Why I Love Photographing Elopements (And Why You Should Consider One)

“Why elope?” Well, when I started photographing elopements, I didn’t realize how deeply they would speak to me — not just as a photographer, but as a person. There’s a simplicity, an intentionality, and a deep, emotional honesty that’s often hard to find in traditional larger wedding settings. And now? I’m hooked.

If you’re wondering why eloping might be a better fit for you, keep reading.

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Why Elopements Light Me Up as a Photographer

Every time I photograph an elopement, I get to witness something raw, real, and totally unfiltered. No distractions. No timelines bursting at the seams. Just two people, promising forever — their way.

Here’s why I adore elopements:

• It’s about the couple, not the crowd.
  Elopements let you breathe. You’re not worrying about pleasing 150 people — just each other.
• They’re deeply personal.
  I’ve seen couples elope in places that matter to them — a forest trail where they had their first date, a rocky overlook they hiked together, a quiet beach at sunrise. The vibe is always so them.
• The creativity is endless.
  From handwritten vows in a misty canyon to barefoot kisses at the shoreline, I get to capture love in the wild — literally and figuratively.

And selfishly? I get to slow down too. I can focus on the details, the in-between moments, the way their hands tremble just before the vows. It fills my creative cup in a way that big weddings just don’t.

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Why You Should Consider Eloping

If the idea of planning a massive wedding makes your chest tighten — listen, I get it. Eloping isn’t “running away,” it’s choosing presence over pressure.

Here’s why eloping might be the right move for you:

• Less stress, more intention.
  Say goodbye to seating charts and hello to spending your day actually enjoying each other.
• Budget-friendly (without feeling like you’re “settling”).
  You can put your energy into a location you love, a photographer who gets your vision 😉, and maybe an epic post-ceremony dinner instead of chair covers and centerpieces.
• You get to write your own rules.
  Want to elope at sunrise in your hiking boots? Let’s do it. Interested in saying your vows in a treehouse with your pup as your witness? Count me in.
• It can still be emotional, powerful, and meaningful.
  In fact, it often is more so — because every part of the day reflects what truly matters to you.

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What Elopements Can Actually Look Like

There’s this idea that elopements are only courthouse vows or Vegas chapels with Elvis — and while those have their charm, elopements today are so much more.

I’ve photographed couples in:

• Puerto Rico, barefoot in the sand
• Arizona, surrounded by red rocks and wide skies
• Tennessee, in the quiet of the Smoky Mountains
• Even small-town Mississippi, where love feels like home

Some had just the couple, some had a few guests and some had dogs (the real MVPs). What mattered was that each one felt authentic.

Your version of “adventure” might be hiking up a mountain. Or it might be saying vows in your backyard with fairy lights and pizza. Both are beautiful, valid, and BOTH are elopements.

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Still Wondering Why Elope?

Here’s what I’ll say: if you’ve ever thought to yourself…

• “I just want something simple and meaningful.”
• “We’re not really into being the center of attention.”
• “I’d rather spend my day enjoying each other than entertaining everyone else.”

…then eloping might be exactly what your heart is craving.

And if you still want to celebrate with friends or family? You totally can — before or after. That’s the beauty of eloping. You can do whatever feels right for you.

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Eloping? I’d Love to Capture It for You.

I’m based in Mississippi and Tennessee, but I travel wherever love calls. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach, a mountaintop, a desert trail, or just a cozy Airbnb with the people (or pets) you love most — I’m there.

If you’re thinking about eloping, or even just flirting with the idea, let’s talk. I’ll bring the camera. You bring the love.

👉 Reach out here and let’s dream up something beautiful.

@angelinaparksphoto

Curious to see what your 10 hour elopement day would look like with me? Here’s a sneak peek from my previous elopement session in Gatlinburg, TN! Its fair to say that i came out of this session with two new AMAZING friends ❤️ #fyp #elope #elopement #elopementphotographer #elopementwedding #elopementideas #tennessee #tennesseeelopement #tennesseeelopementphotographer #gatlinburg #gatlinburgtennessee #gatlinburgelopement #weddingtiktok #mississippielopementphotographer #mississippiweddings #adventure #adventureelopement #adventureelopementphotographer #tennesseewedding #tennesseephotographer #elopementphotography #elopementphotos #tennesseeelopements #anikeesta #skyliftingatlinburg #skyliftpark #skyliftweddings #canoncamera #shotoncanon #foryoupage #traveltiktok #elopementtiktok #dayinthelife #vlogmas #dayinthelifevlog #smallbusiness

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