Are you ready to tie the knot, but the thought of a large traditional wedding is not your style? Does the thought of a courthouse wedding feel a little too simple? Planning your dream elopement might be the perfect option for you! Elopements don't have to be a big destination event. They can take place somewhere you love, like your own city. Follow Courtney & Neal’s footsteps through their Uptown Charlotte elopement and elope in your own city where your day can be totally YOU!
Courtney and Neal wanted to avoid the frenzy of an extravagant Indian wedding and chose to elope in their beloved hometown of Charlotte, NC. With its vibrant culture and stunning skyline, Uptown Charlotte provided the perfect backdrop for making their day memorable.
I’ll spill the tea on how we made their Uptown Charlotte elopement unforgettable!!!
Here are 7 Fun Ways to Elope in Your Own City!
1. Go all out with fashion! You can break the "rules"!
Courtney & Neal went all out when it came to what they wore! Both Courtney and Neal are New Orleans natives, so they wanted to add some flair on their special day. Since they were not in a traditional church or venue in Charlotte, they broke some of the traditional wedding attire "rules". Courtney wanted something fun and cheeky to galavant around town in - and she choses a fun dress from Watters Design. It had gorgeous puff sleeves I adored! Neal wanted to break tradition and wore a custom green suit from Jos A. Bank.
Want it for yourself?
Courtney's Dress from Watters Design: Meringue - Radiant Taffeta Neal's suit from Jos A. Bank!
2. Invite your family to the courthouse ceremony!
Family is very important to Courtney and Neal, so their parents came in town to watch them officially exchange vows at the Uptown Charlotte courthouse. Following the ceremony, we took traditional family photos with them at near by park fountain before embarking on the rest of the days activities. Just because you elope, doesn't mean that your family or close friends need to be left out. You can include them in as much of the day as you like! Figure out what feels right to you and go with it!
3. Pick out sentimental places around your city to visit for fun!
It could be anywhere, like where you met, where the proposal happened, or even your favorite restaurant. Neal's favorite restaurant is Chipotle, so naturally we made room for it on our timeline! These places weave the very fabric of your love story.
4. Choose an epic spot to say your personal vows.
Courtney and Neal saved their personal vows to share in privacy. They chose to have this moment on a secluded parking garage overlooking the city! It was the perfect place for them to celebrate in their city without being interrupted. Whether you want an urban rooftop ceremony or a quaint garden affair, the possibilities are endless when it's just the two of you.
5. Pick a playlist to have your own private dance party. Don't forget the champagne!
Courtney and Neal wanted to celebrate right after saying their vows on the rooftop in Uptown Charlotte. I brought my speaker and played their favorite hype music to ring in their happily-ever-after! Just because you don't have a crowd, doesn't mean that you can't get down! Take the moment to celebrate together.
6. Go back to your hotel to jump on your bed to celebrate!
After galavanting to their favorite places around the city, we went back to Courtney and Neal's hotel to get more cozy. Courtney and Neal wanted to share a glass of red wine in the comfort of their honeymoon suite while enjoying sights from their 17th floor window. They then had one last wedding activity of jumping on the bed before heading out to their 5 star dinner reservation.
Eloping in your own city allows your photographer to capture special moments that are not typically included on traditional wedding days, yet are just as meaningful. Whether that's a jump on the bed, a second outfit, or special locations, we're here to build the day that's special for you!
7. Have a low-key reception dinner afterward to celebrate with your family and friends.
A few months later, Courtney and Neal planned a reception for their family and friends. This allowed them to incorporate a few wedding traditions such as wearing ethnic traditional Indian wear and enjoying delicious ethnic food in a small gathering. Since their wedding day was months prior, they were able to focus on the PEOPLE that they were celebrating with. Your reception can be as big or as small as you want it to be while only incorporating the traditions that are most special to you!
Choosing to Elope in their own city, Uptown Charlotte, was one of the best decisions that Courtney and Neal had ever made!!! Congraultations!
Vendors for Uptown Charlotte Elopement
Wedding Dress from Watters Design: Meringue - Radiant Taffeta
Groom's Attire: Neal's suit from Jos A. Bank!
Book a Photographer for Your Elopement: Thin-Spaces.com
Customize Your Engagement & Wedding Rings: James Allen
Bridal Shoes that Won't Kill Your Feet: Dream Paris Pump Sandals
Best Perfume for Your Wedding Day: Express Eau So Simple Fragrance
Trendy Headband to Go With Your Dress: Yo Sola Boutique
Customize Your Vow Books: The Cozy Comfy Home
Spice up your style with Sunglasses: VentiVenti Vintage Sunglasses
Book a Hotel With Amazing Views in Charlotte: JW Marriot Charlotte, NC
Need a Photographer to Capture the Magic of Your Elopement?
If this inspired you to get married your way, let's get started planning!
Cheers, I'm
ANNA CLAIRE
A lover of adventure and travel, it’s my dream to tell stories of love all over the globe. My home base is in Charlotte, NC, but if your wedding is taking place anywhere else - say no more. As I like to say, if there’s a love, there’s a way.
I am a Charlotte luxury wedding photographer and destination elopement photographer available to capture your unique wedding day.