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cOMMON QUESTIONS
fROM COUPLES LIKE YOU
I've put together answers to the questions I hear most from couples planning to elope, but honestly, no list covers everything. Every elopement is different, every couple is different, and I'm always happy to talk through whatever is on your mind. If something isn't answered here, just shoot me an email at hello@taraarseven.com and we'll figure it out together.
What actually counts as an elopement?
An elopement is an intentionally small, intimate wedding where the day is built around the two of you, not a guest list. For me, that means just the couple, your officiant, and up to 2 additional people. Anything beyond that starts to become a micro wedding (which I also offer, just under different collections). The number isn't arbitrary, it's the line where the day stops feeling like "your wedding" and starts feeling like "everyone else's wedding, scaled down." Eloping isn't running away or doing it on the cheap. It's choosing to spend your wedding day actually present in your wedding day.
How is this different from your wedding collections?
My wedding collections are built for full traditional weddings, anywhere from 30 to 300+ guests, with all the moving parts that come with it (getting ready coverage with a wedding party, ceremony, reception, dancing, the works). My elopement collections are built for couples who want the opposite. Smaller scope, different pace, the day designed entirely around you instead of a schedule. The biggest difference beyond size is that Collections I through III include full planning support, location ideas, vendor recommendations, timeline, and travel for me and a +1, all built in. With my wedding collections, you usually have a planner or coordinator handling that. With elopements, that's me.
Do we have to hike or be outdoorsy?
Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest myths about elopements. You can get jaw-dropping locations 100 feet from a parking lot, or never leave a downtown loft, or have a quiet courthouse ceremony followed by champagne in a hotel suite. My couples include serious hikers, but also people who just want to wear a beautiful dress and stand somewhere pretty for an hour. The point of eloping isn't adventure for its own sake. It's designing a day that actually feels like you. If "you" is a hiking trail in Big Bend at sunrise, we'll do that. If "you" is the studio loft and a great dinner downtown, we'll do that. Both are valid and both make incredible photos.
Can we bring our pets?
Yes please. Bring the dog. Bring the cat (if your cat is the kind of cat who tolerates that, which most aren't, but I respect the ambition). I've photographed dogs in tuxedos, dogs in flower collars, dogs as ring bearers, and dogs who mostly just slept through the ceremony. They are always welcome.
How do we tell our family we're eloping without it being a whole thing?
This is honestly the question I get asked most, and it almost never makes it onto photographers' FAQ pages. So here's the real answer: there's no version of this conversation that everyone is thrilled about, and that's okay. The couples who handle it best usually do three things. One, they tell their closest people in person or on a call, not in a group text. Two, they frame it as a decision they've already made together, not an idea they're floating for input. Three, they offer a way for family to still be included afterward, whether that's a dinner, a backyard party, or a slideshow viewing of the gallery. Most family pushback comes from feeling left out, not from disagreeing with the choice. When you give people a way to celebrate with you (even after the fact), the temperature drops fast. And if you want help thinking through what to say or how to time the announcement, that's part of what I do during planning. You're not the first couple to navigate this, and you won't be the last.
Can we still have guests? How many is too many?
My elopement collections are designed for the two of you, your officiant, and up to 2 additional people (think a parent, a sibling, a best friend acting as a witness). If you're imagining 10 of your closest people, 20 of your family, or a small backyard celebration, that's a micro wedding, and it's gorgeous in its own way, just a different offering. Reach out and I'll point you to the right collection.
Can we do a payment plan?
Absolutely. You can pay your invoice in custom installments (in-house) or opt for the flexible option with payment plans of up to 24 months, which I offer through Affirm. Click here for more information.
Rates from 0–36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses. For example, a $800 purchase could be split into 12 monthly payments of $72.21 at 15% APR.
What are the legal requirements to get married in Texas?
Texas keeps it pretty simple. Here's the short version:
Always double-check with your specific county clerk before you go. Hours, payment methods, and small requirements vary by county. I help walk every elopement couple through this so you're not figuring it out alone.
Can we elope somewhere remote or abroad and still be legally married in Texas?
Yes, three ways:
I'll help you figure out which option fits your day.
Do we need witnesses?
Texas law does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license, only your officiant. So if you want a truly just-the-two-of-you ceremony, you can have it. (If you do want witnesses for the meaning of it rather than the legality, your officiant and I can both sign as moral support, even though it's not required.) For anywhere else, we can find out. :)
Tara is truly a godsend. Out of all my vendors, I had the best experience with her. She is the most amazing photographer, and she goes above and beyond for her clients.
She accommodated me when I had to change the date of my wedding, went out of her way to get me a bouquet for my bridals because I completely forgot, and found a location that fit my style since we couldn’t do the bridals at the venue. She also brought a crochet hook the day of my wedding so my mom would have an easier time getting me into my dress.
That selflessness of her aside, I have gotten unbelievable feedback from family and friends about how gorgeous her shots/style are. I really can't thank her enough, and I appreciate her so much for everything she does.
Lauren + Isaac | Dallas, TX
How far in advance should we book?
Most of my elopement couples book 6-12 months out, especially if you're eyeing a peak season (April-May or September-November in Texas, summer for destinations). For Collections I and II (continental US and worldwide), 9-12 months is ideal because of travel logistics and securing the right lodging. For Collection IV (the local 50-mile tier), I can sometimes accommodate as little as 1-2 weeks out, though Texas's 72-hour license waiting period needs to be factored in. Reach out as soon as you know you want to do this. Even if your date isn't set yet.
What if it rains, or our location plans fall through?
This is one of the things I plan for from day one. Every elopement timeline I build has at least one backup location and a weather contingency baked in. I watch the forecast obsessively the week of, and we'll adjust timing or pivot locations together as needed. For DFW couples, my studio loft is always available as a beautiful indoor backup, and it photographs gorgeously in any weather. For destination elopements, I always scout backup options in the planning phase so we're not scrambling on the day. Texas weather can be dramatic. I've shot in 105-degree summers, freak ice storms, and surprise downpours. We will be fine.
Can we have a bigger party or reception later?
Yes, and a lot of my couples do exactly this. They elope just the two of them somewhere meaningful, then host a bigger celebration weeks or months later for family and friends. It's the best of both worlds. You get the intentional, intimate wedding day you actually want, and your loved ones still get to celebrate with you. I can photograph the post-elopement party as a separate session or reception coverage if you'd like, just ask and we'll work it into your collection.
We don't have anything figured out yet. Is that okay?
That's actually the most common starting point. Most of my elopement couples reach out with a feeling, not a plan. "We want it to be just us." "We want mountains, maybe?" "We want to skip the big wedding." That's enough. From there, we get on a call, I ask questions, and we start building your day from your answers. Locations, timing, vendors, logistics, all of it. You don't need a Pinterest board or a date or a destination locked in to inquire. You just need to know you want to do this differently. Tell me that, and we'll figure out the rest together.
@TarArseven
Established IN 2007
Based in North Texas
available for travel worldwide
1409 Botham Jean Blvd #237 Dallas, TX 75215
Visits by appointment only.
