I’ve heard it said that a mom’s worst nightmare is hearing her daughter exclaim, “We’re gonna elope!” Truth is, it’s no longer taboo. More and more couples are leaning into elopements that are deeply personal. Starting your marriage off by eloping can be just as sacred, special, and beautiful as any traditional wedding.
As an elopement photographer, I have had the honor of playing a part in so many stunning elopements. I’m debunking the five most common elopement myths, so nothing holds you back from planning an unforgettable day that perfectly reflects your love story.
Elopement Myth #1
Eloping is a speedy, last-minute way to tie the knot.
In the past, eloping has been seen as nothing more than a quick way to bypass the waiting and rush into a marriage. It has been plagued by this negative connotation when, in reality, there is so much more that goes into it.
These days, elopements are planned well in advance and are tailored directly to you. They take place in extravagant locations like Rocky Mountain National Park and Lake Como, Italy. They include adventurous activities like hiking in the mountains or wandering through forests. Most importantly, they involve countless personal touches like having your dog tag along and doing your first dance on a mountaintop.
Elopement Myth #2
Eloping has to happen in a random courthouse or Vegas.
Most people have two very specific locations in mind when they hear the word “elopement”. However, this is not the movies! While countless beautiful elopements take place in courthouses or in Vegas, these are no longer your only options.
Picking the location of your elopement is actually one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make within the planning process. You can pick the intimate venue of your own backyard, celebrating within the embrace of your own home. You can pick a U.S. National Park like Yosemite for the waterfalls or Zion for the cliffs. But don’t let borders stop you! If you’ve dreamed of getting married overseas, there are countless stunning locations ideal for intimate elopements.
Elopement Myth #3
Eloping means no one is with you on your special day.
This is probably the biggest push back most people get when they start thinking about eloping, and it makes sense. You have so many people in your life who love you and want to be there for your special day, and they can!
Elopements are indeed smaller, intimate weddings, most known for involving the couple, the officiant, and the photographer. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Elopements can include 0-10 people that mean the most to you, without falling into the category of a microwedding. If you want, your parents, grandparents, best friends, or other significant people can be present. And if you don’t want that, then it can just be you and whatever two witnesses you pick up along the way.
Elopement Myth #4
Eloping is a selfish way to avoid spending money.
Okay, this one might be my least favorite. Lots of people believe that eloping is simply an easy way for a couple to avoid spending their money. There are two things wrong with this.
One, your wedding day isn’t about anyone else except for you and your partner. It’s not selfish to want to spend an intimate day with them. This is the start of your marriage. This is the most sacred day of your life, and it should feel deeply authentic and personal. If a big white wedding with everyone you’ve ever known isn’t your vibe, that is totally fine. It’s entirely your decision.
Two, elopements are not necessarily the cheaper option. Modern elopements can involve unique locations, adventures, clothing, and much more. Just like any traditional wedding, you can decide how much you want to put into it. Keep it low-key and cost-effective, or make it grand and big-budget. Again, everything about your wedding is your choice.
Elopement Myth #5
Eloping leaves no room for wedding traditions.
Couples often struggle with letting go of the beloved traditions tied to weddings, but the truth is, you don’t have to.
It is so easy to incorporate traditions when planning an elopement. Wear the white dress of your dreams. Bring slices of cake to share at sunset. Have a first dance next to a shimmering lake. Whatever traditions feel personal and important to you, you can do them! They may look different from how others do them, but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful.
The rumors about elopements are false. It’s not a quick, cheap solution that purposefully excludes people and ignores tradition. Eloping is a deeply intimate, beautiful way to honor the heart of your love story. Follow your gut. If eloping feels more personal, more like who you are, then you need to let go of the misconceptions.
This is your day! Celebrate however feels right to you.
Don’t let the myths scare you off! Start planning your elopement today.
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