Planning an Elopement: The Pros & Cons

Have you ever considered eloping? If you’ve landed here, the answer to that question is probably “yes!”. Eloping is truly a wonderful experience, but it is not for everyone. Some couples prefer the “just us” experience while others enjoy the idea of having a raucous wedding party.

Here are some pros, some cons, and some other things to consider if you and your partner are thinking of eloping. Hopefully, this list steers you in the right direction and ultimately makes your day perfect!

PRO: YOUR DAY WILL BE 100% ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER

Eloping couples tend to value experiences over things. By choosing an elopement, you can make your day 100% about you, your partner, and your experience together with no outside distractions or drama.

CON: BEING EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE WITH THE UNEXPECTED

There is nothing quite like watching a couple read their vows at the top of a mountain on a perfect summer day. But, don’t forget. You’re going to be getting married outdoors. You and your partner must be able to have a little flexibility, and roll with the punches if the weather becomes less than ideal.

PRO: NO WEDDING PLANNING!

Ok, there is a little bit of planning. But by eloping, your days and nights are free to have FUN while planning. You have the perfect excuse to plan the best, most meaningful day of your entire life.

CON: YOUR LACK OF STRESS WILL MAKE YOUR “BIG WEDDING” FRIENDS JEALOUS

Elopements can free you from some seriously stressful planning. In fact, you might be so calm that your friends and family who chose to have a big wedding might be a little bit jealous.

PRO: TURN YOUR ELOPEMENT INTO AN ADVENTUROUS HONEYMOON

Yep! You can combine the best day of your life with the best trip of your life — your honeymoon. If you’ve chosen a new destination for your elopement, stick around, explore and celebrate your newlywed bliss!

CON: NO GIFTS TO OPEN ON YOUR WEDDING NIGHT

Because you eloped, you likely won’t have hundreds of cards and presents to open on your wedding night. This might feel a little sad, but you can still receive wedding gifts. And, think of it like this — the gifts may come in at different times which extends the newlywed bliss.

Don’t forget to send a thank-you note when you’re back from your travels!

PRO: ELOPING CAN HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Have you ever thought about how much trash comes out of a big wedding? Most of which is single-use plastic?⁣ Big weddings are simply full of stuff.⁣ If that’s not what you’re about, eloping can give you the freedom to get married in a much less wasteful way.

There are a number of reasons to elope, but one of our favorites is when couples choose to elope because of their love of the great outdoors. As elopement photographers, we abide by the Leave No Trace policy. We do everything we can to protect the environment including educating the couples we are so fortunate to work with.

Check out our Leave No Trace Guide to help you better understand what, why and how you can follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles during your elopement.

CON: YOUR DRESS MIGHT GET DIRTY

Well, is that really so bad? Hopefully, if you’ve planned an adventure elopement you don’t mind getting a little dirty. We all love it when a dress looks like it has been on an adventure. Dirty dress = perfect elopement.

PRO: YOU WON’T BREAK THE BANK

Of course, there will be expenses when eloping, but those expenses pale in comparison to the cost of a typical wedding. To give you some context, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900 (including the engagement ring, ceremony, and reception), according to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study.

Just think of all the adventures you can go on with the money you’re saving!

Whether you decide to elope or not, there is a lot to consider. However, if the pros of eloping are speaking to you, then find comfort knowing that your wedding day will be a true reflection of your relationship.

Ready to start planning? Download our free ultimate elopement planning guide today.