What is an elopement | A free planning guide

An elopement is an intimate, small, non-traditional way of tying the knot. You can head to the mountains or travel the world to find the perfect spot for you and your person. The location, new friends you make along the way, and the stories to be told of your day are what will capsulate the start to a new chapter. In general, elopements are a more affordable alternative for full weddings because the cost is centered on your location, photographer, and a few other miscellaneous fees. Traditional weddings can quickly become expensive, especially when you add up the costs of invitations, decor, venue, and catering. For many couples, these larger events also mean dedicating significant time to planning and logistics.

By contrast, elopement packages streamline the process, focusing on the essentials and cutting out unnecessary expenses. This makes them a perfect choice for couples who want to stick to a budget or prefer to allocate their funds towards an unforgettable honeymoon. An elopement offers a chance to celebrate love without the financial stress often associated with traditional weddings, allowing couples to focus on what truly matters.

While a traditional wedding is focused more on the guest list, the food served at the reception, and the location itself an elopement is focused more on the intimacy between the two, which we personally are in favor of. An elopement day is a full day, weekend, or full week just about you, not the party you are throwing for your people.

The Evolving Meaning of Elopement Weddings

Elopement weddings have undergone a significant transformation over the years. Traditionally, the term “elopement” conjured images of couples secretly fleeing to marry without informing their friends and family. This was often done to defy social norms or overcome familial objections.

However, modern elopements have shed those clandestine connotations. Today, they symbolize a deliberate choice for intimacy and simplicity. Couples now view elopement as an opportunity to focus on their commitment, reducing the guest list to just themselves or a select few loved ones. The emphasis is on creating an authentic, personal celebration rather than a grandiose event.

Reasons Behind the Change

• Cultural Shifts: With changing societal norms, more people are embracing non-traditional ways to wed. The emphasis has shifted from adhering to rigid customs to creating meaningful experiences.
• Financial Considerations: Many couples are opting for elopements to avoid the financial burden associated with large weddings, choosing instead to spend their resources on future endeavors.
• Desire for Intimacy: The appeal of a more personal and less stressful celebration has grown. Couples are increasingly drawn to the idea of a wedding that prioritizes emotion over extravagance.

By redefining elopement, couples today are crafting weddings that focus on what truly matters to them, making each ceremony unique and personal.

Why eloping?

The reasons to elope are endless. Let’s break down just a few of our favorite reasons couples choose to elope.

1. Location
   This day in time, you’ve probably seen people with wedding photos in the mountains, on the beach, and out of the country. More and more couples are choosing elopements and intimate weddings to be able to travel for it. You can head to a National Park, the Dolomites in Italy, or your local park or downtown. The world is your ceremony space.
   
2. Intimacy
   Elopements can be as big or small as you want. In Colorado, you can actually marry yourself so it could actually just be the 2 of you, plus your documentation team (photo + video). You can decide to take 15 of your family members and friends so a lake house in Minnesota or open land in Montana. The focus is on you two, whether that’s with you two or your crew.
   
3. Less stress
   Wedding planning is stressful! Since eloping can be as simple or elaborate as you want it, the stress can drift away. You can spend more time and energy focusing on what’s important, your love!
   
4. No time crunch
   There truly is all the flexibility in the world. You can plan for whatever length of time, you can change the date, change the time, change the location. There doesn’t have to be any schedule the day of, if you want to sleep in you can! If you want to get a sunrise hike in, you can!
   
5. Unique
   Honest truth, all weddings look the same. Elopements though…people do the most amazing, unique, fun things with elopements! Bring your dog, get fast food, whatever speaks to you guys as a couple.
   
6. Adventurous
   Most elopement professionals are down for whatever you want. You can have your ceremony at the top of a mountain, in the ocean, or at the base of a waterfall. If you are adventurous couple, make this day adventurous.
   
7. Dream wedding, vacation, and honeymoon all in one
   If you want, you can make your elopement into a destination dream vacation. For example, you want to get married in the Dolomites. Spend a week with your people in the best of Italian cities, getting married in the Dolomites over the weekend, then honeymoon on the Amalfi coast.
   
8. It’s truly all about you, not your guests
   Another truth about weddings, a lot of it ends up being catered to your guests. You plan your timeline, food, decor, playlist, etc around what people will be into. Elopements and intimate weddings are 100% about the two of you.

I could go on, but I’ll stop here for now. Does this sound like you? If so, you are in the right place!

How to elope

At this point, eloping is looking right for you, so where do we go from here? Let’s start dreaming a bit.

What location are you thinking? Are you beach, international, mountains, or national park? A world of possibilities for your day.

What time of year is best for you? This might vary based on your location, but you can also think about time of year preference.

Will it just be you two? An officiant? A photographer? Videographer? Parents? Siblings? Friends? Planner? Contrary to what you might think, elopements can be as big or little as you want. The average elopement guest count is 2-20 people. Often, these ceremonies feature the couple themselves, along with an officiant and a photographer, who might even serve as a witness.

In some cases, couples choose to include their closest family members or friends, keeping the occasion intimate and personal. This doesn’t mean you can’t invite everyone and their mothers, but the guest list tends to be more relaxed than a traditional wedding. There’s no need for a seating chart or extensive planning.

Ultimately, elopements offer versatility and can be tailored to suit your preferences, whether you envision a quiet moment shared between just the two of you or a small gathering of loved ones.

Grab your vendors? Who do you want capturing your day? Do you want florals? Will there be food and drink catered or will you hit up a local restaurant at the end?

Vendors are a vital part of the elopement experience, bringing expertise and creativity to make your day unforgettable. While the ceremony itself might be brief, those moments are incredibly significant. That’s where a skilled photographer comes into play, capturing the raw emotion and beauty of your vows. Even with an elopement, you can enjoy cherished traditions like the “First Look.” Many photographers are flexible, working with your schedule to immortalize that magical instant when you first see each other.

Thinking about florals? A talented florist can craft a bouquet that perfectly complements your style and setting. Considering catering? Whether you opt for a gourmet picnic or a cozy restaurant celebration, coordinating with food vendors ensures a seamless and satisfying experience.

Embrace the expertise of vendors to transform your elopement into a day filled with personal touches and lasting memories.”

Consider the role of a photographer in your elopement ceremony. While the ceremony itself might be brief, those few minutes can be some of the most important of your life. Capturing these moments ensures you preserve the essence of your special day.

• Why Choose a Photographer?
  • A photographer is key to capturing not just the ceremony, but the emotions and fleeting moments that make it unique.
  • Even with an elopement, you can include a memorable “First Look.” Many photographers are flexible with schedules to document the exact moment you first see each other.

By thoughtfully selecting your vendors and planning these details, your elopement can be as memorable and personal as any larger event.

Once you get this far, you are golden! Most elopement focused vendors (especially photographers and planners) will walk you step by step, making it truly easy peasy, lemon squeasy.

Elopement weddings are incredibly flexible, providing a personalized experience tailored to your preferences.

Do Elopement Weddings Require a Proper Venue?

Elopement weddings offer a unique flexibility that traditional ceremonies often can’t provide. Unlike conventional weddings that typically need a formal venue, elopements allow couples to tie the knot almost anywhere.

Unlimited Venue Choices

One of the remarkable advantages of elopement weddings is the vast array of location options. Imagine exchanging vows on a picturesque beach in Hawaii or amidst the breathtaking views of a mountain range. Unlike large-scale weddings, elopements can take place in diverse settings:

• Nature: Forests, gardens, or even lakesides offer natural beauty as a backdrop.
• Public Spaces: Parks, historical landmarks, or cityscapes can provide an urban twist.
• Personal Spaces: The comfort of a family garden or the intimacy of a friend’s backyard can add a personal touch.

Minimal Setup, Maximum Freedom

Elopements typically require minimal setup, if any, freeing you from the logistical constraints of traditional venues. This means you can focus on the moment rather than the venue’s rules or restrictions.

Cost-Effective and Stress-Free

Additionally, there’s no need to worry about hefty venue fees or deposits. This makes an elopement not only a more budget-friendly option but also a stress-reducing choice, as it eliminates the need for extensive planning and coordination.

In essence, elopement weddings break free from the conventional mold, offering a simple yet profoundly meaningful way to celebrate love on your own terms.

Attire

You have the freedom to dress as casually or formally as you desire. Whether it’s a simple sundress and sandals or a full tuxedo and gown ensemble, the choice is entirely yours.

Ceremony Type

Choose between a religious or secular ceremony based on your beliefs and values. This adaptability allows you to craft a ceremony that is meaningful and reflective of your relationship, without the pressure of accommodating others’ expectations.

Reception Options

There’s also the option of having a reception—or not. You might decide on an intimate dinner with just a few friends at a restaurant like The Chart House, or opt to forgo the reception altogether, focusing solely on the ceremony itself.

Planning Timeline

The timeline is up to you as well; elopements can be spontaneous, allowing you to seize the moment without extensive planning. Alternatively, you can map everything out a year in advance if you prefer more structure.

With all these choices, elopement weddings cater to your unique vision, providing unparalleled control over every aspect of your special day.

Do Elopement Weddings Require a Proper Venue?

Elopement weddings offer a unique flexibility that traditional ceremonies often can’t provide. Unlike conventional weddings that typically need a formal venue, elopements allow couples to tie the knot almost anywhere.

Unlimited Venue Choices

One of the remarkable advantages of elopement weddings is the vast array of location options. Imagine exchanging vows on a picturesque beach in Hawaii or amidst the breathtaking views of a mountain range. Unlike large-scale weddings, elopements can take place in diverse settings:

• Nature: Forests, gardens, or even lakesides offer natural beauty as a backdrop.
• Public Spaces: Parks, historical landmarks, or cityscapes can provide an urban twist.
• Personal Spaces: The comfort of a family garden or the intimacy of a friend’s backyard can add a personal touch.

Minimal Setup, Maximum Freedom

Elopements typically require minimal setup, if any, freeing you from the logistical constraints of traditional venues. This means you can focus on the moment rather than the venue’s rules or restrictions.

Cost-Effective and Stress-Free

Additionally, there’s no need to worry about hefty venue fees or deposits. This makes an elopement not only a more budget-friendly option but also a stress-reducing choice, as it eliminates the need for extensive planning and coordination.

In essence, elopement weddings break free from the conventional mold, offering a simple yet profoundly meaningful way to celebrate love on your own terms.

Get your free elopement guide ??

Since you are still here with us, we have a sweet treat for you! We have created our own resources for couples planning their dream elopement that covers location guides to budget tracking. It’ll all simple, easy to use, and FREE (maybe the best part). You can grab it here!

Guide Instructions

• Go to the link above
• Duplicate the template top right corner
• Create a free account with notion.
• Boom, template is yours to use.

You’ve got the info, the resources, and now you are ready for the fun. We would LOVE to be your elopement guides and walk along you to the alter (and beyond). To book us for your elopement, click HERE. Want to see an elopement we have shot? We got you here!