Ashley and Daniel had been guests at too many weddings where the focus wasn’t on the couple getting married, but the party afterwards.
“We both agreed that a marriage is about two people and wanted our ceremony to reflect that,” Ashley explains.
The couple chose to keep things simple by having a romantic elopement with no guests at the beautiful Beltane Ranch in Sonoma, California.
“It was so relaxing and we were able to just focus on each other the entire day,” says Ashley.
Thanks to Megan Clouse Photography for giving us a glimpse of this gorgeous day with an equally gorgeous couple!
Ashley, 30 & Daniel, 31
Location: Glen Ellen, CA
Wedding Date: April 6, 2017
Number of Guests: None
Wedding Cost: $9,500 including hair/make-up, dress, suit, photographer, videographer, and venue fee.
Wedding Ceremony Location: Beltane Ranch
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We both agreed that a marriage is about two people and wanted our ceremony to reflect that. We have been to a lot of weddings where the party after is the main focus rather than the monumental promises the couple is making to each other.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
It was actually much easier than we thought it would be. So many great places cater to couples that want to elope, it was really just finding what spot we loved most. I was fortunate enough to be put into contact with fantastic vendors.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
When we initially debated if we should have a few select people there, it became difficult as to where we draw the line. It was much easier when we decided to have no guests.
Did you have any “issues” with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
Our family was actually really supportive about us choosing to elope. Our mothers we knew wanted to be there and that’s why we decided to get a videographer. We had a reception party a couple weeks later when we got back and were able to show our wedding video. Everyone loved it and it made them feel like they were able to witness it.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
For both of us, the highlights were the vows. We wrote them separately the night before and were both so nervous about them. Saying what we mean to each other and promising to love each other for our entire lives was so emotional and special to us.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
The lack of stress! We got up, had breakfast together, and laid around. It was so relaxing and we were able to just focus on each other the entire day.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Do it! While we were fortunate enough to have family who supported our decision, we know that’s not the case for others. Splurge on a great photographer and videographer so you can make people who weren’t invited feel like they were part of it. Remember what the wedding is really about and all the extra stuff of a huge wedding just doesn’t seem that important anymore.
Photographer: Megan Clouse
Venue: Beltane Ranch
Officiant: Tim Boeve
Hair and Makeup: Salt Spell Beauty
Cake: Crisp Bake Shop
