If you’re engaged and are wondering whether or not you should plan a wedding or an elopement, look no further! Today I’m sharing the difference is between eloping vs a wedding, plus 4 reasons you may want to elope!
Eloping vs Wedding: What is the Difference?
Before we get into all the great reasons to elope, let’s first understand the difference between an elopement and a traditional wedding.
What is a Traditional Wedding?
Traditional weddings probably don’t need too much of an introduction, but here are a few facts and tidbits about weddings.
As the name indicates, traditional wedding days are filled with…you guessed it…traditions! Couples who choose to have a wedding often follow the same steps when it comes to planning their day. Weddings typically take place at a venue and follow a set structure or schedule. They can range in size from 50 to 200+ guests and, it can often take months of planning and coordination between dozens of vendors to make a wedding day possible.
What is an Elopement?
Recently, more and more couples have decided to elope, though elopements have changed quite a bit from what they once were. Instead of running off to a courthouse to get married in secret, couples are choosing to create a day filled with experience and intimacy. Here’s how.
Unlike weddings, elopements are completely customizable. There is no one way to elope! Couples can choose to get married outdoors in nature or at a private location on the other side of the world.
Contrary to what some people might think, elopements can also include guests! Typically elopements consist of 20 people or less and sometimes it is just the couple and a few vendors. Elopements can be planned in a matter of days, but oftentimes, couples spend 3-12 months planning a celebration that is unique to them.
4 Reasons to Elope
Now that you know the difference between an elopement and a traditional wedding, let’s talk about 4 reasons you might want to elope.
To Preserve the Intimacy of the Day
More and more I hear couples tell me that they want to elope because they want to keep things small and intimate. Planning a big wedding can be stressful. There are lots of details to consider and that can be overwhelming. Elopements are much smaller events and, with little to no guests to entertain, couples can do things their way and on their own time.
Have a Day Focused on the Two of You + Your Wishes
Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life, and should be focused on the thing that matters most; your love! While there is absolutely nothing wrong with planning a traditional wedding, sometimes the focus can get lost and become more about the celebration or what others expect you to do, than what you want.
An elopement allows you to take control over your wedding planning and create a day your way! It helps keep the focus on the two of you and how you choose to celebrate your love. Want to plan a picnic on the beach? Do it! Thinking of holding a small elopement ceremony in the mountains with your closest friends? Anything is possible when you decide to elope.
Save Some Money
It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive! According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in 2021 was $28,000!
While many couples choose to elope because they want to do things their way, elopements can also be a huge cost saving as well. Oftentimes, couples end up spending around $5,000-$15,000, saving over half of what they would have spent had they planned a wedding! This can be a huge reason to elope for many couples.
Fill Your Day with Activities and Things You Like to Do
Of course if you choose to elope to celebrate your way, that means you’ll have to plan some things to do. This is where the fun starts! Dreaming together about the things you want to do on your weding day is one of the most fun aspects of elopement planning.
I always tell my couples to sit down and talk about their ideal day. If you could go anywhere or do anything what would you do? What does your perfect elopement day look like? Start dreaming together about what’s possible.
Some ideas to get you started are:
- Plan a hiking elopement in the mountains with family or friends
- Go rock climbing together
- Go kayaking or canoeing
- Enjoy a picnic on the beach
- Go road-tripping in a camper van and start or end with your elopement
No matter what you choose to do on your elopement day, know that anything is possible!
So there you have it! My top four reasons to consider eloping vs a wedding. If you think an elopement might be right for you, reach out. I’d love to help you plan your special day.
And, if you’re looking for an amazing Oregon elopement location, definitely consider Latourell Falls. This beautiful waterfall is easy to access (so, perfect for elopements with guests), has some amazing views, and is near other fun areas to explore in Oregon.
For more Oregon elopement planning tips, check out my Oregon Coast elopement guide!
Latourell Falls Elopement Vendors
Photographer: Taylor Denton Photography
Florist: Pretty Petals Floral
Ready to book your own Oregon elopement or intimate wedding photography? Click on the link below to inquire!
