Sammy and Adam held their summer elopement in Fairmount Park. This film wedding photography conveys the joy and intimacy of their day. In this post, I show you how a self-uniting ceremony can be an affirming appraisal to a tailored Philadelphia elopement experience. Along with Sammy and Adam‘s story, I share some of my favorite tips for your Philadelphia elopement.
Sammy and Adam’s Philadelphia Elopement
Sammy and Adam’s Philadelphia elopement was intimate, relaxed, and deeply meaningful. The sun shone very warmly that day, but this July date was special to Sammy and Adam. It was exactly one year to the day after they’d gotten engaged. We did our best to stay cool during ceremony and portraits.
For their Philadelphia elopement, Sammy and Adam’s immediate family joined them in Fairmount Park. They held an afternoon ceremony beneath a pergola. Having a midweek wedding worked out in their favor. This section of the park was shady and peaceful without the weekend crowds.
The ceremony and celebration were joyful and intimate just as Sammy and Adam intended. They chose to have a self-uniting ceremony. Everyone teared up as they read the vows that they wrote themselves.
After the ceremony, I whisked them away for some post-ceremony portraits. We did a mix of digital and film photography. The film has a special magic for telling the story of this sunshine-filled elopement. In fact, all of the wedding photos in this post are 35mm film.
Film wedding photography has a charm that suits elopements so well. These portraits of Sammy and Adam are timeless in quality and tone. The candid images have a softness and authenticity that feels like their wedding day. It’s easy to imagine them printing their photos and retelling the story of their elopement ten or twenty years from now.
A Self-Uniting Ceremony
Like I mentioned, Sammy and Adam opted for a self-uniting ceremony, also known as a Quaker wedding. This is one of the most unique ways to do your Philadelphia elopement. Here’s how it works:
- You apply for a special self-uniting marriage license. Head to the section titled “The Paperwork” below to learn more about that process.
- You and your partner run the show! In other words, you don’t need an officiant – just you, your partner, and two witnesses.
Self-uniting ceremonies are great options for marriers who don’t want a traditional or religious overtone to their wedding. You can truly tailor your ceremony to your relationship(s) and partner(s). In that sense, it can be the most affirming experience for some people.
Even though a lot of people choose a self-uniting ceremony as a non-traditional wedding option, it has its root in the Quaker community. You can’t get much more Pennsylvania than that. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of just eight states that allow self-uniting ceremonies.
Philadelphia Elopement Checklist
While some people love the swept-away feeling of an elopement, it helps to have a few of the major pieces in place. Here’s a Philadelphia elopement checklist to streamline your planning.
The Date
Because elopements involve fewer people than a traditional wedding, you can explore alternatives to the usual Saturday affair. You can choose a weekend date if you have your heart set on it. With an elopement, it’s worth considering a weekday instead. Typically, parks are quieter, and venues are less expensive. If you have the flexibility, choosing a weekday gives you more options and a quieter atmosphere wherever you end up.
The Paperwork
Once you have your date set, make sure you pick up your marriage license within 60 days of your date. Both marriers have to be present for your appointment at City Hall. Get all the details on applying for your Philadelphia marriage license here.
The Venue
Sammy and Adam chose to have their Philadelphia elopement in Fairmount Park. There are so many romantic gardens, gazebos, and trails that feel tucked away from the world at this park. A few more parks that would be perfect for an elopement include:
- Wissahickon Valley Park
- Rittenhouse Square
- Bartram’s Garden
If decadent dining experiences are more your speed, consider renting out a room at your favorite restaurant. Some amazing restaurants that host micro weddings and elopements include:
- Valley Green Inn
- Suraya
- Tallula’s
A more conventional wedding venue, like the Maas Building, might be available for a midweek elopement ceremony as well. Some Philadelphia wedding venues that are elopement favorites include:
- Vaux Studio
- Awbury Arboretum
- The Deacon
You might be thinking, “Why not a courthouse wedding?” You can definitely have your Philadelphia elopement ceremony at the courthouse, but keep in mind that you can’t photograph it. If you want to be able to relive that moment through moving images, your best bet is to hold your ceremony elsewhere.
The Photos
Your elopement photographer may end up being your biggest investment depending on your venue and other details. There are lots of things to consider from photography style to personality. They may be the only person at your ceremony aside from your witnesses. You’ll want to talk to them and get a feel for the way they work ahead of time.
If you love the idea of film photography for your elopement, you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest trends in wedding photography, but the beauty of it is that it doesn’t feel like a trend. Film photography connects your love to so many stories that came before. If you’re not sure where to start with finding a film photographer, check out this guide.
As for when you should reach out to your preferred photographer, there’s no magic formula. The sooner the better, though, especially if you have a summer date in mind. Being open to a midweek elopement may give you a better chance at booking the photographer you really want to work with.
Your Philadelphia Elopement on Film
Are you planning your Philadelphia elopement? Film photography is the perfect way to portray the intimacy and instant nostalgia of an elopement. I’m a film wedding photographer based in Philadelphia, and I’ll document your elopement with photos that are unapologetically you. Get in touch with me here!
