that eloping provides. “An elopement is truly your day—a blank canvas for you to create the most extraordinary experience possible,” she says. Her top recommendation? Choose a breathtaking location that speaks to your love story. “Whether it’s the rolling lavender fields of Provence, a secluded black sand beach in Iceland, or the cliffs of a sun-drenched Mediterranean island, let the setting be as unforgettable as your vows.”

Once the dream destination is selected, Ari emphasizes the importance of prioritizing key elements that will make the day truly magical. “Focus your budget on the details that will create lasting memories: your dress, your photographer/videographer, and your florist. Your attire sets the tone, a skilled florist can elevate any setting, and an incredible photographer ensures you’ll have timeless images to cherish.”

She also urges couples to think outside the box when crafting their celebration. “Don’t feel bound by tradition. Say your vows on the edge of a serene fjord, enjoy a private picnic under the stars, or toast with champagne after a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Elopements are about celebrating the essence of your relationship—so take the opportunity to create a day that is uniquely yours.”

Finding the Right Photographer

For couples planning an elopement, one of the most critical decisions is choosing the right photographer. According to Ari, establishing a connection with your photographer in advance is essential. “Unlike a traditional wedding, elopements often follow unique timelines and bespoke moments. Your photographer should be an active partner in planning, not just someone who shows up on the day.”

Getting to know the photographer beforehand allows couples to align their vision and expectations, ensuring a seamless experience. “Feeling at ease with your photographer means you can truly relax and be present in the moment, knowing they’ll capture every detail beautifully,” she explains. “Your photographer often acts as a guide, timeline planner, and sometimes even a location scout. Having that familiarity in advance makes the entire experience stress-free.”

A Bride’s Perspective: Katie’s Elopement Experience

For bride Katie, eloping provided the perfect balance between budget-consciousness and splurging on meaningful details. “Eloping allowed us to spend significantly less compared to hosting a traditional wedding with over 100 guests,” she shares. “We redirected those savings toward meaningful touches for our intimate family gathering—splurging on excursions, our hotel, and high-end details like bespoke paper suites, accessories, and professional hair and makeup. We also invested in the photographer of our dreams.”

A Personal Approach to Floral Design

As a wedding florist herself, Katie’s floral choices were a reflection of her personal aesthetic. “Creating my own floral designs was deeply personal,” she explains. “Since our elopement was intimate, I chose to keep the florals minimal yet impactful. My pale blue gown served as inspiration for the entire day. Living in Hawaii, I wanted an elevated coastal aesthetic—elegant and ethereal rather than tropical. The florals reflected this vision with iridescent elements, including anthuriums with a pearl-like sheen and seashell candles for a dreamy, mermaid-inspired ambiance.”

Planning Independently vs. Choosing an Elopement Package

When it comes to planning an elopement, couples must decide between organizing everything themselves or opting for a package. Katie, who planned her own wedding, acknowledges the pros and cons of each approach. “If you’re highly organized and detail-oriented, planning independently can be a rewarding experience—provided you give yourself ample time. However, if your budget allows, an elopement package can be incredibly helpful. Professionals can handle logistics, fine-tune details, and recommend top-tier vendors and venues, especially if you’re traveling.”

While Katie enjoyed planning, she strongly recommends enlisting some help for the day itself. “I opted not to work with a planner, but I highly recommend having someone assist on the wedding day. Our photographer, Ari Theel, helped coordinate the timeline, and her expertise was invaluable.”

Both Ari and Katie agree that eloping is an incredibly personal and liberating experience—one that allows couples to design a day that truly reflects their love story. Whether couples choose to plan every detail themselves or opt for an elopement package, the key is to make intentional choices that resonate with them. “At the end of the day, an elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels most authentic to you,” says Ari. “So embrace the adventure, savor the experience, and create a day that’s entirely your own.”