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You’ve been seeing this word popping up on your social media lately. But what is an elopement? It’s much more than a simple small-scale wedding; it’s an authentic celebration, free of pressure, where love is the only focus. Whether you dream of exchanging your vows in an awe-inspiring natural setting or in the intimacy of a place that holds personal meaning to you, an elopement offers a unique experience that reflects who you are. So, are you ready to discover what makes elopement a magical and personal adventure?

Can you picture yourself exchanging vows in the heart of nature, in a place that excites you, without any pressure or constraints? Just the two of you, surrounded by the essentials: your love, breathtaking landscapes, and maybe a few carefully chosen loved ones? That’s what an elopement is all about. The word comes from the English “to elope,” which once meant “to run away and marry in secret.” But today, it carries a very different meaning: choosing an intimate wedding, intentional and free from traditions that don’t resonate with you.

More and more couples are choosing this approach for their wedding. Why? Because they want a day that truly represents them, without stress or outside expectations. They don’t want their wedding to be a spectacle but a moment to fully enjoy. Every moment matters, and emotion is at the heart of everything.

That’s exactly why we’ve specialized in intimate weddings and elopements. We love helping couples create an authentic experience, guiding them through every step and capturing every moment with sincerity. Because at the end of the day, what matters is you.

What’s the difference between a traditional wedding and an elopement?

An elopement is a wedding focused on the essentials: your love, your commitment, and the experience you want to have. Unlike a traditional wedding, where the planning often revolves around guests, meals, and a scheduled timeline, an elopement gives you total freedom.

No long guest lists, no headaches with seating arrangements, or stress over traditions that don’t speak to you. You pick a location that makes your heart skip a beat – a mountain, a wild beach, an enchanted forest – and create a day that’s 100% you.

And if you want to share this moment with a few loved ones, that’s totally possible! An elopement can include just the couple or a small group of 20 people or fewer. The important thing is that everyone present has a special meaning to you.

What does an elopement actually look like?

An elopement isn’t just a smaller wedding. It’s a true wedding, with a strong commitment, intense emotions, and a setting that reflects you. No rigid schedule, no obligations – just a day to live to the fullest, authentically.

It can be relaxing, adventurous, festive, or a mix of all that!

It unfolds exactly how you wish! Imagine your dream day… A day where you do exactly what you want, where you can express yourselves freely and exchange vows in complete privacy, without the fear of being judged by anyone. There’s no limit to what you can imagine.

As photographers and planners of intimate weddings and elopements, we guide you through every step. We plan, scout locations, manage logistics, and much more! We’ll discuss your tastes and expectations to ensure your wedding reflects who you are.

Do you want to exchange vows at sunrise on top of a mountain before meeting your family and friends for brunch? Or would you rather do it alone on an island with the sound of sea lions in the background? Or perhaps you want to organize an amazing family picnic with a Lobster Party vibe on your favorite beach, followed by a sunset ceremony?

We’ll help you brainstorm ideas. We’ll be your guides, witnesses, planners, and, of course, photographers. The cherry on top will be when we capture all those intimate, wild moments in a magnificent place you chose, a place with deep meaning to you.

Here are a few scenarios to inspire you:

🌲 Forest Elopement with a Few Loved Ones

You meet up with your crew at a cabin in the heart of nature, the kind of place where everyone immediately disconnects. After a relaxed morning, you all head out on a hike to a stunning spot, with a view that stretches forever. Up there, surrounded by those who matter most, you exchange your vows and get married in this majestic setting. Then? An impromptu outdoor meal, laughter, popping champagne, and a day ending by the fire, telling your best stories.

🌊 Waterfront Elopement with Close Family and Friends

You’ve gathered your loved ones on a secluded beach, where the sound of the waves accompanies each moment. After an intimate ceremony where you exchange vows and seal your commitment, you take a stroll along the shore while your guests enjoy the moment. Then, the celebration continues with a shared meal prepared by a private chef, laughter, and maybe even a swim at sunset. Simple, real, perfect.

⛰ Mountain Elopement, Just the Two of You

After enjoying a relaxed morning, you slip into your wedding attire, put on your boots, and set out on a hike to a spectacular summit. The wind blows, the view is breathtaking, and at that moment, it’s just the two of you. Your officiant performs your ceremony, and you exchange vows. Afterward, a picnic with an incredible view, spontaneous photos, and a leisurely descent, your hearts light, your minds full of unforgettable memories.

❄️ Winter Elopement in the Snow

Snow falls gently as you walk together in a fairytale landscape. Everything is silent, except for the crunch of your footsteps on the snowy ground. You stop in a clearing beneath snow-covered branches and exchange your vows in this magical atmosphere. After this unique moment, you set off on snowshoes to explore the forest. End the day cuddled up in a Nordic spa, gazing at the stars.

In reality, an elopement can be all that or something completely different. But no matter what form it takes, it’s still a wedding. A real commitment, an unforgettable day, and a way to celebrate your love without compromise.

So, where do we do an elopement?

Uh… everywhere… anywhere?

We almost always have this in common with our couples: we love discovering breathtaking places and landscapes. It’s undeniably the thing we get the most excited about. You can elope anywhere on the planet – whether it’s here in Quebec, in Scotland, or in Hawaii.

What matters is that the place is meaningful to you and helps tell your story. The experience and the photos will be that much more impactful. It’s just you two, your love, and an epic backdrop – that’s all that really matters.

Need help choosing where to elope? You’re in luck – suggesting places is one of our favorite parts of the job. Feel free to reach out to learn more about our services.

In the meantime, you can also check this out:

WHERE TO ELOPE IN QUEBEC: EPIC NATURE LOCATIONS FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING

Is an elopement right for you?

If you dream of a wedding without compromise, where every moment is sincere and filled with emotion, then an elopement is for you. It’s a way to celebrate your love in a unique setting, putting aside conventions to have an experience that reflects you.

Here are some reasons why our couples choose elopements:

• An experience focused on you: No pressure, no expectations, just you and the love of your life, ready to say “I do” in a way that excites you.
• Total freedom: Exchange your vows at the top of a mountain, by a lake, or under a starry sky? Anything is possible!
• Less stress, more fun: No long planning days, no obligations, no compromises. You fully enjoy every moment.
• Unforgettable memories: An elopement is more than a wedding. It’s an adventure, a one-of-a-kind experience that will be forever etched in your heart.

Sounds like something that speaks to you, right? 😉

How to plan an elopement?

The beauty of an elopement lies in its flexibility and authenticity. You can choose an intimate ceremony with just an officiant and photographer, or include a few loved ones. Add personal touches like a gourmet picnic or vows at sunset. Maybe an adventure by helicopter to an incredible spot?

At Love is Nord, we love guiding our couples through this adventure. We help you choose the perfect place, organize every detail, and capture your day with emotion-filled photos. Because on that day, every moment matters, and we want you to enjoy it to the fullest.

To learn more about why couples choose intimate weddings or elopements, read this:

8 REASONS TO ELOPE

And what about the guests?

Honestly, we love photographing intimate weddings with fewer than 20 guests just as much as we love elopements for two. Getting married surrounded by the people who matter most, the ones who truly know you, is magical. That moment shared with those who love and accept you for who you are makes it all unique.

Surround yourself with people who love and uplift you, those who encourage and help you grow. You can choose to invite only your best friends, or perhaps just your parents… or maybe your siblings…

Or you can choose a day for just the two of you, no distractions. No outside eyes to influence your vows or what you truly want to say. You can even plan a party in the days following to celebrate your union.

We have plenty of ideas for including your family and friends…

INTIMATE WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS: HOW TO INCLUDE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

Whatever you decide, the choice is yours. Remember, no decision should be made out of fear or obligation when it comes to your wedding day. This special day, the one you’ll treasure forever, deserves to be lived your way. You deserve a day that truly reflects you, surrounded only by those who are there to celebrate your love in its purest form.

Wow, this sounds too good to be true… Is it really a real wedding?

Absolutely! As long as the marriage is celebrated according to the laws in your province or country, an elopement is just as legal as any other wedding.

Did you know that we also offer wedding officiant services?

Yep! In addition to being a photographer at Love is Nord, Josée is also a wedding officiant. This means you get the opportunity to have a completely seamless and cohesive experience with someone who knows your story and expectations. You won’t have to look for another vendor to officiate your ceremony, making the planning process much easier. Josée ensures every moment of your ceremony is personalized, authentic, and true to who you are, allowing you to fully enjoy your day, stress-free.

Learn more about her services here.

And finally…

Why do we do all this? Because we simply can’t imagine doing it any other way. For us, the most important thing is to connect with you, not just click the shutter. Trusting us allows you to live every moment in peace, without stress or awkwardness. A wedding is, above all, your day. When it reflects who you are, surrounded by the people who matter, and you’re comfortable with us, the magic happens. That’s when your true dream day is created.