Most couples choose to have a traditional wedding ceremony with all the bells and whistles. Why elope and miss out on all of that? An elopement is an intimate way to celebrate your wedding rather than an elaborate production for your friends and family. Elopements are just as special and memorable as any traditional ceremony.
Elopement used to be a secret, and sometimes scandalous, affair, but it’s much more common for modern couples. While some couples choose to elope for financial reasons, it doesn’t always have to with money.
If you’re on the fence, here are some reasons why an elopement might be the right choice.
1. Less Pressure To Perform
Vowing to spend the rest of your life with someone is a vulnerable moment. While you may want to share that with the world, the idea of a crowd of eyes on you might make you nervous. If it does, an elopement might be right for you.
Butterflies are normal, but crippling anxiety about walking down the aisle shouldn’t be something you deal with on your wedding day. An intimate ceremony with only the most important people surrounding you can put your mind at ease.
2. Minimal Planning
Wedding planning is stressful. An elopement focuses more on the couple than the event, making planning more manageable. If you want to have a small gathering at your elopement, go for it! The sky is the limit.
Even if you decide to have a few guests, planning for a smaller crowd is much more relaxed. You can hire an elopement planner to handle the details, and you only need to include elements that feel right to you. Think about your priorities, whether that be photos, food, entertainment or location. All you really need is an officiant, a location and each other.
3. You Want To Be Unique
Elopements are non-traditional, making them a unique way to tie the knot. You can step outside the box and create a ceremony that looks how you want. There are fewer restrictions on location, and you can focus on your connection rather than all of the unnecessary extras. Dare to be different and make your ceremony what you want.
4. You Can’t Wait
Sometimes, forever isn’t long enough, and you can’t wait to begin your journey with your partner. Eloping can be the most romantic way to start your life together. Whether it’s spontaneous or you plan it out, an elopement doesn’t have to be prepared as far in advance as a traditional ceremony. You don’t have to coordinate with as many people for an elopement, making it a much faster process.
5. Desire To Explore
If you’re an adventurous couple, an adventure elopement might be an excellent way to explore new heights. If you and your partner are outdoorsy, you can choose to say your vows in one of the U.S.’s countless state or national parks. There are plenty of incredible options, whether you want your backdrop to be a lush forest, a vast body of water or a rich desert.
Choosing a site is simpler when you don’t have to consider potential guests. You could hike up a mountain and get married at the top – without worrying about getting 100 guests up there with you. Imagine beginning your life as a husband or wife by checking a destination off your bucket list. What a dream!
6. You Want to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Weddings contribute so much waste—400 pounds of trash come from the average U.S. wedding. Having an elopement is an eco-friendly choice that contributes to the betterment of our planet.
Eloping can be an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the use of disposable supplies, food waste and transportation emissions. Consider searching for sustainable options like digital invitations and recyclable materials if you have an intimate gathering.
7. Breathtaking Photos
Your wedding photos are timeless as they help you relive your favorite moments. A big wedding involves wedding party photos, families and more. Elopement photos focus on you and your fiancé and the epic view. Without a wedding party or guests to worry about, the photographer can get up close and personal and capture intimate moments.
Elopement photos are some of the most captivating shots. Picture a gorgeous mountainscape with lush green trees and a cascading river that looks straight out of a brochure. That could be you!
Why Eloping Is Right for You
No matter your reasons for wanting to elope, you’re sure to have the ceremony of your dreams. You can begin your lives together with intention, focusing on the two of you and what matters most. While eloping can save you money, that’s not the only reason to consider it. Take these signs into consideration when choosing what’s right for you.
Let’s Knot and Say We Did
You’re in love and you want to get married, but the thought of planning a destination elopement can be overwhelming. Let’s Knot and Say We Did offers all-inclusive wedding and elopement packages so that all you have to do is show up! We specialize in adventure elopements because we believe in the power of authentic love. Rather than have weddings be a production. We value marriage and the sacred union that takes place in a wedding ceremony.
Rich is a Master of Ceremony. He creates a grounding presence that allows people to feel safe to be fully themselves. He and Shelby (your elopement photographer) bring their joy + high vibes into your ceremony space with intention, love, and creativity. Whether you’re eloping or having a small wedding, we’ll take care of everything so that you can relax and enjoy your special day.
Rich and Shelby create a detailed timeline of your wedding day and coordinate with all vendors. They hand pick every vendor involved and only work with the best. They provide everything you need to get married in an absolutely beautiful location.
Let’s Knot and Say We Did is based in Sedona, Arizona. Rich and Shelby travel world wide to create epic elopement and intimate wedding experiences for couples who are authentic, joyful, and madly in love.
