There are a lot of opinions out there when it comes to elopements. Some of them make sense. Some of them… not so much.

After 6+ years of being in the wedding and elopement world, I’ve heard just about every take imaginable. And honestly, a lot of these common beliefs are just flat-out wrong. So today, we’re breaking down a few of the biggest elopement myths I hear all the time and what I actually think about them.

Myth #1: “Elopements should be cheap”

There’s this idea that elopements should be cheap because they’re not full wedding experiences. Like it’s just you two going out and taking a few photos and calling it a day. Well, yes and no.

Elopements are about an intentional experience that is catered specifically for you and what you want out of your day.

Let me ask you this: Does your marriage mean any less if you tie the knot in private versus in front of 200 witnesses? Of course not! So why should your wedding photography carry any less value?

It shouldn’t. Your wedding moments are still the most important moments of your life and deserve to be captured. Don’t skimp or compromise on this once-in-a-lifetime experience that means the world to you.

When you work with an elopement photographer who understands this, they know the weight of this moment and can come alongside you to help you capture it in a beautiful way.

If it means the world to you, then it matters to me. That’s priceless.

Myth #2: “You don’t need a professional photographer”

“My cousin Kathy has a little $300 camera she bought at her local super store, that should work just fine right?”

Maybe. But let’s think about this for a second.

But does cousin Kathy know how to manage the exposure triangle on her camera to get the correct lighting in her final shot? Does she know that shooting at f1.8 will create a shallow depth of field which will make the subject stand out more from the background or that f5.6 will bring everything into focus for a landscape shot to capture all of the details? Does she know how to create lens flares while the sun is setting behind you? Are we even shooting at sunset?

Like most artistic professions, experience and knowledge matter.

There are technical things that turn an amateur photoshoot into a professional masterpiece. A professional photographer knows what those things are and how to execute them in real time with constantly changing conditions.

And beyond that,  you want someone who can guide you. Someone who knows how to help you feel natural, look natural, and actually enjoy your day.

So sure, a friend might have a decent camera. But have they committed to running a professional business that’s dedicated to creating five-star experiences for wedding couples specifically? Probably not.

Find someone you trust to capture the most important moments of your lives!

Myth #3: “Eloping is selfish”

I actually understand where this one comes from. And I respect it to a point. But the beauty of our elopements is that it actually keeps the focus on the thing that matters most, your marriage to your partner!

One could argue that the pressure of including 200+ guests and trying to please everyone might actually be more about them than about you.

Eloping keeps the focus on you.

Large weddings are about the people around you. And that’s beautiful too, I love shooting big weddings. But couples who choose to elope are usually less interested in entertaining and more committed to celebrating their love in a personal, intimate way.

Neither option is wrong. It just depends on what you’re going for.

Myth #4: “Cloudy weather ruins photos”

I understand that a lot of couples really want that strong dramatic sunset in their photos. Other couples really enjoy an overcast day and love how even the lighting is. 

I like to remind couples that all lighting is beautiful and have their unique look and feel for the day. Some of my favorite shots I’ve ever taken are on stormy, overcast, or rainy days. There’s also something uniquely special about running through the rain on your wedding day… the joy, the freedom, the carelessness… it all comes out in the best way!

So don’t be afraid of “bad” weather. You might just end up having one of the most fun and memorable experiences of your life.

Rain or shine, I’ll be right there with you. Camera in hand, clicking away.

Myth #5: “Posing is fake. Everything should be candid”

Now this one is interesting because I actually used to say this a lot and resonate when couples say this. However, coming from a wedding professional who has done this for 6+ years, I will now say that I only half agree with this statement.

I shot a wedding for a couple a few years ago who really leaned into only candids and didn’t want any posed photos.

They loved their photos, but afterward, they said something that stuck with me:

“I wish we did more intentional poses and had more structure for our photos.”

And honestly, I get that.

Everyone says they want candid photos. But the truth is, some of the best candid moments actually come from intentional guidance.

So here’s where I stand now: There should be a healthy balance.

You want guided prompts that help you interact naturally and fun moments that create real emotion while also having space for me to step back and capture the in-between moments

Because those small, quiet, unscripted moments are going to happen no matter what. With good guidance and intentional direction, a professional photographer can really bring out the best in their couple and enhance the overall photo experience in a way that is genuine and stunning at the same time!

That’s where the magic is.

At the end of the day, elopements aren’t about following rules. They’re about creating an experience that feels true to you.

So if you’ve been holding onto any of these elopement myths, consider this your permission to let them go.

Do what feels right, invest in what matters, and embrace whatever the day brings.

And most importantly… Make it yours!