All About Elopements

LoveStream couple Neenu and Subin live stream their wedding; Photo by Zoe Larkin

Updated November 12, 2021

Many couples downsized their weddings in 2020 and 2021, but there is more than one way to downsize a wedding.

Are you thinking of an elopement, a micro-wedding, or a small wedding?

Did you know there is a difference between these three types of weddings?

This article is the first of a three-part series going in-depth into each of these wedding options and how live streaming fits into each of these types of weddings.

By the way, want to know even more about elopements? Be sure to check out our elopement planning guide to discover some elopement planning essentials.

What Makes an Elopement an Elopement?

Elopements are tiny - the smallest of small weddings. They are about the couple and typically don’t involve a lot of fuss. While elopements can be intricate and elegant, they are often simple and scaled back

For example, some eloping brides forego a traditional bridal gown in favor of a short dress or another stylish ensemble. Grooms might dress down a standard wedding suit for a more casual look.

You may choose to have a photographer and a handful of close friends and family members, but many couples will get married at a courthouse with just the two of them. While elopements used to be for running-away-to-get-married, it is not uncommon for an elopement to involve careful planning and consideration.

These days, elopements are seen as a bold, but not unwelcome, choice for couples who truly just want to be married and neither need nor want a big, expensive wedding.

LoveStream couple Catherine & Dave elope at Lake Tahoe.

Number of Guests: Less Than 10

Elopements can have as few people as the couple, the witness if needed and the officiator of the marriage. That said, sometimes parents, siblings, best friends or the couples’ children are present as well.

This small guest count makes for a highly intimate and personal event. Elopements are truly focused on the couple getting married and not all of the pomp and circumstance that typically accompanies a wedding. In other words, elopements can be highly emotional without all the bells and whistles.

Essential Vendors: Officiant

While you may want to include a photographer or videographer, the only true wedding vendor you’ll need is an officiant - and in some states, you might not even need an officiant! The laws vary from place to place, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your local officials to inquire about how to make sure your elopement ends with you and your parter being legally wed.

Included Events: Ceremony

Because elopements are so focused on the couple, the ceremony will be the star of the show. This can be a quick ceremony with just the “I Dos,” or it can include personalized vows and unity ceremonies.  

While elopements rarely have caterers due to the small number of attendees, you may want to bring champagne or cake to celebrate. You can also head to your favorite restaurant with the attendees after the ceremony to keep the merriment going.

Planning Timeline: As Little as a Week

Elopements can be planned in a matter of days if you’re keeping things simple and local. You will just need to contact your local government office to get the marriage license squared away. However, you can also plan an elopement more than a year in advance! This is especially true for couples who are wanting to go abroad for a destination elopement.

Benefits of Eloping

Eloping is often the most affordable way to get married. It’s also incredibly intimate. While some couples never wanted a big wedding to begin with, others turned to elopements during the pandemic so they can just be married already.

With elopements, you have the option of having a private ceremony and a large reception, either immediately following the elopement or in the months (or years!) afterward. Just because you are having a small number of guests watch you get married in person, doesn’t mean you have to have a small number of loved ones helping you celebrate.

Adding Live Streaming to Your Elopement

While you may have just a handful of in-person guests, you can still share your elopement with a long list of friends and family members. For elopements, our standard package is often a great, simple addition. Like an elopement, this is a no-fuss wedding live stream that lets you share your ceremony with a larger guest list.

One of the biggest benefits of eloping now, as opposed to a few years ago, is that you can have an intimate wedding with a big guest list. There’s no need to decide who does or does not get to help you celebrate.

Steps to Streaming an Elopement with LoveStream

Adding a virtual element to your elopement is the same as live streaming a wedding of any other size. And with LoveStream, it’s super simple.

First, choose which wedding live stream package you want. As we mentioned above, our single-camera Standard package is great for an elopement, especially if it is just you and your partner at the event. If you want a little more production value with real-time camera switching, then our Plus package is a great option. And finally, if you want to include any remote loved ones to give live speeches or you are having a remote officiant, then our Premium package can accommodate that.

Next, you’ll meet with our team to plan your live stream. This can be as simple as confirming what time you want the stream to start, or as detailed as discussing which camera angles to show live at any given time.

Finally, on wedding day, you or a trusted friend will set up the streaming devices (usually smart phones or tablets). This typically requires putting the devices on tripods for a steady view and clicking a link that takes you to our streaming studio. From there, your LoveStream producer will take over to remotely produce your wedding - giving everyone at home a view that’s better than the front row.

Ready to get started? Book a free consultation with our team or browse our packages if you’re ready to buy!