Top Tips To Make Your Elopement Film STELLAR!

Top Tips To Make Your Elopement Film STELLAR!

By Jenny Roberts, Filmmaker

As an elopement filmmaker with Elope Outdoors, I am stoked to create the most cinematic elopement films for couples! I want to share some tips with you all that I think helps to make an elopement film AWESOME!

1. Elope in the best light. I cannot encourage you enough to hold your ceremony just before the magic hour. The magic hour is about one hour before sunset and it is when the most beautiful images are created. Essentially, as the sun sets, the backdrop, which is often a mountain scene, becomes darker and richer in color. We are able to expose for you two and the mountains perfectly as opposed to in the daytime when the sun is typically very bright, making it tougher to see the fullness of the background. Harsh sun also tends to create shadows and can create limitations on where you can be positioned. Not only will there be good light during the magic hour, but if you get an amazing pink or orange sunset, it’s clear that your video is going to be vibrant and breathtaking.  One of our favorite films was during a Full Moon and sunset and you can see just how incredible the images turned out, thanks to good timing and Mother Nature coming through big! The only downside of having your elopement closer to sunset is that it may interfere with having a fancy dinner afterwards at a restaurant since it may close before you return to town, but many couples have opted for getting a really nice take-out meal waiting for them at their rental house or have lucked out finding restaurants that have a later reservation time. Some just do the fancy dinner the next day. I think it’s truly worth the small sacrifice because when you see the imagery, you’ll be thankful you made the choice to elope in the magic hour!

*Pro-Tip: Don’t forget, Sunrise is also a great option! You will get beautiful light with way less people on the trails so the privacy factor increases! Waking up early might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the scenery is amazing and there’s always coffee to get you up!

1. Move, move, and move some more! 

One of the best things about an elopement film is that it captures all the movement that happens in a way that photos aren’t able to do in the same way. I love when couples spin each other around, do a cool but simple lift into the air, and of course LAUGH! We have had couples come up with some really fun, unique dance moves when we have asked them to cut-a-rug (or shall I say, cut-a-mountain in most cases)! But honestly, if you’re not the type to break out into The Sound of Music “Hills are Alive” twirls or if you aren’t up to re-create the Dirty Dancing lift, just know that simple movements are just as cool! A nice slow dance, a sweet laugh, walking up and down the mountain, we love ALL OF IT! A lot of the movement that will happen in your film will come naturally, like tears flowing down your partner’s cheek, the walk up to your First Look and reaction, etc. So really, enjoy the moments as they unfold but don’t be afraid to add a little movement in so your film can really capture your personality and be super dynamic.

1. Eyes on each other! During photo sessions and throughout the whole experience, one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give that will help your photographer and videographer get the most stunning, natural captures is to lock eyes with your partner as much as possible. When we think of getting our photos taken, we associate that with a lot of smiling at the camera (and believe me, we capture that traditional shot too). But the real magic happens when you forget the cameras are there and connect with your love! It is here in the connection point where something special happens. When in life do you really get the chance to take a whole minute and look into the eyes of your mate? It’s a super rarity to really carve that space and it creates some cool interactions between you two. One of my favorite parts of our films is when we have the couple look into each other’s eyes and then hold a kiss as we spin around them to capture it. It’s often in the moments before and after the kiss where we get incredible footage of you two really seeing each other and connecting. So my advice overall is to try to clear your mind of everything else and focus on each other as much as possible.

1. Personal Vows are a big YES! 

When I think about some of my favorite elopements, they almost always included personal vows in the ceremony. I have seen couples completely write them from scratch to recite to their partner during the ceremony and I have also seen couples take traditional vows and revise/personalize them or add parts of them into their vows. I highly recommend talking with your officiant to get their recommendations if you have any questions or ideas you want to discuss!

The best part about personal vows is that it becomes the dialogue that drives the “story” piece of your film. When editing, the images will match the content and allow you to be directing the story a bit more. It will also be sure to contain lots of laughs, probably some tears, and most likely funny stories or quotes. I just think the elopement ceremony is the perfect intimate space to formally and officially say some things to your partner, from your heart, that you have always wanted to articulate. If you don’t feel comfortable reading the vows in front of your guests or elopement team, sometimes couples write each other letters that are read during a first look. Either way, writing some awesome words to each other is a big YES! 🙂

Now that you know some great tips for making your film awesome, I’d love to share some big reasons WHY you should consider getting an Elopement Film. 

1. It’s the best way to truly include your friends and family

Elopements are often just the couple and maybe a handful of close family members as guests. There are likely tons of people in your life who may feel left out or just simply be dying to see what your elopement was like as they are cheering you on energetically from afar! While photos will be heirlooms to keep forever, a video is the only way to really transport them to the scene and let them actually hear and experience your ceremony. Whether you choose to share the film privately, hold a screening at a reception party or small gathering, or share on social media, so everyone can see, it will be the best way to include everyone you care about and let them be a part of your special day.

2. Nothing captures the location quite like video

Whether you are eloping in the mountains, a waterfall, or at a beautiful flower farm, part of the enchantment with the whole elopement idea is with the unique outdoor location you have chosen to say your vows. Videographers tend to shoot elopements a lot like you would a movie, setting the scene with sweeping shots of the landscape and scenery. You don’t need a drone to capture it, but I highly recommend making sure your elopement video package comes with a drone! The aerial views are some of the most stunning ways to truly share and relive your elopement location. It also allows you to see a perspective of your elopement spot that you would never be able to see otherwise. While things like weather and location rules need to be considered, it is one of the most incredible parts of having an elopement film that is worth considering!

3. It will increase in value over time 

When you first see your film, you will likely be excited and amazed by what was captured. But over time, like 10 years from now, you are going to see it in a completely new light! You might marvel at how different you all look, how young you sound, or how right you were in your vows. Just watching you say your vows, especially handwritten personal vows, will have the power to remind you exactly why you love your partner and can help get you through challenging times. An elopement film in a lot of ways is better than a memory because it allows you to truly see the moment for what it was and not just what you remembered, such as if you felt nervous about the details, worried about weather, etc. And just imagine, if you add to your family in the future, you can show your children or nieces, nephews, etc what you two were like back in the day and how special it was for you to elope. It is inspiring to see couples taking to nature, to say vows in an intimate, non-traditional way that is just about the two of them. I think that deserves to be preserved and captured in a film that you can relive forever and possibly even inspire someone else to do the same!

IF YOU’RE THINKING OF ELOPING IN ASHEVILLE AND WOULD LIKE SOME HELP PLANNING SOMETHING EPIC, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH! WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT IN ASHEVILLE, NC!