COVID-19 Elopement
Wanting an elopement instead of having a full wedding is very trendy these days. Even more so now that we’re dealing COVID-19. Coronavirus seems to be the thing that is dominating all the conversations lately and rightfully so. It is impacting our lives as we know it in almost every way possible. As a wedding photographer, I am seeing a massive impact on the wedding industry and how it is impacting couples getting married.
While most of my regular weddings are rescheduling for 2021, a whole new assortment of couples are actually taking advantage. I always found the majority of my clients would elope if they could. The only reason they’re even having a full wedding is family obligations. There’s always that list of people you are required to invite. And once your two lists combine, you’re dealing with a wedding you can’t afford.
Now, all of a sudden, you have the perfect excuse to go small. International family members can no longer travel. Guest counts have to reduce by government order. Anyone over 50 is refusing for personal safety. So getting your guest count numbers down is no longer a real issue. And your biggest expense, which is normally catering, no longer exists.
Planning you COVID-19 Wedding
Obviously, planning an elopement during COVID-19 is a bit different than normal elopements. Most traditional venues aren’t open. Many parks and beaches still have restrictions. While others are overpopulated with everyone looking for limited weekend entertainment these days. Bylaw officers are lurking around every street corner ready to hit you with a fine. So if you have questions about current COVID-19 protocols regarding weddings, send me a shout.
I can offer guidance on permits and where you may need them. I can keep you updated on what government restrictions are currently in place for your city as they seem to change daily. We can figure out timelines and organize your mini wedding together. My 2020 wedding packages are available on an hourly basis. And I currently have a promotion on ceremony videos. That way you have a keepsake of your special day and have something to share with loved ones who weren’t able to attend.
Aga Khan Museum
This particular ceremony was at the Aga Khan Museum. This is one of those venues I always heard about but never had a chance to photograph. The venue itself closes on Mondays but they were still willing to issue photo permits for their exterior grounds. Honestly, the Aga Khan Museum screams social distancing. It has so much open space. Combine that with unique architecture, reflective pools, wrap around gardens and you have a venue unique space to work with.
Ideally, we would have coordinated this ceremony around sunset. However, with so many international family members watching over the live stream, the hours just wouldn’t have aligned. So instead we did it earlier that day. It was located in this open area away from the reflective pools. Without any speaker setup, it served as a quiet space. There was a garden in the background that eliminated any wanders roaming around. And the open space allowed all their attending guests to space out safely.
Ceremony
The civic ceremony was pretty quick and lasted only 10 min. It finished off with everyone, including their live streaming family members cheering in the background. Afterward, they served individual cupcakes with their guests, partook in some photos, and called it a day. The rest of their photo session included wedding portraits where we really got to explore the unique grounds of the Aga Khan Museum.
If you are planning a social distancing elopement this summer that’s COVID friendly, this is definitely a venue to look into. But don’t take my word for it. Just for yourself with the results below.
Be sure to check out the rest of this wedding…
Haldi – Day 1
Sangeet – Day 2
Hindu Ceremony – Day 3
Muslim Ceremony / Reception – Day 4
