Is Eloping Right for You?

If you’re recently engaged, you’re probably in the beginning phase of planning your dream wedding. It’s one of the most exciting (and often stressful) times. Of course, no detail can be spared to ensure your day is absolutely perfect. However, a big, traditional wedding isn’t always the front-runner on the idea list for every couple. More and more couples are choosing to have smaller, intimate elopements, rather than go all out on a fancy party for 300 people.

On the contrary, not every couple wants to elope. So how do you decide if eloping is right for you? Well, there are a variety of reasons why you might choose to elope. Whether you’d rather spend more money on your honeymoon than a big wedding or you just don’t like being the center of attention, here are a few ways to determine whether or not eloping is right for you and your partner.

Defining an Elopement

Traditional weddings are often filled with rules you feel like you must follow, a precise, endlessly detailed schedule, and an over-the-top budget to ensure your 200 (or more) guests are happy. Elopements are quite the opposite. An elopement is a non-traditional way to get married, not restrained by the rules and traditions you must follow, but rather filled with unique elements and shameless authenticity. It’s more than just a quick trip to Vegas and an Elvis impersonater as your officiant (although, no judgment if that’s your style).

Elopements are becoming more and more popular as couples begin to realize they want more than just a typical wedding. Couples want to feel fulfilled by the end of their wedding day, not drained. And if this sounds like you, you might already be on track for choosing to elope. But if you need a little more clarity, here are my top reasons eloping is right for you.

Reasons Why Eloping Is Right for You

You’re Not the Traditional Type

If you’re just not into all of the traditional wedding stuff, then eloping can be the perfect option for you and your partner. I’m sure we’ve all been to several weddings in our lives that have the same schedule, same style of venue, same type of catering (among other similar things) with the only stark difference being the couple themselves. Of course, if this is what you want, there is nothing wrong with that, but if you’re someone who wants to break out of the status quo and not so into all of those wedding traditions, eloping is the way to go.

You Don’t Want Your Day to Feel Like a Blur

One of the downfalls of traditional weddings is how fast they seem to come and go. You spend months planning for the perfect day, only to feel like it happened in the blink of an eye. You spend nearly all of your reception trying to make sure you say hello and thank you to every guest, not to mention you’re stressed throughout the whole day ensuring everything goes smoothly. What fun is that?

This is one of the many reasons why couples choose to elope. Eloping allows you to fully immerse yourself in every moment and experience the day brings. Your day gets to look exactly as you want it to—you get to control the timeline. With little to no guests, the day is solely about you and your partner, as it should be. 

You Don’t Like Being The Center of Attention

Don’t like being the center of attention? Well, an elopement might be in your future. There are so many couples who dislike the idea of having all eyes on them for a whole day. I don’t blame them! If you’re not one to take over the spotlight, eloping is the perfect way to marry the love of your life in a private, intimate way. No one is there to hear your vows, share your most intimate moments, and stare you down while you have your first dance. Elopements are a way to have all of the most special parts of your relationship shine without feeling like you’re on display.

You Want a More Meaningful and Authentic Experience

Don’t get me wrong, there are ways to have a traditional wedding that are in line with your own values. However, traditional weddings are not often synonymous with authenticity. If you want to have a more intimate, authentic, and meaningful wedding, eloping is the best option. You get to incorporate only the most meaningful details to you and your partner, leaving out all the other stuff. Eloping means you get to choose every last detail to your own taste and preferences—something that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Elopements mean you don’t have to compromise on the things you want for your wedding. Instead, you get to choose to create a day centered around your love for one another.

You’re an Adventurous Couple

I saved the best for last. If you’re an adventurous couple, then eloping is the perfect way to celebrate your marriage to one another. Imagine getting to hike to the most breathtaking spot at sunset, exchanging vows while the sun paints the sky bright oranges, pinks, and reds with the most glorious mountains in the background. I mean, I’m tearing up just thinking about it. Not to mention, on the hike back, you get to do a little stargazing.

If you’re a couple who loves adventure, then eloping is the perfect way to incorporate some of those adventurous activities into your wedding. The sky’s the limit here. I’m talking horseback riding on the beach, hot air balloon post-ceremony ride, or snowmobiling through Colorado. There’s nothing better than getting to marry the person you love while doing the activities that bring you together.

Of course, choosing to elope or have a traditional wedding is extremely personal. No one can make that decision but the two of you. However, if you do choose to elope, I am more than happy to help you plan out the perfect elopement experience. If this sounds like you, contact me today and let’s get started!