Alright, my friends. I know what many of you are thinking…Isn’t eloping just running away to marry someone without your parent’s approval? Well…long story short, sure! BUT that’s not all it is or can be. Bear with me as I bring up the actual definition of “Elope,” or honestly, you can skip past it and take a look at my definition instead. OR do whatever the heck you want because that’s what eloping is kind of all about anyways!

Okay, so the proper definition of the word elope is: “Elope: \ i-ˈlōp: to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent” (Marriam-Webster Dictionary).

So yes, technically eloping is getting married without parental consent…but thanks to COVID, the wedding world has been flipped upside down and redefined inside and out. But honestly, I think this is one of the more beautiful things to come from COVID. 

So here’s my definition of Eloping: to break through the classic traditions of a wedding day by creating intimate, intentional, and unique moments and experiences that represent your love with your partner best. 

Let’s now breakdown some of the main key elements that create an elopement:

Don’t need a proper venue

People elope in the courthouse, backyards, state parks, national parks, and so many other places! Instead of booking a typical wedding venue, most people elope in the adventurous and beautiful outdoors. Whether it’s a special place of meaning or a place the two have literally never been before, but have always wanted to go, the options are endless for locations.

Guest list is usually short and to the point

This is kind of the defining factor of eloping; creating an intimate and quant day to celebrate the love story between the two of you. Most elopements are just the groom, bride, and any vendors they may want or need. This creates such an intentional space to have all the time in the world to celebrate simply with one another. But it’s also not the only way you can elope. Some people decide to have two of their best friends and/or maybe just your parents. The guest list for elopements are usually about 10 or less intentional people chosen to celebrate your sweet and romantic day.

Vendors are a big part of the experience

I’m not just saying this because I’m a vendor…(hi hello, elopement photographer here!)…in all seriousness, vendors play a huge role in eloping. It’s a day where two people are creating history, creating memories, and going on an adventure. It’s a day that people want to remember forever! And most do truly remember this day forever by looking back on the photos or videos that were captured on this day. They reminisce on the feelings of love, butterflies, intimacy, and pure joy. And not only are your vendors here to capture your day, but also to help you and guide you through the whole process. Throughout my photography process I help brides create the perfect timeline for a stress free day. I help them choose the perfect location and activities, and I walk alongside my brides each step of the way making sure they can feel confident that their day will be truly AMAZING!

Typically more affordable

According to The Knot, your average wedding cost in the USA in 2019 was $28,000, with the venue typically being the most expensive vendor out of the entire wedding cost at an average around $10,500 per wedding. So, with elopements not taking place at wedding venues, your elopement cost is slashed nearly in half by just removing the venue. And that’s not even mentioning DJ’s/live bands, catering, and favors, which are also a part of a typical wedding day. So that’s how much you are saving by not having a traditional wedding day. Now let’s look into how much an elopement actually is, because you’re still paying a good amount for a dreamy adventure elopement.

Maddie Mae, from Adventure Instead, states in her blog “How Much Does it Cost to Elope?”, “If couples spend the average cost for the average amenities for their elopement celebration, that number comes to around $5,000-$15,000. Of course, what matters the most to you as you craft your elopement experience will determine how aligned with your budget and goals this list is.” Your elopement budget will vary quite drastically depending upon how grand of an adventure you want your day to be, if you’ll be traveling for your elopement, and what your major priorities are on your elopement day. 

Get those creative juices flowing + unique dreams happenin’

With any kind of wedding, you get to envision and create your magical day, and you get to do the same for your elopement! Only you aren’t expected or pressured to hold tightly to the “wedding day norms.” You can create this day to be anything and everything you want it to be; the options and opportunities are freaking limitless for you!!! You have the freedom to do as little or as much as you want to make this day become reality. Ultimately though, you should create a day that is super unique and specific to who you and your partner are and the love story that you share.

Here are some ideas of different elopements to get you dreaming even more!

• Travel to Venice, Italy and elope in a gondola on a beautiful sunny day, celebrating with lots of wine and delicious pasta!
• Enjoy the beauty, the scenery, and the workout from a hike to the top of a 14er in Colorado; have beers and booze at that top to celebrate and share your vows!
• Imagine eloping up in the sky surrounded by big puffy clouds and the romantic golden sunset beaming around you; elope in a hot air balloon!
• Find a secluded forest to share more intimate, remote, and special moments with one another as you take in the moody surroundings of the trees dancing and swaying around you.
• Imagine the sand between your toes and the salty breeze in your hair as you elope on the coast of Oregon and embrace the rocky, sandy, ocean terrain!

Thinking about eloping and wanting to chat more about it?? Let’s freaking chat, no strings attached. I got you girl! Just fill out the form below 🙂