Is an Elopement Style Wedding for You?
SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond
If you've tried planning a traditional wedding but find yourself uninspired and overwhelmed you may be asking yourself, should I just elope? That is, should you run off and get married without all of the pomp and circumstance? It's a big decision, so take this quiz to help you decide if eloping is right for you.
What is Eloping
Eloping is an exciting and adventurous way to say your vows. At its core, eloping is a romantic gesture that allows two people to make a lifelong commitment in a meaningful, personal way.
Whether you choose to elope by yourselves or with just a few close friends and family members, it's a special opportunity to celebrate your love on your own terms.
What's more, eloping can be an incredibly budget-friendly option, giving you the freedom to focus on all of the other aspects of planning your special day. So if you're looking for something different and memorable for your wedding day, why not consider eloping?
Whether it's rushing off to get hitched with only a couple weeks to plan or jetting off on an exotic destination wedding adventure, eloping is sure to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
The Cost of Eloping
I actually have a great post that covers this in more detail and even includes a calculator. When it comes to getting married, there are many different ways that couples can choose to celebrate their big day. Some opt for an elaborate, traditional ceremony at a large wedding venue with all of their friends and family in attendance. Others may choose to elope, seeking a more intimate and adventurous experience for just the two of them. While many people assume that eloping is cheaper than having a big wedding, the cost of eloping can actually be surprisingly high.
In order to ensure that your elopement goes off without a hitch, you will need to factor in the cost of all of the various components that come into play. This might include travel and accommodations for yourself and your partner, professional photography or videography services, hair and makeup appointments, and any other miscellaneous items that you might want to include in your special day. Additionally, if you are planning on having any guests there with you, you will need to factor in food for at least one meal and anything else you might want to cover for them as well. Ultimately, while eloping can be a wonderful option for certain couples looking for an especially romantic experience, it just depends on what you want to include and like weddings can have a wide range of costs associated.
How to Elope
Eloping is a popular way to get married without all the fuss of a traditional wedding. But how do you go about eloping? Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect elopement:
1. Choose your destination carefully
You'll want a place that has special meaning to you both, or is simply stunning and romantic.
2. Keep it simple
Eloping is all about stripping away the unnecessary details and focusing on what's truly important: your love for each other.
3. Be prepared
While spontaneous elopements can be incredibly romantic, it's still important to do your research and make sure all the necessary arrangements are in place (e.g., obtaining a marriage license).
4. Tell your closest friends and family members about your plans…or don’t!
People assume when they elope that they can’t have friends or family in attendence. That’s just not true anymore, but it can be if you want it to be. There is no “right way” to elope, so just do it your way and call it a day.
5. Most importantly, relax and enjoy every moment of your elopement
This is one of the most exciting days of your life, so savor every second.
Pros of Eloping
Eloping has become a popular option for couples who want to get married while creating an experience that they will remember forever. There are many Pros of Eloping, including the fact that it is often cheaper than a traditional wedding, and it can be a more intimate and personal experience. Many couples elope because they want to avoid the stress of planning a big wedding, and they also want to have the freedom to choose their own ceremony and vows. Eloping can also be a great way to add an element of adventure to your wedding day, and it can be a lot of fun! If you are considering eloping, here are some pros of eloping that you may want to keep in mind.
-Can be cheaper than a traditional wedding
-More intimate and personal experience
-Can be a great way to add an element of adventure to your wedding day
-Can be more fun than a traditional wedding
- You don’t have to say your vows in front of a large audience…or anyone at all except your partner
- If some family doesn’t approve of your union, you can just not invite them because who cares about their opinion anyway
Cons of Eloping
People often think of eloping as a romantic and adventurous way to get married. While that is true, there are also several potential downsides that should be taken into consideration. For one thing, eloping typically involves skipping over some of the formalities involved in the traditional wedding process. If that’s important to you, it’s something to keep in mind. Of course, you can just include the traditions you care about and forget about the ones you don’t.
Another drawback of eloping is that it often means forfeiting some of the associated rituals, such as bridal showers or bachelorette parties. This can mean missing out on important moments with friends and loved ones who may not be able to attend the ceremony itself.
Overall, while there are clearly some advantages to eloping, couples should carefully consider these potential drawbacks before deciding whether this type of spontaneous wedding is right for them.
Who can Elope
Who can elope? Who can't elope? If you've got the desire to escape to an undisclosed location with your one true love in order to get hitched without all the rigamarole, then you, my friend, can elope! There's no correct answer as to who can or cannot elope. You don't have to be young and in love - though that definitely helps - you could be renewing your vows after 50 years of blissful marriage. You also don't have to be running off together in order to escape judgment from disapproving parents or society - though again, that would add an extra layer of excitement to your adventure. The bottom line is that if you want to elope, then do it!
Eloping is often seen as a spontaneous act, carried out by two people who are madly in love and can't wait to tie the knot. While this may be the case for some couples, eloping is actually an option for any couple who wants to forego a traditional wedding. There are no set rules about who can elope, and couples of all ages, backgrounds, and relationship status can choose to elope. Whether you're planning a secret ceremony or simply want to avoid the hassle of planning a big wedding, eloping might be the right choice for you. So don't let anyone tell you that you can't elope - if it's what you truly want, go for it!
Reasons to Elope
Eloping is a simple and intimate way to marry, without all the fuss and stress that often comes with planning a traditional wedding. Here are four reasons why eloping might be the right choice for you:
1. You want to keep things simple. Eloping eliminates the need to plan a big event or invite a large number of guests. All you need is your officiant and (if the state requires) witnesses, which makes it a very intimate affair.
2. You want to save money. Traditional weddings can be extremely expensive, but eloping can be done on a shoestring budget. You can even get married for free at some locations, like city halls or parks.
3. You want to avoid family drama. If you have difficult family members who you don’t want to invite to your wedding, eloping allows you to avoid that drama altogether.
4. You want an adventure. If you’re looking for an exciting way to start your marriage, elope! This is your chance to do something unique and adventurous, like getting married at the top of a mountain or in another country entirely. Whether you’re eloping for practical reasons or simply because it sounds like fun, there are plenty of reasons to consider this option. But before you make any decisions, be sure to do your research and choose the right location for you.
Where Should You Elope?
I may be a little biased, but since I photograph primarily New England elopements, I think the best place on earth to get married is in New England. When you think of an adventurous place to elope, New England might not be the first thing that comes to mind. With its lush forests and rugged mountains, New England is a picture-perfect spot for any romantic getaway. Whether you want to walk hand-in-hand along icy winter shores or celebrate your nuptials with a dazzle of fireflies in summertime, New England has everything you need for the perfect memorable elopement. I have a ton of articles about the specific places I recommend in New England.
Here are some helpful links to the Best Places to Elope in New England:
Top Elopement Locations in Each Season
Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island
Top Elopement Locations in Massachusetts
Best Elopement Spots in Upstate New York
Best Spots to Elope in Vermont
Best Elopement Locations in New Hampshire
Top Elopement Locations in Connecticut
Mountains
Why not consider eloping in the mountains? The soaring alpine peaks and pristine lakes of the any of the mountainous states are the ideal setting for those seeking peace and quiet in their special day. Whether you choose to hike through beautiful meadows and hidden waterfalls or simply watch from a cozy mountain cabin as the sun sets over endless ridges and valleys, this magical landscape is sure to spark feelings of wanderlust that stay with you forever.
Ocean
For beach bums looking for inspiration, nothing could beat an oceanfront elopement. With its peaceful waves, sparkling shores, and colorful tropical sunsets, the ocean is the ultimate backdrop for anyone looking to tie the knot with a whimsical touch of romance. Whether you're dreaming of exchanging vows on a secluded stretch of sand or in front of a historic lighthouse, an oceanfront elopement is sure to make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
Desert
If you're looking for an adventure instead of a traditional wedding, you may want to consider eloping in the desert. Deserts are one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth, and they offer a wide range of elopement locations to choose from. In addition to being visually stunning, deserts offer a sense of isolation and peace that can be difficult to find in other environments. Whether you're looking for an intimate ceremony for two or a grand celebration with all your friends and family, there's sure to be a desert location that's perfect for you. So if you're searching for an unforgettable way to tie the knot, look no further than the vast and varied landscape of the desert. Need another quiz to help you determine which landscape you should elope in? Check this out!
Eloping Checklist
Planning to elope can be an incredibly exciting adventure, full of adventure and spontaneity. But before you head out on your elopement adventure, it's important to make sure that you have everything you need to make the day go smoothly. This eloping checklist will help you prepare for everything from securing a marriage license to choosing the perfect elopement location. Check out my more comprehensive checklist HERE.
1. Choose your location
2. Pick your officiant
3. Determine who will witness the ceremony
4. Plan your attire
5. Create a playlist of songs for the occasion
6. Send out invitations (or not!)
So, is eloping for you? If you want an adventure and a chance to really focus on your new spouse, eloping could be the perfect choice for you. Just make sure that you take into account all of the pros and cons so that you can make the best decision for your unique situation. And if you decide that eloping isn’t right for you, no problem! There are plenty of other amazing wedding options out there waiting to be explored.
