Is Eloping Right For You? 8 Signs You Should Elope

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word elopement? For many people, it's a secret or spontaneous wedding, shrouded in mystery, that involves running away to Vegas or some other far-off destination. But in reality, eloping doesn't have to be any of those things.

Eloping can simply mean having a wedding that's small and intimate, without all the fuss and stress that often comes with planning a big event. Eloping allows you to focus on what's truly important - your marriage, with the people who matter most - you, your partner, and your dearest loved ones.

Your elopement can be as small as just the two of you with two witnesses, or you can include a few close friends and family members. You won't need to worry about which colleagues, extended family members, or old college buddies you "have to" invite. It can be held anywhere, including your backyard, a local park, a beautiful national park, or really anywhere that has meaning to you as a couple.

If any or all of this sounds appealing to you, then read on for eight signs that eloping might just be the right choice for you—>

1 | You don't like being the center of attention among a big group of people.

Your wedding is meant to be a special day with your partner, but no one really talks about just how stressful it can be to have all eyes on you. If the idea of being the center of attention for an entire day gives you anxiety, then eloping might be a good solution. You'll still be able to share your wedding photos and news with everyone after the fact, but you'll be spared from having to endure all the attention from a big group of people on the day of.

2 | Thinking about planning and spending money on a "big wedding" stresses you out.

Weddings are notoriously expensive and can often cost well over $20,000, even for a smaller wedding. Planning the big day is also daunting, with several pages of responsibilities and an entire list of vendors to keep track of. It can take months, often times more than a year, to plan out the details of your wedding, and it can still feel like a race to the finish line in those final weeks, days, and even hours before the big day.

If months of planning or the thought of spending that much money (or even going into debt) on one day gives you nightmares, then planning a simple elopement could help put your mind at ease.

3 | You love to travel and go on adventures; incorporating this into your wedding day sounds like the perfect scenario.

You and your partner love to travel and explore new places - why not make your wedding day an adventure, too? Eloping provides the perfect opportunity to have a unique, unforgettable wedding experience while also getting to see some fantastic new destinations together.

Find yourself two witnesses, the proper documentation, a photographer, and set your sights on your dream destination. Whether it's saying your vows on the flats of the Grand Tetons, getting married on a private rooftop in your favorite city, or on a secluded overlook in a national forest surrounded by the beauty of a lush forest - the choice is yours! And just think of how gorgeous the photos from your elopement will be!

4 | You would rather spend your wedding day alone together or with a handful of your closest people.

When planning a traditional wedding, it can often feel like you're planning the day for your guests instead of yourselves. What should we feed them? How will we entertain them? What kind of music will they like? Eloping allows you to plan a day that is solely focused on you, your partner, and your love for each other. Whether you invite your closest friends and family is entirely up to you.

5 | You are not a traditional couple and prefer making decisions based on intentionally instead for the sake of “this is what everyone else does”.

You want a wedding experience that is personal and meaningful to you as a couple, not something "ordinary" for the sake of being traditional. If you would prefer a unique, one-of-a-kind wedding that is a true reflection of your relationship, then eloping is the perfect solution.

6 | You want an intimate, authentic, and unrestricted wedding experience.

There are no rules when you elope, except the ones you make up yourselves! This can be really liberating and allow for an intimate wedding experience that is authentic to you as a couple. You won't feel pressured into following any traditions or customs that don't feel true to you and your partner.

7 | You prioritize investing in time spent together through experiences over material items.

This is a big one. Couples who elope generally have a different outlook on life and prioritize experiences over material things. If you'd rather spend your money traveling or investing in memories together instead of expensive linens and plated dinners, eloping is likely a good fit for you.

8 | You just want to elope; no other reasons are needed.

At the end of the day, you don't need a "reason" to elope. It might seem like a daunting or even taboo decision, but if you've read this far and find yourself thinking, "YES! We just want to elope!" then there's your answer. You don't need any other justification - if eloping is what you both truly want, then go for it!

Skipping the traditional wedding doesn't mean you have to miss out on the beautiful photos. Hi, I’m Liz, I specialize in Pennsylvania elopement photography and planning. I help couples create an elopement day that’s intentional and stress-free by offering a supportive, knowledgeable and kind experience that includes vendor and location research, a comprehensive elopement guide and custom timeline curation, ensuring couples get beautiful photos while having an incredible time!