Should We Elope? 5 Signs and Reasons to Elope Instead
Color schemes, catering menus, guest lists, seating charts… needless to say, wedding planning can be overwhelming! And for a lot of couples, there’s that moment – the moment you turn to one another and ask, “should we elope?”
Eloping used to be something seriously scandalous – it was reserved for couples who wanted to run away together or to have a quick ceremony and get it over with. That’s why so many couples don’t see an option outside of the traditional wedding day – they end up throwing a party just because they’re “supposed to,” and they hardly get to enjoy it at all.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if you could, you know, enjoy your wedding day?
Today, elopements are about spending the day together in a meaningful, authentic way. It allows you to toss out any traditions that don’t suit you, and decide how you want to start off your marriage! If you’re wondering if the big party might not be right for you, here are 5 signs that you should elope instead.
1. Wedding Planning Sounds Stressful
A lot of couples get engaged, then put off wedding planning for months – maybe even years! Other couples start planning their wedding, but in the midst of it realize that they’re having a pretty awful time. Either way, if the stress of planning a big wedding sounds like too much, or just not something you want to take on, that can be a really great sign that you should elope!
Now, it’s not like eloping doesn’t require any planning! There will definitely still be some things you need to figure out, but it’s significantly less stressful when you aren’t worrying about entertaining 100 people, and when you get to plan a fun, adventurous day that you know you’ll enjoy!
2. You Don’t Want an Audience
For a lot of couples asking each other, “should we elope?” the fact that you have to stand up there in front of all those people is a huge factor in making that decision! Whether you’re an introvert, have some stage fright, or just aren’t a fan of being the center of attention, feeling anxious about having all those eyes on you is a sign that eloping might be better for you.
That doesn’t mean that your elopement can’t have any guests! Some couples want it to be just the two of them, while others invite a few of their friends or family members. There are no rules when it comes to eloping, and if you can’t imagine your wedding day without the people you love most, they can totally be there.
3. You Want to Get Married Somewhere Dreamy
Maybe the wedding venues just aren’t speaking to you – hotel rooms and barns might not be your thing. But if you’re a couple who loves to get outside, eloping is a great way to spend your wedding day out in nature! You can choose any kind of landscape for your elopement ceremony – hike up to the top of a mountain, take a 4×4 tour of the desert, run barefoot on the beach… the possibilities are endless!
When you aren’t confined to a venue, you can really dream big for your day. Whether it’s a favorite trail close to home or a country you’ve never visited, finding that magical location for your day is one of the best reasons to elope!
4. You Aren’t About the Wedding Day Drama
Let’s face it, weddings can bring out the worst in people. It seems like everyone feels entitled to give you their opinion – but isn’t this supposed to be about you? There’s often some drama when it comes to big weddings, and if you want to avoid that – eloping is the way to go!
For a lot of couples, it’s more than just “some” drama – families can be complicated, and a wedding can be a harsh reminder of that. If you don’t feel comfortable having your family at your wedding, that’s okay! A lot of the time, couples ask themselves, “should we elope?” because the pressure, expectations, and traditions that come with the big wedding industry would just lead to drama.
5. You Value Experiences Over Things
This is one of my favorite reasons! Weddings are really expensive – and while I believe you should invest in your elopement day, the way you spend your money is totally different. With a big wedding, you often spend money on things – things that you’ll never use again. If you elope, you get to decide what’s important to you, and you get to spend your money on experiences!
Elopement budgets can vary a ton – you can buy plane tickets to Europe, invest in a helicopter tour, and stay at a luxurious resort. Or, you can backpack through the backcountry or elope close to home! There are no rules – which means that your elopement budget goes exactly where you want it to go. As an added bonus, weddings produce a ton of waste. Without the centerpieces, decorations, and hundreds of catered meals, elopements are much more eco friendly!
So, Should You Elope?
Well, what’s the verdict?
If you found yourself relating to these signs and reasons to elope instead of throwing a big wedding, I think the answer to “should we elope?” is a big ol’ yes! Making the decision to elope can be the scariest part – maybe you’re not sure how your loved ones will react, you’re worried about hurt feelings, or you don’t know where to start with elopement planning. But remember, this is your day! You’re committing to the love of your life – and you deserve a wedding day that reflects who you are. If a ceremony by the ocean or a day spent hiking in the mountains, or a trip across the globe to say your vows feels right to you, elope!
As an elopement photographer, I want my couples to know I’ve got their back! I’ll be your cheerleader in this big decision, your planning assistant leading up to the elopement, your adventure buddy the day of, and a friend long after it’s over. Contact me to chat about your unique elopement day, and let’s see if we vibe!
Hey, I’m Evangeline
an adventurous and laid-back elopement photographer helping couples plan meaningful experiences for their wedding day in nature. I focus on capturing the vibe of your day and the epic landscape views all over the West Coast, Acadia National Park and beyond.
