What does “elope” mean?
Back in the day, 'elope' was like a secret handshake for couples who wanted to tie the knot without dealing with all the family drama or societal fuss. It was about sneaking off and saying, 'Hey, let's do this our way!' But now, 'adventure elopements' have taken that rebel spirit and turned it into something epic. Instead of just running away to a courthouse in secret, couples are jetting off to wild destinations—mountaintops, forests, even beaches—to say 'I do' in the most breathtaking settings. Some even invite family and friends because, in the 21st century, the meaning of eloping is not to do things in secret but to create a wedding day that focuses on all the things that are important to YOU. It's all about trading the old-fashioned wedding grind for a one-of-a-kind journey that's as unique as your love story. So, if you're dreaming of saying your vows under the stars or on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, you might just be ready to take the plunge into adventure elopements.
The differences between adventure elopements and traditional weddings
Alright, so picture this: adventure elopements vs. traditional weddings, it's like comparing skydiving to a stroll in the park. With adventure elopements, you're diving headfirst into this wild, unique experience. Think of rugged mountains, crashing waves, or serene forests as your backdrop. It's all about embracing the thrill of the moment and creating memories that'll last a lifetime. On the flip side, traditional weddings are more like following a script. You've got the venue, the flowers, the cake – it's all laid out for you. It's classic and elegant, sure, but sometimes it feels like you're just going through the motions instead of truly connecting with each other and the moment.
Now, let's talk freedom! With adventure elopements, the world is your oyster. You can tie the knot wherever your heart desires – on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, under a canopy of stars, or even on a glacier. It's all about finding that perfect spot that speaks to your soul. Traditional weddings, on the other hand, can feel a bit more restrictive. You're often confined to certain venues and timelines, and there's this pressure to stick to tradition. It's like there's this rulebook you're supposed to follow, and if you stray from it, well, you might ruffle a few feathers. But hey, at the end of the day, it's all about what feels right for you as a couple, whether that's going on an epic adventure or sticking to tradition.
Reasons why an adventure elopement might be the right fit for you
Love for the outdoors. You and your partner share a deep appreciation for nature and dream of saying “I do” surrounded by stunning landscapes.
You want to escape the stress that comes with big traditional weddings. Elopements offer you a laid-back experience where you get to live in the moment and not worry about anything around you.
Personalized Experience: You can tailor every aspect of your adventure elopement to reflect your personality, interests, and love story, ensuring a deeply meaningful and personal experience.
Intimacy matters to you. You prefer a more intimate celebration surrounded by a select few loved ones. On top of that, you really get to focus on what matters most: your connection.
You are searching for those epic landscape banger shots that you can hang on your wall! You want to look back at your photos and feel exactly how you felt in that moment and relive it.
Get inspired by other couples that eloped
Busting 6 elopement myths
Myth 1: Elopements are rushed and secretive
This couldn't be further from the truth! Many people perceive elopements as a hurried affair, where couples hastily tie the knot in secrecy, only to later sheepishly inform their loved ones about their marriage. However, that's not the reality of elopements anymore.
Adventure elopements are deliberately designed to align with the couple's vision of their special day. Whether they opt to include their closest friends and family members or plan an intimate "just us" wedding experience, the day should authentically reflect who they are as a couple.
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 adventure weddings usually have around 20-40 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!
Learn more about elopements or adventure weddings
Myth 3: Couples only elope to save money.
Sure, elopements can definitely be a money-saver compared to traditional weddings. Just think about all the cash you'll keep in your pocket when you don't have to feed a huge crowd or deck out your venue with tons of flowers. Instead of splurging on material things, you can invest your funds into creating a truly unique and meaningful wedding experience. It's your chance to craft a day you'll cherish forever! Whether you're dreaming of exploring Peru, saying "I do" in Iceland, or taking a helicopter ride to a glacier for your ceremony, your wedding day can be everything you've ever imagined and more. The possibilities are endless!
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
This is completely untrue! Your elopement day should authentically reflect who you and your partner are.
You might have seen incredible photos of couples standing against breathtaking mountain vistas after a grueling 10-mile hike and thought, "That's not us" or "We're not that active." But here's the thing: adventure elopements aren't about how many miles you can hike or how outdoorsy you are. We're here to help you plan an elopement experience that's entirely unique and tailored to who you are as a couple. It's all about celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you, whether that's atop a mountain or in your own backyard.
Learn more about how it works.
Myth 5: Eloping isn’t as special as a traditional wedding
Your elopement deserves every bit as much attention as a traditional wedding—it's YOUR big day, after all! Who says a wedding is only meaningful if you invite hundreds of guests, spend a fortune on decorations and flowers, and hire a DJ? We're here to assist you in planning and crafting a complete elopement-day experience that revolves entirely around you as a couple, minus the stress and pressure of a traditional wedding.
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 9 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.
Sure, elopements and traditional weddings have their differences. But they also share many similarities, such as hair, makeup, wedding attire, a picnic or small dinner, family and friends (if invited), and, most importantly, the moment you say "I DO." Your day is special and unique, and you deserve to have your love story captured and remembered. Every little moment on your special day deserves to be documented and preserved. Your memories are invaluable, so investing in photography ensures that you can look back and relive one of the happiest days of your life.
Learn more about our elopement and adventure wedding packages and pricing.
