Should I Elope Quiz? Top 99 Best Answers

Real Talk – Not everyone loves a big wedding. They are stressful and the focus of the day is really more on pleasing the family than the couple who are getting married. If you ask me, it shouldn’t be like that. From the hundreds of envelopes you lick and stamp for your invitations to figuring out all the details to make the big day happen, big weddings just aren’t for everyone! That being said, not every wedding has to be the big gala affair with hundreds of people. Luckily there is another option for you! THANK GOD!

Elopements are pretty much the polar opposite of a traditional wedding. You don’t have to worry about pleasing the family and choosing table linens. You can get married where and how you want! They allow the focus of YOUR wedding day to actually remain on the two of you. If you’re considering escaping, here are 7 signs you might want to elope!

>>7 signs you might want to elope<< 7 signs you might want to elope 1. You don't like to be the center of attention Although some people live for attention, maybe you just aren't. If the thought of stumbling while walking up the island or stumbling over your words when saying your vows in front of a crowd makes you sick, a traditional wedding may not be for you. But that's ok! Eloping can help you celebrate the wedding of your dreams with the person you care about most. Eloping allows you to fully celebrate your relationship without all the attention. 2. The thought of a "big wedding" stresses you out... a lot There can be so much pressure behind planning a big wedding. When you spend a lot of time planning something, you want everything to be perfect. Planning your big day should be something you should be excited about (you're getting married to your best friend!), but many people feel stuck and stressed out by the craziness of it all. If the thought of going on an adventure and escaping brings you a measure of peace, then maybe the big wedding was never in your cards anyway. Elopements can help ensure your wedding day still has all the joy without all the added stress. LET US PLACE ABOUT YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT! 3. You love to travel and explore I'm a little biased... but if you asked me what the best part about escaping is, my answer would be simple - YOU CAN CHOOSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO DO IT! If you and your fiancé are already seasoned explorers and enjoy spending your weekends traveling to new places, Eloping is the perfect opportunity to travel and explore a new beautiful place (and get married in the process!). 4. You're not into all wedding traditions You and your spouse-to-be may not care to follow the societal tradition of a grand wedding. That's okay! You don't have to throw a big Hoopla party just because other people are doing it. Your wedding day should be extremely authentic to you as a couple, and the way you say yes should feel very personal to you as a couple. If that means tying the knot on a mountaintop with just the two of you, or your absolute closest friends (and a rockin' photographer so you can look back on those memories forever) - then it's time to start with the Start planning your elopement! CONTACT ME ABOUT YOUR ELOPEMENT! Signs you might want to elope 5. You think your money could be better spent elsewhere With the average cost of a wedding steadily increasing over the past decade, planning a wedding can sometimes be financially stressful. You may have to choose between a grand wedding, a luxurious honeymoon, or a down payment on your first home as a couple. Eloping allows you to spend in the areas you find most important and you can intentionally choose where to spend your money! Check out this article to delve deeper into this topic -> How much does it cost to flee?

6. You’d rather spend your wedding day alone with your new spouse or with your very closest loved ones

Traditional weddings are usually spent with other people. Sure, you’ll kiss your now-spouse and stare into their eyes during your ceremony, but you’ll spend the rest of the day mingling with your guests. If you like the thought of everyone being together on your big day, a traditional wedding might be for you. But if you’d rather spend the day just the two of you (or elope with your closest friends and family) and want to spend some real quality time together on your wedding day, elope is probably the way to go!

ARE YOU READY TO START?!

7. YOU WANT. TO. RUN AWAY.

It’s that simple. Once you’re engaged, you bombard people with questions about when the big day is, where it’s happening, who you’re inviting, etc. Elopement helps relieve a lot of stress because you don’t have to think about those things. There’s no better reason for an escape than to just elope. Don’t feel like you have to justify your decision to anyone, this is your wedding day!

Wanna elope?! What’s next?

I believe that elopements are the best kind of wedding. They are such an intentional and meaningful way to get married and allow you to keep the focus of your wedding day on the two of you! I believe that you deserve to have a day to look back on and actually want to do again! I’m here to help you turn your vision into reality. I’m here to help you plan all the details and logistics of your elopement so you can relax and enjoy every single moment of your elopement day without stressing out.

If anything on this list resonates with you, you would love to have someone to walk you through the entire process, from finding your dream location to creating your elopement timeline. I would be so excited to hear from you! You can contact me and 🡪 LET’S CHAT! I can’t wait to learn all about your vision and help you make it happen!

Or you can check out my related blog posts:

10 tips for planning an adventure escape

How to elope with family

A Complete Guide to Eloping in Washington State

3 reasons why Eloping is better than a traditional wedding

This is how you make your elopement something special

Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide

Are you trying to plan your intimate elopement wedding but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Years of experience have allowed us to create a super specific list of everything you need to know before you elope! This is the best place to start when you start planning the small wedding ceremony.

Here’s how to tell your family you’re eloping in 2022

How to announce that you’re eloping

You are engaged! Congratulations! You have found your partner, your person, and that’s great! But show of hands, how many of you already have friends and family bugging you about details? You may be expecting the traditional ceremony, the huge reception, or things that just don’t suit you. So how do you explain to your loved ones that your ceremony is less about the fanfare and more about the experience? How do you tell your family you’re eloping? It can be daunting, but give yourself permission to create the wedding you desire—one that stays true to your story as a couple and as an individual.

It takes a lot of courage to announce that you’re eloping. But you’ve never been a boring couple, so why should your wedding day be anything but epic? Whether it’s an adventurous day in the mountains or an intimate place with family and friends, remember: it’s your day. Celebrate it any way you want!

If you need ideas to announce your escape, read on for my top tips on letting family know you’re eloping!

CONSIDER THIS WHEN ANNOUNCING YOUR ELOPEMENT

The most important thing to remember when you tell your family you’re eloping is that this day is yours! Put yourself and your partner first and everything else is secondary. Some people might not get it, whether it’s because they love big parties or are more traditional, but someone who cares about you will respect your decision, make an effort to understand you, and come to terms with it. Your friends and family will eventually bring themselves to offer loving support and support for your big decision!

WHEN SHOULD YOU ANNOUNCE YOUR ELOPEMENT?

Easier said than done, but there’s no rush to tell everyone about your epic wedding day! You can even decide to wait until you are officially married. (Hey, then you have some epic photos of the day to share with your announcement!)

Do what works best for you and your partner, and rest assured that you’ve created a day that’s truly unique to you. After all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? It’s not about the family’s expectations of a traditional ceremony or friends’ expectations of a meaningless bridal shower. This is about you, your partner and sharing your vows in some of the most breathtaking locations on this planet. Announcing your escape after marriage is a great way to avoid guilt and ride into your day without the stress and anxiety of what your family expects of you.

But telling your family you’re eloping before it happens can also have some perks. You can involve them in the planning process, ask for advice and root for it! And of course, if you want to invite your family, they need to be in the know.

WAYS TO CANCEL YOUR EOPEMENT AND TELL YOUR FAMILY

When you’re ready to break the news and announce your escape, here are some ideas for letting your family know you’re eloping!

1) TELL YOUR FAMILY THAT YOU PERSONALLY GO THROUGH

For some couples, there’s nothing quite like telling their family that you’re eloping face to face. Let them see all your excitement for this next great adventure! It’s a good idea to give them details as well – they may not be with you on the mountain top or next to the alpine lake, but they can still be deeply involved in your exciting decision.

I bet you’ll be amazed at the love and support you’ll get for your decision to tell them in person!

2) WAIT UNTIL AFTER YOUR MARRIAGE

Easier said than done, but there’s no rush to tell everyone about your epic wedding day. You may even choose to wait until you are officially married. (Hey, then you have some epic photos of the day to share with your announcement!)

Do what works best for you and your partner, and rest assured that you’ve created a day that’s truly unique to you. After all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? It’s not about the family’s expectations of a traditional ceremony or friends’ expectations of a meaningless bridal shower. This is about you, your partner and sharing your vows in some of the most breathtaking locations on this planet. Announcing your escape after marriage is a great way to avoid guilt and ride into your day without the stress and anxiety of what your family expects of you.

3) BE OBVIOUS

Some couples always knew they wanted to get married this way. You can even tell your parents you’re eloping before you get engaged! You can also bring it up as an idea, or the all-too-common “When are you getting married?” Questions by talking about eloping looking more like your jam. You can show them elopement photos from your favorite photographer, show them some beautiful places you think would be fun to share your private vows, you can just bombshell any day of the week.

Whatever works for you to add some subtle (or not so subtle) clues to the big day!

4) EXPLAIN TO YOUR FAMILY WHY YOU ELOP

This is not the time to be vague! Choosing to marry without a family means you are an amazing couple who are not afraid to be bold. Focus on the positive and be clear when you tell family you’re eloping.

It’s a personal choice, after all, and it doesn’t affect the way other people get married. (Did your sister take the Cinderella route? This is amazing for her and it’s great that she got to live her dream wedding… and you deserve your dream wedding too.)

There are countless reasons couples choose to elope, so make a short list as you prepare to tell family you’re eloping. They might not get it yet, so help them get on the same page.

Here are some reasons couples gave when announcing their escape!

We want to have a tag that truly represents our love

We want to spend our time together doing something we enjoy doing together

A wedding would be too expensive

We want to buy a house with the money we’re spending on the wedding

Planning a wedding becomes too stressful for us

We would like to have a private and intimate wedding day

Just remember to feel confident and proud when you tell the family you’re eloping. No one is expecting a speech, but be prepared to answer questions and make loved ones feel involved in the process.

5) MAKE A PHOTO ALBUM

Are you going to wait to tell your parents you got married until the knot is done? This is totally understandable and will make your elopement experience truly intimate. A great way to announce your escape is with your epic photos! Stunning photos that capture your true joy, make family and friends feel right there with you and share the incredible story of your day.

Sure it will be a big surprise, but showing them how special your day was will help them get over the shock.

6) THIS DAY IS “YOUR”

Put yourself and your partner first, everything else is secondary. Some people might not feel happy and comfortable when you tell them you eloped because they love big parties or are more traditional, but someone who cares about you will respect your decision, understand you and put up with it . Your friends and family will eventually bring themselves to offer loving support and support for your big decision.

7) INVITE THEM TO HELP

Just because you elope doesn’t mean you can’t get your close family and friends involved.

Remember, there are no rules for eloping – do what works best for you! There are some amazing, intimate places to accommodate families and still feel surrounded by nature for those who want to have their family with them at the ceremony, but there are also ways to get them involved in the planning process — even if they don’t there will be the big day. You can ask for advice, share your plans, let them shop with you, and make them feel included in the preparation!

Check out this blog for inspiration: how to include your family in your elopement!

8) FILL IN THE DETAILS

Your photos make for the perfect invitation. (Check out these cute elopement invitations on Etsy!) Just like you did on your wedding day, your party doesn’t have to match anyone else’s idea of ​​a “wedding reception.” Barbecue in the backyard or enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a great local restaurant. Add the traditions you love — maybe a first dance or toasts — and feel free to re-wear your wedding attire (how many brides or grooms get to do that?).

Whatever you decide, including your elopement photos will help all your family and friends truly celebrate your marriage and understand why the decision to elope was important and special to you.

9) MOVE A PARTY!

Your wedding day focused on you and your partner. Invite everyone else to a party afterwards! It might be next weekend, or even next year, but don’t hold back in celebrating this epic commitment you’ve made to one another. This is a great way to add that extra something to your wedding experience. The biggest advantage of throwing a party afterwards is that expectations are much lower at that point. They’ve already got married, so at this point just celebrate! It’s the best of both worlds.

Just like you did on your wedding day, your party doesn’t have to be what others think of a ‘wedding reception’. Barbecue in the backyard or enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a great local restaurant. Add the traditions you love — maybe a first dance or toasts — and feel free to re-wear your wedding attire (how many couples can do that?).

10) ANNOUNCE YOUR EOPEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Look, you won’t be able to tell everyone face-to-face about your epic escape. Use social media to your advantage and share your beautiful photos from your day! Great Aunt Sue can find out on Facebook, and your college friends will see how cool you are on Instagram – it’s honestly the perfect and modern way to announce that you’ve eloped!

I HAVE YOUR BACK WHEN YOU ANNOUNCE YOUR EOPEMENT!

My name is Sean, I’m a free spirit who has dedicated my life to exploring this wild world and connecting with the people in it.

I know firsthand what an important and personal decision this is – my wife and I eloped to Northern Ireland. You trust me to capture this amazing day and I make it my responsibility to make sure you have an incredible experience from start to finish.

My passion has brought me here to follow my heart and share my love of nature with others on their wedding day. It’s really a great experience and I’m thrilled every time I get to document your day.

When I’m not photographing couples, I like to go exploring with my wife and our corgi. Our dream is to own an Airstream and bring Vows and Peaks to the streets!

Sounds like the perfect match? Check out my packages and contact us so we can start your epic escape!

Last updated on May 5, 2022 by vowsandpeaks

Reasons for the escape of over 200 real couples

This is not like other elopement blogs you have read.

A funny title, stunning elopement pictures, and a few random opinions on why elopements are cool.

That is different.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying there’s anything bad about these blogs – we’ve been professional elopement photographers and guides for years, and we have many opinions of our own about how great elopement is!

What is special about this post is that it is based on real data from over 200 couples. No photographer opinions here – you’re about to read real minds from real couples who have decided to elope!

We tried to find this data but couldn’t, so we collected it ourselves – We asked more than 200 couples why they decided to flee and the top 10 reasons for elopement (in order of preference). their frequency) are listed below.

We’re thrilled to share the real driving forces behind couples choosing to elope – the real reasons people make bold choices about an intended wedding day that perfectly suits who they are.

You don’t want to skip this one. The real reasons for fleeing might surprise you.

Reason to Escape #1) An “just us” experience

Overwhelmingly, the main reason people said they chose to flee was because they wanted the most intimate of wedding celebrations — a day where the focus was just the two of them.

Couples said they wanted to shed the pressure, anxiety and commitment they felt at a traditional wedding. Instead, they wanted a day that was authentic to them and aligned with their values ​​and vision! They wanted an “just us” experience.

Elopements are beautiful options for people who feel the traditional wedding route isn’t right for them. An elopement gives them the freedom to choose how to entrust their lives to one another. It creates a magical, intimate way for couples to fulfill their wildest, most romantic dreams about their wedding day without asking them to sacrifice a single intimate moment between the two.

Couples said they were free to melt into each other, focus on each other and celebrate their love in an uninhibited way that makes the most sense to them — all because they chose to elope! No regrets, no stress, no pressure, no distractions – just two people dedicating their lives to each other.

“I want the day to be about my partner and I and the love we’re committed to. Not about pleasing family members and conforming to traditions that mean nothing to us.”

— Survey Response

“We have no regrets about any of that … we wanted our wedding date to be 100% up to us, and we knew if we were having a traditional wedding, that wasn’t going to happen.”

– Katie & Dylan

“We wanted it to be intimate and unique. Not wanting to focus on some of the worries that can happen on a wedding day, we wanted to focus on ourselves.

– Stephen & Jess

“We wanted the most intimate and private ceremony — that moment of becoming husband and wife, just for ourselves.”

— Survey Response

Reason to flee #2) Authenticity

Authenticity was the second most common reason couples said they decided to elope. They were looking for an authentic ceremony that emphasizes their true selves.

Some couples have felt that authenticity – the real reason for getting married – has been swallowed up by the wedding industry in expectations that just didn’t make sense to them. So many people would never dream of being part of the traditional aspects of a big wedding – the huge, ostentatious, fluffy dress-up party in front of hundreds of people. The wedding industry is FULL of cookie-cutter traditions that don’t always suit you as an individual or as a couple. When you sign up for a big wedding that doesn’t feel authentic, you’re signing up for so much more that you just can’t or don’t want to connect with (but that’s the thing about big weddings, it’s all sort of a package deal ).

For so many couples, a big, traditional wedding isn’t an honest, true reflection of who they are or what they want, and that’s okay.

Just as it’s okay to want a big, traditional wedding too.

Everyone is different and everyone deserves to be authentically themselves on their wedding day. For people unfamiliar with big weddings, a traditional celebration can make you feel like you’ve been pigeonholed. Elopements is about throwing that box out the window.

If you elop, you throw away the whole rule book and start over. Elopement means your wedding can showcase who you actually are as a couple – you can hike your dog, take a mini road trip, stop and enjoy the view, or end the day by turning on your favorite song and dancing by firelight.

At the end of the day, your wedding day is all about the two of you – the love you have for each other and the life you will build together. Choose a wedding that reflects your goals for the future!

“We didn’t want to dilute the meaning and celebration with a sea of ​​people who didn’t weather the ups and downs with us. And honestly, trying to plan a big wedding is so scary! eh. We didn’t want to lose the magic.”

– Liz & Regan

“The idea of ​​planning a traditional made me uneasy. I couldn’t get over the idea of ​​putting so much focus on the “even”…to me, that’s just not what marriage is about. After the “event” is over, you’re just the two of you – forever. That’s what I wanted to focus on.”

— Survey Response

Reason for Escape #3) Intimacy and Purpose

Many couples we spoke to said that the main reason they chose to escape was the opportunity to really focus on intimate, intended moments during their wedding day. They didn’t think a bigger, more traditional wedding would give them those moments. Honestly, they’re up to something! There’s a blunt truth about big weddings that nobody tells you: when you’re having a big, traditional wedding, you’re hosting the biggest party of your life, and it’s not about you at all.

Big weddings rarely leave time for intimate, conscious moments. Don’t blame the guests – that’s just the nature of traditional weddings! More people, time-consuming traditional acts, and expectations consume most (if not all) of your wedding day.

All too often we hear couples choose big weddings because they “want to have all the people I love together in one place.” That’s an absolutely great thing, but having meaningful interaction with that many people in one day (or even a single weekend) is simply impossible.

Let’s do the math real quick: You have 150 people at your wedding and 3 minutes to talk to each of those people.

150 (guests) x 3 (minutes) = 450 (talk minutes)

450 / 60 (minutes) = 7.5 (talk hours)

Calculate for your planned wedding:

(number of guests) x (number of minutes you want to talk to each person) = (number of minutes you were 100% focused on your guests!)

That’s 7.5 hours with only 3-minute calls. That doesn’t even include the ceremony, the toasts, the food or the dancing. Plus, how much can you really say in 3 minutes? Trying to have a meaningful conversation with 150 guests takes well over 7.5 hours! Oh, and you didn’t speak to your spouse at all during this hypothetical wedding, which sounds awful!

It’s really a nice idea to have all your people there, but the reality is that you won’t be able to interact with that many people in a meaningful way during this time. You also deserve to spend time with the person you are marrying. Sounds obvious right? Unfortunately, most people who have large, traditional weddings don’t have time alone with their partners. Like, zero. There’s no time to enjoy the day together, no time to appreciate this big life change, no time to just be together until the party is over. If you asked us, we’d say you deserve a celebration that you don’t wish to be over before dessert. You should enjoy every moment together! Elopements can offer you an opportunity for intimacy and authenticity without the fear of delving into the details, schedules, and sheer number of guests.

If you elope, you are together for the moment. You can really feel and understand the fact that you are getting married. You can express your feelings much more freely because you won’t get lost in the blur. You have the opportunity to stop, look your partner in the eye, embrace it all, and say, “That’s real — I just married you.”

“We always envisioned a small, intimate wedding. We never really felt the need or desire to invite guests who were long lost relatives or distant friends. A wedding should be a celebration of two becoming one – we wanted our day to focus on each other and celebrate with those closest to us.”

— Courtney & Kyle

“For us, the idea of ​​a wedding (big or small) was scary and stressful. Doing a production for our friends and family just felt so out of character. Also, we knew we wanted to write our own vows, and we felt our vows wouldn’t be as special if shared in front of a crowd. Personally, on our wedding day, I just wanted to focus on my husband and the love and connection I have for him. It was a decision made solely out of love for one another, love of nature and a desire for intimacy and privacy on our wedding day.”

— Survey Response

“My fiancé and I have decided to elope because we see the ceremony as something so intimate that we just have to share it. We want to read our vows, cry, laugh, and become one under God without feeling like we have to entertain guests.”

— Survey Response

“I think we got to a point where we felt so overwhelmed by the amount of people we were going to invite and the planning and money that went into it. We went from a wedding with 150 guests, to a small wedding with 40 guests, to an intimate ceremony with immediate family.”

– Kim & Mandy

Reason to flee #4) Less family drama

Let’s be honest – there are many people out there who are not close to their families.

Not everyone has a dynamic, close relationship with their family where they feel completely comfortable and completely free to be themselves. In fact, I would argue that most people have reservations about the family they grew up in! There is a lot of baggage there, and it is often uncomfortable to deal with while at the same time starting a new life with your spouse.

And you know what? That’s okay. Just like it’s okay to have a family that you’re very close to.

Even couples who get along well with their families choose to elope to avoid the family drama that always accompanies traditional weddings! Couples we’ve spoken to have often expressed a desire to avoid this seemingly impossible-to-avoid drama on their wedding day. Eloping was an opportunity for them to avoid tears or stress they feared the traditional wedding process might cause.

For those without family support, traditional weddings can be extremely traumatic. You deserve a wedding day surrounded by people who support you, your relationship, your goals and your love 100%! There should be no prejudice, shame, fear or stress on your wedding day and the sad truth is that family is sometimes the source of these negative feelings. So many wedding traditions involve playing roles with members of your family, and those roles may not fit your dynamic at all! Being walked down the aisle by your dad, being nudged by your siblings, or even sitting at the same table with your parents can feel alien and unnatural to some couples—why would you do that to yourself?

Take a page from Brené Brown and remember that your birth family or the family of your youth is simply your “first family.” Your friends, your partners and your people are your chosen family. Your first family doesn’t have to stand on the pedestal that traditional weddings often place these relationships on – do what makes most sense in your life and make sure you prioritize your relationship with your spouse on your wedding day!

FACT: Your wedding is your day.

This is your opportunity to create something uniquely beautiful with your partner – an event to remember forever! Make sure no matter how you get married, do what you want to do. Give yourself a chance to be your most authentic self. You deserve to feel free to speak your mind with your partner while sharing your vows without worrying about who’s listening.

Even if you didn’t grow up in a traumatic situation, even if you really do have a healthy relationship with your family but don’t want to focus on your spouse, that’s okay too. You don’t need an excuse to flee. If you want to elope – that’s reason enough!

Families are complicated. They’re especially difficult to navigate when you’re getting married. Do what feels right for you.

Be bold and make whatever decision feels right for you.

“I want to elope because family made it difficult to really have her there. We both would have a better, more relaxed and enjoyable day without her. If we just go and elope, we can do that. Our wedding will actually be about us.”

— Survey Response

“We both have large families with complicated family dynamics and don’t want the stress of including them or feel obligated to please everyone. Both of Shelby’s parents eloped or had private ceremonies when they remarried (dad even did it twice) so the precedent for the elopement was set.”

– Shelby & Ross

“There are too many commitments between divorced families. My parents don’t get along which leads to more drama in planning. The long list of people you “have to” invite because they’d be upset if they weren’t there. This day is about dedicating yourself to another being, so why not face to face and stress free?”

– Survey Response

“If I could do it all over again, I would have eloped to avoid the stress of all the logistics and family dynamics.”

— Survey Response

Reason to flee #5) Valuing experiences about things

People who value experience over physical things tend to be attracted to elopements. Not because they don’t want to invest money in their beautiful wedding day, but because they have other wishes – and things just aren’t on this list.

Have you ever thought about how much waste a big wedding creates? Most of it is single use plastic?

Let’s break this down real quick.

The median price for a wedding in the United States (according to 2018 data from The Knot) is around $33,931.

That ends up being about a six to seven hour event (which, hey, breaks down to about $5500 an hour), and during that time an average of 600 (600!) pounds of waste is produced.

That’s $33,931 spent on things like decorations, venues, food, drinks and more. We’re talking cheap, flimsy party supplies, all of Amazon’s tangible gifts in one list, every centerpiece, flowers, decor, cutlery, napkins, plates and disposable clothing that will never be worn again.

It’s hard to ignore the blunt truth of it all – big weddings are just full of STUFF.

The people who answered our survey and indicated that budget was their reason for choosing an elopement didn’t say they didn’t want to invest money in their beautiful wedding day, just that they wanted to invest it differently.

So if stuff isn’t your thing, eloping can give you the freedom to get married in a much less lavish way where you focus on the experience and not the stuff.

Forget the ballroom and chandeliers. Go on a hike at sunrise and have an incredible view all to yourself. Instead of paying $10,000 for your $65 per main meal for over 150 guests, why not take an amazing trip together to a place you’ve always wanted to go?

If you value experience over things, or a full passport over a fancy car, you’d probably enjoy eloping more than a big wedding.

For eco-conscious couples who don’t want to produce waste or deal with all that junk, for couples who live their lives and value experience over things, for couples who enjoy adventures together

uh, instead of shopping together – elope!

“It’s [a big wedding] very materialistic for a day that should be about pure, true love.”

– Survey Response

“We’d been talking about getting married for a while, but neither of us could commit to planning a wedding. We realized that we just wanted to get married. We didn’t want a big wedding or the hassle of planning one. We didn’t need an expensive party to make our 10+ year relationship feel more legitimate. Eloping sounded a lot funnier and more in line with our personality.”

– Laura & Patrick

“Honestly, we didn’t like the expense and pageantry of a ‘traditional wedding’. Throw the family drama into the mix and the elopement was perfect for us. Also, for Katie at least, the thought of taking vows in front of an audience was enough to make her throw up. :)”

– Katie & Logan

“The money!!! It just doesn’t make sense! I understand that having everyone there is important to some people. It’s just not something we care about. Honestly, that upset a few people, which was uncomfortable .But once we get to that day, I know we won’t regret any of our decisions.”

— Survey Response

Reason to flee #6) Less stress and anxiety

Many couples said they chose to elope because they wanted a less stressful wedding day. We don’t blame them! Before becoming an elopement photographer, Maddie and Amber both photographed large weddings and know exactly how heartbreaking it is to watch a couple getting married and their expectations disappointed.

In fact, countless people have told us they can’t wait for their big wedding to be over! Please don’t let that be you!!

We don’t want you to feel this way on your wedding day – you shouldn’t have to leave the party at the end of the night to finally feel a breath of fresh air. Instead, you should wish that the day never ended! But for so many couples, planning a big wedding can be stressful, especially for people not typically invested in big parties. It’s all just too much.

For most couples, a 150+ person wedding is probably the biggest event they’ve ever hosted in their lives – with so many people, dozens of vendors, tens of thousands of dollars spent and dealing with the opinions and stress of every situation will cause anxiety (even if you have a wedding planner).

Instead of that big, beautiful, magical day when everything is perfect, you end up stressed out more than ever because of the logistical nightmare you accidentally created — and you end up dreading your wedding.

Here’s the thing though – you don’t have to feel that way. You should choose the type of wedding that brings you the most joy. We hear time and time again from our eloping couples that they felt relaxed, not rushed and completely free of stress and worries on their wedding days. You feel centered. Currently. Totally in love and really there with their partners.

So if planning a big wedding isn’t your thing, that’s fine — you don’t have to go for it. You can choose to have a fun, hassle-free, and all-around enjoyable wedding as you wish. You can choose to marry the love of your life without a shred of stress or anxiety.

“We wanted a day to ourselves. Reading our own vows, celebrating our love with no added pressure. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one.”

– Alex & Josh

“I (Lauryn) could never imagine having a big wedding. I’ve seen a lot of my friends get married and every friend ended up stressed and frustrated by the whole process. It seems like they’re throwing a party for everyone but themselves. I wanted to have an elopement/small wedding that was very unconventional and “us”. I always said I would get married on a mountain. When David and I started talking about marriage, I shared my plans with him. He was for it. We want a stress-free day that includes everything that is important to us.”

– Lauryn & David

“If we were going to have a big traditional wedding, we knew it wasn’t going to be about us, it was about impressing our guests. Saying yes in front of 150+ people is more nerve-wracking and wouldn’t mean anything to us. We ended up having our private ceremony at a secret waterfall in Iceland and it was the most magical thing ever. No regret!”

— Survey Response

Reason to flee #7) Too much planning

In all honesty, planning a big wedding can actually be fun. (You can finally use this Pinterest board, right?)

And then you get caught in the middle. And suddenly these are your daily thoughts:

“Who do we invite?” “Who of our friends gets to be at the bridal shower?” “What about their Plus 1s?” “Will my aunt’s new boyfriend be invited?” “What nearby hotels suit our 150+ guests?” “How how many shuttles do we need?” “I need how many dress fittings?!” “What is the difference between a wedding party and a bridal shower and a wedding gift?” “You want how much alcohol at least?” “What gifts and favors do we give our guests? “Gosh, that adds up, should we get wedding insurance? “The receipts – did you keep the receipts?!”

And it keeps piling up.

Suddenly it’s the night before you’re due to get married and you haven’t even written your vows yet! You’ve tried so hard to please everyone and everything, and yet people are unhappy. At the end of the day you ask yourself what is the point of all this.

But marriage doesn’t have to be like that.

Our survey showed that many couples chose (or would choose) to flee because they wanted to either minimize or eliminate the overwhelming planning that often accompanies a big wedding.

Elopements can free you from some of that stressful planning.

Yes, there is a simple plan. Don’t get us wrong—we’re not saying elopements are those last-minute, no-effort ceremonies that mean nothing. You are simply free to put as much planning (or as little planning) into your elopement as you like.

But really, just find some clothes you want to wear, write your vows, maybe have a ring or a flower and find a photographer who can find an amazing place and create an incredible experience for you.

That’s it.

Would you like to bring family or friends with you? Cool. Do this. Rent a decent Airbnb and order local catering.

Big weddings can turn into nightmares so easily. But with Elopements, it’s easy to plan the wedding day you want and melt away some of the stress, anxiety, and pressure that can come with a larger, more traditional wedding.

If the big party planning thing doesn’t appeal to you, that’s totally fine! Just plan what you and your partner want.

Start your life together in the way that makes the most sense for you – happy, free and completely in love.

“The idea of ​​going down an island and having a bunch of people kind of scares us … It feels like it wasn’t a day for us but for other people. I’ve heard a lot of people talk about not even remembering their wedding day or being too exhausted to even enjoy it because they spent all that time talking to everyone who attended. Also, eloping requires a lot less planning, which relieves a lot of stress.” — Jesi & Danny

“To be honest, we didn’t want the drama and stress of planning a wedding. This day isn’t just about us, it’s about our style.” – Beverly & Jacob

“I started photographing weddings professionally over ten years ago. I joked, “Oh, when I’m married I’ll be a professional bride because I’ve seen it all!” But now that I’m older, I’ve literally seen it all. The headache of big weddings. The insane cost. The drama. And none of this is what I want. None of this matters.” – Response to poll

Reason to flee #8) Not the center of attention

Introverts make up about 40 percent of the population, so it makes sense that a traditional wedding (which usually draws a lot of attention to the bride and groom) could give someone a lot of anxiety.

Many people said they decided to elope because of social anxiety and a desire to have a day when they aren’t the center of attention.

Everyone has their own unique, authentic version of who they are, and for some people, that doesn’t include a traditional wedding.

If that makes sense to you, there’s no need to go for a traditional wedding. You can have a day being free to be who you are without worrying about who is standing there watching you. If you identify as an introvert, if you’d rather curl up with a book than go to a big party, if you’d rather put on a record and listen to music than dance in a ballroom in front of 100+ guests, if you’d rather an incredible Enjoying food on a picnic blanket and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere than hosting a huge sit down dinner toasting or giving a speech then Eloping might be the perfect way for you to get married.

Eloping gives you the freedom to be who you are, the freedom to be completely vulnerable. You don’t have to edit or water down your truest, most sincere thoughts when you entrust your life to your partner. You don’t have to consider an audience when writing (or delivering) your vows. You don’t have to spend the day worrying about the opinions or judgment of others.

You can just be yourself.

We both don’t like to be the center of attention, but rather come alive in nature. The whole wedding industry seems so misguided to us. People lose sight of the meaning of the day, become husband and wife, and do not please other people with fancy porcelain! This type of wedding suits our relationship so well. – Brecka & Nick

Due to family living abroad and the introverted nature of our personalities. We wanted the day to be about us and our marriage and the little family that we are. No tag about a wedding. We like to eliminate the stress of planning, enjoying and hosting a show for others. We want our day to be another day of adventure. Bisher war jeder Tag ein Abenteuer, unser Hochzeitstag wird ein Abenteuer und der Rest unseres Lebens wird mit vielen weiteren Abenteuern gefüllt sein. Wir bevorzugen den sorglos entspannten Lebensstil und möchten unseren Tag einfach & sinnvoll & entspannt gestalten. — Caroline & Greg

Wir haben uns für eine intime Hochzeit entschieden, weil sie ehrlich gesagt am besten zu unserer Persönlichkeit passt. Wir schätzen enge Freunde über viele Bekannte. Wenn die Hochzeit in Spokane stattfinden sollte, wussten wir, dass alle und ihr Bruder kommen wollten, und das klang überhaupt nicht lustig. Wenn wir mit vielen Menschen zusammen sind, die wir nicht sehr gut kennen, fällt es uns schwer, uns rundum wohl zu fühlen. In diesem Wissen hatten wir die brillante Idee, entweder nur mit uns beiden oder mit unseren beiden engsten Freunden nach Europa zu fliehen. Dann dachten wir, wie wichtig es war, unsere Eltern und ein paar andere Schlüsselpersonen in unserer Beziehung dabei zu haben. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt entschieden wir uns für eine Hochzeit auf einem Berggipfel in Colorado. Es ist ein Elend, aber nah genug, um vernünftig zu sein. Da habe ich dich gefunden!! Bisher beste Entscheidung der Hochzeit 😉 — Katlyn & Jared

„Erstens mögen wir beide es nicht, im Mittelpunkt der Aufmerksamkeit oder einer riesigen Brille zu stehen. Jedes Mal, wenn wir an eine traditionelle große Hochzeit dachten, hatten wir entweder kein Interesse oder hatten das Gefühl, dass es überhaupt keinen Spaß machen würde. Die Idee, durchzubrennen, war für uns fast kein Thema, es war eine natürliche Entscheidung. Das Leben, das wir uns selbst geschaffen haben, war etwas, wofür wir hart gearbeitet haben, und wir wollten, dass unser nächster Schritt das Zuhause und das Leben, das wir uns aufgebaut haben, auf eine Weise ehrt, die für uns von Bedeutung ist – so war es, nach draußen zu fliehen!“ – Survey Answer

Grund zur Flucht #9) Das Leben soll ein Abenteuer sein

Eine gemeinsame Eigenschaft, die wir bei allen Paaren, die durchbrennen, gesehen haben, ist, dass sie mit dem Status quo unzufrieden sind und bereit sind, das Risiko einzugehen, aus ihm herauszutreten. Sie geben sich nicht damit zufrieden, einfach mit gesenktem Kopf durchs Leben zu gehen, in einer Routine stecken zu bleiben und gedankenlos durch die Bewegungen zu gehen, die andere Menschen zu tun scheinen.

Sie sehen die Welt als einen Ort voller Möglichkeiten – sie glauben, dass sie hier auf der Welt existieren, um zu wachsen, zu lernen, zu entdecken, kreativ zu sein und auf einzigartige Weise Verbindung und Erfüllung zu erfahren. Egal, was sie tun, was ihre Arbeit ist, wo sie leben – sie entscheiden sich immer dafür, das Leben als das größte Abenteuer zu sehen.

Sie gehen mit offenen Augen und Herzen durch die Reise – mit dem Mut, neugierig zu sein und dem Mut, die Unvorhersehbarkeit des Lebens zu akzeptieren.

Und das ist das Besondere an ihnen – sie sind auf ihre Art Abenteurer.

Beim Abenteuer geht es nicht um Wandern, Fallschirmspringen oder Klippenspringen – es ist der Glaube, dass Scheitern der Weg zum Wachstum ist, dass Verletzlichkeit der Weg zur Liebe ist und dass die wertvollsten Erfahrungen im Leben wahrscheinlich nicht auf ausgetretenen Pfaden liegen. Ein Abenteurer zu sein bedeutet, Risiken einzugehen, innovativ zu sein, uns selbst anzutreiben, weiter zu gehen und höher zu klettern, durch die Angst, „nicht genug zu sein“, weiterzumachen und an der Überzeugung festzuhalten, dass unsere Kämpfe ein wesentlicher Teil der Sichtweise sind von oben.

Für Paare, die das Leben als großes Abenteuer sehen, ist es nur logisch, dass ihr gemeinsames Leben auch mit einem Abenteuer beginnt

„Unsere Beziehung entstand im Abenteuer, also wollten wir im Abenteuer heiraten.“ – Amber & Lee

„Unser gemeinsames Leben war bisher ein Abenteuer, also warum sollte diese besondere Verpflichtung nicht ein weiteres Abenteuer sein? Wir haben die Dinge immer nur zu zweit gemacht und wir hatten nicht das Gefühl, dass unsere Hochzeit anders sein sollte. Es sollte um unser Glück gehen und nicht um den Versuch, etwas zu modifizieren oder zusätzliches Geld auszugeben, um jemand anderen mit unserer Entscheidung/Engagement glücklich zu machen. Der 18. August sollte wirklich repräsentieren, wer WIR als Paar sind.“ – Kerry & Clint

„Es fühlte sich wie ein Abenteuer an, kein Kompromiss. Und obwohl einige Leute geäußert haben, dass sie es aus irgendeinem Grund für falsch halten, würde ich meine Meinung nie ändern.“ (Survey Answer).

Grund zur Flucht # 10) Erstaunliche Fotos

Es gibt diesen weit verbreiteten Gedanken, dass Paare, die durchbrennen, sich nicht um ihren Tag kümmern – dass sie niemals in tolle Fotos investieren wollen, weil sie einfach spontan heiraten und den Hochzeitskram „überspringen“.

Das ist so unglaublich falsch.

Couples who elope care so much about their wedding experiences that they’re willing to take the risk of going against the status quo of having a big wedding and find the courage to create a unique wedding experience that’s actually true to who they are.

They also care so much about remembering their wedding experience—both by being present on their day and by having incredible photographs to look back at.

We’ve had a lot of couples come to us who are worried that wedding photos won’t capture them as they truly are—that most wedding photos they see are too posed, too fake, or that the emotions in them were created just for the photographs.

But when you elope, that doesn’t exist. You’re forced out of the 30 minutes of rushed “look at me and smile…now kiss each other and laugh” routine that’s rinsed and repeated against six different backdrops (yikes).

In our survey, couples told us that they believe that elopement photography helps to capture real, true, and intimate moments from their day. Why?

Because elopements afford you the time and opportunity to be in your true element—and they allow us as photographers the time and opportunity to capture real, beautifully genuine moments. When we photograph elopements, we don’t do any fake or forced posing cues—we just don’t need to.

We document the two of you having the time of your lives and being your truest selves.

Memories are vital.

They’re cherished forever, and people know how important that is. They want to make sure the photos they have from their day are genuine and real, that they reflect how they were truly feeling.

That way, when they look at them, they’ll be launched back to that day, feeling everything all over again.

“We would want to elope to fully be in the moment, exploring somewhere special with my partner. No schedule (mostly), no rules, and no other people to please. Then, once we do that and get back from cool place we went to, with some badass photos, we throw an awesome party to celebrate and show off pictures with loved ones ;).”— Survey Answer

“The idea of getting married in beautiful scenic mountains is much more memorable and relaxing then walking around a venue hall talking to everyone including people I’ve never met. The pictures will be way better because I’ll feel more comfortable and confident in my element which is outside in nature. I don’t want to look back at my photos and see a stressed-out bride.”— Survey Answer

“The idea of getting married in beautiful scenic mountains is much more memorable and relaxing then walking around a venue hall talking to everyone including people I’ve never met. The pictures will be way better because I’ll feel more comfortable and confident in my element which is outside in nature. I don’t want to look back at my photos and see a stressed-out bride.”— Survey Answer

“Elopement photos are SO beautiful and intimate…at the end of the day a wedding shouldn’t be about pleasing or impressing anybody else but yourselves! Just do you.”— Survey Answer

If you believe an elopement is the wedding experience to suit your needs and affirm your vision – we’d love to help!

You already know how important photography is for documenting your elopement adventure, now it’s time to talk planning!

We have helped hundreds of couples plan true-to-them authentic elopement experiences all over the world. We can help you plan your elopement in Colorado, anywhere in the United States, or even in another country.

Where would you want to elope?

Get in touch with us and let us guide you.

Perks of eloping: Additional intimacy

Some people just aren’t cut out for celebrating their wedding anniversary and expressing their deep and unwavering bond with 250 guests for each other. An elopement day provides a day when you can truly express your vulnerability together without fear that someone will overhear. This is a huge benefit for couples with introverts or couples who have trouble being in their feelings all the time. The truth is, expressing yourself can be a little awkward, and it’s better not having to do it on stage. On an “just us” elopement day, chances are a chipmunk will be the only one able to hear your vows! And we think that’s pretty cool! The potential for intimacy should be an advantage in every way in terms of the ins and outs of eloping!

Disadvantages of Eloping: Limited planning resources

As you begin planning your elopement, you’ll find that there are limited free planning resources compared to a traditional wedding. Traditional weddings already have a flow, and some couples don’t enjoy the extra freedom and creativity that comes with eloping, as you’ll be making your day complete from start to finish. However, we offer all of our eloping couples planning assistance with extensive resources, questionnaires and guides on any questions you might have. Our How to Elope Guide is always a good starting point too! Limited resources can actually be an advantage to the pros and cons of elopement as it gives you the freedom to truly design your wedding day to be 100% yourself.

Pros of Eloping: Adventurous places

Eloping gives you the opportunity to marry your partner in a place that matters to you and feels like home, like one of these top elopement spots in the US! When it comes to the pros and cons of eloping, some couples feel most comfortable and at ease with themselves on a clear morning adventure together or enjoying a beautiful West Coast sunset while saying their vows. Large weddings don’t give you the luxury of bringing 100 guests to the top of a mountain, even if that mountaintop is where you feel most comfortable and spend most of your free time. With the right planning help and creative thinking, you can get married *almost* anywhere you can imagine. A volcano is an option, underwater is an option, a glacier is an option, a mountain trail is an option, a black sand beach is an option. An Airbnb elopement is a great way to feel like you’re in one place while having an exciting adventure, and we highly recommend it! There really are no limits to where you can adventure or exchange your vows.

Disadvantages of Eloping: Unwanted spontaneity

Speaking of the great outdoors, Mother Nature isn’t always ready with her plans for your wedding day. Some couples don’t want the added potential of rain, wind, etc. on their day and want some predictability. Conversely, some couples love the thrill of making a rain or snow plan for their day because rolling with the bats is part of them. Some people aren’t naturally spontaneous, so this is a con on the ins and outs of eloping — though it really could go either way.

When a couple in our parents’ generation chose to flee, it usually meant they ran off to get married quickly and didn’t have to worry about what anyone had to think about it. Nowadays, eloping has taken on a whole new meaning and is a great solution for couples who want to celebrate their wedding in a special way without having to spend tens of thousands on a “big wedding”. More and more couples are choosing to skip the big wedding and instead escape to a beautiful location (think waterfalls in Iceland or to the top of a mountain) and bring a photographer to document it.

I’ve been a wedding photographer for 6 years and have seen a lot that goes into the ‘big day’ and how much of it is just an unnecessary expense that we afford because we think we should. That’s why I’m choosing more than ever to photograph more elopements.

The average cost of a wedding in the US is $35,000 and for many couples that’s just not how they want to start their first year of marriage! But is eloping really a better option, or are you missing out if you choose this alternate route?

I actually did something even more untraditional and decided to escape AND have a big wedding later, and my feelings on that will be shared in a later post! But I’ve seen the pros and cons of both, and here’s what I learned:

Benefits of eloping

I couldn’t be happier that I had the chance to elope. Having my own elopement in Big Sur is something that still makes me smile every time I think about it, but aside from the location and the memory, it came with many added benefits. In retrospect, here are the biggest benefits of eloping.

With Eloping you save for the essentials

The most obvious benefit of eloping is that you save tens of thousands of dollars by deciding to opt out of the big party. Venues, tables, chairs, food and alcohol don’t come cheap and the more people you host the more expensive it gets!

If you elope, you can spend your budget hiring your dream photographer (and sometimes videographer) and traveling to a beautiful location to celebrate your wedding and take photos. Eloping doesn’t mean you have to just go to court — you can take it to a place you’ve always wanted to see, your favorite national park, or any place you love to be outdoors and adventure.

You can focus on both of you

Something people naively think is that weddings are all about the couple, but the reality is that it’s just as much about all the people you invite. Especially when you get help paying for the wedding, what your family wants takes priority and you often have to make sacrifices to make other people happy. Not to mention that wedding anniversaries are a whirlwind and you hardly have time to be alone and just enjoy yourself!

The beauty of eloping is that it’s all about you and your partner. Alongside a photographer, videographer, and maybe a civil servant, you two are alone and can focus on why you made this lifelong commitment in the first place. Because of this, an elopement feels a lot more intimate than a traditional wedding.

Eloping can also be a honeymoon

For my friends Chaise and Dallas, whose Island Elopement I had the privilege of photographing last year, we spent a few days traveling and photographing together, then parted ways so they could honeymoon for a week or so. This not only saves money, but also makes your wedding an unforgettable adventure!

You can take really epic photos

As much as people spend on weddings to make them “photoworthy,” the truth is that on your wedding day, you often don’t have much time to just take photos of the two of you. Not only that, there are so many factors that go into a good photo and choosing the location is a big part of it.

If having great photos is really important to you, then Eloping gives you the opportunity to take photos together in really crazy places and spend all that time with you!

Disadvantages of eloping

Unfortunately, eloping had a handful of unexpected downsides. For every positive aspect of the escape that I got to enjoy, there came a negative side that I didn’t necessarily expect. As an elopement photographer, I’ve only had the opportunity to see the bright side of things, but going through it myself gave me new insights. From my experience I have found some of the disadvantages of burn through here.

Eloping can be lonely

One of the downsides of eloping is feeling like you can’t share it with all your friends and family. Not having other people there might feel lonely and make you wonder if you shouldn’t have just spent the money on the “big wedding.” After all, happiness is best when shared. Without people to share it with, the moment after can feel empty. The best solution to this is an intimate wedding, where you invite only your closest family and friends who are willing to travel, and only have the people around you who mean the most to you.

The family may not support it

Unfortunately, Eloping still gets a bad rap from older generations who know it’s very different than it is today. Your family may not support you in your decision because they want to celebrate with all your family and friends or they don’t understand the idea behind it. The decision to get married is a big one and it can be difficult not having the support you need. It’s important to be honest and open with your family, and to share your heart about why you want to elope and why you think it’s the best decision for you.

Can cause FOMO

The “fear of missing out” is a real thing, especially when all your friends have “big weddings” and you’ve had so much fun at many of them. I know that feeling all too well, which resulted in me spending a lot more money than I wished to have the best of both worlds. But it’s important to remember that your wedding is about being the best for you and you can always choose to have a simpler party with your close family and friends later, or even invite them to the elopement !

Eloping is not for everyone

Your decision to escape depends on what you value. If you don’t like getting your hair messy and are more concerned with inviting everyone you know in, then eloping probably isn’t for you. But if you are more interested in an unforgettable adventure and don’t mind hiking there, then Eloping might be for you! All that matters is that your love is the focus and you are listening to what you know is best for you.

Final Thoughts on Eloping

All in all, the eloping was more than worth it for me. Every couple is unique and has a different taste in what they envision. Maybe you see yourself in a forest or on a tropical Hawaiian island. My cons may not have been the same as yours, so I encourage everyone to think thoughtfully with their future spouse about what might be right for your situation. I love being a resource for anyone weighing their options so reach out to me and I’d be happy to help with any elopement photography needs. Fill out a form or call me at 786-270-8527 and we’ll start a conversation!

You might even ask yourself, “Is it wrong to elope? Am I bad for wanting to elope?”.

Maybe someone has subtly – or not so subtly – tried to make you feel guilty by telling you you’re being selfish and claiming it’s unfair to exclude your loved ones from your big day? And now you doubt your own decisions?

Well we’re here to tell you to stop worrying and stay strong!

when to escape

One of the most common questions we get from couples considering an escape is, “When to elope?” The truth is, there really isn’t a short answer to this question. Like so many other facets of elopement, it comes down to personal preference. Wedding season traditionally runs from May to September, but as we should all know by now – traditional rules don’t apply when it comes to eloping!

Elope when the timing is right

When it comes to choosing when to get away, budget and location are usually the two most important deciding factors. If you’re thinking of getting married somewhere that also hosts traditional weddings, or if it’s a major tourist destination, choosing an off-season date may be a better option. Not only will your location be a little quieter, allowing for a more intimate elopement, but chances are you can save a lot of money too! The same goes for weekday elopements – for any wedding, it’s usually a little cheaper to get married on a weekday simply because weekends are much more popular with traditional weddings as the majority of friends and family don’t have to work on weekends.

Speaking of work, another thing that will influence your choice, especially if you’re planning a short (or longer) “elocation,” is choosing a time when both partners can take equal time off from work. If time out together isn’t an option, you may need to opt for a quick weekend elopement!

consideration of the travel destination

As mentioned above, budget issues and time issues aside, the place you choose to escape to will be an important factor in choosing when to escape. Here are just a few things to keep in mind about some popular travel destinations.

Mountain Elopements – will snow make access to your venue dangerous in the winter months?

Beach Elopements – have you checked the tides to see how they differ from season to season?

National parks and monuments – are there restrictions on opening times from season to season?

Coastal Elopements – Is It Hurricane Season?

It’s safe to say that weather plays the biggest role in deciding when to escape to certain destinations. Logically, it makes sense to avoid some places during the harsh winter months, as roads are often impassable due to snow and ice. However, there are many elopement destinations where the weather is fairly consistent year-round, such as California, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida, to name a few.

The best advice we can give you regarding when to go on an escape is to research your travel destination and/or venue thoroughly and determine the best time to plan your escape. Don’t forget to also check the waiting and application times for marriage certificates – because not everything is processed quickly!

When do you plan to flee?

If you are reading this article, we can already tell you that you are a caring person…simply by the fact that you are focused on figuring out how to elope without offending family. You care about your loved ones and don’t want them to be hurt by this decision. But also remember that no one has the right to be offended by the way you get married. Marriage is an extremely personal and intimate bond. No one can tell you how you lived your married life, so it goes without saying that no one should tell you how you got married either.

There may be people who take offense at your decision to elope, but that’s up to them. And while it’s absolutely awesome to think about how to elope without offending family, know that if you spend your entire wedding planning process figuring out how to make everyone else happy and you’re focusing solely on the elopement -Etiquette focused, chances are you’ll end up with a day that doesn’t feel right to you. I know it’s scary to make that leap, but remember this is your day and it can be whatever you want it to be. We’re rooting for you as you take that big step. You just need to know that you are not alone and that you can do this.

31 Unforgettably Fun Elopement Dresses June 3, 2021

Feature Photo by: Cam Story Photography

Are you planning to escape? Typically more casual and relaxed than a traditional wedding dress, an elopement dress has evolved into many different styles, shapes and textures, from white mini dresses and one-of-a-kind jumpsuits to modern floor-length pieces. No matter what mood you’re aiming for, your options are endless fun and challenging. Whether you’re getting married along the rugged Rocky Mountains with insanely beautiful views, or tying the knot on a downtown rooftop in front of the dreamy city skyline, we’ve curated the best elopement dresses for every bridal style and budget.

1. Odylyne the Ceremony | Mini Caspian

This angelic babydoll A-line mini from Odylyne the Ceremony is a must-have for your elopement celebration. Crafted from the softest and lightest silk organza, the silhouette is made for the bride who craves an effortless and timeless vintage look.

2. Urban Outfitters | For Love & Lemons Evelyn Jacquard Babydoll Mini

The 90’s called, they want you to rock this dress for your elopement. Featuring a romantic hibiscus embroidered design and a square neckline with short puff sleeves, this playful style can be worn again and again on your next summer outing.

3. BHLDN | Caton mini dress

You can’t go wrong with free-flowing sleeves. Slip into this eye-catching mini dress perfect for your ceremony or dinner party, wrap detailing paired with a sweetheart neckline for a romantic touch.

4. Kleinfeld Bride | Michelle Roth Birkin dress

Soft and ethereal, this old world sheer lace gown is the epitome of love and romance. New York designer Michelle Roth designs each dress to convey beauty and confidence.

5. Nadine Merabi | Daisy White Dress

Short, whimsical, and fun, this cute dress is perfect for a garden-inspired escape. Featuring a plunging neckline and 3 tier tie that gathers at the waist and then flares into a full skirt giving this style a glamorous feel.

6. Nadine Merabi | Olivia White dress

Bring your fairytale fantasies to life as you slip into this feminine, princess-style dress. Featuring embroidered flowers, it features a perfectly fitting bodice with inner cups and an underwire to keep it in place all day long.

7. BHLDN | By Watters Lynette dress

If you’re the kind of girl who loves a spirited twirled dress, you’ve come to the right place. This vintage-inspired midi silhouette is chic and flirty with a tulle skirt with Swiss dots and a fitted corset bodice.

8. Nadine Merabi | White dress by Celline

Shimmering mini dresses with all-over sequins are not only eye-catchers, they also offer the opportunity to underline your brave and strong personality. This stunning asymmetric floor length draped one shoulder dress is sure to brighten up your day.

9. Bronx and Bank | Elizabeth Blanc dress

If your day involves disco ball decor, then shine through the night in this long sleeve dress that feels like very old Hollywood glamour.

10. Bronx and Bank | Lola Blanc mini feather dress

Feathers are perfect for brides who have dreamed of an imaginative dress. The ostrich feather accent is very sleek and modern, made from a buttery soft crepe fabric and boned bodice.

11. Cult Gaia | Shannon dress

No introduction is required for this eye-catcher made of delicate feathers. In a stunning cream hue, Shannon takes on a life of her own as you move. The high-low hem offers plenty of opportunities to show off your legs.

12. Catherine Deane | Ryder dress

There’s a reason fringes are the fashion equivalent of a bubbly glass of champagne. Featuring a sparkling sequined bodice, fringed skirt and chic ripped back, this dress will have you feeling like you’re in a scene from The Great Gatsby.

13. Nadine Merabi | Nyla dress

Tailored for a slim fit, Nyla is synonymous with sophistication and glamour. Sequin and floral embellishments throughout create a natural, vibrant accessory, keep the jewelry style minimal with this dress.

14. Nadine Merabi | Louisa dress

Featuring a square neckline and high thigh slit, this gorgeous beaded dress is the perfect dose of sexy and fun for your special day.

15. BHLDN | Catherine Deane Frida dress

Stunningly rich in romantic detail, this dimensional, soft, structured midi made of pink lace over almond lining is synonymous with traditional brides.

16. Lulu | Dream Lasts Forever White Lace Maxi Dress

We can’t get over the delicate floral lace on a beige stretch-knit lining on this dress. A classic strapless sweetheart neckline and softly molded underwired cups provide all the support you need.

17. Lulu | Bariano White maxi dress with sequins

Embody the quintessential bohemian aesthetic in this sparkling sequin art deco-inspired design. Featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline and fitted waist that falls into a mermaid skirt to flatter your curvy hourglass silhouette.

18. Lulu | Ivywood White and beige embroidered backless lace maxi dress

For a totally timeless bohemian look, you can’t go wrong with this stunning, airy, light, loose fitting dress with white floral embroidery. Composed of layers of sheer mesh and a plunging V-neckline, we can’t help but envision this A-line maxi in an idyllic English garden.

19. ASOS | ASOS Design one shoulder tulle maxi dress

One shoulder detail and a bandeau design neckline add all the dimension and a touch of boldness to this soft, lightweight, pleated tulle gown.

20. Lulu | White maxi dress from Heavenly Hues

Perfect for a breezy seaside ceremony, this effortless Greek goddess-inspired dress is a no-brainer. Georgette fabric drapes along a V-neckline and back, and lies over a tie waist.

21. Baltics Born | White embossed maxi dress Marseille

We envision this gorgeous free-flowing maxi dress on a vintage-inspired or bohemian bride with whimsical tastes. Organza material with vine embossing flows down the skirt with a subtle slit.

22. Lulu | Dutchess maxi dress with bell sleeves and ivory lace

This lace bell sleeve wedding dress is a real head turner. Made from soft lace on a knit lining, it hugs the body gently and almost feels like you’re wearing your coziest pajamas.

23. BHLDN | Amsale Willow Bow dress

Bows go larger than life to create meaningful bridal moments, and we’re here for that. A dramatic trailing bow adds an eye-catching finish to this elegantly tailored midi dress. The detachable back embellishment snaps on and off, allowing for two distinctive looks in one.

24. BHLDN | ML Monique Lhuillier Lionel One Shoulder Dress

A clear bow detail at the shoulder of this statuesque column gown flows into a modern scoop neckline making it utterly romantic.

25. Alice + Olivia | Kiro midi dress with ruffles on the shoulders

This polished, cosmopolitan midi features a chic asymmetric neckline with gorgeous ruffle details at the shoulder, landing it in the cute and dainty minimalism category.

26. Bird Gray | Lisa satin midi dress

Slip dresses have long graced the aisles of many iconic celebrity weddings, we all remember Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s simply stunning wedding dress moment. When ’90s trends are back in fashion, slip into something classic like the Lisa Cowl midi dress. Spun from a luxurious matte crepe satin, it has thin, adjustable straps and a gently draped hood.

27. Show me your mumu | Jasmine halterneck maxi dress

The Jasmine dress has completely elevated traditional halter dresses. For the bold, style-savvy bride, it’s time to don this perfectly draping, luxurious satin gown, whose bodice drapes softly around the neck to create a flattering high neckline and leaves a dramatic open back.

28. Shona Joy | La Lune bias slip dress

Featuring luxe sheen and silk-touch fabric, this sultry gown offers a fusion of glamor and grunge. The decorative buttons at the front and the ruched detailing at the chest make your wedding attire look and feel more intimate.

29. Shona Joy | La Lune midi dress with ruffled cuffs

We love this slim fitting, long sleeve dress with ruffled cuffs as a version of the La Lune dress. Perfect for a fall or winter wedding, these cute briefs are easy to wear again for an event.

30. BHLDN | Needle & Thread Emma Ditsy Cami Maxi Dress

Pastel floral embroidery and touches of iridescent sequins adorn the bodice of this whimsical maxi dress. A dainty tie detail completes the open back, while satin ties cinches the waist band and flows into a breezy tulle skirt.

31. Rotate | Bronx and Banco Fiona wedding dress

Equal parts romantic and sexy, this satin bodice dress with mother-of-pearl and pearl embellishments is truly out of this world. If you need even more persuasion, the fishnet skirt with flower appliqué will make your groom marvel.

For more Elopement inspiration and bridal styling, visit our Elopement Pinterest board.

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, Rocky Mountain Bride can pay you a commission for free.

The Wedding Book is here to help you plan an unforgettable celebration in the name of love! find out more

Time for the fun part – choose your ceremony location! Remember step 1 when I had you introduce your elopement day? Look again. What’s the weather like? What is the landscape around you? are there trees lakes? High mountains or buildings? Is it sunny and warm or is it snowing? Is it at sunrise or sunset? or in the middle of the day at the beach? There is no wrong answer here. Once you have your criteria, search online for areas that may meet the basic requirements and make a list.

If you have hired me as your elopement photographer, I will provide you with a questionnaire right after booking asking the right questions so I can find you the perfect location for your elopement. If your location is near Colorado, I can even scout it out myself before recommending it. I’ve put A LOT of work into my location finding guides. It contains everything you need to know about each location so you can make an informed decision about where to escape to.

If you want to do a little research yourself, I suggest downloading the desktop version of Google Earth Pro. This tool is hands down my favorite tool when exploring. You can see the exact moment the sun rises and sets, and even see it fall across the landscape. If you choose to take your vows at sunrise or sunset, you can calculate the exact time to get the best lighting. In addition, you can view images taken by other users in this location and place a marker anywhere in the world to see a 3D model of the landscape (remember that trees are not rendered, they appear flat) .

Combine 3D Google Earth Pro with Alltrails and the amount of information at your disposal should have you ready for any adventure. Download the Pro version of Alltrails to guide you through the forest and stay on the trail as you can use it offline to make sure you don’t get lost.

Things to Consider: Altitude sickness is a very real and common thing, especially if you’re planning on escaping in Colorado. If you are traveling to a higher altitude in a short period of time, I strongly recommend examining the symptoms and learning how to avoid illness. It can quickly become deadly if you’re not careful.

The Wedding Book is here to help you plan an unforgettable celebration in the name of love! find out more

Elopement vs. Big Wedding, Which Lasts Longer?

Is there a connection between divorce and how much you spend on your wedding? WhereToElope.com (WTE) was founded to help ephemeral couples connect with providers offering elopement packages. WTE is for long-term marriages; We’re just helping you get where you’re going faster and at a significantly lower cost. Is our goal hurting the couples we are trying to help? NO! In fact, we know that when it comes to elopement vs. big nuptials, the couples who elope tend to have longer-lasting marriages than those who spend, spend, spend on a big wedding. Elopement marriages last longer than grand nuptials.

fallacy of eloping

There has long been a belief in the collective consciousness that marriages of “runaway” couples are impermanent and lack longevity. Contrary to popular belief, most elopements are not spontaneous but are planned a few months in advance. It turns out that, according to the study shown below, elopement marriages last longer, on average, than large marriages. One of our earliest WTE blogs features the longest married couple. They eloped over 80 years ago. Read our blog about this beautiful couple.

It’s in the numbers

What is the correlating factor in elopement longevity in large weddings? Put simply, the cost of the wedding. The number one reason people have chosen Elopement is to save money. What couples may not realize is that reason alone may be the only factor contributing to the staying power of their marriage. Statistics have shown that the less a couple spends on their marriage, the longer the marriage lasts. Read our blog about the higher the cost of the wedding, the higher the risk of divorce.

Elopement Packages

Eloping doesn’t mean giving up all the wonderful aspects of a wedding. WTE has a list of providers with elopement packages at a fraction of the high wedding cost. See for yourself. Go to our Locations page at the top of this blog, select a location and a provider. Discover how many happy endings began.

Let us know if you spotted this comparing Elopement vs. Big Wedding, which lasts longer? Win Elopements!

By Dave Westfall

Stressed-out Americans embrace elopement

April 23, 2002 — Exhausted from the time and money it takes to plan a grand wedding, Christine and Michael Bradley turned to an increasingly attractive option: they decided to elope.

“We kind of wanted a traditional wedding, but we also liked the idea of ​​eloping,” Christine said Monday, just hours after tying the knot at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple flew in from Waco, Texas, with some friends, and plan to stay for just a day or two before heading home.

“Elopement” may conjure up images of teenage lovers sneaking out of windows under the moonlight, but experts say more couples are taking the once-covert form of marriage, making it a more public affair and using them to boost an industry, albeit ones one that’s a lot cheaper than the full blown modern American wedding.

People use the term to describe many different types of small weddings—both spontaneous and pre-planned.

“Now it’s not so much who you marry as it is how you marry,” say Lynn Beahan and Scott Shaw in their book Let’s Elope: The Definitive Guide to Eloping, Destination Weddings, and Other Creative Wedding Options. But they describe a whole class of “hybrid elopements” — typically characterized by simple service and a small guest list.

Often these are “destination weddings” taking place anywhere from a vacation island to Las Vegas to the city just around the corner.

Interactive: Click here to learn more about famous couples eloping.

Though there aren’t any reliable statistics on different types of marriages in America, experts like Linda Waite, a University of Chicago sociologist, say escaping is becoming an increasingly attractive option for many.

“The significant trend [in marriage in America] is that people are doing it less,” she says. “Many more people live together and live longer together and have families.”

If these people decide to get married, escaping can be easier and cheaper, she says.

“Any indications — anecdotal or not — are chasing people toward more alternative forms of marriage,” says Shaw of Let’s Elope.

Carolyn Gerin, co-author of Anti-Bride Guide: Tying the Knot Outside the Box, agrees. “People question things because that’s what you do when money is tight.”

Why Elope? Money, time, stress and changing attitudes

Elopement advocates point to a variety of benefits of smaller, less formal weddings.

The first is the money involved in a traditional wedding.

The average cost of a wedding in America has steadily increased and is now nearly $20,000 by many estimates. As costs rise, a sizeable minority of couples are looking for cheaper alternatives.

The economic boom of the late 1990s increased financial pressures on couples.

“They kind of think it’s either $25,000 for a wedding or $25,000 for a down payment,” says Pamela Paul, author of The Starter Marriage and the Future of Matrimony.

Money aside, social changes are spurring couples to consider more clandestine marriages.

More families today are more complicated, some with multiple in-laws, step-siblings, and other extended families. A small elopement wedding reduces or eliminates the scramble over who to invite, where to sit them, and so on.

“If you come from a divorced family, a whole level of negotiation is eliminated,” says Waite, a sociologist at the University of Chicago.

The average age of marriage is also increasing. In 1958, for the first time, the average bride and groom were 20 and 23, respectively. In 1998 they were 25 and 27 years old.

Older couples tend to be more independent and reluctant to throw a big wedding just to please their parents or to conform to tradition, experts suggest. With a divorce rate of about 50 percent among couples under the age of 45, there is a steady increase in second marriages that lend themselves to smaller ceremonies.

Experts also point to the continued loosening of social mores regarding marriage and the decreasing stigma against non-traditional weddings.

Elopement – ​​​​The package deal

The wedding industry has begun developing and marketing elopement packages in recent years in response to the demand for nice, small, relatively inexpensive ceremonies.

In Las Vegas, the number of marriages has steadily increased. Last year, 123,143 tied the knot in desert gambling mecca. The city’s wedding chapels saw a sharp slowdown after the 9/11 terrorist attacks but say business is booming these days.

Some in the wedding industry there say the trend is towards traditional style weddings and away from extremely tacky or casual events.

In California’s Napa Valley, the Rev. Blaine Ellsworth helped start a wedding planning service for couples wanting small, affordable weddings in the region’s scenic wine country.

“We started a year ago,” he says of Enchanting Elopements.

The company offers “elopement packages” that include a weekday wedding in a Napa vineyard along with a photographer, minister, and flowers for less than $2,000. He estimates the average cost of a large, traditional weekend wedding in Napa is $36,000.

“We get a lot of calls from people saying, ‘We’re looking for something other than Tahoe or Vegas,'” he says.

He cites the economic slowdown as well as a shift toward weddings that combine traditional and non-traditional elements.

“They want that sense of frivolity along with that sense of spirituality,” he says.

Different elopements for different people

In the wedding chapel of West Des Moines, Iowa, about 40 percent of marriages are elopements of some form or another. The small, traditional chapel accommodates people looking for more than a civil marriage by a justice of the peace.

Most escape decisions are economically motivated, says Rev. James Love, who conducts the chapel’s wedding services.

About 20 miles away in Dallas Center, Iowa, the Candle Lit Way Wedding Chapel has recently started offering elopement packages along with traditional larger weddings.

“A lot of people came looking for a small place to get married,” says Mary Ellen Oberender, who owns the chapel with her husband Dan. A simple elopement marriage with a minister there costs $233.75, including a half-hour rental of the chapel.

“I think there’s a lot of people who really don’t have any money — they really don’t have any,” she says. “They want to get married and they want to do it in the eyes of God.”

But many of her clients make a virtue out of necessity, she says.

“I think elopements can be a lot more intimate and meaningful to people.”

At the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas – which hosts 7,200 weddings annually – only a quarter of the couples were there spontaneously. The rest planned their wedding months in advance.

“Now we’re getting people who have booked their weddings a year or more in advance,” says Dave Foote, a director of the chapel. “It’s really planned out,” he says, “it’s not just, ‘Let’s get in the car and get married.'”

Located in Columbia, NC, The River House has been offering Elopement getaway packages for several years. Elopements make up about half of bed-and-breakfast weddings, says owner Karen Este. As with other elopement packages, Este says it’s the combination of traditional wedding elements with a hassle-free, low price that draws couples to her.

“I want to make it as stress-free as possible,” she says. “I just tell them, ‘Oh, come and escape and then tell [your friends and family] to throw you a big party when you come back.'”

Stephanie Rosenbaum, co-author of The Anti-Bride Guide, says she expects interest in elopements and smaller, less traditional weddings to increase.

“A lot of people say, ‘My partner and I have been together for six years, who are we kidding?'” she says.

“I think people say if we just elope, we don’t have to have that stress.”

Christine Bradley, the Las Vegas bride, said she wasn’t sure what to expect at her wedding ceremony. Both she and her new husband were previously married in large, traditional weddings. This time they were looking for a cheap service that would be fun and still have some tradition. Bradley said she was pleasantly surprised with the Las Vegas wedding experience.

“I was really expecting something like what I saw on TV, like a car wedding,” she admitted.

“It turned out really beautiful.”

Is it better to flee or to marry?

Whether you’re brand new to this whole idea of ​​a non-traditional, adventurous elopement, or you’ve been planning and craving your dream elopement day for years, chances are you’re already aware that elopements and Weddings are quite different.

Elopements are, by our definition, intentionally small, intimate, meaningful and authentic wedding experiences that are a true reflection of your relationship where the focus of the day is truly the two of you.

Weddings typically tend to shift the focus of the day, rather than being solely focused on the couple, to include other factors, such as:

the event itself

entertaining and courteous guests

including traditional elements

The ultimate result of elopements and marriage – dedicating your life to your partner’s cause – is ultimately the same. It’s the journey, the experience and the adventure that makes elopements and weddings so special.

But what exactly does that mean—what are the actual, logistical differences between a wedding and an elopement?

Is an elopement different from a wedding just because it focuses more on the couple than the ceremony?

Is an elopement different from a wedding because it’s a secret, clandestine affair where family isn’t invited?

The reality is that an elopement is different than a wedding because the intention is different.

Ultimately, an elopement day is designed to focus on the couple and their desires. That being said, there are also a ton of additional differences that we want to share with you here!

Before we do that, we want to make something very clear – the day you decide to get married – the day you and your partner hold hands and commit to each other, the day you commit – it’s all about you.

This means that your wedding day, elopement day, ceremony day – whatever you choose to call it – should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple, what you both want, and how you want to celebrate this epic, amazing day .

We’re pro-elopement, but we’re not anti-marriage. Overall, we believe that love should be celebrated in the way that makes the most sense for each couple.

The main reason we’re here — to explain all of this — is because we want couples to know that if that’s not what appeals to them, they don’t automatically have to resort to a traditional wedding.

Your wedding day should be everything you want it to be – no matter what it looks like. We just want couples to know that. If that means going for a big, traditional wedding because it makes you happy, then that’s perfect – go for it and love your day, you deserve it!

But if that means throwing tradition out the window and rushing wildly towards a non-traditional, marginalized elopement that rebels against the wedding industry, that’s fine too – we’re here to help you create your very different wedding experience.

The 5 Main Differences – Eloping vs Wedding

Check out some of these poignant differences we believe exist when it comes to eloping versus having a traditional wedding (in no particular order!):

1. people

This is an important difference, but not in the way you might think because we’re not specifically talking about the difference in guest numbers. While an elopement is inherently likely to involve fewer people, that’s partly the point.

When we say people, we mean that an elopement gives couples the freedom to have exactly the number of people — and the specific people — that will make them happiest at their wedding.

Since Elopements is about the couple and how they choose to make their own wedding experience meaningful, there is much more freedom to set boundaries and limits on the number of people attending.

For some couples, that means having a wedding day just for us when no one else is around. For others, that means inviting only parents, siblings, or best friends. In some cases, that means there will be a small group of 15-20 people on their special day.

Why is the number important?

Intention.

An elopement allows you to choose exactly who you want to share your intended intimate day with. So if you want to include people, only invite those you want to spend meaningful time with on your wedding day.

At traditional weddings, you’re often required to invite cousins, co-workers, old friends, parents’ bosses — it goes on and on until you’re drowning in a 300-person invitation list.

With Elopements, the commitments, pressure, and invite list are all gone, meaning you only invite the very people you intentionally want to spend time with on your epic day — even if that means all you have to bring is your dog.

2. Authenticity

We recently posted about how we collected data from over 200 couples to find out why people chose to elope.

The first reason we found was that couples wanted an experience just for us on their wedding day. The second most important reason? Authenticity.

A lot of people feel that choosing to elope gives them a chance to have a day that’s closer to who they authentically are as people.

Think about it – there are people out there who are excited by the idea of ​​throwing a traditional wedding with a fun party, dancing, gifts, glamor and more. But for every couple out there who absolutely loves that idea, there’s another couple out there that can’t stomach that thought.

It’s more than extrovert versus introvert, it’s about who people are at their core. It’s about what couples really want on their special days.

Weddings – in a sense – leave every couple with lots of cookie cutter results that may not reflect who they are. Elopements, on the other hand, give couples a chance to say, “You know what, this is us — this is what we really want.”

3. Choices

While we’re absolutely not saying that every single traditional wedding is the same (they definitely aren’t – there’s an entire wedding industry that makes sure of it), the idea of ​​a traditional wedding tends to follow a similar formula.

With Elopements, all the rules, expectations and commitments fly out the window – couples have so many more choices to make about their day. Especially when it comes to location.

Don’t get us wrong – there are endless choices when it comes to traditional wedding venues, but the choices for an elopement are different.

For one, you don’t have to choose between regular venues – your venues are mountain peaks, rushing rivers, waterfalls, desert dunes, cliffs, canyons. Your venue is anywhere in the world you want.

Why?

Because you don’t have to try to attract a certain number of people, restaurateurs, traditions, etc.

Elopements is all about choosing an intimate, authentic wedding experience – so if you’re getting married in the middle of the desert, or while kayaking in an alpine lake or on top of a cliff that screams to the wind, eloping appeals to you as the perfect choice for her.

4. Stress

Before we get into that, we want to make one point—we’re not saying that elopements are inherently stress-free or that weddings are total stress zones.

It ultimately depends on what kind of person you are, what you want for your day and how you intend to deal with it. That being said, traditional weddings tend to have certain red flag stressful zones that elopements typically don’t have.

For starters, if you decide to escape (even if you bring people with you), don’t try to coordinate a huge party that will fill the needs of 200-300 people. The group — unless it’s just the two of you — will automatically be a fraction of the average attendee at a traditional wedding, meaning you don’t have to try to figure out accommodation, transportation, and thank you gifts — and everything else weddings involve — for a large one Group.

Elopements can also be a great relief from family stress.

Large, traditional weddings are likely to involve family involvement, and for many people, that’s not inherently stress-free.

Maybe you don’t get along with your family. Maybe you do, but you just want to have a day that’s just about the two of you. Eloping gives you the opportunity to say, “Hey, we want a day that’s really about us and reflects who we are – that means having a day that’s just us.”

It’s not about leaving someone out, it’s about having the day you want. When it comes to weddings, throwing a huge party and not inviting your family is a lot harder.

Elopement focuses solely on intent, meaning, and authenticity—which means if this is the tag you want, this is the tag you’ll get.

Your wedding experience—whether it’s an elopement or an anniversary—should be an all-round enjoyable one. Treat yourself to the day when you have the least stress, enjoy every moment and have the most fun.

5. Values

The reality is that traditional weddings and elopement experiences have different values ​​at their core.

We’re not saying one is better or worse than the other, just that each experience uniquely highlights what matters most to people.

Typically, couples who really want a big, traditional wedding really want to have their communities with them on their day, be in the spotlight, and plan a memorable, exciting party to celebrate their nuptials.

On the other hand, couples who choose to escape usually value experiences more than tangible things, big parties, and being the center of attention on their day.

According to The Knot, the average price of a wedding in the US is around $33,930.

For some couples, that means spending $30,000 on a big party for their friends and family—sparklers, table garlands, venues, food, drink, and more. And you know what? That’s great. If this appeals to you, you should do this!

But for other couples, that means investing their money in other things that matter to them — like experiences, solitude, great photos, and an amazing adventure to begin their greatest adventure ever.

Opting for an elopement over an anniversary doesn’t mean you don’t want to invest in your wedding experience, it simply means that as a couple you appreciate something different than what a large, traditional wedding can offer you.

Creative solutions – an individual mixture of both

We’ve definitely said this before, but we think it’s worth repeating—there’s no wrong or right way to have a wedding anniversary. If you and your love want a strictly secluded day where you don’t see another soul the whole time – that’s great! If you want your wedding day to include the people you love the most all celebrating this amazing moment in your life, that’s great too.

There are absolutely no rules!

If you’re craving a little custom blend of intimate, intentional elopement with some elements of a wedding, there are plenty of creative ways to ensure you get everything you want!

Escape WITH your family – it’s possible! Some people think it’s against the rules to elope and bring the family, but like I said, there are no rules! We’ve been part of so many beautiful elopement experiences including close friends, parents, siblings, grandparents, kids and more – some people even want to elope with their dogs (which, disclaimer, we strongly encourage, please bring your dog).

– that can be done! Some people think it’s against the rules to elope and bring the family, but like I said, there are no rules! We’ve been part of so many beautiful elopement experiences, including close friends, parents, siblings, grandparents, kids, and more—some people even want to elope with their dogs (what, disclaimer, we). Share the Day – If you want a part of your day to be dedicated to just you and your loved ones, doing exactly what you want to do, but you can’t stand the idea of ​​your family not being part of your elopement day, try splitting the day in half! Spend the first half of your elopement hiking to a mountaintop, rock climbing, off-roading – whatever you want, just the two of you – and then at the end of the day reuniting with your family for a sunset celebration. Or swap the order of these two things. You really can have anything you want on your Elopement Day!

— If you want a part of your day to be dedicated to just you and your loved ones doing exactly what you want them to do, you can’t stand the idea of ​​your family not being a part of your elopement day, try the Splitting the day in half! Spend the first half of your elopement hiking to a mountaintop, rock climbing, off-roading – whatever you want, just the two of you – and then at the end of the day reuniting with your family for a sunset celebration. Or swap the order of these two things. You really can have anything you want on your Elopement Day! Make it two days – we made it! Sometimes there are so many things a couple wants to do during their elopement experience that it can’t all fit into a single day — especially when they want to go on a wild adventure, involve guests, and cap off the day with a reception after Elopement . Guess what? Nothing wrong with that! If you love the idea of ​​a day just for you and your loved ones, but don’t want to leave your family and friends behind, consider having a full day just for us where you can experience the wild adventure you’ve always wanted to have. Then dedicate the next day as an elopement experience with your loved ones!

– we saw that! Sometimes there are so many things a couple wants to do during their elopement experience that it can’t all fit into a single day — especially when they want to go on a wild adventure, involve guests, and cap off the day with a reception after Elopement . Guess what? Nothing wrong with that! If you love the idea of ​​a day just for you and your loved ones, but don’t want to leave your family and friends behind, consider a full day of having that wild adventure you’ve always wanted. Then dedicate the next day as an elopement experience with your loved ones! Host an extra party — if you and your partner want the best of both worlds (the intimate ceremony, but also the sense of community and support), consider hosting a fun reception separate from your elopement. If you’re planning an escape trip just for the two of you, throw a celebratory party beforehand. Or plan one for your return! We’ve even seen couples throw a party ahead of their elopement day, with their friends and family watching them sign their marriage certificates. The possibilities are endless!

— If you and your partner want the best of both worlds (the intimate ceremony, the sense of community, and the support), consider hosting a fun reception. Or plan one for your return! We’ve even seen couples throw a party ahead of their elopement day, with their friends and family watching them sign their marriage certificates. The possibilities are endless! Have lots of mini-parties with each of your communities – if you love the idea of ​​including all of your special communities in your elopement but don’t necessarily want the hustle and bustle of a big wedding, consider having lots of mini-parties with everyone of you to host your special communities. Think: work friend parties, church parties, dog park buddy parties, book club parties, family reunions – you can have whatever you want!

No matter what type of wedding experience you choose, always remember the most important thing – it should fully reflect who you both are and how you want to celebrate this beautiful, exciting adventure you plan to embark on together.

In the end, the ultimate goal is to have a day — or two — to look back on and remember loving every second of it. It’s your wedding experience, make sure it looks exactly how you want it.

Hey there! We’re Maddie Mae, Amber, and Tori, elopement photographers and guides based in Colorado and Washington. We’d love to talk to you about how to design your dream elopement. Not only do we help you document your intimate, meaningful elopement experience in a relaxed and exciting way, we can help you find the best providers, the dreamiest locations, and more! We can’t wait to get in touch with you.

DON’T LET THE WEDDING INDUSTRY dictate how you plan your Epic Day. LET US HELP YOU CREATE YOUR IDEAL DAY THAT’S PERFECT FOR YOU.

Contact us and let us guide you.

when to escape

One of the most common questions we get from couples considering an escape is, “When to elope?” The truth is, there really isn’t a short answer to this question. Like so many other facets of elopement, it comes down to personal preference. Wedding season traditionally runs from May to September, but as we should all know by now – traditional rules don’t apply when it comes to eloping!

Elope when the timing is right

When it comes to choosing when to get away, budget and location are usually the two most important deciding factors. If you’re thinking of getting married somewhere that also hosts traditional weddings, or if it’s a major tourist destination, choosing an off-season date may be a better option. Not only will your location be a little quieter, allowing for a more intimate elopement, but chances are you can save a lot of money too! The same goes for weekday elopements – for any wedding, it’s usually a little cheaper to get married on a weekday simply because weekends are much more popular with traditional weddings as the majority of friends and family don’t have to work on weekends.

Speaking of work, another thing that will influence your choice, especially if you’re planning a short (or longer) “elocation,” is choosing a time when both partners can take equal time off from work. If time out together isn’t an option, you may need to opt for a quick weekend elopement!

consideration of the travel destination

As mentioned above, budget issues and time issues aside, the place you choose to escape to will be an important factor in choosing when to escape. Here are just a few things to keep in mind about some popular travel destinations.

Mountain Elopements – will snow make access to your venue dangerous in the winter months?

Beach Elopements – have you checked the tides to see how they differ from season to season?

National parks and monuments – are there restrictions on opening times from season to season?

Coastal Elopements – Is It Hurricane Season?

It’s safe to say that weather plays the biggest role in deciding when to escape to certain destinations. Logically, it makes sense to avoid some places during the harsh winter months, as roads are often impassable due to snow and ice. However, there are many elopement destinations where the weather is fairly consistent year-round, such as California, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida, to name a few.

The best advice we can give you regarding when to go on an escape is to research your travel destination and/or venue thoroughly and determine the best time to plan your escape. Don’t forget to also check the waiting and application times for marriage certificates – because not everything is processed quickly!

When do you plan to flee?

You are engaged! You’re probably basking in your newly engaged glow! Congratulations! What now? While some spend their entire lives dreaming up the perfect wedding day, there are others who choose to elope! Planning the big day can be a juggling act. From creating invitations to coordinating with your florist, caterer, venue and all the other details and suppliers that make up a traditional wedding… planning can be stressful. Let’s face it, it can be awful! But choosing an elopement can be the easiest way to take the stress out of your big day.

Eloping allows you to eliminate all unnecessary details and have a relaxed, stress-free wedding day! As you embark on the journey of deciding how to spend your wedding day, remember that your wedding is only for a day, but your marriage is for life. Spend your day in a way that best represents your relationship. A little unsure what exactly an elopement is? Check out my definition here. Think an elopement might be right for you? Here are 3 reasons why Eloping is better than a traditional wedding!

3 reasons why Eloping is better than a traditional wedding

Elopement Avoids Family Drama and Stress – A traditional wedding is filled with drama

Let’s face it – traditional weddings aren’t about the couple, they’re about the family. Aunt Judy wants to sit at table two and bring six of her friends who would never have made your guest list.

(*eye roll*) Eloping allows you to bypass this step entirely and just focus on getting married! Eloping can also come with some hurt feelings from your family and friends. However, you can avoid this by letting your close family and friends know about the elopement in advance. After all, this is your big day, do what feels right for you as a couple!

2. Eloping makes your wedding day your relationship

Without the crowd of people and all the opinions to consider and absorb, your wedding is all about you and your partner coming together in marriage. Shouldn’t this be your wedding day anyway?! Eloping makes your wedding day more intimate and memorable for you and your fiancé because you can celebrate exactly how you want. Plus, you can skip cramming your friends and family into a reception hall and figuring out who wants the chicken and who wants the beef platter. Win-win if you ask me!

3. Elope to avoid financial stress

While this isn’t the biggest or most important reason why couples I work with choose to elope – it’s definitely an advantage! If you choose to have only a few close friends and family – or no one at all, you can choose exactly where and what to spend your money on! Eloping allows your day to revolve entirely around your relationship, cutting out the frivolous things that the wedding industry has forced couples to believe are necessary in a traditional wedding.

The first year of marriage often brings with it many new adventures for couples — balancing finances, buying their first home, etc. If you can spend your money on what you really want instead of putting on a show for your guests, you can be happier than you Start your life together! Eloping also gives you the opportunity to go out anywhere you want. Why not buy your dream dress and hire this incredible elopement photographer?! (um, that would be me! 😉

Hopefully, these reasons why eloping is better than a traditional wedding have helped you understand why eloping is better than a traditional wedding! Your wedding day should be the most personal and intimate day of your life. I’d love to help you plan your dream elopement (and be there to take some amazing pictures you’ll cherish forever!).

Elopement Photographer

I’m a Destination Elopement Photographer for couples around the world who are hopelessly in love and long for adventure in nature! One of my goals with every wedding or escape I capture is to create an unforgettable experience. This is about your story and giving you beautiful, quality memories to relive, cherish and pass on as a legacy for generations to come!

Part of an unforgettable experience is getting to know the two of you as a couple, which will make you feel SO much more comfortable in front of my cam! I am so fortunate to be able to work with couples who are more to me than just clients. You will become some of my closest friends! I would love to be your elopement photographer and can’t wait to help you plan your dream elopement! You can contact me >HERE< and I look forward to hearing from you! Check out my other related blog posts: This is how you avoid crowds during your outdoor elopement Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide Elopement Checklist How to elope with family How to plan an Airbnb elopement

You’ll have a lot of options to explore over the coming months – so keep the big picture in mind.

Committing to an overarching concept and sticking to it is the easiest way to plan a wedding that feels and looks consistent – and trust us, it will make your life a lot easier as the weeks and months go by Browse options Come on. So before you start trying on dresses, booking your band, or sampling a piece of cake, look at the bigger picture and determine the mood you want to create on your wedding day. (Psst – taking our style quiz on our all-in-one wedding planner app can help you find the wedding style you want.)

Step 1. Think big

The beginning of the process is the dreaming phase, so don’t worry about how something will work or how much it will cost. And don’t even think about what your parents will think.

Imagine your dream wedding. What do you see? Here are a few questions to consider as it all falls into place in your head.

Big (everyone you know) or small (close friends and family)?

Outside or inside?

At home (one of your hometowns or your current city) or on the go (hello, destination wedding!)?

Modern, classic, romantic, vintage, rustic or totally glamorous?

Fancy, casual or somewhere in between?

Spring, Summer, Winter or Autumn?

Step 2. Gather and save inspiration

To get a better idea of ​​what you want (and definitely don’t want), spend some time reading bridal magazines, books, blogs, and actual wedding photos. But don’t limit yourself to just browsing the obvious sources. Something as unusual as a wallpaper pattern or a pretty perfume packaging design can spark an idea. Fabrics, paint chips, stationery, and jewelry are also great places to start. You can even get inspired by checking out our professionally designed (and free) wedding website themes, covering every type of vision, from rustic to glamorous and everything in between. Gather your ideas on an inspiration board – it’s one of the best ways to keep everything organized. It will also help you identify common themes and visualize how different elements will look together.

Step 3. Find out the formality

How chic or casual would you like to go? Would you like to see your guests dressed up at a stand-up dinner? Or will it be more casual with informal seating and stations? The setting of your wedding can also set the vision – a beach wedding calls for a more relaxed atmosphere, while a ballroom calls for a more classic and elegant wedding. And don’t forget your personal style and the type of vibe that speaks best to both of you as a couple. Do you enjoy hosting intimate dinner parties, dressing up and partying until dawn, or throwing a low-key picnic by the pool? Whatever you decide, you’ll want to carry your chosen formality through every aspect of your wedding, from the stationery to the parting gift.

Step 4. Narrow down your style

The more concrete you get with your vision, the easier it will be for you to pick your details and get your ideas across to your professionals—the narrower your subject, the better. Rather than stopping at “glam,” decide whether you like art deco glam or old Hollywood glam. Your theme can be anything from a favorite era, hobby or place to your heritage or culture. To shape the style, think of interesting hobbies that you and your partner have in common. Perhaps you both love golf or share an appreciation for art. Or maybe there’s a place that you both hold dear, like the mountaintop where you got engaged or the vacation spot where you fell in love.

A word of caution: don’t load up too many ideas. It’s great if you love Broadway musicals and your spouse-to-be is into drag racing, but trying to combine the two on your wedding day will likely result in a disconnected affair. Do your best to compromise on a concept and stick with it.

Step 5. Choose your colors

Color is a unifying factor between all of your wedding elements, from your wedding website to the bridesmaid dresses. Take a look at a color wheel to see what shades you’re drawn to. The easiest way to bring all of your wedding elements together is to stick with one main color and one accent color, or two equally prominent complementary colors (colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, like green and pink or yellow and purple) for bright contrast . But don’t feel limited to just two colors — adding neutral or metallic accents makes your palette robust. You can also choose an analogous scheme, combining three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, periwinkle, and violet, to emphasize the subtle nuances of a color family.

Step 6. Master the subject

A theme is that final flourish that can complete the overall look of your wedding—it can appear anywhere from the invitation to the cake. It’s usually a pattern, shape, or badge that conveys your style (think monograms, family crests, toile patterns, or leaf symbols). Whatever you choose, it should reinforce the mood you are trying to create. Be sparing with your subject – a maximum of three to four places. More than that feels forced or looks too appropriate.

Step 7. Don’t forget about the mood

As you plan, remember that the theme will obviously affect the look of your wedding, but it can also set the tone. An evening wedding in a gilded ballroom designed to evoke the roaring twenties will take the chic quotient up a notch, while a clambake on the beach will have guests kicking off their shoes and enjoying a pint straight from the bottle. Either is great as long as it feels right to you. You want your personalities and passions to shine through, which ultimately makes your wedding stand out and feel special.

Still thinking about where to create your dream wedding website? Here, you can find everything you need.

Not sure where to start with your wedding planning? Take our style quiz and we’ll put together a custom wedding vision and suppliers just for you. Then create a free, personalized wedding website to keep your guests informed (and excited!) of your plans and a time-saving guest list manager to keep your attendees organized. Even better? You can sync your guest list manager and wedding website to update everything at once.