Elopement vs Intimate Wedding in Tampa

How To Choose What’s Right For You

Elopement vs intimate wedding … I’m here to help you sort out all the questions and figure out what’s right for you. You’re ready to marry your person but what kind of day actually feels like you?
Maybe you picture quiet vows at sunrise, or maybe your dream is celebrating with a few of your favorite humans over craft beers at sunset.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to fit into a box.

Whether you elope with just the two of you or plan an intimate wedding with your people, it’s about creating something that reflects your story, not feeding into pressure. Let’s break down the differences so you can decide what fits your relationship.

The Real Difference Between Elopements vs Intimate Weddings

At the heart of it, it’s about scale and intention.

An elopement is typically just the two of you (or under 12 guests). It’s experience driven… think private vow exchange then kickin’ it in your style, think kayaking through Florida springs, exchanging vows beneath banyan trees, exploring a fun roof top, hitting up an arcade for some friendly competition, or popping champagne on a Clearwater beach as the sun drops below the Gulf. Whatever speaks true to your connection and story, that’s what we’re doin. We can even revisit your first date spot or where your first kiss happened. Give. Me. All. The. Sentimental!!

An intimate wedding usually includes a small circle of loved ones (12–40 guests). It still carries that relaxed, intentional energy, but you might weave in a short ceremony, a cozy dinner, or family photos. It’s not about ditching everyone, it’s about including the people that mean the most to you and your partner.

What an Elopement Feels Like

Elopements are all about freedom baby!
You can wake up together in your Airbnb, sip coffee on the balcony, get ready side by side, and spend the day doing whatever feels right. No strict timelines. No pressure. No performance, just the two of you living in the moment.

Want to surrond yourself in the wild and kayak the springs? Lets. Eat pizza barefoot on the beach? Yes! Dance under string lights behind your Airbnb? You sure can! Eloping gives you permission to build a day that mirrors your life together and gives you an excuse to have the ultimate date night experience where you walk away saying “we did it!” and calling it your wedding. I always recommend going with 4 – 8 hours of coverage to really allow the day to flow and be a true experience with zero checklist and you can feel every moment of the best day of your life.

Not sure how many hours your need, I can help you figure those details out! Let’s chat and if you need some help on how to break it to the fam about your elopement here’s a previous blog about how to break that to them nicely!

4 Hour Sample Elopement Timeline

Here’s an example of what a 4 hour elopement could look like.

Hour 1: Getting Ready Together
These first quiet moments often hold the most emotion. You’re not performing for anyone, your truly in the moment you’re helping each other with details, taking deep breaths, sharing small looks that say, this is really happening.

Hour 2 : The First Look + Vows
This is where the energy shifts. The nerves melt, and the weight of the moment hits… two people choosing each other forevaaa, intentionally and fully. Whether it’s at the courthouse, beachside, or in a lush garden, it’s sacred because it’s yours and it’s a beautiful private “just us” moment.

Hour 3: Portraits + Exploration
Where the day feels alive. You’re laughing, moving, holding each other close, letting the day breathe. It’s less about posing and more about presence, about being so in the moment that you forget the camera’s there.

Hour 4: Celebration
That final light of the day always carries a sense of peace , a deep exhale. Maybe you’re popping champagne, maybe you’re just holding hands watching the sun dip down in your cozy airbnb while getting take out, or maybe it’s about letting loose at a carnival or festival where you get to feel like kids together and flirt your way through the night. Either way, it’s a moment you’ll replay for years.

This structure leaves room to breathe, no rushing, no pressure…just time to actually be together on your wedding day.

6 Hour Sample Elopement Timeline

A six-hour elopement gives you time time to slow down, to breathe, and to actually feel your wedding day. It’s not a checklist; it’s an unfolding story built around presence, connection, and emotion.

Hour 1 + 2 Quiet Beginnings + Getting Ready + Details
The morning feels calm. Coffee, music, sunlight spilling through the window. You’re not rushing or performing just getting ready together or solo. These moments set the tone: simple, real, and full of anticipation. You take your time. Every movement is intentional no one’s watching, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Hour 3 +4 The First Look + Ceremony
When you finally see each other, everything else disappears. The nerves fade into laughter, the quiet hits, and the weight of what you’re doing settles in. Wheather its in a gorgeous garden, beside water, or even a fun courthouse adventure to kick off the day, it’s the moment you realize this is forever, and it feels exactly right.

Hour 5 + 6 Just Married + Connection Time
After vows, there’s an exhale. The world feels softer. You have space to wander, talk, laugh, and let the day unfold naturally. You’re not chasing a schedule you’re just soaking in the fact that you’re married. This is where your elopement becomes personalized, share your first dance at your first date spot, rent a fun vintage car for epic portraits, share private vows over lunch and on the river, or cool off by running through water or jumping into the ocean or pool. The options are limitless when it comes to adventure elopements. And I LOVE helping couples with ideas!

A 6 hour elopement isn’t about doing more… it’s about experiencing more my friend.

Not sure that you need 6+ hours, take it from my previous clients, it was a blast!

What An Intimate Wedding Feels Like

Intimate weddings blend the heart of an elopement with the warmth of community.
Picture a small ceremony under oak trees, a garden dinner filled with laughter, or a beach celebration where everyone toasts as the waves roll in.

They’re perfect for couples who crave connection and celebration without the chaos of a huge guest list. You still get the emotional storytelling of an elopement, just with your closest people woven in.

Tampa’s variety makes it easy to personalize rooftop dinners downtown, backyard gatherings, lush garden or sunset beach ceremonies.

6 Hour Sample Intimate Wedding

This gives you the best of both worlds… the love of your people and the space to fully experience the day without it ever feeling like your jumping from one thing to the next.

Hour 1 + 2: Getting Ready + Private Moment

It’s laughter, quiet nerves, music playing in the background, and your people buzzing with excitement. You’re surrounded by love before you even walk down the aisle. Stepping away before the ceremony lets you breathe, connect, and be fully present. This is where the nerves meet gratitude, a private pause before the celebration begins which can include a first look or if you choose to get ready together then a moment to read personal vows to one another. So many options!

Hour 3 +4: Ceremony + Family Moments + Photos

The moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s intimate and honest… smiles, tears, and joy woven together. You’ll remember not just what you said, but how it felt and the nerves all melt away! These are the in between memories… hugs from parents, jokes with friends, quiet glances that say everything without words. It’s connection, not chaos.

Hour 5 + 6: Couple Portraits + Dinner + Let’s Celebrate!

This is where it all slows down again. You step away to soak in the sunset, breathe together, and realize you’re officially married. The light’s golden, your hearts are full, and everything feels right. The evening unfolds gently… stories shared, toasts made, laughter echoing through the space. It’s about togetherness. It’s the celebration you’ll remember because it includes all your favorite people, your favorite food, a first dance, and core memories made with your main peeps. Intimate weddings aren’t “less than” they’re more intentional. 

Every hour carries weight because it’s filled with people and moments that matter. Maybe you want to escape a do a little adventure with one another as a mini private celebration I am here to help you come up with all the fun ideas and truly make your day on of a kind. Just because you chose an intimate wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have both.

Elopement vs Intimate Wedding – Why You Don’t Have To Choose

Here’s the best part… YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE. Yup, I said it.

There’s this idea that you have to be either the couple who elopes or the couple who hosts a wedding but the truth is, the most intentional celebrations usually fall somewhere in the middle.

Maybe you start your morning with a courthouse ceremony surrounded by family, then sneak away for a private vow exchange at sunset. Maybe you share a dinner and toasts with your closest people, then spend the rest of the evening barefoot on the beach, champagne in hand.

You can have both intimacy and adventure  both connection and freedom.

Combining the two lets you honor all the pieces of your love story. You get to celebrate your roots and your wildness — to feel the energy of your people while still keeping time for moments that are just yours.

There’s also practical magic in blending the two:

• You’ll have space to breathe, no overcrowded timelines or performance pressure.
• You’ll get a deeper emotional story captured the laughter with family and the quiet in-between moments with each other.
• You’ll walk away with memories that feel complete  and not like you had to trade one experience for another.

BUT for some couples, the most meaningful choice isn’t a blend at all  it’s simply eloping, just the two of them. Maybe it’s your second marriage, and you’re ready to begin forever in a way that actually feels like you no pressure, no production, just honesty and peace.
Or maybe you want to strip everything back to the heart of your relationship to relive where it all began and celebrate how far you’ve come. The kind of day that feels like a nostalgic love letter to your story: the laughter, the growth, the quiet resilience that got you here.

There’s nothing “less than” about choosing simplicity.
It’s not about running away it’s about coming home to what matters most: you two. Some of my favorite celebrations happen this way. They don’t fit a template, because they’re built around the couple… not tradition.

So if you’re torn between eloping vs intimate wedding, take this as your sign: you can design a day that’s both or neither one that celebrates your love in every way it deserves.

Elopement vs Intimate Wedding – Deciding What’s Right for You

When you’re choosing elopement vs intimate wedding, start by asking:

Do you want to elope just the two of you, where every moment is private and uninterrupted?

Or do you want to share your vows with a handful of your closest people, parents, siblings, best friends, without losing that intimate, easygoing feel?

Or maybe you’re craving a little of everything… quiet moments together to explore and adventure, and then time to celebrate with your family for the ceremony and dinner.

There’s no single formula that makes a day meaningful.
Whether you spend sunrise together by the water or end the evening surrounded by loved ones under string lights, the goal is the same… to create a day that feels like your love: real, connected, and completely yours.

Elopement vs Intimate Wedding – Why Tampa Is the Perfect Spot for Both

It truly is a dream location for couples torn between an elopement vs intimate wedding because it offers the best of both worlds.

Tampa is one of those rare places that truly has it all… the perfect balance of city energy, coastal charm, and endless adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a “just us” elopement or a small celebration surrounded by your people, Tampa makes it easy to create a day that feels like you.

Tampa Vibez

Start in downtown Tampa, where you can explore fun landmarks, walk the Riverwalk, grab a drink at Armature Works, or celebrate on one of the city’s stunning rooftop bars as the skyline lights up behind you. The mix of urban backdrops and waterfront views gives your photos that bold, cinematic edge perfect for couples who want a little modern adventure in their love story.

Beachy Vibes or St Pete Vibez

And if you’re craving beach vibes, just cross the Howard Frankland or Courtney Campbell Causeway, and you’ll find yourself in St. Pete  home to the St. Pete Pier, coastal art murals, cool music venues, yummy restaurants, unique hotels, cool sailboat rentals, and breezy, boho energy. It’s got that “fun in the sun” vibe that blends perfectly with Tampa’s urban grit. Keep heading west, and you’ll hit the soft sands of Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, or Honeymoon Island  each offering postcard perfect sunsets.

Explore The “Real Florida”

Looking for something quieter or a little bit more of Floridas wild? Drive about an hour north or east, and you’ll uncover Florida’s natural gems: Weeki Wachee, Rainbow Springs, and the Ocala National Forest. These spots are perfect for couples who crave a touch of adventure, turquoise waters, moss-draped trees, and that serene, nostalgic Florida vibe. Central Florida truly has a pulse of its own, laid back, romantic, and endlessly photogenic with Florida true beauty beyond the sandy beaches.

Plus, Tampa makes it easy to get here. With Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) both nearby, travel is a breeze for out-of-state couples. You can land, explore, and start your forever… all within an hour’s drive of beaches, springs, and downtown adventures.

So whether your love story feels more like a downtown rooftop toast, a barefoot beach ceremony, or an adventurous dive into Florida’s wild beauty… Tampa gives you the freedom to have it all.
Plus, the weather from late fall through early spring is made for elopements: warm, golden light, and low humidity to keep our hair and make up lookin’ fresh. Wherever you go, Tampa gives you the freedom to create something that’s uniquely yours…fun, intentional, and full of heart.

Here are some activity ideas if adventure is callin’ your name for your I Do 🙂

Elopement vs Intimate Wedding: Pro Tips In Deciding

Not sure which direction to go and still stuck on elopement vs intimate wedding? Start here my friend

• Start with your values. Ask what matters most… is it privacy, connection, or community?
• Picture the energy of your day. Do you see stillness and adventure, or laughter and celebration?
• Think about your people. If you can’t imagine the day without certain loved ones, an intimate wedding might be your path.
• Consider your timeline. If you want more space to breathe, explore, and soak in each moment, plan for 4–6 hours of coverage.
• Use Florida’s variety. Tampa gives you city, beaches, and springs — you can build your story across multiple backdrops.
• Forget the rules. The best days are built around how it feels, not how it’s “supposed” to look and that it’s true to your story and connection as a couple.

Your Day, Your Way

Hey, I’m Kathy And I’m Here To Help 🙂

Whether you’re planning an elopement, an intimate wedding or a mix of both I’ve got you.
As a Tampa elopement and intimate wedding photographer, I help couples craft experiences that are stress free, meaningful, that will leave you wanting to re-live your day over and over yellin’ hellllll yeah!

Let’s dream up something that fits your story and makes you say hell yes

Before You Go…

If you’ve made it this far, chances are your wheels are turning.
You’re starting to picture what your day could actually look like what it might feel like to slow down, do things differently, and craft something that feels like you. And maybe you’ve got questions.
About timing. Guests. What’s included. Or how it all really works.

You’re not alone almost every couple I work with starts here. So, I’ve rounded up the most common questions about eloping and planning intimate weddings in Tampa to help you get the clarity (and peace of mind) you need to move forward.

Q + A: Everything You’re Wondering About Eloping or Having an Intimate Wedding in Tampa

Q: How do I know if an elopement or intimate wedding is right for us?
A: Think about how you want your day to feel.
Do you want slow quiet moments, freedom, and time to explore and adventure just the two of you or do you picture being surrounded by your closest people, sharing stories and laughter over food and hangs. If you’re somewhere in between, you can absolutely blend both. The best days are built around what feels authentic to you! So if you want a little privacy, adventure, and the joy of your favorite people around you too, we can totally make that happen.

Q: How do I know how many hours to book?
A: You don’t have to figure that out alone… that’s exactly what I’m here for.
Once I get to know what kind of experience you’re dreaming of, I’ll help you build a timeline that fits how you want your day to feel. If hate rushing, want a whole story and experience of the day captured then 4 to 8 hours is usually the sweet spot. If you’re keeping things ultra simple or planning a courthouse elopement, 2 hours might be perfect to keep it short and sweet. Every couple’s story is different I’ll help you find what fits your version of adventure, intimacy, and connection.

Q: What’s the difference between a “just us” elopement and an intimate wedding with guests?
A: Elopements usually focus on experience and connection often just the two of you, or fewer than 12 guests. Intimate weddings include a handful of loved ones (12–40) adding that warmth and community vibe. Both are personal, meaningful, and story driven it just depends how much togetherness you want woven into the day.

Q: Do we have to sacrifice beautiful details or moments if we elope?
A: Not at all. Eloping doesn’t mean less  it means intentional. You can still include meaningful details like personal vows, florals, first looks, etc

Q: Can we include family in an elopement?
A: Duh! You can invite your closest people to witness your ceremony, then spend the rest of the day exploring on your own! Or do it in reverse share private vows first, then meet up with family later for dinner or toasts. There’s no rulebook; it’s about balance and creating the emotional rhythm that feels right.

Q: When’s the best time of year to elope or host an intimate wedding in Florida?
A: Fall through early spring (End of November –April) is ideal think cooler temps, golden sunsets, and fewer afternoon storms. Summer works too, but I always recommend early morning or sunset ceremonies for the best light and comfort. Summers is hurricane season so it’s not impossible just requires more prep, flexibility, and truly a great opportunity to include water fun!

Q: Do you help with planning or just photography?
A: I’m not just your photographer, I’m your guide, you hate planning and I love it so I got all the ideas and solutions and connects! From location ideas and permits to timelines and vendor recs, I help with everything so you can just show up, breathe, and enjoy your day.

Q: What’s included in your elopement and intimate wedding packages?
A: Every package includes photography coverage, planning guidance, personalized activity suggestions and timelines, vendor recommendations even help scouting airbnbs or hotels, and my location expertise across Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, and Florida’s springs. You’ll also get sneak peeks within 7 days and your full gallery delivered in 4 weeks.

Q: Do your packages include engagement photos?
A: My elopement and intimate wedding packages don’t include an engagement session but I do offer it as an add-on! Some couples love doing engagement photos as a fun, low pressure way to celebrate this season of life and get comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day. Others skip it and save that time for adventure or relaxation totally up to you. I’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for your story.

Q: Can you help us find the perfect location?
A: 100%. Whether you want rooftop city vibes, white sand beaches, lush garden vibes, super cool vibey intimate venues, or spring fed adventures, I’ll help you find the backdrop that fits YOU. I’ve scouted dozens of hidden gems around Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Clearwater, and central Florida so you’ll have plenty of stunning, unique options to choose from. I also location scout if theres some place I haven’t been to yet so we are fully prepared for your I Do 🙂

Q: We’re coming from out of state is Tampa easy to get to?
A: Totally. Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) are both super convenient and close to everything. I help out-of-state couples plan travel friendly timelines all the time.

Q: What if the weather changes or it rains?
A: Florida weather can do its thing, but I always help build a flexible backup plan.
Overcast skies make for cinematic lighting, and a little drizzle can add magic but if needed, we’ll pivot locations or timing so your story still unfolds perfectly. The safest times to elope are end of November into early April. The temps are cooler, less humid, less buggy, and less tourist!

A: Both can work it just depends on what kind of vibe you’re going for.
Weekends are totally doable, especially if that’s what works best for your schedule or your guests. But if privacy, calm, or flexibility matter most to you, weekdays are where it’s at. Weekdays mean fewer crowds at beaches, parks, and springs which makes your ceremony + adventure feel more intimate Plus, vendors and locations are usually easier to book (and sometimes even cheaper).

If you’re craving a laid back, quiet, just us experience, I always recommend a weekday elopement. But if you want a few loved ones there and a bit more energy, a weekend can still be perfect we’ll plan it strategically so it still feels intentional, not hectic.

Q: How do we officially book you?
A: Once you’ve filled out my contact form, I’ll send over a link to book a free consult call to learn more about each other and your vision, then once we get ya officially on my books by paying the retainer and signing the contract, I send out a detailed questionnaire to get to know your vision in even more detail and the planning begins and we fine tune all the things!

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk About Your Day.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This is exactly what we’ve been dreaming of, but we’re not sure what it should look like yet…” that’s where I come in 🙂

Whether you’re imagining a barefoot beach elopement, a sunset dinner with your closest people, or a little of both, I’ll help you bring it all to life no stress, no guesswork, and the freedom to do it your way.
Let’s make it happen. Inquire here!