What is an Elopement? A Guide for the Modern-Day Couple?

You may have landed on this page because you’re considering eloping and you’re trying to figure out what is an elopement exactly. First of all, that’s amazing that you’re considering eloping!! Huge congrats on taking the first step in creating an intentional experience for you and your partner!

While this is an awesome time in your relationship, many questions start to come up about planning your wedding day; What type of wedding do we wanna have? What is an elopement? Are we big-wedding people? Is eloping right for us? If we’re eloping, how do we approach it? There may be so many questions that might be unanswered but the good news is that this is exactly what this blog is all about!!

So you are on the road to some of the most exciting days of your life and now you may be wondering how you and your partner should spend your special day. The good news is that your wedding day is all about you, your partner, and your love for each other so it can look however you want. There are no rules and no “shoulds” or “should nots.” The possibilities for planning an elopement wedding are endless!

What is an Elopement? - Modern Day Elopements Defined

First things first; what is an elopement? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines elope as “to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent.” Fortunately, though, this no longer is the standard meaning of the word, at least not in the modern-day sense. The term elope has begun to change over the past few years and has developed a new meaning from years past. No longer is eloping a representation of secrecy or shame, instead, it represents something more meaningful and intentional. The word “elope” in today’s era means “a small destination wedding” and is used to describe getting married in a non-traditional or non-formal way and usually with more intimacy or intentionality.

Traditional weddings typically include things such as a venue, guests, wedding party, wedding cake, registry, vows, and a host of other traditions, and while elopements can include some or all of these things, they are not necessary. Couples are free to incorporate any of the traditions that they choose with no outside expectations. Couples who choose to elope tend to prioritize the experience and intimacy of eloping over the traditions of a wedding.

Why choose to elope?

There are a number of reasons why couples may choose to elope instead of having a traditional wedding. One of the most common reasons I have heard from my couples is that they want to create an intimate day that focuses on them and their partner. This is one of the best reasons to elope because after all is said and done and the day is over, it will just be you and your spouse working together on your marriage, so shouldn’t your wedding day be focused on both of you and all the things that matter most?

Another common reason to elope is the experience. There are a number of ways to go about planning an elopement day and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Do you enjoy wine tasting or backpacking through the mountains? Maybe you and your partner have a favorite city to visit or experience a new country together, maybe plan an activity you participate in or a date night spot you like to go to. All of these can be incorporated into your elopement day creating a unique experience and meaningful memories for you and your partner.

It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive, and especially so with the more guests that are included on the guest list, so a big appeal for many couples that choose to elope is the cost savings. Many times there is no expensive venue, no catering for a large headcount, or no need for extra decorations and florals. On average, couples tend to spend less on an elopement than a traditional wedding, but that’s not to say that elopements have to be cheap. It all comes down to what you and your partner value and how you choose to spend your day. When you’re eloping, you’re cutting back on way too many extras that you’d be spending your money on, to only last you one day. With eloping, you let go of stuff and create your own experience that you’d treasure forever, be so memorable, and means more to you and your partner. This is your wedding day, and the day you celebrate your relationship, so why not make it exactly what you want?!

It’s also important to note that most couples, when eloping, have a difficult time knowing where to start with the planning process and while this could seem like a daunting task to take on - you won’t have to do it alone!!

As your elopement photographer, I will guide you with what you’re after and assist you throughout the planning process!

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Where can we elope?

You may be starting to consider the pros of eloping but are now wondering, “Where can we elope?” Is our only option at a nearby city hall? No! Again, the beauty of elopements is that you can choose where you want to go! Have you and your partner always dreamed of traveling to a certain country? Do you love spending weekends at the beach or at a cabin in the mountains? Any of these locations can serve as elopement venues and of course, your city hall can be an option and there are some beautiful, historic buildings that allow for stunning photo locations as well.

When considering where to elope, think about the vibe that you and your partner want to create, whether it’s peaceful, bustling, rugged, or moody. Then consider places you like or would like to visit together that will help create even more meaning behind the memories of your day. And, of course, you can always get in touch and have me help you with recommending a location as there is a huge list of amazing places that can suit your wants and needs.

Who can we invite to the elopement ceremony?

Elopements are all about creating an intimate experience, but it doesn’t mean that you and your partner have to be the only people present. A ceremony is typically considered an elopement if it has 10 guests or fewer, so yes, you can have people present and still have an elopement. Some couples want to have family members or close friends with them to celebrate; others want just themselves and a vendor or two. There is no correct way, only what feels right for you and your partner.

Most places in the states require you to be married by an officiant and have at least 1 or 2 other witnesses present, but you will want to check this information ahead of time and especially if you are planning a destination elopement. As an elopement photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of being a witness to many couples and if you choose to have no guests, I’d be honored to do the same for you! Having an elopement does not mean that you have to forgo having wedding guests present, it means you get to be intentional about who is present with you on your wedding day.

When can we elope?

The right answer is whenever you want! No matter if you just got engaged, have been engaged for 5 years or did not have a formal engagement at all, you can plan an elopement wedding. There is no expected time frame to plan or hold an elopement and the wonderful thing about elopements is that they can be planned in as little as a few days, up to over a year.

Of course, there are a few things to consider before deciding on the time of year to elope, such as weather that you enjoy the most, location and accessibility to certain spots, or even high travel season if you’re thinking about a destination elopement! So before deciding on a time of year, ask yourself whether you’d like to deal with any cold weather, or if summer is your favorite season and you plan to go on a swim in a lake or jump in the mediterranean sea to cool off? Does your vision include snowboarding or skiing? Perhaps you’d like to go on a helicopter Glacier landing in winter. The ideas are endless, and the right time of year could make a world of difference in your elopement experience.

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What do we need to elope?

Outside of the obvious (you and your partner), the only other things you will need to elope in most places are, a marriage license, an officiant to conduct the ceremony, and a couple of witnesses, depending on your ceremony location (State/Country). Documenting your wedding day is one of the most important aspects, and I’m not only saying this because I’m an elopement photographer but because I know the value of capturing memories. Photos are actually the best way to relive a memory and pass them on to show anyone how amazing your experience was!! Many times elopement photographers, like myself, also serve as planners and guide as they help the couple decide on the location, timeline, and recommendations for other vendors that may be needed.

There are other details you can include in your elopement day such as flowers or a reception meal, but if the planning process seems stressful or you don’t know where to start, there are elopement packages and services available to assist or you can even hire an elopement planner to help you plan the day and all the important details from start to finish.

How to know if you should elope?

Well, does the thought of hosting a large wedding stress you out? Do you love the idea of celebrating your wedding day with a handful of close family or friends? Avoid having to deal with so much planning and micro tasks to host a large wedding? If you answered yes to any of those, then eloping might be a great option for you! Eloping really means doing it your way and celebrating your relationship without any compromise. Talk to your partner about what you both want your day to look like and if intimate moments, meaningful experiences, and intentional planning are something that you both care about and want to incorporate then an elopement wedding may be for you. Whether it’s a destination elopement, adventure elopement, or a simple backyard ceremony, creating a day that is true to you as a couple is the most important thing!

Are you Ready to Elope?

Thank you for checking out this blog on “What is an Elopement”

You may have landed on this page because you’re considering eloping yourself, and that’s amazing!! Congrats on taking the first step in creating an intentional experience for you and your partner!

While this is an awesome step, many questions start to come up; but don’t worry, that’s what I’m here for.

At first, this seems overwhelming, and I get it!! Planning an elopement isn’t an easy task. And while elopement planning may seem easier when compared to planning traditional weddings, but elopements actually require a TON of planning in a different approach. A much more fun, relaxed, freer, do whatever-the-heck-you-want-for-your-wedding-day kind of planning approach.

As one of the most important elopement vendors for your wedding day, this is where I come in! I’m here to guide you with absolutely EVERYTHING you need. I’m here to help you decide on the right location, how to prep for the big day, where to get permits, provide travel tips, location scouting, or literally everything in between -

I GOT YOU!!

I love helping couples create a memorable experience and I’m ready to pass on everything that I’ve learned and have gone through over the years of being an elopement photographer so you and your partner can take a deep breath, focus on the things that matter the most and have the most meaningful, amazing and memorable day.