Eloping Makes the Most Sense for Most Couples in the 2020's


In a world where we have pressure to stay connected with anyone and everyone via social media, an elopement can be a great break from it all.


Imagine if you will - rather than spending $30k - $40k or more on a traditional wedding full of people you barely know or spend any time with (outside of maybe holidays), imagine using that same budget on the ultimate destination wedding or elopement. Many of us for whatever reason have forgotten the main purpose of weddings - to join two as one and begin a new life together.

Won't I Offend My Family & Friends?


Now, before I go any further, I have nothing against a traditional wedding. There is nothing wrong with having a giant party on the most important day of your lives. In fact, it may be the perfect fit for you over a smaller, more intimate wedding.


I found for myself, that wasn't the type of wedding I wanted. After some discussion with my wife, we decided we wanted to only spend our wedding day with those who are closest to us - our parents. We chose to elope in the Grand Tetons, and it is a decision I am still 100% happy with. Of course, I would have liked to be able to have all of my family and friends to have the opportunity to be there. But, we wanted to make sure we weren't spending our wedding day trying to meet everyone else's expectations, rather than enjoying the moment with just ourselves and our parents.


I can say that most, if not all, of our family and friends that couldn't make it were not upset with our decision. Your family and friends are going to be much more understanding than you might think. And besides, the day is about the two of you - no one else.

Reasons You Should Choose to Elope Instead


So what makes eloping appealing? Do you like the idea of an adventure getaway with your significant other and closest family and friends? Are you introverted and uncomfortable being in front of a large group of people? If so, why would you want that anxiety to be nagging at you on one of the most important days of your life?


Here are a few reasons you should really consider the idea of a destination wedding & elopement:

  1. You hate being the center of attention
  2. You identify as an introvert
  3. You want to make the day less about expectations and more about you two as the couple
  4. Only the most important people in you life will be present (no more plus ones that you have no idea who they are!)
  5. The intimacy of an elopement is more romantic
  6. You can consider your wedding the ultimate honeymoon thanks to being more intentional with your wedding budget

Eloping Does Not Mean a Courthouse Wedding


Lastly, there is a large misconception that eloping means you go to your local courthouse, sign some papers, and then say your vows in front of a judge. The context of the word elopement has changed drastically over the last ten years. An elopement now could mean just the two of you and an officiant. It could mean a small intimate ceremony with only you and the most important people in your lives. It could simply just mean a smaller wedding.


Whether you want to refer to it as a micro-wedding, small wedding, destination wedding, or adventure elopement, the concept remains mostly the same. In my professional opinion, I believe an elopement simply means a small wedding with only those closest to you, usually no larger than 20-30 people.

Adventure Awaits


Overall, this is not meant to persuade you one way or the other. I simply just want others to realize you do not have to have a cookie cutter wedding. The average couple spends over $30,000 on their wedding day. Wouldn't it be nice to use that money for the ultimate getaway with the one you love?