The Pros and Cons of Eloping: What to Know Before You Say ‘I Do’

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Eloping isn’t what it used to be, and that’s a good thing. Today, elopements are beautifully intentional, deeply personal celebrations that focus on what truly matters: your love story. Whether it’s just the two of you exchanging vows beneath an ancient tree or an intimate ceremony surrounded by your closest people, eloping offers a refreshing way to say “I do” without the pressure of tradition.

We’ve been lucky to witness and document elopements all over Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties. And while we absolutely love how meaningful and freeing these days can be, we also know it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right choice for you.

Gretchen and Kyle’s sweet Santa Barbara Courthouse elopement is the perfect example of what makes these small celebrations so powerful. They invited their immediate families, chose a setting that reflected their love, and surprised everyone with the most beautiful announcement, they were expecting a baby.

Let’s dive into what makes elopements so special, and what to keep in mind as you plan your own.

Why More Couples Are Choosing to Elope

A Day That Feels Like You

When you choose to elope, you get to create a day that reflects your relationship from start to finish. No compromises, no expectations, just meaningful choices that feel aligned with your love story.

Gretchen and Kyle’s ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse was quiet, heartfelt, and full of joy. Surrounded only by immediate family, they focused on what mattered most to them: presence, connection, and celebration. And when they shared the news of their growing family, it was such a tender, unforgettable moment.

Intentional Spending

Eloping doesn’t necessarily mean spending less, it means spending differently. You’re not budgeting for 150 dinners or a large reception space. Instead, you can invest in the things that truly matter to you, like beautiful photos, a unique location, or a slow, luxurious morning getting ready.

Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Ventura all offer stunning locations that double as both your wedding backdrop and honeymoon destination. Many of our couples make a weekend of it, enjoying a peaceful getaway and savoring every part of the experience.

Less Planning, Less Stress

Let’s be honest: traditional weddings can be overwhelming. Guest lists, timelines, seating charts, family dynamics… it’s a lot. Elopements naturally offer a simpler, calmer alternative. With fewer moving parts, you have more freedom to go with the flow, and to be fully present on your day.

We help guide couples through the whole experience, whether it’s choosing the best courthouse garden or figuring out when the light hits just right for portraits, so your day feels easy and effortless.

Things to Consider Before Eloping

Some Loved Ones May Feel Left Out

Choosing to elope can come with big emotions, especially from family members or friends who may have imagined a larger celebration. And that’s okay. It’s worth thinking about how you’ll communicate your decision and how you might include loved ones in other ways.

Gretchen and Kyle’s approach, inviting their immediate family, was a beautiful balance. Others opt to elope privately and host a celebration later. There’s no wrong way to do it, just what feels best for you.

You May Miss the Energy of a Big Wedding

Some couples truly dream of a packed dance floor, the energy of a grand entrance, or being surrounded by everyone they love in one place. If that sounds like you, a traditional wedding might be a better fit. Or you can combine the best of both worlds: elope now, party later.

That’s one of the many reasons we love the flexibility of elopements. They can be whatever you want them to be.

Why Southern California is Perfect for Elopements

From the Spanish architecture of the Santa Barbara Courthouse to the quiet beaches of Malibu and the peaceful hills of Ojai, Southern California is made for intimate weddings. You have incredible light, beautiful landscapes, and venues that suit both private elopements and micro weddings with a few guests.

At Loverlane by The Gathering Season, we specialize in creating personalized elopement experiences across Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties. We combine planning, photography, officiating, and celebration into one seamless experience, so you can focus on each other and the moment.

We’re here to help with everything, from finding hidden gem locations to guiding you through your timeline and making sure every detail is taken care of. Eloping doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.

Is Eloping Right for You?

Elopements aren’t second-best. They’re bold, beautiful, and deeply personal. If you’re dreaming of a day that feels easy, authentic, and focused on your connection, an elopement might be just what your heart’s been searching for.

Inspired by Gretchen and Kyle’s story?

Let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life, whether it’s at the courthouse or along the coast.

Getting Ready Location: Palihouse Santa Barbara

Ceremony Location: Santa Barbara Courthouse

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Intimate Montecito Coastal Wedding

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Some weddings feel like home, and Maggie and Steve’s was just that—an intimate, heartfelt celebration at a private family estate in Santa Barbara. With lush greenery, blue skies, and a backyard ceremony officiated by the bride’s family pastor, the day was filled with love and personal touches.

Before the ceremony, Maggie and Steve shared a first look with champagne in hand, toasting to their future with laughter and joy. The seamless coordination by Dina Clapinski of On The Bride’s Side ensured everything flowed perfectly, allowing the couple to be fully present.

As the sun set, they snuck away for golden-hour beach photos, soaking in a quiet moment together before returning to an unforgettable night of celebration.

Capturing their love story was an absolute honor. If you’re dreaming of a Santa Barbara estate wedding, backyard ceremony, or intimate elopement, we’d love to document your day with the same warmth and authenticity.

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Wedding Photography: The Gathering Season
Wedding Coordination: On the Bride’s Side
Catering & Rentals: Lorraine Lim Catering
DJ & Sound: DJ Zeke Entertainment
Rentals: Ventura Rentals
Florist: Ojala
Make Up: The Beauty Bar
Hair: Amari Salon
Valet: Signature Parking
Guitarist: Chris Fossek
Cake: Lilac Patisserie

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Los Angeles Arts District Wedding at Millwick by Marvimon

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"And as I sit here, having fallen in love with you from the very beginning, I think to myself that there is no way I can possibly love you more than I do in this very moment.

But I know one thing to be true, it’s that I will go to sleep tonight, wake up tomorrow beside you - and in even deeper love with you than I was the day before.”

-M

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Photography
The Gathering Season

Venue
Millwick by Marvimon

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Alyssa and Aric's Central California Coast Wedding

A day spent in Santa Barbara and on the beautiful central coast is always a day well spent to us. With that said, what Alyssa and Aric had in store for us on their wedding day was really a photographer's dream and an absolute blissful day. From the Ritz Carlton, to a pre-ceremony joyride in an old-school Porsche and right on down to the most amazing little cliff spot where the ceremony took place, we were smiling real big allllll. day. long. One of our favorite parts had to be the stunning floral arrangements by Forage Florals that lined the ceremony location - they were lush and whimsical and packed with the softest texture and color. Yes it was as lovely as it sounds.

Scroll on down to see more of this magic that we can't stop thinkin' about!

Korakia Pensione Wedding - Yas & Ben

It's true, we'll probably be dreaming of Korakia Pensione for days, months, years to come. It was an outrageously hot day in Palm Springs but the amount of beauty witnessed Yas and Ben's wedding day completely made up for it. The hotel provided an intimate and cozy environment that really ended up feeling like home as the night was coming to an end. These kids threw a mean party full of dancing, ear to ear grins and the kind of laughter that makes your stomach ache. The kind of night we live for.

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Photographers: The Gathering Season
Venue – Korakia Pensione
Band – Night Owl Productions
Catering – F10 Creative
Planning/Coordination - Michelle Garibay Events
Rentals - Signature Party Rentals
Tables and Chairs - Planks and Patina
Tabletop Rentals - Hostess Haven
Florals - Vaso Bello
Cinematographers - Amari Productions

Kristel and Michael's Ojai Dream

FEATURED ON GREEN WEDDING SHOES

How many times can we pinch ourselves? This day brought a new definition to magical and we will forever have the best daydreams about it. The wedding took place at Red Tail Ranch, a venue with the most effortless California-cool vibe. We we're constantly ooo-ing and aaa-ing over the mountain view and lush landscape surrounding the property. To add to the beautiful setting, the energy between Kristel and Michael was such a joy to witness - their post-ceremony portrait session was full of laughs, smiles and gazes that had us starry-eyed. It was the sweetest reminder of how amazing love is. Now we could dedicate an entire paragraph to the vibrant florals & breathtaking decor but instead we'll let you keep scrolling so you can see for yourselves! 

Coordination and Design: Wild Heart Events
Flowers: Ella & Louie
Desserts: Knead Baking Company
DJ & Emcee: Dart Collective
Band: Django Foxtrot
Hair & Makeup: Girl Meets Bongga
Photography & Videography: The Gathering Season
2nd Photographer: Peter Kappen
Rentals: Otis & Pearl, Party Pleasers
Calligraphy: Sophia Loves Letters
Catering: OMG Ojai
Bar: Simply Cocktails
Stationary: Honey Paper

Transportation: Dutch Transportation

FEATURED ON GREEN WEDDING SHOES

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Jaclyn & Ross got hitched at Hummingbird Nest Ranch

Hummingbird Nest Ranch Wedding // Where to start! We got to know these two lovely souls when we photographed their engagement session in Downtown Los Angeles. It was a total blast so naturally we were looking forward to their wedding day at the beautiful Hummingbird Nest Ranch - It was an absolutely inspiring day from start to finish. Every detail was SO visually and emotionally beautiful and we got to work with a few of our favorite vendors - Kayla Vie, an amazing planner + Twig & Twine Florals. We filled up on love + good vibes and were exhausted (the good kind of tired!) by the dance party & heat. Needless to say, we dreamt AND slept well after. 

More photos from the stunning Hummingbird Nest Ranch below :) 

WEDDING AT HUMMINGBIRD NEST RANCH || CREDITS

Event Planning + Design: Kayla Vie

Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Simi Valley, Los Angeles, CA

Florals: Twig & Twine

Hair Stylist: Maria Aspegren

Makeup Artist: Matthew Fishman

Paper goods: Minted

Catering: Littly Nelly Catering

Cake: Sweet and Saucy

Furniture Rentals: A Rental Connection

Linen Rentals: La Tavola

Music: Clover Quartet

Dress: Vera Wang

Groom’s Attire: Gucci

Los Angeles couple's session with Mason & Savanah

Los Angeles Couple's Portrait Session // BABE ALERT! About to drop some extremely adorable photos of Savanah + Mason of Anchor Pictures. These two just happen to be married and they are incredible Videographers based in Los Angeles who also work in the wedding industry! We shot a 'just for fun' session with them, cause who needs a reason to have their photo taken? No one! We loved the simple idea behind this shoot because it really allowed us to get into our beloved photojournalistic zone. The whole session felt so freeing and full of joy. Do yourself a favor and scroll to see their beautiful faces, but also check out their beautiful work at the link above!

LOS ANGELES ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES // CREDITS

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Photography: The Gathering Season
Kat & Leo Evidente, Los Angeles Wedding Photographers

Jody and Matt's Topanga Canyon Wedding at the 1909

Putting together this blog post really brought back all of the good vibes and beauty that existed on this day. We had so much fun documenting Jody + Matt's wedding at The 1909, a venue in Topanga Canyon that is absolutely stunning and totally the epitome of California magic. There was a certain type of peace between these lovebirds and we were so happy to have caught it in their portraits. It's such an amazing thing to feel an energy through a photo! We hope you feel it too. Scroll on down to see more of these dreamy kids + their epic wedding day! 

Photography: The Gathering Season
Venue & Catering: The 1909 
Coordination & Florals: The Ruffle Effect
Music/DJ:  Vox DJs - Tommy O'Sullivan
Cake & Desserts: Porto's Bakery
Bartender: Lauren Andino
Photo booth: Photo VW Bus
Rings: Liza Shtromberg Jewelry & Prestige Jewelry
Groom's Suit: ASOS
Groomsmen's Suits: Men's Warehouse
Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN
Wedding Dress: Rebecca Schoneveld  at Bride LA Bridal Boutique
Veil: BHLDN
Jewelry: Davie & Chiyo
Bride's Shoes: Aldo

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