5 Reasons Eloping Might Be Right for You
DESTINATION ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER // ADVENTUROUS ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER // ELOPEMENT PLANNING // ELOPEMENT PLANNER
With the rising popularity of elopements, it’s no surprise newly-engaged couples everywhere are trying to decide whether eloping is right for them. Or if they should go the traditional route for their wedding day. Eloping has been around for forever, but the rhetoric around it has changed as couples have come to realize that it is a meaningful way to connect, eliminates stress, is cost effective, relieves decision fatigue, and it’s fun. Overall it gives them permission to put themselves first above all else.
Eloping is truly an empowering and beautiful way to enter life together. And it’s honestly like a choose your own adventure game, but for your wedding! How fun is that!? But at the end of the day it’s not for everyone—let’s see if it’s right for you.
What is an elopement?
The original definition of an elopement was, “To run away secretly and without parental consent to get married in secret.” It was a taboo and risky way to be with the person you love. Although the technical definition hasn’t changed, the connotation has. People everywhere are embracing elopements as a couple’s choice to celebrate their wedding day in a more intimate setting that’s meaningful to them.
Eloping might be right for you IF YOU WANT…
#1 INTIMACY
Dedicating the day entirely to the two of you will reaffirm and strengthen your relationship in ways you couldn’t imagine. Being able to simply sit and hold one another, taking your time saying your vows and wipe away tears, and having the ability to pause at any point to simply take small moments in. Eloping is leaving the world behind to focus only on your connection with each other.
#2 NO FUSS
Save time, money, and energy with a wedding day that’s both beautiful and easy. That kind of sounds like a dream, right? SO MUCH goes into planning a traditional wedding (and for some people all of those moving pieces are totally worth it!), but elopements are as simple as you want them to be. Prioritize only things you want and forget the rest!
#3 PRIVACY
Does being the center of attention and having all eyes on you for hours makes you want to disappear? Or does the idea of sharing your intimate and emotional vows in front of 100 people make you want to throw up? Does kissing in front of your grandparents make you want to curl up and die? Elope. Spend the day where your only witness is the person that makes you feel unbelievably safe and happy.
#4 ADVENTURE
This is an incredible opportunity to cross something off your bucket list! Go somewhere you’ve always dreamt of visiting. Or do something you’ve always wanted to try. Or both! Go to the Amalfi Coast, take a hot air balloon ride, get matching tattoos, rent a castle in Scotland, or ride horses through a canyon! Embrace your lifelong commitment with an experience of a lifetime.
#5 ZERO DRAMA
It’s a privilege to attend someone’s wedding, but not everyone treats it that way. If you have a family that isn’t supportive or being around them makes you anxious then eloping is the perfect way to keep your focus on your forever person and the love you’re celebrating. Eloping for some couples is a “just us” experience and, for others, it’s a way to be incredibly selective with who they invite to join them on their wedding day.
And as a bonus… #6 TOTAL FREEDOM
Do whatever you want, with whoever you want, however you want to do it. Break old traditions and make new ones. Incorporate elements that enhance your experience and celebrate exactly how you want to.
Take a peek at these cuties that chose to elope
Let’s address the concerns holding you back…
“My family will feel hurt or upset that they weren’t included.”
There are a ton of meaningful ways for them to be included, but not present on your wedding day: taking them dress shopping with you, having them write letters for you two to open together, hosting a mini reception at a later date, etc. And frankly, when it comes to a day like your wedding, their wants shouldn’t outweigh your own.
”I have no idea where to start when it comes to planning!”
I’ve got you—here’s a guide on how to plan an all-day elopement! Although elopements aren’t as popular as traditional weddings there are a ton of amazing resources out there. A great place to start is looking into vendors, such as photographers like myself!, that specialize in elopements.
“I don’t want to elope, but don’t want a big traditional wedding either.”
Good news, there are more options for your wedding day! Consider having a minimoy or a microwedding where only 10-60 people are in attendance. It’s like having your cake and eating it too. You get similar freedoms to eloping, while including some traditional wedding aspects without the stress of a big production. Learn more about this style of wedding here.
“There are some wedding day traditions that mean a lot to me.”
Then do them—elopements are here to empower you, not hold you back! If you want a religious figure to officiate, they can join. If you want to do a first dance together, dance. And if you want to cut a cake, bring one!
Whatever you choose, make sure you document it!
Whether you’re planning an epic elopement, a lowkey ceremony, or going a more traditional route, you’ll want to remember your wedding day. Hire a photographer and/or videographer to capture all the love—I can guarantee you won’t regret it.
And if you’re still debating on what kind of wedding day you truly want just know there is no wrong answer. Need a friend to talk through it all? I’m here for ya!
