Weddings don’t have to look a certain way. There are no rules, no expectations—only the love you’re celebrating and the story you want to tell.

This authentically unique couple in Virginia proved just that when they exchanged vows in a way that was uniquely, authentically theirs.

✔ A quiet yet powerful ceremony in their lawyer’s office.
✔ Only their closest people—parents and a best friend—to witness the moment.
✔ A post-vow portrait session around the historic town hall, dressed in regal, striking attire.

It was bold. It was deeply personal. It was completely their own. And that’s exactly what eloping should be.

1. Eloping Can Be Whatever You Want It to Be

There’s a misconception that eloping has to mean running away to the mountains or keeping things so minimal that it barely feels like a wedding. But here’s the truth:

✔ An elopement is about intention, not a specific style.
✔ You can wear whatever makes you feel powerful, celebrated, and completely you.
✔ The location doesn’t matter—what matters is that it feels right for you.

For this couple, their lawyer’s office held meaning. It was an intimate, private space where they could focus on the commitment they were making—without distractions, without a crowd, just raw, pure emotion.

✨ Photography Tip: When couples design a wedding experience that is personal and free from outside expectations, their photos tell a much more authentic, emotional story.

identity fluid gender fluid couple elopes in small town virginia

2. Bold, Identity-Fluid Attire: Wear What Makes You Feel Powerful

Forget the idea that wedding attire has to fit into a mold. Your wedding day is a reflection of you—so wear what makes you feel alive.

✔ A royal purple suit, complete with a crown.
✔ A white pantsuit, paired with a sheer gold cape.
✔ Confidence, self-expression, and unapologetic authenticity.

This couple’s wedding looks were bold, regal, and fluid—an extension of their identities and their love. Their outfits weren’t about tradition; they were about power, presence, and celebrating exactly who they are.

✨ Photography Tip: Non-traditional wedding attire photographs beautifully—it adds personality, movement, and depth to every image.

non traditional wedding couple small elopement gold cape purple suit

unique couple with royal purple suit and crown and green hair with gold cape embrace under large magnolia tree after eloping

3. Small-Town Charm: The Beauty of Unexpected Portrait Locations

After their ceremony, we explored the town for portraits that captured their unique energy.

✔ Historic buildings as a backdrop for a modern love story.
✔ Quiet streets that felt like their own personal stage.
✔ Moments that blended playfulness, intimacy, and regal confidence.

You don’t need a grand venue or an epic landscape to have incredible wedding photos. All you need is a space where you feel free to be yourselves.

✨ Photography Tip: Small towns are full of hidden gems—historic doors, textured walls, and open streets can make for some of the most stunning, intimate portraits.

non traditional couple standing on old traditional building court steps

unique gender fluid couple twirls in front of courthouse after wedding

4. Why More Couples Are Choosing to Elope Their Own Way

💛 No pressure to conform to expectations.
💛 More freedom to focus on the relationship, not the production.
💛 The ability to make bold, personal choices without outside opinions.
💛 A wedding day that feels unapologetically true to them.

Eloping isn’t about what you’re giving up—it’s about what you’re gaining. The freedom to create a wedding experience that feels right, not just looks right.