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Why More Couples Are Planning To Elope

January 1, 2024

More and more couples are planning to elope instead of having a big, traditional wedding. There are many reasons why this trend is gaining popularity, from saving money to wanting a more intimate and personal ceremony. Eloping can be a great option for couples who want to avoid the hassle and stress of planning a large wedding, but it’s important to understand why eloping is the right decision for you. This article will explore some of the reasons why more couples are planning to elope, as well as offer some tips on how to plan a successful elopement.

eloping couple running through field

What is an elopement, and why are more couples choosing it over traditional weddings?

Eloping is defined as getting married in a private ceremony with just the couple, and witnesses. Traditionally, elopements were done out of necessity, such as when a couple couldn’t get married any other way due to religious or social restrictions. However, in recent years eloping has become popular among couples who want to craft a personal, unique wedding day experience that resonates with them.

There are many reasons why couples might choose to elope, but some of the most common include wanting a more intimate and personal ceremony, saving money, or avoiding the stress of planning a large wedding.

For some couples, the thought of planning a traditional wedding is simply too overwhelming. There are so many details to consider, from the guest list and invitations to the catering and entertainment. It can be a lot of work, and some couples simply don’t want to deal with it. Eloping removes the need for all of that planning, giving you the freedom to just focus on getting married.

Another common reason why couples plan to elope is to save money. Weddings can be very expensive, and not everyone has the budget to spare. Eloping is a much more affordable option, and it can even help you save on travel costs if you choose to elope in a different city or country.

Finally, some couples feel that a traditional wedding is simply too public and they would prefer a more intimate and personal ceremony. Eloping allows you to keep your wedding as small and simple as you want, without the pressure of having to invite hundreds of guests.

If you’re considering eloping, there are a few things you should keep in mind

How do you know if planning to elope is the right choice for you ?

If you’re considering eloping, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important question to ask yourself is why you want to elope. Are you doing it for the right reasons?

There are a lot of misconceptions about eloping. Some people think that eloping means you’re running away to get married, or that you’re not serious about your relationship. But that’s not true! Eloping can be a very romantic and intimate way to get married, and it doesn’t have to be impulsive or spontaneous.

There are a few things you should consider before you make the decision to elope. First, think about your budget. Eloping can be cheaper than having a traditional wedding, but it’s not always the case. If you’re planning on spending a lot of money on your elopement, it might not be much cheaper than a traditional wedding after all.

Second, think about your guest list. If you’re planning on inviting a lot of people to your elopement, it might be more cost-effective to just have a traditional wedding. But if you’re only inviting a few close family members and friends, eloping can be a great option.

Third, think about your wedding style. If you’re the type of person who wants a simple and intimate wedding, eloping might be the right choice for you. But if you’re the type of person who wants a big and lavish wedding, eloping might not be what you’re looking for.

Eloping can be a great option for couples who want a simple and intimate wedding. If you’re on a budget, eloping can also be a great way to save money. But it’s important to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Make sure you take the time to consider all of your options before you make your final decision.

bride and groom saying their vows on snowing winter landscape

What are some of the benefits of eloping ?

Eloping can have a lot of benefits for couples, including:

1. You can save a lot of money by eloping. The average cost of a traditional wedding in the Canada is over $30,000. But you can easily plan to elopement for a fraction of that cost.

2. You can avoid the stress of wedding planning. Let’s be honest, wedding planning can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re not a fan of dealing with details and making decisions, eloping might be the perfect solution.

3. You can have a more intimate and personal ceremony. When you elope, it’s just you and your partner. There’s no need to worry about pleasing guests or meeting expectations. You can truly make the day all about you two as a couple.

4. You can get married anywhere in the world. Imagine getting married on a beach in Hawaii, atop a mountain in Switzerland, or in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. When you elope, the world is your oyster!

5. You can keep the day low-key (or make it as adventurous as you want). If you’re not a fan of being the center of attention, eloping will allow you to keep things casual and intimate. But if you’re looking for an adventure, you can always turn your elopement into an epic journey!

Overall, eloping can be a great option for couples who are looking for something intimate and unique. If you’re planning to elope, be sure to do your research and plan carefully to make sure it’s the right fit for you.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to eloping. For example, you won’t be able to share the day with family and friends, and you might have to deal with disappointed loved ones. But ultimately, the decision of whether or not to elope is a personal one that should be made by the couple.

Are there any drawbacks to eloping ?

While eloping certainly has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For example:

1. You won’t be able to share the day with family and friends. This can be a major downside for couples who want to celebrate their wedding day with loved ones.

2. You might have to deal with disappointed loved ones. If you have family members who were looking forward to attending your wedding, they might be upset when you elope instead.

3. You might not have a wedding cake or other wedding traditions. I’m a firm believer in making your elopement day your own, and you can include as many traditions as you like! But some traditional wedding day elements don’t quite fit into an elopement day, and may negate the whole point of eloping in the first place.

5. You might regret not having a traditional wedding later on. This is a common concern for couples who are considering eloping. While there’s no way to know for sure whether or not you’ll regret your decision, it’s something to think about before you choose to elope.

Only you and your partner can decide whether or not eloping is the right choice for you. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully to help you make a decision that’s best for you as a couple.

Muskoka elopement photographer crown land elopement

How do you go about planning to elope?

The process of planning an elopement can be a bit different than planning a traditional wedding. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Pick a location. This is probably the most important step in planning an elopement. You’ll want to choose a place that has meaning to you and your partner, somewhere that you’ll always remember. It could be a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting, or somewhere you have a special connection to. Once you’ve chosen your location, start planning the logistics of how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay.

Think about what kind of ceremony you want. One of the great things about eloping is that you can tailor the ceremony to be exactly what you want it to be. Whether you opt for a traditional officiant or something more unique, make sure the ceremony is reflective of your relationship and values.

Choose your guests thoughtfully. When you’re eloping, you usually only invite immediate family and close friends- people who are truly important to you. This can actually make the planning process a lot easier, since you don’t have to worry about accommodating a large group of people. Since you won’t have all of your friends and family there, it’s important to choose witnesses who will be supportive and excited for you.

Keep it personal. One of the best things about planning to elope is that you can tailor every aspect to who you two are as a couple, and plan a day that memorable and special. Focus on what’s important to you and your partner, and commit to each other YOUR way.

And don’t forget to be prepared for anything. Because elopements are often more spontaneous than traditional weddings, it’s important to be flexible and go with the flow on the day of. Things might not always go according to plan, but that’s part of the fun!

The best way to plan an elopement is to head on over to my contact page and inquire with me! All eloping couples get an elopement planning guide and a custom Elopement location guide!

How can you make your elopement unique and special ?

Eloping can be a very special experience, but it’s important to make sure that you put some thought into how you make it unique and memorable. When you are planning to elope, you have the opportunity to make it as unique and special as you want. Here are some of my fav tips:

1. Choose a unique location. If you want your elopement to feel truly special, choose a location that’s off the beaten path. A beautiful mountain meadow, a secluded beach, or even a mountaintop can all make for perfect venues. If you’re getting married in the city, consider getting married in a beautiful park, a historic building, or in a charming inn or B&B. Courthouses and chapels can also often be beautiful spaces, or rich with history and interesting architecture, so don’t rule out a courthouse ceremony either!

2. Have an intimate ceremony. Keep the guest list small and intimate – just your closest friends and family. This will give the ceremony a more personal feeling. You can even exchange your vows in front of just a witness, if you prefer. That way, you can focus on the two of you. One of the best things about planning to elope is that it’s all about you and your partner. Make sure to focus on each other and really savor the moment. Take time to wander around together hand in hand after the ceremony. Or have a picnic lunch just the two of you. This is your time to celebrate your love, so make sure to enjoy every minute!

4. Get creative with your photos. Hire a photographer *ahem ahem* who will be able to capture the uniqueness of your location, and make sure to get some fun and creative shots too. Since you’ll likely have fewer people around, you’ll have more opportunity to be playful and creative with your photos. Ask your photographer to capture some intimate moments between the two of you, as well as some fun photos of you exploring your surroundings.

5. Make it a weekend (or longer!) event. Eloping doesn’t have to be just a quick ceremony – make it into a weekend getaway or even a week-long vacation! This is your chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and really enjoy each other’s company. If you elope somewhere that neither of you have been before, make sure to take some time to explore together. Go on hikes, visit nearby attractions, or just spend some time relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

3. Create a special ceremony. If you want, you can create your own unique wedding ceremony to mark your elopement. This could involve any number of things – from readings and vows to special traditions or rituals. You can also ask a friend or family member to officiate the ceremony if you prefer.

5. Serve unique wedding food. Why not serve up something different at your elopement? If you’re eloping in the great outdoors, why not have a picnic lunch with all your favorite foods? If you’re getting married in a city, find a unique restaurant or café that you love and treat yourselves to a special meal. You could even get creative and make your own wedding cake!

6. Have a post-elopement celebration. Just because you’re planning to elope doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with your friends and family afterward. Once you’re back from your honeymoon, throw a big party and share all the details of your special day. You could even screen your wedding photos or video to show everyone how meaningful your elopement day was and how much joy it brought you.

Eloping doesn’t have to be a simple, boring affair. With a little creativity, you can make it an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.

planning to elope couple in Elora Gorge

More and more couples are planning to elope rather than have a traditional wedding. The cultural shift we’ve seen since the Covid pandemic towards more intimate weddings and elopements has opened up the possibilities and broaden the definition of what it means to get married. The huge trend for elopements in the United States has been slowly creeping it’s way north into Canada and across Europe, and for good reason! There are TONS of reasons why a traditional wedding may not resonate with you, and it’s time we celebrate all the wonderfully diverse and epic ways there are to get married. If you’re thinking about eloping, I encourage you to go for it! There are tons of amazing locations all over the world where you can have an unforgettable elopement ceremony. Let me help you plan your perfect elopement celebration!

couple planning to elope

Why not choose to elope instead?

I know it’s a lot to think about. But if going the traditional route doesn’t feel like you at all, then don’t! Especially if you’ve been reading blog posts like this and lighting up.

You could be having a majestic, awe-inspiring, and epic elopement day in just a few simple steps. The first? Giving me a call and finding out what kind of dream wedding day is possible!