Anyone planning a wedding has either considered eloping, or heard from a friend that they should. We’re all for stunning, lavish events -- but we can definitely understand why more and more couples are ditching the pomp-and-circumstance of big weddings for simpler, smaller, more stress-free weddings!

Historically, eloping meant “running away” to get married, without telling anyone, especially family. This usually happened if the couple lacked support and approval, or with a pregnant bride. As we know, thankfully, things are little different these days!

Whatever your reasons, eloping can relieve the pressure you feel to create the “perfect wedding.”

For many, choosing to elope means avoiding the social and familial pressures of traditional weddings. Some spontaneous couples just can’t wait another day to be married! But we’re finding that this year, couples who’d never considered eloping before COVID, are weighing all their options. If your wedding was cancelled or postponed as a result of current health precautions, we’re so sorry!

Maybe during this time of slow down and reflection you can zero in on what really matters to you in how you want to celebrate your love.

Whether it’s always been your dream to elope, or you’re new to the idea, your options are endless. When you decrease the number of people in attendance, it really opens you up to a whole new world of possibilities. Whether a City Hall ceremony followed by a diner breakfast, a hike to a beautiful vista where a friend serves as your officiant, or a destination elopement you stream to friends and family over the internet, it’s completely up to you!

If you’re still on the fence, or maybe trying to convince friends or family why you’d want to elope, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite reasons to buck tradition. Obviously, there are a ton more, but we’ll start with these:

A Big Wedding Doesn’t Feel Like “You”

Plain and simple, you’re just not one for being the center of attention or throwing a big party in your own honor. Questions about your wedding plans start coming at you the minute you get engaged, and that can be crazy stressful! Some of us are not made for huge social gatherings, especially if we feel “on display.”

With the current culture of destination bachelorette parties, extravagant bridal showers, and wedding ads bombarding you online as soon as you announce your engagement, it can all feel like too much. That’s as good a reason as any.

The Focus Is On Love & Intention

When you’re not worried about making sure you can greet and entertain everyone, who can sit where, or guests’ transporation needs and dietary restrictions, you are free! Without others’ expectations you can focus with your partner on why you’re coming together, and what really matters to you two on your special day.

A wedding doesn’t make a marriage. It’s the heartfelt commitment you make to one another that does. It’s up to you how you choose to honor your connection.

You’ll Save Money (like, 99% of the time)

We mentioned earlier the extravagant wedding trends in the current culture, and extravagance isn’t cheap. With a traditional wedding, the inclusion of bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, events leading up to the wedding, travel & accommodations, expenses add up quickly!

Not only is eloping economical for the couple, but friends and family members will feel no pressure to attend myriad events (for which they’d likely buy new outfits and multiple gifts), or put themselves out to be in attendance. It’s a win, win!

You Can Indulge On The Style Elements You Care Most About

When you’re not spending money feeding 150 of your nearest and dearest at a venue with a site fee, open bar, and DJ, you save thousands of dollars. With this savings comes the ability to go bigger with the things that truly matter to you. When it’s just you and your honey, your style can really shine through.

If all that matters to you is great pictures, when you lose the guests, it often opens you up to working with artists you might not have considered for a full service traditional wedding. Are you foodies? Head to the best restaurant in town to celebrate, or better yet, hire a chef to cook a romantic meal. If you’ve always dreamed of standing under a heavily flowered arch with an elaborate floral crown on your head, and you have the means, this is where you splurge!

No Need To Cater To Friends And Family

Oh, friends and family. We love them! Really. However, we all know there’s going to be some drama somewhere when dealing with your guest list. Whether it’s about who is and isn’t invited, or their opinions of your personal wedding style and choices, when you cut all (or nearly all) your guests out, you cut out all their opinions too. You’ll be able to focus on you and your partner and your lifelong commitment.

Get Married Anywhere

When you stop worrying about who can make it, and start focusing on what you love most, there’s no telling where you’ll end up. Whether it’s your own backyard, barefoot on a tropical beach, in an igloo under the northern lights, or in front of the park bench where you shared your first cup of coffee, let your personalities shine through. What’s important is that you’re there together.

Cutting your guest list doesn’t have to mean forgoing style. Sometimes it means you can have more of what you were really dreaming of in the first place. With the exclusion of elaborate day-of design execution, your personals can really shine! Reach out to us to discuss the style you’ve always dreamed of.