Some weddings don’t need a big guest list, a dance floor, or even a venue with four walls. Sometimes all you need is two people, a courthouse, your closest family and a quiet spot to celebrate afterward. That was exactly the case for Alyssa and Grant, who chose to skip the traditional wedding day chaos in favor of a laid-back elopement that felt completely true to them.

They exchanged vows at the Wake County Courthouse in downtown Raleigh with just a couple of close friends as witnesses. No pressure, no pomp—just the two of them doing something big in a simple way. There’s something really beautiful about a couple carving out a moment like that just for themselves.

Afterward, we met up at the NC Museum of Art for portraits. If you’ve ever wandered those trails or walked past the open fields dotted with sculptures, you know how peaceful and effortlessly beautiful the grounds are. It was the perfect setting: golden light, open skies, and just enough space for them to soak in the fact that hey, we’re married now.

They strolled, laughed, and leaned into the calm that comes with doing things your own way. No timeline to chase, no guests to entertain—just the kind of joy that sneaks up on you in between the quiet moments.

Here are a few favorites from our time together at the museum. You can feel how relaxed and connected they are in these photos, and honestly, that’s what I love most about elopements like this.

If you’re thinking of doing something similar, here’s your reminder that there’s no “right” way to get married. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a tiny one, what matters most is that it feels like you!

Emily McPartland, Your NC Elopement Photographer