Your California Elopement and COVID-19

Yikes! Due to the unforeseen spread of COVID-19, it’s a scary time to be planning a California elopement! With all of the confusion and uncertainty right now, couples are scrambling to figure out their options. Hopefully this post can offer some helpful thoughts for those unsure of what the coronavirus pandemic means for their elopement right now.

As a California elopement photographer, it’s heartbreaking to watch as this pandemic has swept the globe, leaving thousands of couples stranded with their wedding plans in limbo. The hardest part may be the uncertainty of it all; unfortunately, nobody really knows when it’s going to end and life will regain a sense of normalcy.

In 2016, when my husband and I planned our own elopement in Big Sur, California, our biggest concern was weather; it was the only thing fully out of our control on our low-key, relaxed day. At the time, I didn’t know how truly lucky we were to only fear chilly temps or a little rain.

Yikes! Due to the unforeseen spread of COVID-19, it’s a scary time to be planning a California elopement! With all of the confusion and uncertainty right now, couples are scrambling to figure out their options. Hopefully this post can offer some helpful thoughts for those unsure of what the coronavirus pandemic means for their elopement right now.

As a California elopement photographer, it’s heartbreaking to watch as this pandemic has swept the globe, leaving thousands of couples stranded with their wedding plans in limbo. The hardest part may be the uncertainty of it all; unfortunately, nobody really knows when it’s going to end and life will regain a sense of normalcy.

In 2016, when my husband and I planned our own elopement in Big Sur, California, our biggest concern was weather; it was the only thing fully out of our control on our low-key, relaxed day. At the time, I didn’t know how truly lucky we were to only fear chilly temps or a little rain.

bride stands surrounded by trees in her lace wedding dress holding a large bouquet of blue and white flowers

groom holds bride from behind while they look into each others eyes at their outdoor elopement during the pandemic

bride holding bouquet with floral reflection

bride and groom kissing in front of citrus tree

I know from personal experience that planning your special day, even if you’re keeping it intimate and simple, can still be stressful – and that’s without a worldwide pandemic. Part of my job as an elopement photographer is to take as much pressure off my clients’ shoulders and help them find solutions to make their elopement run as smoothly as possible.

Normally, that means assisting with locations, vendors, and timeline logistics. But we’re not living in normal times. So right now, this means keeping my couples informed about how the coronavirus may affect their Californian elopement plans.

As such, I’ve put together a list of five things you need to know about your California Elopement and COVID-19:

I know from personal experience that planning your special day, even if you’re keeping it intimate and simple, can still be stressful – and that’s without a worldwide pandemic. Part of my job as an elopement photographer is to take as much pressure off my clients’ shoulders and help them find solutions to make their elopement run as smoothly as possible.

Normally, that means assisting with locations, vendors, and timeline logistics. But we’re not living in normal times. So right now, this means keeping my couples informed about how the coronavirus may affect their Californian elopement plans.

As such, I’ve put together a list of five things you need to know about your California Elopement and COVID-19:

couple kisses on a fallen tree during the day of their elopement dressed in blue wedding attire

african american couple kissing in log in park

1) Your Elopement Is Flexible

There’s a good chance you decided to elope to keep things simple. Compared to a typical wedding, there are way fewer moving parts when you decide to keep your celebration intimate! While changing dates and possibly selecting a new location can be annoying, consider yourself lucky. You could have to do the same – but also figure out how to do so with hundreds of guests in mind and venues with limited availability left.

Don’t Cancel, Reschedule

So, first off, don’t cancel, reschedule! If your planned California elopement falls within the next couple of months, it doesn’t hurt to start an open discussion with your vendors now.

While this is obviously a novel experience for all of us, your elopement photographer is likely well-versed in having to unexpectedly adapt to changing circumstances (even if COVID-19 is a totally new beast for everyone).

It’s better to start working out the details sooner than later so you don’t find out they’re booked up when you reach out to them later on.

This leads me to number 2 on the list…

1) Your Elopement Is Flexible

There’s a good chance you decided to elope to keep things simple. Compared to a typical wedding, there are way fewer moving parts when you decide to keep your celebration intimate! While changing dates and possibly selecting a new location can be annoying, consider yourself lucky. You could have to do the same – but also figure out how to do so with hundreds of guests in mind and venues with limited availability left.

Don’t Cancel, Reschedule

So, first off, don’t cancel, reschedule! If your planned California elopement falls within the next couple of months, it doesn’t hurt to start an open discussion with your vendors now.

While this is obviously a novel experience for all of us, your elopement photographer is likely well-versed in having to unexpectedly adapt to changing circumstances (even if COVID-19 is a totally new beast for everyone).

It’s better to start working out the details sooner than later so you don’t find out they’re booked up when you reach out to them later on.

This leads me to number 2 on the list…

newly eloped couple stands in wild meadow while kissing the day of their intimate wedding during COVID

newly eloped couple kisses among tall trees while the sun peeks through following their elopement

An elopement in Big Sur on a lush grassy hill

A forest elopement with large trees in the background

2) Your Vendors Will Reschedule at No Charge

Speaking of rescheduling, if you hired vendors you love for your California elopement, then remember that they love you back! We are all in this business because we truly care about our couples and want them to have a perfect elopement experience.

Those of us in this industry are definitely NOT loan sharks looking to cash in on a bad situation! If you hired a licensed, experienced vendor, in almost all cases, they’ll absolutely want to work with you to find a new date at no additional charge.

After all, that’s the right thing to do as we’re all in this COVID-19 pandemic struggle together!

2) Your Vendors Will Reschedule at No Charge

Speaking of rescheduling, if you hired vendors you love for your California elopement, then remember that they love you back! We are all in this business because we truly care about our couples and want them to have a perfect elopement experience.

Those of us in this industry are definitely NOT loan sharks looking to cash in on a bad situation! If you hired a licensed, experienced vendor, in almost all cases, they’ll absolutely want to work with you to find a new date at no additional charge.

After all, that’s the right thing to do as we’re all in this COVID-19 pandemic struggle together!

bride in off-shoulder wedding dress kisses her new husband while her holds the bouquet in front of the crashing waves by the sea

3) Public Gatherings Are Off Limits

I’ve seen some couples questioning why they should reschedule if it’s just the two of them getting married – because what’s the risk? Actually, your day involves many others from numerous unknown social circles: likely an officiant, hair and makeup artist, floral designer, photographer, videographer… and the most important thing during the COVID-19 crisis is to flatten the curve.

Do you know if they are immune compromised or live with someone who is high risk? Probably not. Further, most people with the coronavirus are contagious before they even show any symptoms, which is why we must all practice self-isolation.

Elopements Qualify as Public Gatherings

Unfortunately, that means your “small California elopement” falls under the government mandated restriction of no public gatherings due to COVID-19, despite its seemingly macro size. It would be selfish of you to continue with a planned event because even if you won’t be personally impacted by the virus, as you could easily spread it to someone less fortunate.

3) Public Gatherings Are Off Limits

I’ve seen some couples questioning why they should reschedule if it’s just the two of them getting married – because what’s the risk? Actually, your day involves many others from numerous unknown social circles: likely an officiant, hair and makeup artist, floral designer, photographer, videographer… and the most important thing during the COVID-19 crisis is to flatten the curve.

Do you know if they are immune compromised or live with someone who is high risk? Probably not. Further, most people with the coronavirus are contagious before they even show any symptoms, which is why we must all practice self-isolation.

Elopements Qualify as Public Gatherings

Unfortunately, that means your “small California elopement” falls under the government mandated restriction of no public gatherings due to COVID-19, despite its seemingly macro size. It would be selfish of you to continue with a planned event because even if you won’t be personally impacted by the virus, as you could easily spread it to someone less fortunate.

plate of two macarons and a piece of chocolate on a white and gold polka dot plate.

4) You Deserve More Than a Takeout Dinner On Your Elopement Night

All restaurants/bars in California are only serving takeout orders. Do you seriously want to clean up a pizza box the morning after your elopement? Let’s hold off and aim for something a little more special (even though I do love me a good NY style cheese pizza)!

4) You Deserve More Than a Takeout Dinner On Your Elopement Night

All restaurants/bars in California are only serving takeout orders. Do you seriously want to clean up a pizza box the morning after your elopement? Let’s hold off and aim for something a little more special (even though I do love me a good NY style cheese pizza)!

couple during their ceremony standing next to the pacific ocean as birds fly by in the background

5) This, Too, Shall Pass

Think of this as a reset button. While the COVID-19 pandemic is stressful and uncertain, you can still try to make the most of it. Perhaps this will give you the time to really work on writing personalized vows or think of other ways to make your elopement day special and unique. Also, imagine the stories you’ll get to share after all of this wraps up! Not everyone can reminisce about how a worldwide pandemic delayed their plans!

Looking at the Bright Side

If you want another way to look at it, consider how this pause in our lives can be a good thing for everything on this planet. First, the earth could use a damn break! The air quality is clearing up in previously polluted cities, water sources are running clearer and wild animals are getting a short reprieve from having their habitats destroyed.

Second, by postponing (and not cancelling!) your California elopement, you’re doing your part to not only support the small businesses who only want to create the perfect day for you – but you’re also helping to flatten the curve and keep others safe and healthy.