What Is An Elopement?
Really, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word elope? A courthouse? A "shotgun" wedding? A modern elopement is now leaning more towards the description of a destination wedding. They're intimate, fun, and you can ditch the traditional wedding practices to do whatever you want.
#1 - The Intimacy is Unmatched
Coming from someone who is a little more shy and introverted, eloping could be a great option for you and your partner. This really is a day about the two of you and eloping really gives you more of an opportunity to spend the most time together rather than greeting and visiting with 100+ guests that you would normally feel required to do during a bigger wedding.
#2 - Budget Friendly
In 2024, the average U.S. wedding costs (on average) $33,000! With wedding venue and catering being the top two expenses... Oof. We're going to let that simmer for a moment.
$33,000
This is very hard to come to terms with, especially for a newly engaged couple planning for their future. I'm willing to bet you can think of a handful of places you could travel to for quarter that amount. Add a few wedding essential costs (attire, florists, photographer/videographer (wink, wink), etc.) and you could have your dream elopement for half that price.
#3 - Less Stress
As a wedding photographer, I'm heavily involved in the wedding planning process and all too often I hear of brides who reach burn out because of the hefty task that is wedding planning. Researching, contacting, invites, tours and consultations. It's a lot for sure. Not to mention the stress and anxiety during the actual wedding day. Let's face it, wedding planning is not a simple task.
