10 Reasons to have an elopement wedding
Life is meant to be an adventure
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost in the day to day things. When it comes to your wedding it shouldn’t feel like this. There is always the option of eloping, down sizing your wedding and making it 100% you.
So pick a cool location somewhere, pack what you need with your partner and go for that adventure!
You can make a weekend of it by getting in some travel and sight seeing then elope while you do it. How amazing would that be?! Particularly if that is the kind of thing that sums up your relationship. Elopements should be fun, so enjoy it!
1. Money
I guess this is the most obvious reason but it shouldn’t be the main reason. There’s always a way to budget your wedding to suit you. You can have 100 guests, 20 or none. But it’s up to you where you put your money. If photography is the most important to you, to treasure that memory then you could budget higher for this instead of 100 three-course meals. You can also save back some money for your honeymoon or a new home together. But yes, if money is a concern, worries about debt or that you simply don’t want to spend a lot on your wedding, then an elopement will always keep the costs down.
2. Guest List
Quit often with an elopement wedding, the reasons can be generated from family conflict. Not everyone’s family is perfect and sometimes all you want to do is get married knowing that nothing will go wrong, no fall outs, stress or arguments. That’s not to say these things happen of course when your family are involved, but maybe if your family unit isn’t as strong or you’re distant then just focusing on you two can be the best decision you make.
Limiting your guest list is also a huge weight lifted. No spending hours apart from each other, trying to speak to hundreds of people. Only having a moment to yourselves when having your photos taken (third wheeler here!). Elopements can cut guests down to just those who you want to witness your marriage. Elopements can be around 0-15 guests in total anything more is seen as a micro wedding. So you don’t have to be completely on your own, but it makes it a much more intimate occasion condensing your guest list. I’ve been an official witness to quite a few elopements now so I’m on hand if I’m needed!
3. Personal
Eloping makes everything much more personal. Every decision can solely be about you both without worrying about keeping others happy. You can marry however you want, throw out the traditions and just do you.
4. Traditions
Traditions aren’t for everyone and religion isn’t for everyone. Some of us have different beliefs and ways. Eloping gives you the freedom to have a ceremony however you want it. You can have a celebrant who can include any tradition or belief or you can have a ceremony that contains your own vows as well as the lawful words required.
5. Epic photos
My favourite part! When I photograph elopements I actually get quality time with my couples. There’s no rushing at all during an elopement so the timeline can be more relaxed than a traditional day. We can spend 30mins-1hour taking fun, creative, intimate photos while at the same time just hanging out like mates!
6. The focus is on you two
As I’ve mentioned, an elopement wedding is completely your choice. So you both could start your day with a breakfast and then help each other get ready. Arrive together at your ceremony and walk down the aisle together or if you still want that surprise spark you could keep the final look hidden until the end of the aisle. Enjoy bubbles and afternoon tea or head out in the evening to a restaurant or bar knowing you’ve both got married in secret and enjoy the honey moon feels straight away.
7. Location
Yep, no local church or hotel. Nothing that’s predictable or expected of the family. Get married cliff top, tree top, on an Island! Somewhere that means a lot to you or somewhere totally new but breathtaking and wonderful. The world is your oyster when it comes to where you elope.
8. Eco friendly
That’s right! Less guests mean less fuel energy and a significant drop in rubbish. There would be no single use decorations and a waste reduction on flowers.
Im always keen to reduce the impact on the environment, so even if you opt for a big wedding take into consideration what you can do to help.
9. Wear whatever you want!
I guess within reason, but still! It doesn’t have to be a white dress or suit and tie. You can wear colour and shop for something new you can wear again and again.
10. Bring the fur baby
We all know a pet is more than that, they are part of the family! So the thought of leaving them behind on your wedding day can be a bit heartbreaking. However, if you are eloping with less guests and a shorter day of events, its much easier to bring a long your fur baby. And most venues will allow pets and are happy to keep an eye on them when you can’t.
I truly love and enjoy capturing elopement weddings. You can quite literally have it anywhere with the most incredible backdrops for your photos. I’ll even be there to witness it if you need me to. I hope this has you super excited to elope or create a small wedding.
Discover the latest photoshoot ideas, tip, updates and more
Join the monthly newsletter from Emma
+ receive a free, helpful photoshoot guide when you join.