What You Need to Elope | Intimate Arizona Elopement

In March, I had the incredible honor of being one of just twelve people in attendance at Brian and Ashley’s intimate elopement in Prescott, Arizona. When I spoke to Ashley about the small size of her elopement, she said, “I have my husband and my family - the rest is confetti."

Every elopement is special, but something about this one was such a breath of fresh air. Set in the arid foothills in Arizona at a private AirBnB near Lynx Lake (a special place to Ashley and Brian, and where he proposed!), every moment from the private vow reading to the ceremony to dinner afterwards was focused on celebrating the two of them and the joy they found in each other. It was the perfect reminder of what you truly need when you elope.

Eloping is all about saying goodbye to the extravagant, intense nature of a traditional wedding. All that really matters is whatever matters most to you. For some, that means their closest family and friends; to others, it means just the two of them and a private ceremony. The core meaning comes from staying true to yourself.

If you choose to bring in vendors, they should align with your vision and respect your decisions for a smaller arrangement. any guests that you invite are going to be thrilled just to be there celebrating with you and that’s exactly the energy these two families brought to the day. Heartfelt touches, like the childhood photo on Ashley’s dad’s tie, bring in little reminders of who you are and why the day is so special.

At the end of the day, all you need for an elopement is the things you can’t live without. Family, friends, your partner, and reminders of the love you have for each others. Everything else, like Ashley said, is just confetti.

Amber is a Las Vegas Elopement Photographer who is available for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.