Choosing to elope instead of having a big wedding is completely a personal preference. Once you and your partner have decided an elopement is the perfect fit for your relationship, how do you even go about planning one? In this post I’m going to share advice from one of my real couples, Loren and Dimitri, on how to elope in Kansas City.

Loren and Dimitri originally started to plan a traditional wedding, but COVID made them change plans. During the pandemic Loren and Dimitri realized what was truly most important to them; spending their lives together, even when the world gets crazy. They didn’t want to wait until the pandemic was over because there really didn’t seem to be an end in sight. They also didn’t want to put any of their family or friends at risk of getting sick. After consideration they realized an elopement was the perfect fit for them, their relationship, and their future together.

Planning an elopement gave them the opportunity to truly focus on themselves and their union instead of being distracted by the other stressors that come along with planning a large traditional wedding.

Loren and Dimitri wanted to keep their elopement as simple as possible. The chose a naturally beautiful location The National WWI museum and Liberty Memorial it was the perfect spot for them because they wanted a clear view of the Kansas City skyline. Once they chose their elopement location the booked two separate rooms at the Weston Hotel, right across the street from the memorial, to get ready in. The only outside help they needed was a professional makeup artist to pamper Loren the day of, their officiant (Loren’s pastor growing up), Me as their photographer (first witness), and a second witness (Their officiant’s wife).

It was simply beautiful. The day of the sun was shinning just before it started to set. Lorena and Dimitri got ready and didn’t see each other until the ceremony began at the base of Liberty Memorial. Their ceremony was heartfelt and personal, as they exchanged rings you could feel the love between them.

After their ceremony we took photos around the memorial to take in the amazing view and document their special day. Just before the sun fully set they called their family and friends to announce their new marriage, (they had kept their elopement a total secret).

Photographing elopements is always such an honor to me, to be able to be there for you on such a special day even when your family isn’t there to witness it. I am so thankful I am able to document these ceremonies, these unions, and be there for my couples as a witness to their marriage.

How to Elope in Kansas City- Advice from the Bride

Do what you want and do not plan too much! You should have a simple idea and schedule of the day, but planning it to the T takes away the fun of it! What worked for us was the simplicity of it all. We stayed at our hotel to prepare, the hotel was extremely close to the Liberty Memorial, we allowed the scenery and skyline to be our decorations, trusted in our pastor for the vows and ceremony, and focused on us. This was a decision that we would absolutely choose again and would recommend others to do as well!

For more elopement and micro wedding inspiration check out Amanda and Joe’s wedding. For more pics including the Kansas City Skyline look through Dakota and Jake’s engagement session.