What is an Elopement?

What comes to mind when you hear the word “elopement”? Do you picture a rushed courthouse ceremony? A last minute escape to Vegas? Or do you picture an intimate ceremony focused on you and your partner, that incorporates multiple elements of your relationship and love for each other? Although the rise of elopements have more than doubled this past year, there are still a lot of assumptions and misguidance as to what an elopement actually is. 

While elopements are alternatives to big traditional weddings, they are not any less important or unromantic. Stripping down production and tradition from weddings leaves you with what truly matters on your wedding day – – the unique relationship between you and your partner. Your wedding experience should capture your unique  relationship, not a cookie cutter set of traditions. 

Your relationship didn’t follow tradition, so why should your wedding day? 

Chances are, your relationship didn’t follow a “traditional timeline”. More and more couples are meeting online, something that our parents would never have dreamed of. There is nothing about dating in the 21st century that follows a “traditional mold” — so why should your wedding day?  

Elopements have been around for decades. This isn’t a new or novel wedding experience —   there are, unfortunately, some common misguidances that society has about elopements. 

Elopement Myth #1 – Cheaper Alternative 

Some people believe that elopements are for cheap couples. This is simply not the case. While it can be a cheaper alternative (I mean, who wants to pay $100 a plate for each guest you feel obligated to invite) 

Couples aren’t eloping simply to trim the budget, they are eloping because they want their wedding experience to be fully and uniquely them. Trimming down some of the traditions of larger weddings leaves the focus on what truly matters to the couple. 

You can still elope with your closest friends and family present. While couples may choose to elope so they don’t have to stress about family obligations or trying to please everyone on their guest list, there are also a lot of ways couples choose to incorporate their family and loved ones into their elopement day. From going on a get-away destination trip together, or just meeting up for an intimate dinner reception after. Eloping doesn’t just have to be you and your partner. 

Elopement Myth #3: Elopements are selfish. 

This is a very discouraging narrative that is still being spread about elopements. Usually this narrative is spread by people you wouldn’t want at your wedding anyway. 🤷‍♀️

How you get married matters. Your wedding day matters and if you want to celebrate that with just you and your partner, go for it. Ultimately, your marriage is about the two of you, so celebrate that union however you see fit.

Elopement Myth #4: You have to get married in a Courthouse

Your elopement can look however you want it too

Sample Elopement Timeline

Maybe you have always imagined having a romantic elopement in the White Mountains of New Hampshire…

Imagine waking up at the crack of dawn. Enjoying a quiet morning sipping coffee and getting ready in separate rooms of your gorgeous A-Frame airbnb. After an emotional first look, we head towards the White Mountains in an antique car you rented as transportation for the day. Once at the location, we take a quick hike up to Artist Bluff where you say your vows surrounded by nature. After that we head to the lake for a romantic picnic set up for the two of you. You celebrate and pop some bubbly. Next we drive back into town where you meet some close friends and family at a local winery or brewery where you celebrate your union. 

More and more couples are seeking this type of intimate wedding experience that truly celebrates their love and individuality. Your elopement day can be whatever you want it to be. The focus of the day is about the two of you and your relationship, whatever that looks like. If you want more ideas of what your wildly unique wedding experience can look like, contact me today to set up a consultation call!!