As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing a variety of ceremonies over the years, ranging from grand, multi-day celebrations to intimate elopements in scenic destinations. Both types of weddings come with their own unique set of pros and cons—not only for the couple but for me as a photographer. If you’re currently navigating the decision of whether to have a traditional wedding or elope, here’s my take on both options, based on my experience behind the camera.

Traditional Wedding: Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. More Opportunities for Stunning Photos A traditional wedding often comes with a wider variety of locations, people, and moments to capture. From the bridal party getting ready to the grand reception entrance, there’s always something happening. You’ll have tons of opportunities for posed shots, candid moments, group photos, and lots of creativity in framing your images.
2. Celebrating with Loved Ones A big wedding means more guests, which means more emotions and reactions to photograph. It’s an amazing experience to capture not just the couple’s joy, but also the love shared between families and friends. The laughter, the happy tears, and the energy of a crowded dance floor create unforgettable moments for a photographer to preserve.
3. A Comprehensive Narrative Traditional weddings often include numerous traditions—like the first look, speeches, cake cutting, and the first dance—which give your photographer a chance to document the entire emotional arc of your wedding day. As a photographer, I love telling a story through my photos, and these events naturally lend themselves to a beautiful visual narrative.

Cons:

1. More Logistics to Manage A large wedding means more moving parts—venue coordination, catering, timing, and managing a large guest list. The logistics can be a bit overwhelming, and as a photographer, I’ve had to get creative with tight timelines, crowded spaces, and complicated lighting situations.

2. Less Time for Intimate Photos While there are certainly plenty of photo opportunities at a traditional wedding, you may find that with so many guests and events, you don’t have as much one-on-one time for intimate, quiet moments. Many couples don’t get much time alone on their wedding day, which can make capturing the more personal, romantic shots a little more challenging.

3. Higher Costs Weddings with a large guest list usually require a bigger budget, which often translates to more expenses for both you and your photographer. From the wedding venue to the photographer’s time and second shooters, the overall cost can add up quickly, especially for larger weddings with complex logistics.

Elopement: Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Intimacy & Personalization Elopements are typically much smaller affairs, often involving just the couple and perhaps a few close loved ones. This creates an incredibly intimate experience that allows you to be fully present with each other. As a photographer, I find that I can capture more raw, unposed moments of connection and emotion, which makes for deeply meaningful and unique photos.
2. Freedom & Flexibility Eloping gives you the flexibility to choose a setting that speaks to you—whether it’s a mountaintop, a hidden beach, or an urban street. You’re not tied to the usual wedding venue rules, and this opens up endless creative possibilities for your photographer. The photos are often more relaxed and natural because the couple isn’t bound by the traditional wedding day timeline or pressures.
3. Less Stress Without a large guest list or all of the complexities that come with a traditional wedding, eloping can be much less stressful for the couple. There’s more room for spontaneity and for enjoying the day together. For a photographer, this means less rushing around and more time to focus on capturing the real essence of the couple’s connection.
4. Cost-Effective Elopements are often a more budget-friendly option since you’re cutting down on guest counts, venues, and often extravagant details. This allows you to allocate more of your budget toward things like high-quality photography, a luxury destination, or an experience that is truly meaningful to you as a couple.

Cons:

1. Fewer People to Share the Day with While an elopement offers intimacy, it also means fewer people to share your special day with. Some couples might miss having friends and family there to celebrate with them, and it can feel isolating for those who are used to more communal celebrations. As a photographer, I understand that this may make the experience feel less “public” or grand, which might impact how you visualize your wedding day.
2. Limited Coverage of Traditional Moments Elopements may not have the same traditional wedding moments, such as a large reception, speeches, or group dances. While these moments are not necessary for a beautiful wedding, they do provide great opportunities for photography. Without them, you might not have as many varied shots to look back on in the future.

3. Logistical Hurdles While an elopement offers flexibility, it can also come with some logistical challenges. You might have to arrange travel for your photographer, scout locations in advance, or manage permits if you’re eloping in a national park or foreign country. However, with the right planning, these issues can usually be worked around.

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the choice between a traditional wedding and an elopement comes down to your personal preferences, values, and the kind of experience you want to have. If you dream of a big celebration surrounded by family and friends, a traditional wedding might be the perfect choice for you. But if you’re looking for something more intimate, spontaneous, and focused on your connection with one another, an elopement can provide a truly unique and memorable experience.

As a photographer, I love both styles of weddings—each offers something beautiful to capture. The important thing is to choose the wedding style that feels true to you as a couple, and trust that your photographer will be there to document the day in all its glory, no matter the scale.

Whether you choose a grand celebration or an intimate getaway, the love you share will be the focal point of your photos—and that’s what truly makes your wedding day unforgettable.

Ready to capture your wedding day?
If you’re still deciding whether to have a traditional wedding or an elopement, let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan your photography experience and discuss how we can make your vision come to life.