What is an elopement?
With wedding ceremonies changing drastically due to Covid-19 eloping is more prevalent as a choice to get married, but what is an elopement anyway? Often when people hear the word elopement it is easy to imagine a couple running off together, getting married in a secretive ill-planned fashion, or infamously getting married by an Elvis impersonator in Vegas. Where many of these stereotypes may have held more truth in the past, the definition, popularity, and motive are rapidly changing.
The easiest way I can define an elopement is that it’s an intentional and intimate celebration where the focus is on you and your experience. You don’t need to follow traditions and you can sculpt the day to your personal preferences whatever that may be.
Modern and fun elopement in Glasgow West End.
Why would someone consider an elopement?
Maybe the idea of getting in front of a big group of people makes you nervous, you’re not one for tradition, or you’re looking for a more budget friendly option. An elopement allows you to make your own rules. Big or traditional weddings are great fun and if that’s your jam then all the power to you! However traditional weddings are based around the guest experience rather than the couples. Most couples who choose an elopement over a traditional wedding do it as they want a more intimate experience.
Canadian couple’s intimate wedding in Edinburgh.
Common misconceptions about eloping
It can only be the two of you (no friends/family involved) — Just because you have chosen to elope doesn’t mean no one can be with you on your day. Some couples choose to have their closest friends/family with them all day while others choose to have a just us experience. There are lot’s of ways you can include those closest to you even if they’re not there on the day. You can include them in the planning process, or you could have them live steam into the wedding (think facetime/skype etc..). If they’re not there with you for the ceremony they could still be there to help you get ready in the morning (example, putting your dress on) or they could always meet you after the ceremony! Some couples choose for their ceremony to be private and have a reception/party afterward or at a later date. A really sweet way of involving family and friends on your day if they’re not physically with you is to have them write letters/cards or record a video to read or watch on the day.
You have to travel — Quite a few couples choose elopements as a chance to travel or plan an experience around getting married. This is fantastic if that’s your cup of tea, there are so many amazing places in the world it’s fun to imagine saying I do on a mountain top. But there is no reason you can’t have an equally meaningful celebration in your town or backyard. For example you could have a courthouse wedding and spend the rest of the day going to/doing your favourite things.
It’s cheap — This comes down to what you choose to do for your day and how you choose to invest your money. Some elopements cost just as much as a traditional wedding, the main benefit of choosing to elope is that you spend your money how you want without expectations. Maybe for you as a couple you would prefer to spend your money on an experience like travelling.
Elopements are ill-planned — Celebrating your love and bond with one another is pretty dang magical. Just because you choose to have a smaller or more intimate celebration doesn’t mean you haven’t put as much time or research into planning. Sometimes eloping is an event that happens on whim but for the most part that simply isn’t true. You still have plenty of fun decisions to make like where you’ll go, what you’ll do and what kind of ceremony you’d like. Just as you’ll have logistical details to sort like the paperwork (especially if you choose to travel). Eloping is also a great way to do the things you’ve always wanted to do/try. Maybe it’s the perfect occasion to go to that fancy restaurant in town, climb up that mountain, or visit that city.
If some of these factors resonated with you maybe it’s time to consider eloping or an intimate wedding!