What does it mean to Elope?
Once upon a time, eloping meant slipping away in secret to say your vows, often as a way to avoid family expectations or societal norms. But today? It’s something entirely different.
Modern elopements are about intentionality—choosing to celebrate your love in a way that feels right for you. No more rigid guest lists, stressful timelines, or traditions that don’t resonate. Instead of a courthouse ceremony done in secrecy, couples are now exchanging vows on mountaintops, in quiet forests, along rugged coastlines, or wherever their hearts feel most at home.
Some elopements include family and friends, while others are an intimate “just us” experience. The one thing they all have in common? A focus on what truly matters—your love, your story, and an unforgettable experience that feels authentically yours.
Modern Elopement Definition
Eloping today isn’t about running away—it’s about running toward something more meaningful. It’s about stepping away from expectations and stepping into a wedding day that reflects your love in its purest form.
Rather than being bound by tradition, couples are redefining what a wedding looks like. Some choose adventure-filled days with hiking, stargazing, or helicopter rides to a remote glacier. Others opt for a quiet exchange of vows on a secluded beach at sunrise. Whatever your vision, eloping gives you the freedom to craft an experience that is entirely yours.
So, if the thought of a traditional wedding doesn’t excite you and you find yourself dreaming of an intimate, personal, and breathtakingly beautiful way to say "I do," then an elopement might just be your perfect path.
Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding: What’s the Difference?
Picture this: You’re standing on a cliffside, the ocean stretching endlessly before you, as you promise forever to your partner with the wind in your hair. No pressure, no overwhelming timelines—just the two of you, fully present in the moment.
Now, contrast that with a traditional wedding—a beautiful, well-orchestrated event with a packed schedule, a guest list to manage, and plenty of moving parts.
While some couples thrive on the energy of a big celebration, others feel like they’re planning a production rather than a day that truly represents their love.
The main differences between elopements and traditional weddings come down to:
Intentionality: Elopements strip away outside pressures, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
Flexibility: Whether it’s hiking to a secluded lake or exchanging vows under the Northern Lights, elopements give you the freedom to choose a location and experience that feels right for you.
Intimacy: Elopements keep the focus on your connection, free from distractions and expectations.
Authenticity: Your elopement can be as simple or as adventurous as you want—there are no rules, only what feels true to you.
If you’re caught between a big wedding, a micro-wedding, or eloping, consider what feels most aligned with your relationship and what will make your day feel most special.
Why an Elopement Might Be Perfect for You
You love the outdoors. If your ideal day involves being surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, then an elopement in nature might be calling your name.
You want to avoid wedding stress. No seating charts, no guest list drama, no rigid schedules—just a relaxed, meaningful day focused on the two of you.
Personalization is a priority. When you elope, every single detail is about what you want—no compromises, just an experience that reflects who you are as a couple.
You value intimacy. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your closest loved ones, eloping keeps the focus on what truly matters.
You dream of epic photos. If capturing jaw-dropping moments in breathtaking locations is a priority, an elopement is the perfect way to get those once-in-a-lifetime shots.
Busting 6 Elopement Myths
Myth 1: Elopements are Rushed and Secretive
Far from it! Modern elopements are thoughtfully planned, often months in advance, to create a deeply meaningful experience. Whether you include family or keep it just the two of you, the day is designed with intention and purpose.
Myth 2: An Elopement has to be Just the Two of You
Elopements can vary in size. There are no set rules dictating how many people you can invite to your elopement or adventure wedding. However, elopements typically involve 2-20 guests, while micro weddings usually have around 20-50 guests. One of the favorite aspects for many of our couples when eloping is the freedom from the pressure to invite every single person they know!
Myth 3: Couples only Elope to Save Money
While elopements can be more budget-friendly than traditional weddings, they’re not about cutting costs—they’re about shifting priorities. Instead of spending on a large venue and catering for hundreds of guests, couples invest in an experience that is truly meaningful to them.
Curious about the real cost of an adventure elopement? Check out our latest blog post on "How much does it cost to elope?" for more insights.
Myth 4: You have to be Adventurous and Outdoorsy to Elope
Not true! While some couples hike miles to exchange vows on a mountain peak, others choose a scenic overlook, a cozy cabin, or even their own backyard. Adventure is what you make it, and eloping is about choosing a setting that feels right for you.
Learn more about how it works.
Myth 5: Eloping isn’t as Special as a Traditional Wedding
An elopement is just as significant and meaningful as any other wedding—it’s simply designed differently. The value of your wedding day isn’t measured by the number of guests but by the depth of love and authenticity it holds.
Myth 6: Elopements don’t need as much Photography Coverage as a Traditional Wedding
One of my (Sanne's) biggest regrets from my own budget wedding is not investing in a professional photographer. Now, after 12 years of marriage, I look back at my photos and wish I had more documentation of the entire day, beyond just the church and family shots.
Your elopement is one of the most important days of your life, and it deserves to be beautifully documented. From getting ready to exploring stunning landscapes together, every moment tells the story of your day. Investing in photography ensures that these once-in-a-lifetime memories are preserved forever.
Learn more about our elopement and adventure wedding packages and pricing.
Is an Elopement Right for You?
If you’re craving a wedding day that feels stress-free, deeply personal, and adventure-filled, an elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you envision saying your vows beneath towering peaks, beside a glacier-fed lake, or under a canopy of stars, eloping gives you the freedom to craft a day that is as unique as your love.
If you’re ready to explore what an elopement could look like for you, let’s start planning your dream day—one filled with love, adventure, and unforgettable memories.