Sun Valley, Idaho: Non-traditional retro wedding

Here’s the thing: you can have a non-traditional wedding. There is no western world law that legally frames: what you must wear to your wedding, who is allowed to come, where it is to be held and what wedding style is to be followed. One paramount foundation that cannot be removed from a wedding, is love. But of course, you already knew that! Traditional or non-traditional there must be the essence of love as you commit to marriage. Traditional weddings are beautiful if that is what you want. However, there is genuine joy in making wedding plans to reflect who you are.  I invite you to view these non-traditional wedding photos at the stunning surrounds of Sun Valley, Idaho. Allison and Jordan planned a retro, vintage non-traditional style wedding. 

How to have a non-traditional wedding

Non-traditional Elopement

Elopement is a non-traditional wedding. Let’s face it, big wedding crowds are not for everyone. Don’t feel guilted into inviting every family member and friend to your special day. It’s OK if Aunty Jo and Uncle Bob miss this wedding, even though they went to your brothers. Family and friends that love you deeply will understand and will honor and celebrate your hopes and desires. After your elopement and whenever you are ready, you can gather loved ones and have an awesome post wedding celebration. Dinners to celebrate with smaller groups of friends, family, and workmates. People love to gather and cheer on love, so you can do it separate to your non-traditional elopement.

Non- traditional wedding destination

As a traveling professional wedding photographer, I have the privilege of seeing the best of non-traditional weddings. Let me share that it is one of the easiest and most spectacular ways of successfully planning a non-traditional wedding. Easiest in that people understand that because of the destination chosen it will be an intimate wedding/elopement. Most will be relieved that they will not have to find the funds to travel to the destination and outlay accommodation etc. Spectacular because this chosen destination reflects the landscape you enjoy. Allison and Jordan chose Sun Valley, Idaho as their destination and it looks stunning in their wedding photos.

Choosing your non-traditional wedding bridal attire

Bridal attire should always reflect your personality. Everything from style, to fabric, to color, to footwear, to accessories – you need to feel fabulous, relaxed, comfortable, and full of joy. The idea of wearing your beautiful mothers or grandmothers wedding dress should not take away from the freedom of choosing your own. This is your forever after day and non-traditional wedding styles have come such a long way for both the bride and groom. 

Create your non-traditional wedding vows 

Wedding vows are the solemn words you declare to each other on your wedding day. Wedding vows are promises that you wholeheartedly give to the love of your life. These wedding vows are meaningful and should be the backbone of how you will honor, respect and care for each other the rest of your lives. Very important, very fluid and they don’t have to be traditional at all.

Most weddings I have photographed the bridal couple say their own non-traditional version of their vows. If you haven’t already, ask yourselves, how you want to love each other. Discuss openly what is important for your relationship now and in the future. Traditional vows when followed are very meaningful. I encourage you to look at them and then make your own treasured non-traditional vows. There is nothing more special during a wedding than when the bride and groom share their own personal vows. Super meaningful and so emotional. I am just happy to be in work mode or it would be a happy mess of tears!

Traditional wedding vows go something like this:

“I, _____, take thee, _____, to be my wedded wife (husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

Non-traditional wedding vows examples:

These vows are more custom to you. Here’s some examples on Pinterest >

If you would like to connect with me and share your non-traditional or traditional wedding dreams, I would be over the moon!! 

Wedding Vendors

Florist: Two Hands Florals
Dress: Daci Gowns
Bolo Tie: Alpenflow Studio
Car Prop: Porche
Sunglasses: Roxy

Looking for more wedding & elopement inspiration?

If you’re dreaming up your own elopement, check out more inspo below!

VIBRANT PNW INSPIRED ELOPEMENT

IMPERIAL SAND DUNES DESERT ELOPEMENT

BOHEMIAN JOSHUA TREE DESERT ELOPEMENT

PIN FOR LATER