Ah, the age-old question: what day of the week should you elope? Spoiler alert—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of weekday vs. weekend elopements, when things might be cheaper (like plane tickets and vendors), and why ultimately, the best day is the one that feels right for you and your love story.
The Weekday Advantage: More Freedom, Less Stress
Let’s start with the perks of a weekday elopement. Vendors tend to have more availability Monday through Thursday, so if you’ve got your heart set on that quirky wedding photographer (hello, that’s me!) or a specific venue, booking on a weekday can give you an edge.
Plus, let’s talk costs. Airfare, hotel stays, and rental cars are often cheaper midweek. That means more room in your budget for things that actually matter—like vibrant wedding photography or a badass celebratory dinner with your partner after you say “I do.”
And guess what? Nature doesn’t operate on a weekend schedule. If you’re dreaming of a secluded forest elopement or a quiet riverside ceremony, weekdays mean fewer crowds, less stress, and a more intimate vibe. Missouri’s hidden gems—like the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, or a riverside retreat near Kansas City or St. Louis—are all the more magical when you don’t have to share them with a thousand tourists wielding selfie sticks.
Why Weekends Still Have Their Charm
Okay, I hear you: weekends might still hold some appeal. Maybe you’re envisioning a relaxed wedding photography session where your closest friends can tag along, or perhaps your guest list includes a few ride-or-die family members who can’t sneak away on a Tuesday. That’s valid!
Weekends make sense for some couples, especially if you’re hoping for a mini celebration with your chosen family. The trick? Book early. Saturdays and Sundays are prime real estate for wedding vendors, so securing your dream team might take a little extra planning (and money).
But if you’re set on a weekend, consider a Sunday. Vendors are often slightly more flexible on pricing, and the vibe can feel a little more laid-back compared to Saturday’s hustle.
Timing Is Everything: Seasonal Considerations
The day of the week isn’t the only factor to consider—seasons play a huge role in your elopement plans too. Missouri, with its forests, rivers, and rolling hills, offers something for every kind of couple. But here’s the tea: certain seasons will give you more bang for your buck.
Off-Peak Magic:
Winter and early spring are often less expensive for both travel and vendors. If you’re the kind of couple who loves the idea of a cozy elopement, complete with winter boots, hot drinks, and maybe even a little snow, this could be your sweet spot. Vendors may be more available, and you’ll likely score deals on flights and accommodations.
Shoulder Season Perfection:
Late spring and early fall—Missouri’s shoulder seasons—strike the perfect balance between weather and price. The forests are lush, the rivers are sparkling, and the crowds are thinner. Plus, the vibrant colors of the season pair perfectly with artistic wedding photography. Can you imagine those colorful leaves in your true-to-life wedding photos? Chef’s kiss.
Peak-Season Trade-Offs:
Summer and early fall are gorgeous but also come with higher prices and more competition. If you’re dreaming of a summer elopement, consider a weekday to cut costs while still enjoying those long, golden-hour evenings.
Vendor Availability and Pricing
When you elope, your vendors are part of your dream team. And trust me, they care about making your day amazing. Creative wedding photographers, florists, and planners often have more availability—and sometimes lower prices—on weekdays. Plus, you might find they’re able to give you more personalized attention when they’re not juggling a full weekend schedule.
Looking for someone to help you create vibrant wedding photography that captures your love in a way that feels personal, quirky, and true to you? That’s where I come in. Whether you want bold and colorful wedding photography or relaxed, authentic wedding photos, eloping on a weekday lets us take our time and make some magic.
Catering to You, Not Traditions
Here’s the thing about eloping: it’s about you and your partner. Period. That means ditching outdated traditions and timelines that don’t feel right. Forget the stuffy church pews, the overpriced ballroom, or the 12-course meal for 150 people you’ve barely met. Instead, carve out a day that reflects your love story.
Want to start your elopement morning with breakfast in bed? Do it. Craving a sunset ceremony by the river with your dog as your ring bearer? Hell yes. Dreaming of a full day exploring Missouri’s forests with a few playful, unconventional wedding photos thrown in for good measure? I’m here for it.
When you let go of catering to a crowd and focus on what makes you and your partner happy, you create a day that feels personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Finding the Right Photographer for Your Day
If you’re reading this and nodding along like, Yes, this is exactly what I want, the next step is finding the right photographer to document it all. Here’s what to look for:
- Authenticity: Choose a photographer who gets you and your vibe. Your photos should feel like you, not some cookie-cutter version of what a wedding is “supposed” to look like.
- Colorful and Vibrant Style: Look for someone who specializes in colorful wedding photography and vibrant wedding photos that bring your day to life.
- Relaxed Energy: You need a photographer who can roll with the punches and keep the day stress-free. No barking orders—just good vibes and fun.
- True-to-Life Edits: Your photos should reflect the real you, with editing that feels timeless and authentic, not trendy and overdone.
Choosing Your Day
At the end of the day, the best day to elope is the one that feels most right for you. It’s not about what the internet says, or what your aunt Karen thinks, or even what’s cheapest. It’s about finding the balance between practical considerations—like vendor availability and ticket prices—and personal meaning.
Whether you’re tying the knot on a quiet Tuesday in the middle of the forest or a bustling Saturday by the river, your day should reflect the wild, beautiful, and unapologetically you kind of love that brought you here in the first place.
Ready to Plan Your Elopement?
If Missouri’s rivers, forests, and city-meets-nature charm have you thinking, Yeah, this is the place, I’d love to help you capture it. With my creative wedding photography style and knack for making every couple feel at ease, we’ll create a set of photos that are vibrant, true-to-life, and uniquely yours.
Let’s make it official. Whether you’re eloping on a random Wednesday or going big on a Saturday, I’m here to make sure your day is everything you’ve dreamed of—and then some.
Because at the end of the day, your love story deserves more than just a date. It deserves magic.
