Top 8 reasons why couples elope and love it!
In the realm of wedding traditions, eloping has gained significant popularity in recent years. What was once considered a clandestine affair is now celebrated as a unique and intimate way for couples to exchange vows. While eloping might not be for everyone, those who choose this path often find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are the top eight reasons why couples elope and love every moment of it.
1. Intimacy over spectacle
Large, traditional weddings rarely allow time for intimate, intentional moments.
Most wedding days are filled with trying to entertain your guests and feeling obligated to say hello to everyone. Sometimes the bride and groom are so busy with everyone else they don't really get to be present and enjoy their own wedding. Imagine leaving your big wedding day feeling like you spent more time with everyone else than your new spouse?
Destination or adventure elopements allow couples to focus on the intentional moments and the reality of making a commitment with each other. With fewer people, the distractions and stress disappear as well.
2. Stress free wedding planning
Planning a traditional wedding is a ton of work. Choosing colors, schedules, music playlist, seating charts, guest list, invitations... and somehow the list goes on and on. So there are two things you can do:
Option #1: Try to have a more stress-free life and hire a wedding planner, however get ready to fork over at least $8000… and that’s just their fee.
Option #2: Plan a unique and special elopement for just the two of you and maybe a few close friends. At Running Wild, we help you plan and create a unique elopement experience. Instead of stressing over planning, you can focus on relishing the special day and making memories with your loved ones.
Learn more about; How to elope
3. Avoiding Drama
When organizing a traditional wedding, the unfortunate reality is that the focus often shifts towards meeting the desires of family members. The question becomes: 'What will make Mom or Grandma happy?' However, with elopement, the emphasis shifts entirely to what will bring joy to you as a couple. Elopements offer a particularly wonderful advantage in that you can still celebrate with a small party of up to 20 close friends and family members, significantly reducing stress and drama on your special day.
4. Cost-effectiveness:
While many assume that financial concerns are the primary motivator for couples choosing to elope, the reality often diverges from this assumption. In fact, most couples opt for elopement over the traditional route because they prioritize experiences over material possessions. Eloping grants couples the freedom to design a day that authentically reflects their relationship, rather than conforming to the expectations of a lavish wedding filled with superficial elements. Elopement couples allocate their resources towards experiences and values they cherish, rather than investing in extravagant ceremonies aimed at impressing others.
However, it's undeniable that traditional weddings often come with a hefty price tag!
Studies reveal that the average cost of a wedding in the United States sits at around $33,000, with some states seeing averages soar as high as $45,000. Quite a hefty sum, isn't it? Just imagine the multitude of enjoyable experiences you could indulge in together with that amount! Have you ever dreamed of booking a honeymoon retreat in the Swiss Alps or soaring over glacier-capped mountains in a helicopter? The possibilities are truly limitless!
Want to learn more about the cost of planning an adventure elopement? Check this blog:
5. Getting married at an unique dream location
How many people get to say they got married in the North Cascades National Park of Washington, the deserts of Utah, or overlooking a turquoise blue lake hidden in the Peruvian mountains? Picking an elopement location that is meaningful and feels special to you as a couple makes your day extra perfect. Not only can your travel destination serve as your wedding venue, but you can also plan your honeymoon out there! Our specialty is to find unique and breathtaking places that are intimate just for your special day. We will work together to find your dream location.
Looking for some more inspiration where you can get married? Check out these blogs:
Best places to elope in the US
6. Flexibility and adaptability
Traditional weddings tend to have a pretty cut-and-dry, the standard order of events (aka complicated and stressful to plan).
However, when eloping, it's much more free-flowing. Eloping offers couples the freedom to craft a day that is reflective of their relationship. When you throw out the rulebooks, the possibilities are endless! We’ve seen couples go off-roading, kayak, fishing, and of course hiking! Whether you decide to plan a 1-day or 2-day elopement experience, we are here to help you plan a unique and intentional wedding day that reflects 100% who you are as a couple.
Want to know more about what we offer and our packages?
7. Spontaneity and adventure
For some couples, the spontaneity of eloping adds an element of excitement and adventure to their love story. Whether it's deciding to elope on a whim or planning a destination elopement in a far-off land, eloping can make for unforgettable memories.
8. Boatload of breathtaking photos
While all of your friends have the typical “country club" wedding photos, yours on the other hand could have huge mountains, maybe a desert, an alpine lake, or whatever breath-taking scenery surrounded you on your day.
Whether it be in a secret location in the pacific northwest or in a whimsical waterfall in Iceland, through eloping you have more options for the most dreamy and unique wedding photos ever.
Don’t believe us? Check out these couples who eloped!
Should I elope?
Deciding whether to elope is a deeply personal choice that warrants careful consideration. Before making your decision, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you and your partner. Consider your priorities, values, and dreams for your wedding day. If you crave intimacy, adventure, and authenticity, eloping might be the perfect choice for you. Eloping allows you to exchange vows in a meaningful setting, free from the pressures and expectations of a traditional wedding. It offers the opportunity to create a deeply personal and unforgettable experience that focuses solely on your love for each other. However, it's essential to communicate openly with your partner and ensure that you're both on the same page. Discuss your hopes, concerns, and expectations for your wedding day, and make the decision that feels right for you as a couple. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—whether you choose to elope or have a traditional wedding, what matters most is that your decision reflects your unique relationship and brings you joy.
Do you invite guest to an elopement?
There's a prevalent misconception surrounding elopements, often viewed as secretive events solely involving the couple. However, in today's context, elopements have evolved into small and intimate gatherings. Couples may choose to elope alone or opt to include a select few friends and family members in the celebration. In many cases, our captured elopements feature between 5 to 20 cherished individuals, yet the spotlight remains firmly on the couple, ensuring their special day is still deeply personal and meaningful.
Learn more about What does elope mean?
What are the cons of eloping?
Truth to be told, elopements are not for everyone. Here are some of the main reasons why an elopement might not be the right fit for you:
Limited Guest List: Eloping means sacrificing the opportunity to celebrate with a large number of friends and family members. If you have a close-knit circle or have always dreamed of a big wedding surrounded by loved ones, eloping might not fulfill that desire.
Less Formality: While some couples appreciate the relaxed and informal nature of elopements, others might miss the grandeur and formality of a traditional wedding. If you've always dreamed of a lavish ceremony with all the traditional elements, eloping might not align with your vision.
Missing Out on Traditions: Eloping often means forgoing certain wedding traditions and rituals that come with a traditional ceremony. If you or your partner value these customs and rituals, eloping might not provide the opportunity to incorporate them into your special day.
