Wedding vs. Elopement - Which one is right for you?
When you picture your wedding day, do you picture an epic landscape adventurous vow exchange or an energetic dance floor filled with your friends and family? That’s the heart of the elopement vs. wedding decision. Neither option is right or wrong for everyone, but there might be one that’ right for you.
What is an elopement?
The word “elopement” gets tossed around a lot in the photography industry but what does it really mean? Historically, to elope meant secretly marrying without family or societal approval. This was rebellion against tradition. Couples often eloped to avoid arranged marriages, parental objections, or societal pressures.
Exelee and Isaiah Elopement - 8-8-2024
Today, elopements carry some of that same spirit of freedom and rebellion but with a modern twist. Instead of being about secrecy, they’re about intentional choice. Modern elopement weddings give couples the chance to get married in a way that feels authentic and without the pressures and obligations of a big wedding. For some that could mean an epic mountaintop or sun-drenched desert, for others it might be a simple ceremony in a field with a cute picnic after.
The difference Between a Wedding and an Elopement
Both are completely valid legal marriage ceremonies, but they differ in size and focus.
Elopements are small and intimate (sometimes even just the couple and officiant). The focus is on the couple’s experience, adventure, and story.
Weddings are larger gatherings held in formal venues. Celebrating the couple’s love story is combined with celebrating the friends and family of the couple.
Put simply: elopements center the day around you two, while weddings balance that intimacy with community and tradition.
Quiz: Is an Elopement Right for You?
If you answer “yes” to five or more of these questions, an elopement might be your perfect fit! Grab your partner and see how they feel about these questions too!
1) Are you super adventurous and outdoors-y?
2) Do you feel that you are deeply connected to nature (especially a specific location)?
3) Are you overwhelmed by the idea of doing a “whole big thing”?
4) Do you want your wedding day to feel stress-free and focused only on the two of you?
5) Are you excited about a completely untraditional day that truly reflects your personalities?
6) Would you prefer spending money on travel, photography, and experiences rather than catering, venues, and décor?
7) Do you value intimacy and privacy over being the center of attention?
8) Would exchanging vows in the desert, on the beach, on a mountaintop etc…seem more meaningful to you than in a ballroom or chapel?
9) Is photography and capturing your story more important to you than a large party?
10) Do you like the idea of keeping your circle small (just you, your partner, and a couple loved ones)?
If most of your answers were no, you might find that weddings are a better fit! Especially if you love tradition, community and to party!
The Final Word
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples thrive with the intimacy and adventure of an elopement, and some couples thrive with the excitement, energy, and tradition of a wedding. What matters most is that your day reflects you – your story, your values, your connection, and your love for one another.
Whether you choose a wedding or an elopement, your story deserves to be told beautifully.
I’m eternally grateful for clients who laugh in the rain.
