What is an Elopement? Everything You Need to Know About Eloping

What is an elopement?

Elopement: This term has evolved so much over the years. In modern times, an elopement can be defined as a nontraditional and very intimate wedding ceremony. Traditional weddings are typically focused on the comfort and experience of the guests, while elopements focus on celebrating and honoring the couple.

Elopements can include however many people you would like but most elopements include just a few people: the couple, the officiant, the photographer, a witness and maybe parents or other close relatives or friends.

What are the different types of elopements?

Destination Elopement: A destination elopement is when a couple elopes to an ideal location to get married. You may have heard of a destination wedding where couples get married on a tropical island or beach and their guests have to arrange travel accommodations. This is basically what a destination elopement is but minus the guests!

Local Elopement: Similar to a destination elopement, a local elopement is a private and intimate wedding experience that takes place locally versus at a destination location. 

Adventure Elopement: An elopement that is an adventure to get to. An adventure elopement doesn’t have to be at a destination location, it can also be local.

Courthouse Elopement: When a couple goes to the courthouse or the city hall and gets married. This type of elopement is quick, easy, and doesn’t require a lot of planning compared to other elopement styles. The architecture in most courthouses and city halls will make for stunning photos, too. This option can also be paired with a destination elopement, a local elopement, or a microwedding.

What You Should Know About Local Elopements

Local elopements typically take place in your own town or city but they can also be located within your home state or country. There are plenty of reasons why a local elopement may be a good choice for you and your partner.

Are you planning to include a few of your closest family members or friends in your elopement? Keeping your elopement local would make it easier for them to be in attendance.

Are you on a budget and need to keep costs as low as possible? A local elopement will help support that.

Did you and your partner grow up in the same town? Keeping your special day local can help tell part of your love story.

Do you and your partner want to splurge on your honeymoon? Having a local celebration can help you save money to do just that.

You and your partner just want to keep things simple. Sometimes, opting for a local elopement is a matter of wanting simplicity and easiness of planning. Planning a local elopement can take far less time than planning a destination elopement. So, if you and your partner are looking to get married quickly, a local elopement is your best choice. If you’re in the Virginia area and are looking for tips on how to plan your local elopement, you’ll love this blog post I wrote. You can check it out here!

Having a local elopement is probably one of the simplest and cost effective options for your big day. Let’s see how it compares to a destination elopement.

What You Should Know About Destination Elopements

A destination elopement requires more planning, resources, and patience than a local elopement. While a destination elopement is very similar to a local elopement, there are some major differences that you should note.

Cost

The cost of a destination elopement can range in price compared to a local elopement. The wonderful thing about destination elopements is that you can have your wedding and honeymoon all in one location. Besides covering the cost of your nonnegotiable elopement details like your officiant, your outfits, your photographer, and venue, you’ll also need to consider the cost of airfare and lodging (for yourself and for vendors, if you’re required to cover their travel). Since you aren’t having a traditional wedding, you can also choose to splurge on certain aspects of your elopement to curate a day that’s specific to you and your partner’s vision.

Location

A destination elopement takes place at any location that isn’t too close to home. So, if you and your partner have always enjoyed hiking and exploring, you certainly could choose a location that allows y’all to do just that. Three things to be mindful of when eloping in a destination location:

1. There could be laws or regulations in place in order for you to marry in a specific location. For example, some national parks require a permit to marry on their grounds and some may not allow certain types of flowers or plants into their parks to preserve other plant life in the park.
2. There could also be laws or regulations in place that require you to have an official marriage license to marry in the location you choose. Be sure to do your research.
3. Don’t forget about the currency change! Convert when applicable and budget slightly more than you think to cover unexpected fees.

A destination elopement allows you and your partner to curate an entire experience from beginning to end. And if y’all have a case of wanderlust, y’all will definitely find fulfillment and appreciate the thrill of planning a destination elopement.

What You Should Know About Adventure Elopements

An adventure elopement can take place locally or at a destination location. Adventure elopements have become extremely popular over the last 5 years. For couples who have a strong connection with nature, love the outdoors, or love discovering new places, this is the perfect option to honor that. Planning an adventure elopement can take more time to plan because there are usually more logistics to work out. You will also want to double check marriage laws and regulations depending on where you plan to elope.

What You Should Know About Courthouse or City Hall Elopements 

Courthouse or city hall elopements are not what they used to be. In the past, eloping at the courthouse or city hall wasn’t share worthy. In fact, it was looked down upon. But boy have things changed! Courthouse or city hall elopements are quick, easy, and simple to plan. These buildings typically have a regal and historic architectural feel to them, which will make for gorgeous photos. This is a cost effective option if you’re wanting to plan your special day quickly and without hassle. Be sure to check with your courthouse or city hall to see what all is needed to get married.

In Conclusion

When deciding between a local and destination elopement, it’s important to consider your budget, the size of your wedding, your desired location, the amount of time you have to plan, and you and your partner’s overall vision for your big day.

Local, courthouse and city hall elopements usually cost less and can often be planned in a short amount of time. They offer simplicity and cost effectiveness. On the other hand, destination and adventure elopements provide a unique and special experience, as well as a way to honor you and your partner’s lust for travel.

The most important thing to remember is that your wedding day should focus on you and your partner, not pleasing your guests or fulfilling a tradition. It’s an opportunity to be selfish, create new traditions, and do exactly what you want to do without regret. If location isn’t a big deal and you and your partner want to have an intimate 5 guest wedding in your backyard, that’s completely acceptable. Or if y’all prefer to only have your officiant and photographer there, that’s an amazing option, too! Do whatever makes you and your partner happy!

Whatever vision you have for your special day, I would be honored to capture those memories. Check out my pricing to learn more about my philosophy, process, and packages. If you’re ready to book now, fill out an inquiry form to get started!