City Skyline Elopement | Downtown Raleigh, NC

October 6, 2023

~ Flexible guerilla elopement featuring Raleigh’s skyline ~

Every love story is unique, and when it comes to weddings, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Andrea and James’s wedding is the perfect example. They chose to tie the knot in a way that was truly reflective of their personalities and love for each other. Whatever way you choose to celebrate your special day, it is important to plan for some twists and turns. Making sure you have a backup plan can make sure your day is even more beautiful and stress-free.

A Guerilla Elopement

Andrea and James knew they wanted to have the Raleigh skyline as a backdrop for their wedding photos. While there are some venues downtown that can accommodate this, they didn’t want to book a large venue for only their small elopement with just the two of them and their witnesses. Instead they decided on what’s sometimes referred to as a “Guerilla elopement” or “guerilla wedding”. These kind of weddings are characterized by their spontaneity, intimacy, and often unconventional venues. All you need is an officiant and a public location. You don’t even really need witnesses if you’re ok with asking a stranger. Andrea and James decided to embrace this non-traditional style to create a day uniquely their own. Since the allure of capturing the Raleigh skyline was the driving force behind their vision, they initially planned to exchange their vows on the terrace at The Dillon, a popular downtown spot that offers breathtaking views. Guerilla Elopements are a great option for an intimate ceremony, especially if a courthouse elopement is not your vibe. Another great part of an elopement is the amount of flexibility and customization you can have with how your day is planned out. There are many budget-friendly and DIY options that can help make an elopement more affordable than a traditional ceremony. With a guerilla elopement, the location is often spontaneous and free, saving costs on renting a venue. If you choose to have your elopement in a large city, such as Raleigh, you’ll have plenty of options for activities after the ceremony. From going to eat at a nice restaurant to enjoying the city’s nightlife, the possibilities are endless.

Have a Backup Plan

One thing I have learned over the years is to expect the unexpected. While the terrace at The Dillon was their ideal location, we discovered upon arrival that it was unexpectedly closed. This was a shock to us as the location is typically open to the public most days until 11 p.m. We were still able to take some photos in the courtyard of the building in front of Barcelona wine bar. While we never found out why it was closed, luckily we had discussed other options beforehand and had a backup plan. While things didn’t go as planned, the second location ended up working out perfectly, and Andrea and James were still able to have a wonderful ceremony.

Raleigh Union Station

With the terrace off-limits, the couple had to quickly pivot and chose Raleigh Union Station as their impromptu ceremony venue. Under the welcoming glow of the Raleigh neon sign, they exchanged their vows, surrounded by the charming urban atmosphere of downtown Raleigh. It may not have been their original plan, but the alternative location lent a unique charm to their elopement. While Raleigh Union Station can be rented out for events, it is open to the public as it serves as one of the main local train stations in Raleigh. This spot is a beautiful hidden gem in Downtown Raleigh. From the surrounding cityscape to its gorgeous interior, Raleigh Union Station ended up being the perfect spot. One of the station’s most notable details is the bright Raleigh neon sign. While you may not expect a bright colorful neon sign to make for an ideal backdrop, for this ceremony it was perfect. The sign made sure to capture the Raleigh aesthetic that was originally expected by the views from the original venue.

Chasing the Raleigh Skyline – Boylan Bridge

Andrea and James were determined to capture the iconic Raleigh skyline in their wedding photos. One of my favorite spots to capture the skyline is at Boylan Bridge. Luckily, the bridge is just a short walk from Raleigh Union Station (or an even shorter drive if you don’t want to walk all the way in heels!). We reached the bridge at the perfect time, just as the sun began to set across the city. We were able to capture some breathtaking photos in front of Raleigh’s skyscrapers. Another amazing advantage of the Boylan Bridge is its variety of backgrounds. Posing at different spots of the bridge can highlight different buildings within Raleigh’s skyline, creating a wide range of photos within one location. We concluded the session by taking some photos on the other side of the bridge with the sunset in the background.

An Adaptable and Flexible Photographer

Being adaptable can make all the difference when it comes to nontraditional ceremonies and elopements. As an elopement photographer, I take pride in my flexibility and ability to pivot when there are changes to the plan. I’m so happy I was able to provide support to Andrea and James and help to make sure they still had the wedding of their dreams. Despite unforeseen circumstances, we were able to take some of my favorite photos I’ve taken! I don’t think things could have turned out any better.

Andrea and James were lovely enough to share their experience trusting me with their elopement photos:  “Stephanie was so professional, flexible, and kind. Our wedding was very nontraditional, and she still managed to get excellent shots. Her knowledge of the area helped tremendously, and she was very patient. We appreciate her so much for photographing one of the most important moments!”

View the full blog post here: https://vidrphotography.com/post/730461043133939712/downtown-raleigh-city-skyline-elopement