The top eleven reasons couples should consider eloping.
When you hear the word elope, what do you think of? Do you thinking of running off unbeknownst to all your family & friends to a little white chapel in Vegas to get hitched? While that still may be the case for some.. The word elope or elopement has taken on a new form throughout the years and has really taken the ‘wedding’ or should I say MARRIAGE industry by storm. Elopements have become undoubtably more and more popular and in my honest opinion something every couple looking to get married, should be putting into serious consideration, for their big day. In modern day, an elopement can be a well planned out day, where two people wed in an intimate setting, either just themselves, with the officiant & photographer on the sidelines or this plus a family member or two. Elopements can be off in some pretty amazingly epic locations and allow the couple to be more intentional about this life changing, special moment, elliminating much planning, chaos and unneccessary stress. (which sounds pretty good when you’re entering such an important new chapter.. am I right?)
So.. Why elope?
Here are some of the TOP reasons why elopements are being considered the ‘BETTER’ option and why so many couples are choosing to go this route instead.
A MARRIAGE over Wedding mentality. - Elopements can really allow you go into your future with MARRIAGE as the top priority none of the added ins and out distractions of a big show to put on. Hone in on the importance of the day.
Your elopement day can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.
You control the guest list. No ‘Mom wanted this friend from college or you have to invite great aunt Sally twice removed because she’ll feel left out..’ etc. You are creating a small, intimate day for YOU. You control who and how many (IF ANY) you invite.
Less expensive then your traditional wedding. Literally you will save thousands!! Yes you pay for travel, dress, florals, photographer, officiant. But just think of all the fees you are alleviating yourselves of. No more feeding 200+ guests, venue, music, catering, decor.. all of that is nixed so you can really hone in and focus on what truly matters to you.
Less stress. No guest list, no expectations or opinions of others. Yes, you may have to deal with a few unsure family members who are bummed they can’t be there.. but at the end of the day… they will be supportive of any choice you make. And the photos you will bring back will be exploding with so much authentic emotions that they will have a ‘Come to’ moment and truly understand why you made this choice.
Easier to plan! Once you nail down your travel, accommodations, wardrobe, bouquet, photographer, & officiant (My husband and I are both ordained which makes it easy for our clients for a team, you can book all at once!) You’re typically all set!
No distractions!! This day truly is all about you two being one. Eloping gives you the option to fully focus on the connection between you and your love.
You can incorporate what aspects of a ‘traditional’ wedding day that you want and weed through the parts that do not have meaning to you as a couple.
The option of incredible once in a lifetime views and experiences to remember the true start of your life together. Take a helicopter to the peak of a mountain top, hike through the Redwoods forest to an intimate hidden gem and marry underneath the treetops, stand at the base of a waterfall & feel the mist hit the tears streaming down your cheeks as you say your ‘I do’s’.. okay I just got total goosebumps on that last one! Your options are endless.
Your photographer in sorts, kind of becomes your unofficial wedding planner. They will be the ones to suggest locations if you need, help you do the research on permits, and connect you to amazingly talented vendors that are local to the specific area! (we got all the hookups.. and if we don’t? We have the resources to obtain them!)
You’re already on your honeymoon! Two birds, one stone if you ask me.. Instead of paying for a wedding and THEN a trip for your honeymoon. You my friend have made the wise decision to wrap it all into one.
WANT TO ELOPE BUT YOU STILL WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN SOME UNIQUE WAY?
Here are some ideas that may help to ease any lingering guilt & allow you to pull the eloping trigger.
Rent out an Airbnb for your close friends and family - Rent out a sweet airbnb after your elopement, come back to your close knit friends and family for an intimate dinner setting under some twinkly lights to celebrate. STILL less planning, still intimate and including some of your ride or dies.
Host a bridal shower/ Bachelor/Bachelorette get togethers still! Keep everyone on the edge of their seats and excited for you! This will allow them to still be involved but also allow you to follow through with some tradition while still doing what you want to do!
WE ELOPED CARDS! Rather than sending out save the dates or thank you’s you can send out We eloped cards to include your loved ones in your day! They will be blown away by your photos and have something to display in their home to feel a part!
Have a countdown on your social media page so your friends and family know & let them know to look out for some epic stories and pictures! You want to be excited with them!
Host an Elopement gallery viewing party for friends and family where you can flip through your elopement gallery or video! You’ll all be in puddles of happy tears all over again!
