3 Stress-Free & Fun Alternatives To Big Weddings
You’re probably here because planning a big wedding is starting to feel pretty stressful and not how you want to celebrate your special day. Maybe you’re not feeling aligned with certain traditions, family expectations or just all the logistics it takes to plan a huge event. Your feelings are so valid and you aren’t the only couple feeling overwhelmed about going the traditional route.
After working with dozens of couples over the last few years, we can confidently assure you that your wedding day can be a stress-free, fun day that feels authentic to you. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for, here are some stress-free and unforgettable alternatives to a big wedding.
1.Experience-based elopement
We have to talk about elopements first because not only is that our specialty, (we photograph and film elopements all over Colorado) it’s also one of the most fun and stress-free ways that couples have tied the knot in our professional opinion.
Although traditionally eloping just looks like signing a marriage license at a courthouse and calling it a day, the elopement days we have helped plan in Colorado look more like an entire full-day experience enjoying the things that you love most (along with the vows and marriage license too). Some couples choose to include some type two fun like hiking to a mountain top to exchange vows and others have kept it more relaxed and exchanged vows next to a lake with a hot tub soak, pizza and wine to celebrate.
Not only is eloping tradition-optional, it gives you freedom to plan something more meaningful and unique. Eloping also costs a fraction of what a big wedding costs, and the money you do spend is on the things that matter most to you.
2. Destination Honeymoon and Commitment Ceremony
Our second choice for a more stress-free and fun option is picking your top travel location to visit for a honeymoon and get married there. This allows you to skip the big wedding and have an extended vacation. If you are traveling outside of the country to get married, having a commitment ceremony somewhere gorgeous can take away the headache of legalizing your marriage and you can always fill out the paperwork back home if that’s what you wish!
This option not only allows you to travel to bucket list destinations and spend our wedding budget there, it also allows flexibility to celebrate whatever way you want to be celebrated. Maybe you exchange vows next to a glacier in Iceland or in an old castle in Scotland. The possibilities are endless and this can also be a way to build an unforgettable experience around your special day. What better way to get married than doing some of your favorite things?
3. Hybrid Elopement Wedding
Another popular option amongst a few couples that we’ve worked with is splitting their day into an intimate wedding and experience-based elopement. If you’re having trouble choosing between wanting to do something special for just the two of you but also wanting to celebrate with your family and friends–this may be a good option for you.
The couples we’ve guided through this route have been able to plan a private vow exchange at a breathtaking location and a separate, formal ceremony with their family at a reserved venue or ceremony at a national park followed by celebratory dinner or a reception. This allowed them to still get the “just us” experience but also an intimate time with their loved ones. Pro tip: Split this in the course of two days so you can experience and be present during your vow exchange and feel less nervous and ready to celebrate with loved ones the next!
Planning A Non-Traditional Wedding That Feels Like You
Here’s the truth: planning any kind of event big or small can feel daunting because it’s most likely your first time doing it! But your marriage celebration should feel exciting and fun, not like you are rehearsing for the grand finale of a show. Here are some tips to planning something that feels true to you without the performance:
- Focus on what feels authentic and meaningful to you two.
- Build a day around what you love doing together.
- Keep your timeline flexible and relaxed.
- Expect some pushback, but trust your gut–you’ll have no regrets.
- Remember: intimacy and presence are worth more than perfect décor.
At the end of the day, couples who choose to get married the way that feels true to them almost always say the same thing: it was the best decision we ever made. It’s magical, stress-free, and unforgettable. It’s a day that feels like hanging out with your best friend, not performing for a crowd.
Curious about what it’s like to elope in Colorado?
If the idea of planning a stress-free, experience-based elopement day is calling you, Colorado is one of the best places to make it happen. Here’s why:
- You can self-solemnize in Colorado. In short, this means you don’t need to hire an officiant or witnesses to legalize your marriage here.
- Your dogs can sign your marriage license. Yes, it’s legal. Since Colorado doesn’t require witnesses this is allowed and it’s adorable. Kids can sign too.
- You can find tons of free locations to elope. There are so many epic landscapes that are free or have a small permit fee to exchange vows in.
- We are open year-round. Any season is a good season to visit Colorado
- The weather is pretty predictable for most of the time. You can predict what the weather will be like most of the time which is great for planning purposes.
Planning your elopement in Colorado can be super easy and if you’re truly looking for a stress-free and fun experience–hiring a local team that can help you plan, photograph and film the entire thing will guarantee that. Many elopement photographers in the state offer location planning in their elopement packages so that you can truly immerse yourself in the fun and less stressful aspects of planning. Thankfully, you’ve landed on our website and we happen to offer exactly what you’re looking for.
Meet Laura & Hugo–Photo & Video Team At Together We Roam
As a photo + video team, our job is more than documenting your day. We guide you through the planning, scouting of hidden-gem locations, keeping things stress-free, and making sure you actually enjoy every second of it. Most couples who work with us say it feels like hanging out with old friends (with the bonus of photos and video).
If you’re ready to ditch the pressure of a big wedding and craft an unforgettable adventure together in Colorado we’re here to help you make it happen.
Contact us here to start dreaming up your day.
Couples are never limited these days when it comes to possibilities with their wedding day! Amazing ideas!
So many ideas for couples to consider! This is an awesome guide for couples looking to plan a non-traditional wedding