Should We Elope?

So, you’re wondering: should we elope? As a professional elopement and non-traditional wedding planner, I love this question. The short answer? Maybe! The long answer? It depends on what truly matters to you. 

Eloping isn’t about running away; it’s about running toward a wedding experience that feels the most like you. But let’s be honest—choosing to elope can feel like you’re breaking some kind of sacred rulebook. Family expectations, cultural traditions, and that one aunt who’s been dreaming about your big ballroom wedding since you were five might make this decision tough. But at the end of the day, this is your wedding, not theirs.

One of the biggest perks of eloping is that your wedding and honeymoon can seamlessly blend into one unforgettable adventure. No need to rush to a reception or worry about next-day flights when your dream destination is already part of the plan. Imagine saying your vows in the morning and spending the afternoon exploring a breathtaking national park, lounging on a private beach, or strolling through cobblestone streets hand in hand. By eloping, you’re not just creating a wedding day—you’re launching straight into a honeymoon that starts the moment you say "I do."

Now, let’s talk about money. Depending on location in the U.S., a 200 person wedding can easily cost $50,000—and that’s without all the fanciest bells and whistles. Elopements can be as extravagant or as budget-friendly as you want, without the pressure of hosting 200 people you barely know, don’t hang out with otherwise, and/or only invite out of obligation. Instead of spending a fortune on hors d'oeuvres and centerpieces, you can invest in an unforgettable experience—maybe a mountaintop ceremony at sunrise, or a European getaway where you say “I do” with a view of the Amalfi Coast. Whatever your dream, eloping can give you more financial freedom to actually enjoy your wedding day rather than fret over paying for it. 

Don’t forget about the stress that can accompany planning a traditional wedding—it can often feel like a second full-time job. Contracts, guest lists, seating charts, vendor coordination, and family drama can make traditional weddings feel more like a source of anxiety than a celebration. Elopements, on the other hand, let you cut out the chaos. No rigid timelines, no pressure to please twenty different opinions, and no worrying about whether Uncle Jim will behave at the open bar. Instead, you get to plan a day that flows exactly how you want it to.

The best part? An elopement can be anything you want it to be. There are no rules. Want to hike to a secluded spot and exchange vows with just the two of you? Do it. Want to gather a few close friends and celebrate with a chef-cooked meal in a stunning Airbnb? Perfect. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that your wedding reflects who you are as a couple. So, if your gut is telling you that eloping feels right, listen to it. Tradition is great—if it serves you. But if it doesn’t? Give yourself permission to create something better—something that feels like a true representation of your love. And if you need a little help making it happen, well… that’s what I’m here for.