Have you ever heard a couple say they've organized an elopement? Has this concept surprised you? Unlike in the past, when "elopements" were considered taboo, more and more couples are looking into elopement. If you still think traditional weddings are the only way to say yes to each other, you may be mistaken.
Definition of an elopement
Planning an elopement means you forgot the idea of a formal wedding and instead choose to escape in a small group for your ceremony. It doesn't necessarily mean that you secretly elope with your partner without telling anyone.
That's the idea some people still have when they hear about elopement. It's an interesting way to celebrate your union, especially if you don't want to have a traditional wedding. If you don't think a traditional wedding is for you, you can plan an elopement with your partner.
You can both plan to visit one of your ideal destinations during this time, as you mark your special day. It's a fun option that doesn't involve a lot of guests, unlike a wedding that requires you to invite lots of people.
The modern definition of elopement
Since there are many misconceptions about elopement, you first need to understand what it really means. Years ago, people thought that elopement was shameful and that couples who choose to have a secret marriage are not happy. Some thought that families had disapproved of their relationship, and that was why the couple had decided to elope. Some even believe that elopements are not real marriages because they have been fed false ideas. It’s important to understand that this definition of elopement was only valid in the past. Times have changed, and so have practices. The old-fashioned definition of elopement is now outdated.
In modern times, elopement is considered a non-traditional, intimate and intentional way of getting married. Today, elopements come in many guises. While some will be just a small wedding with two people, the necessary witnesses and the officiant, others will include much more. Some couples will ask family members to join them, while others will choose to have a very private union. Unlike traditional weddings where the main focus was on the guest experience, and everything was done to ensure that guests had a good time, the elopement focuses on celebrating the couple's union.
Elopements are intentional
One of the main reasons couples choose to elope is that it allows them to be intentional about how they experience their wedding day. Traditional weddings often seem to turn into something couples do so that everyone can enjoy it. If a big party doesn't sound quite right, a getaway lets you decide what's best for you! It could be a ceremony in your garden, with your family, or you could fly off, just the two of you, to a country you've never been to. There are no rules, which means a elopement can be anything you want it to be!
Elopements make sense
There's a misconception that couples who arrange a elopement simply aren't willing to invest time, money or effort into their wedding day. That they just want a quick ceremony.
But that's not true! On the contrary, I think the fact that you organise a elopement and choose exactly what will make it the best day of your life makes it more meaningful than many traditional weddings.
Elopements are an experience
In addition to being meaningful and intentional, a elopement is truly an experience. It's not just a ceremony - it's everything, from getting ready to hike, kayak, stargaze, picnic or whatever other adventure you decide to do on the day. It's about living the whole day together and being truly present when you commit to each other.
Elopements are not "cheap".
You might think that an elopement is a cheap way to get married for couples who don't want to invest in their wedding day. But that's far from the case! Although elopements are often less expensive than traditional weddings, the cost can vary enormously.
The difference is that with an elopement you can spend money on experiences, not things. You decide what's important to you. This means you can spend more on airline tickets and less on centerpieces you'll only use once!
Less stressful elopements
Since weddings are family events, you'll find that some family members, especially distant relatives, may not be on good terms with each other. Others may bring conflict because they don't approve of the person you've chosen to spend your life with. This leaves you with a lot of conflict to deal with. Sometimes you may even have regrets or unresolved conflicts with your in-laws. Elopments are great because you don't have to invite your whole family. In short, you get the freedom to choose what you want, not what your families want. Today, couples are rejecting the notion of what their families expect of them and choosing to do what makes them happy.
Gives couples a private moment
Another common reason why couples consider elopement is that they want to experience an intimate celebration with the people they love. No need to stress about the caterer's arrival time or why some guests strangely don't have a chair. Some couples who choose elopement do so because they want to avoid the anxiety, pressure and obligations that come with organizing a large wedding. With an elopement, you can choose everything. If, for example, you decide to visit the beauty of another country, you'll have the freedom to organize and plan the perfect vacation. Elopement allows couples to create a magical, intimate experience they'll remember for the rest of their lives. You both have the chance to focus on each other and celebrate your love in a relaxed way.
Less planning
Planning a big wedding can be fun for some people. However, most find it stressful because there's a lot of external pressure and expectations. You need to do a lot of calculations and arrangements if you want the wedding to be a "success". First of all, you need to make a list of the people you want to invite. Then you have to decide which of your friends will be your witnesses. You may even forget to invite certain people. Questions like these cause a lot of conflict. You also need to choose a mode of transport for your guests. Wedding insurance issues also need to be addressed, in the event of an incident occurring during the wedding. In short, you and your partner will have to spend many sleepless nights trying to manage all aspects of your wedding.
Elopements are not selfish
Many couples are afraid of being selfish. And many families tell them so! But what's selfish about wanting to enjoy your wedding day? What's selfish about getting married in a way that suits you?
No one can make decisions about your wedding day - because it's your wedding day! Making the decision to arrange a elopement can be stressful for many couples, but if it works for you, you're making the right choice.
Elopements are not solitary
Although you can organize a elopement without guests, you don't have to! Organizing a elopement doesn't mean you can't invite anyone, it just means your guest list can be shorter and you decide who you want to be with on the happiest day of your life. If your favorite people support you and your decision, a getaway with 20 guests can be just as special.
But for many couples, a elopement is just the two of you. And marrying just the two of you isn't lonely! It simply means that you can experience the day as you really want to, without any outside opinions.
Elopements don't need a location
This is one of my favorite things about elopements! When you're not confined to locations, you can choose where you get married! Your backdrop can be mountain peaks, forest groves or sandy beaches - whatever kind of landscape you want for your ceremony, you can find it.
Elopement photographer
Another misconception about elopements is that you don't need a photographer - but as you've probably gathered from the rest of this article, that's not true! Your day means something - it's your wedding day! And having a photographer there is one of the most important things you can do, because you'd be surprised how quickly the memories fade. Having photos of the whole day guarantees you'll be able to look back on the whole story of your experience and remember every wonderful moment.
If you're ready to start planning, contact me! As an elopement photographer, I help couples from beginning to end of the process - from finding the perfect place to get married to planning the adventures you'll have, I'm here to help.
Elopement is the new lavish wedding for millennials because of the freedom and intimacy it offers the couple. Since this is the most important day of your life, you need to put your happiness and needs first.