Have You Ever Looked Up the Word “Elope”?


If you haven’t, let us help you. According to Google, elope means “to run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.” While that may have been the case a few hundred years ago, today, eloping can be much more inclusive, even with your parents and closest loved ones involved. An elopement wedding can be intimate and personal, focusing solely on the couple's love story without the stress of a traditional, larger wedding.

Elopement can be a very small wedding with only immediate family and close friends. Sometimes, it can just be the bride, groom, and officiant. 

White roses at the botanical garden, light pink wedding bouquet, bride and groom are smiling, happy couple

Intimate Wedding at Botanical Gamble Garden. Palo Alto, CA

The beauty of eloping is the freedom to choose a location that holds meaning for you both. Perhaps you dream of exchanging vows in the rolling hills of the Charlotte, NC, area or atop a majestic mountain with panoramic views that take your breath away. Whether it’s during a romantic getaway with an ocean view or in a quaint rose garden filled with vibrant colors, your elopement can be whatever you envision.

blue ocean view, bride and groom are kissing, wedding flower bouquet

Wedding film of the Elopement at Sutro Baths San Francisco, CA

Here are some tips to make your elopement wedding stress-free:


1. Choose the Right Location and Season:

Finding the perfect spot and time of year for your elopement is crucial. If you’re considering a mountain setting, like the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlotte, NC, keep in mind the weather. A winter elopement can be magical, but you’ll want to dress warmly to avoid shivering through your vows.

2. Plan for the Golden Hour:

To make the most of the natural light, consider starting your first look or ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset. This allows ample time for those romantic shots with a soft, golden glow that truly enhances the beauty of your surroundings and the emotions of the day.

3. Opt for a Private Location:

An elopement is about intimacy. Choosing a location away from tourist hotspots ensures that your ceremony feels personal and serene, without the distraction of crowds. The hills and mountains surrounding Charlotte offer countless hidden gems that provide the seclusion you need.

4. Prepare Legal Documents:

Even though your wedding may be small, it’s still a formal event. Make sure all necessary legal documents are in order before your big day. This ensures that your marriage is not just a beautiful moment but also a legally binding commitment.

5. Consider a Weekday Wedding:

If you’re eloping, consider holding your ceremony on a weekday. Venues and accommodations are often less expensive and less crowded, giving you more privacy and flexibility.

red shoes, white dress, red tie, bride and groom are walking, high columns, park view

Wedding Elopement film at the Palace of Fine Arts at San Francisco, CA

If the thought of planning a traditional wedding makes your head spin, an elopement might be the perfect choice for you. As videographers based in Charlotte, we specialize in capturing these intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moments. We are here to customize a videography package that suits your unique elopement wedding. From the rolling hills of Charlotte, NC, to the peaks of the nearby mountains, we’ll ensure every detail is beautifully captured so that you can relive your special day for years to come.


At the end of the day, your elopement wedding is all about the two of you. It’s your story, your day, and we’re here to make sure it’s one you’ll cherish forever.

Elopement wedding with a scenic Pacific Ocean view.


Experience the magic of Jessica and Adam's elopement wedding, captured at the stunning Sutro Baths in San Francisco, with a fascinating view of the Pacific Ocean.