National Cathedral Washington, DC Elopement Wedding
Brittany and TJ
Brittany and TJ are a couple that chose to elope for their wedding which is a trend that has not lost any popularity in recent years. They picked a day, location and vibe that was unique to them both and elected to have photographs that reflected them with their post-wedding glow.
We discussed a few locations for their post wedding portraits before we decided on the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. It was in the middle of DC’s spring season the scenery was in full bloom and made for light, airy and romantic images.
Ive photographed weddings big and intimate and there’s a misconception that smaller weddings aren’t as exciting or romantic as their counterpart and I think that’s incorrect. There’s beauty in all weddings, from private vows in a sunny garden to vows said on a rooftop in the middle of New York City.
If you’re thinking of eloping for your wedding, you should absolutely do it! Here are a few reasons you should consider:
1. You can pick literally anywhere in the world. If you save the money you would have spent on a big wedding, you can take that money, travel anywhere you want and have your vows and private ceremony there! You can even double down and pick your honey moon location first and have your vows there! Imagine how jealous your friends and family would be if you told them you got married under the Eiffel Tower at night. Actually, let me pack my bags, I’m coming with you!
2. Bypass all of the stress and drama. Weddings are fun. Trying to plan and figure out seating arrangements, dietary restrictions and ducking people who are upset they didn’t get an invite is not. Leave all of that behind you and invite your closest friends and family or invite nobody at all. It’s your party, you can invite who you want to!
3. The most obvious reason: cost. The average cost of weddings in the Washington, DC area is $40,000. Some people are fortunate enough to have that in savings or with gifts from friends and family but spending that kind of cash might not be feasible for others. Pick what’s most important to you for your wedding and spend what fits you. Of course there can be a reasonable correlation between cost and quality and you should pay for what’s important but the flexibility you have can be freeing.
4. The photos will be epic! When you’re finally ready to share your photos from your day, your people will be clamoring to see your photos! They will want to know what you both wore, where you chose, how you looked, who was crying! People won’t be able to take your eyes of your photos.
Whether you choose to have a big or small wedding, there is beauty to be found everywhere.
