Top 5 Reasons to Elope
People have a lot of preconceived notions of what an elopement is and why people choose to get married that way. I wanted to take some time to talk about what an elopement is and dispel some myths, but also why it is such a good decision to make, no matter what society says about weddings and marriage. Have you ever wondered why someone would decide to get married alone without anyone else present? Then stay tuned and let’s dive into why couples are eloping.
What is an Elopement?
Let’s start with the definition of an elopement. The dictionary still defines it as an act of running off secretly to get married. But this is an outdated description of what an elopement actually is.
An elopement is a private intimate ceremony that may or may not include a small amount of guests (usually less than 20-30 people).
An elopement can be just the two of you, or include an officiant, photographer, or a small group of immediate family and friends. The most important aspect to an elopement is about the focus. An elopement focuses on the couple, not the production of a large wedding nor what everyone else wants them to do. Eloping is not running away from life, but a celebration of just the two of you and your unique love.
The Top Reasons to Elope
Authenticity
There has to be something completely intentional about choosing to get married in a small intimate way. The wedding industry can sometimes drown out the couple with expectations, societal pressures, and push them into decisions they really don’t want to make. All for the sake of having a large wedding with everyone involved.
Intimacy
Couples who elope value that deep connection between just the two of them. They look for ways to be completely alone in their love story. The experience is focused on just the two of them. With a larger wedding, the small quiet intimate moments can get lost in the shuffle of activities for the guests, details, or family entanglements. A major reason to elope is to keep the experience intimate and authentic to the couple’s intentions to each other, the commitment they are entering into.
Less Drama
Not everyone has an amazing relationship with their family. And something that has continually hurt my heart when photographing large weddings, is the stress and drama that family or even friends bring to the day. An elopement leaves behind the opinions of other people and leaves the drama at the door. Weddings can bring out the best in some people, but also the worst even if they have the best intentions.
Experience over Things
Another great reason to elope is that couples love experiences over things like centerpieces, decor, or drinks for a gathering of 100+ people. There’s nothing wrong with those things but some couples value and prioritize spending money on an experience for just the two of them. They make the decision to invest in an awesome adventure, a way to document, and the experience of a lifetime. It isn’t about the amount of money spent on weddings, it’s about where it is invested.
Stress & Anxiety Free
Some couples choose to elope because it’s just dang less stressful. Anxiety can be super high with a large wedding and large expectations. I cannot tell you how many couples have remarked to me that they wished they had eloped. All because of the stress leading up to the day and planning all the details. Eloping affords a couple the chance to dream up a perfect day and that really takes away the stress of the planning when you’re executing a vision unique to your personal values.
Whatever your reasons for eloping, you deserve a wedding day that is just for you two and your personal values.
Dream up the best day that the two of you could experience and plan a wedding that aligns with your values, intentions and personalities.