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What actually happens during an elopement, step by step

Not knowing what to expect is the biggest source of nerves before an elopement. In practice it runs in a fixed order, start to finish.

The session starts with a few minutes to settle in and talk through what you’re hoping to get, even if that’s already been discussed beforehand, and from there direction stays constant throughout so there’s no standing around wondering what to do next. Once the shoot wraps, a proofing gallery follows within a couple of days. A first look, before anything is retouched.

Final delivery follows once retouching is complete, with the timeline agreed clearly at the point of booking rather than left open-ended.

See also: Why a cheap elopement often costs more in the end.

For everything this post didn’t cover, including current pricing, the Elopements & Small Weddings page has the full picture, or reach out directly and ask.

FAQs

A couple of quick answers.

Is this cheaper than full wedding coverage?
Generally yes, since the hours and deliverables are smaller. The same unposed, journalistic approach still applies, just scaled to the size of the day.

Do you travel for elopements?
Yes, across the UK and beyond. Registry offices, town halls, a hillside with two witnesses, wherever has been chosen.

Further reading

Worth reading next.

The steps

The short version, step by step.

  1. Settle in and talk through the brief. The first few minutes, even if it's already been discussed beforehand.
  2. Be directed throughout the shoot. Constant, gentle direction means there's no standing around wondering what to do.
  3. Review the proofing gallery. A first look within a couple of days, before anything is retouched.
  4. Receive final delivery. On the timeline agreed at booking, not left open-ended.

Like the way this looks?

The photographs read even better in person. Book a shoot in London.

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