How to Incorporate the Earth into Your Elopement Day
Choosing to have an elopement is a purposeful decision- not one that a couple lands on by accident. The intentionality around that decision has such a big impact on how meaningful a day is. Once you decide to elope with your partner, and maybe a couple of special people, you might be wondering how to cultivate that sense of intention throughout your whole day. If you decide to get married somewhere beautiful and wild, honoring that space creates a special feeling that makes the day even more memorable. Often when a couple reaches out to me, they know they want to spend the day somewhere beautiful, they want to feel connected to the land and the space they’re getting married in, but might not know how to go about that. That’s the beauty of eloping- there are no rules! These are just a couple of suggestions that I’ve witnessed bring a sense of connection to a couple’s day.
xxHaley
Grounding
Ground or “earthing” is really simple- it’s the practice of your skin being in contact with the Earth. Some believe that our skin interacts with the energy of the Earth to benefit your health- but no matter the science, it simply feels good to touch water in a flowing creek, to feel sand beneath your toes, or to lie on warm sandstone. For your elopement, this could be something you incorporate into your ceremony, or just something to be aware of throughout the day. The more time you take to really be present with a moment on your wedding day, the more you remember that. The thing I hear most when people talk about their wedding day is how fast it goes by- this gives both of you a chance to slow down and really remember what it feels like on your wedding day. I love documenting this process because the photographs take you right back to what that experience was like.
Smudging/Clearing
First off, I wanted to note that I am not an expert on indigenous plant medicine, and I always want to come from a place of respect! I found this article on the ethics of sage use to be really insightful. Long story short, be mindful of where your sage is sourced from. I love the idea of burning sage, resin, and incense as a way to create a sense of ritual either for your day or your ceremony specifically. Having a loved one make a smudge stick could be a really meaningful way to incorporate them into your day, even if they are not there. Here is a little tutorial on how to make a smudge bundle.
Go for a Nature Walk
Going for a walk or hike in the place you are making your wedding day commitments can be fun, reverent, playful, or contemplative- or all of the above! I love when my couples take the time to do this on their elopement day because they are spending the day doing something they enjoy together. My favorite photographs from elopement days often come from nature walks- everyone is at ease and feeling comfortable and relaxed. As with all of these, for me the idea of a nature walk is all about finding ways to be really present together and in nature.
Foraged Florals
I have more information on selecting vendors here, but your florals are a great opportunity to connect back to the place you are getting married. Find a floral artist who specializes in sustainable and foraged arrangements so you can carry a piece of the landscape with you on your day. I also love the option of pressing or preserving your bouquet/boutonniere after the day so you can always have a reminder of the beautiful place you two decided to get married at. Two of my absolute favorites in Utah are Beehive Floral Co. and Tellurian.
Plan Date Around Moon/Stars
Picking a date to get married can feel daunting, especially when you are trying to be intentional about all of the details around your day. Something a few of my couples have done is choosing a date based on the moon cycle and what different full moons can represent. The wedding above choose to have their wedding the night of the Hunter’s Moon. Other couples have chosen to pick a significant astrological date. If you do one of these, let your photographer know so you can plan some pretty moon or star photos to commemorate your date.
Thanks for reading, I love getting to share these tips! If you are interested in more information on planning your elopement, click here. If you are interested in working to create and document your elopement day together, click the button below for more information.