What is an elopement ?

an elopement in 2026

what does it mean "elopement" ?

Say it out loud. Where does your mind go when you hear the word "elopement"?
Do you picture a couple running to the nearest Las Vegas chapel to get married? Two people secretly tying the knot without anyone knowing because their families don't approve of their union?
If you thought of just one of those things—or even something similar—you're not alone, I promise. Most people believe that elopements are last-minute, secretive, and filled with shame, judgment, or awkwardness.

The truth is... That's no longer the definition of an elopement.

Elopements are for courageous people who love their partner so much that they're willing to stray from the norm of a traditional wedding to choose something different, meaningful, and above all, intentional.

I know this continues to be a topic with a lot of misconceptions; preconceived notions are hard to shake, but we're going to bust them together!

The modern definition of elopement

An elopement is a small, intimate, authentic, and intentional wedding where the experience is a true reflection of your relationship, and on the big day, the focus is on the very essence of the love that binds you together.

What you do is entirely up to you. The chosen location is entirely up to you. The people who are with you that day are entirely up to you.
An elopement is a way to remove all the pressure, anxiety, and traditional wedding obligations that can weigh you down. An elopement guarantees absolute freedom with your partner to choose how, when, and where to do it.
As an elopement photographer, I am passionate about this way of seeing things and sharing it with people who want to know what a true elopement is.

The difference between an elopement and a traditional wedding.

If deep down, what you want is a day filled with tenderness, intimacy, and meaning, and for your union to be the center of attention, you're already thinking about eloping – you just hadn't managed to put a name to it.

Because, in reality, an elopement isn't about endless details, bridesmaids, wedding favors, or table runners. It's neither a performance nor a Hollywood production.
Elopements serve to bring the focus back to what's important: you, your love, and how the moment you exchange vows is beyond anything imaginable.
It's a courageous choice to intentionally choose this intimate wedding experience.
Most couples feel the need to have a huge wedding. However, you should know that this isn't the case; I believe that your wedding day is yours, and it's your choice how it unfolds.

What does it feel like to elope?

Taking the first step towards eloping is deliberately choosing not to follow a tradition that holds no meaning for you. Instead, it's about saying "I choose you" to your partner. Saying "I choose us."

As mentioned earlier, eloping is about focusing on your choice to dedicate all the love you have for your significant other (how and where you want to celebrate your vows) instead of things that don't necessarily have a strong connection to you: a big party where you're the center of attention.
Conversely, you're making the decision to focus on the priorities that seem essential to you.
An elopement is simple: there are no rules! It's about creating the most incredible wedding day for the two of you – and getting married, of course.
That's one of the things I love most about eloping. One question remains: what would your wedding day look like if you had no limitations, what would you do?
There are no wrong answers, no limits, no impossibilities. Just think about that day you would want to relive your whole life, that day where everything was authentic and honest.

That could be your wedding day.

LET'S BREAK THE MYTHS

Myth number 1: Elopements are for lonely, isolated couples with no family.

There's this preconceived notion that if a couple elopes and doesn't throw a huge party surrounded by their friends and family, it means those people don't have that kind of support in their lives.
That's clearly not the case.
Many clients have unbreakable friendships and strong relationships with their families, but choose to take a different path with their wedding.

Why?

Because these couples have decided that, even though they have many people around them, the moment they commit to each other matters more than anything else.
Couples who have all their friends with them can still choose to elope, because when they look back on their wedding day for the rest of their lives, they want to remember a day that was purely for the two of them – a day without a single regret or compromise.
Don't get me wrong, it's entirely possible to have an elopement while still having guests there! Which brings us to our next myth!

MYTH NUMBER 2: ELOPEMENTS ARE SECRET EVENTS THAT ONLY INVOLVE THE TWO OF YOU.

In the past, elopements were considered secret and clandestine affairs that no one else was allowed to attend because it would break the "rules" of eloping.

But you know what? There are no existing rules. You can absolutely elope with your family, friends, loved ones – anyone you want to be there with you.
Bring your mother, your officiant, your children, your best friends. Your dog (please bring them!).
The organization of your elopement is entirely in your hands.
There's no set number of guests that defines the difference between a wedding and an elopement. It's all about what you want and how your guests respect that.

Very often, couples arrive with a maximum of 15 guests.
Also, if you want to include your loved ones without sacrificing that intimacy, you can split your day into two, or even have a two-day elopement!

As I said, there's nothing you can't do, as long as you follow your heart and your desires, and your guests are aware of your intentions.

MYTH NUMBER 3: COUPLES ELOPe BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO INVEST IN THEIR MARRIAGE.

Traditionally, people tend to think that eloping is cheaper than a wedding; in itself, this is more of an advantage of eloping than a compelling reason to do it.

You will certainly save money, knowing that a traditional wedding costs an average of $30,000, while an elopement will cost between $10,000 and $20,000 on average. You can have a traditional wedding on a small budget, just as you can have an elopement with a very large budget.

Choosing to elope instead of having a traditional wedding isn't about saving money or not investing in the most beautiful day of your life. It's about choosing to invest in your day in a different way.
Many couples decide to elope because they want a day entirely focused on them and the activities they want to do. For some people, it's not about having a big party. Rather, it's about spending a day surrounded by nature, doing something they love (hiking in the mountains, chartering a sailboat and diving in the Indian Ocean) with the love of their life.

An elopement is about you, your partner, and what truly matters to you. And money has nothing to do with it.

MYTH NUMBER 4: ELOPEMENTS ARE FOR UNAPPROVED OR UNACKNOWLEDGED MARRIAGES.

People think that elopements are these secret ceremonies that couples choose because they are ashamed, embarrassed, or because their loved ones won't accept their decision.
In the past, that might have been true; however, that's no longer what elopements are.
Some couples have chosen to have surprise elopements, but the surprise was related to how they chose to get married, not the marriage itself.
Having an elopement doesn't mean you're doomed to face disapproval or shame—it simply means you're choosing to set aside some of the pressure, anxiety, and expectations that can sometimes come with the traditional path to marriage.
When you choose to elope, you're choosing the path of no compromise. You're choosing the moments that are meaningful to you. There's nothing shameful about that.

MYTH NUMBER 5: ELOPEMENTS ARE QUICK & HURRY CEREMONIES

Back then, elopements were considered a watered-down version of a traditional wedding, where you'd take a few photos, sign the paperwork, and celebrate for an hour or two.
In my experience, I find that elopements are vast, meaningful experiences that are filled with hundreds and hundreds of intentional and love-filled moments – and there's no way an hour or two does them justice. I think your wedding day deserves more than that.
Most couples prefer to book elopement packages that last a full day, or even two!

An elopement is…
• A road trip through Patagonia, exploring the nature you've always wanted to see.
• Hiking to the top of a mountain in the Himalayas or the Alps.
• Waking up at dawn, walking along a beach in the Philippines, diving into the clear water of a mountain lake, taking a helicopter ride over a glacier.

Whatever you want, and however long it takes; that's exactly what your day should be!

MYTH NUMBER 6: ELOPEMENTS ARE ALWAYS LAST-MINUTE AND POORLY PLANNED.

Sometimes, people think that elopements are just last-minute, unplanned ceremonies. But that's no longer the case for modern elopements.
In fact, many couples plan their elopement at least a year in advance, sometimes even longer.
In the past, elopements were considered last-minute, effortless weddings. In reality, they are actually pure and intentional moments that focus on the intentionality and meaning of marriage.
Whatever type of wedding you're looking for, I always encourage you to have the experience that will make you and your partner the happiest. Your elopement can be as planned or as relaxed as you want it to be.

In conclusion, an elopement is...

An elopement is for couples who want nothing more than to spend a day, two days—however long—basking in that intimate and meaningful moment when they choose to dedicate their lives to one another.

An elopement is for couples who look into their partner's eyes and know that this day is about them, and only them. It's for couples who remember that this day is dedicated to their vows, promising themselves to each other forever; wherever and however they choose.

Elopements are anti-pressure, anti-obligation, anti-I-have-to-do-what-I'm-told.

Intentional. Courageous. Inspiring. Adventurous.

That's what an elopement truly is.

I like to think that eloping is the fundamental essence of a pure and intense marriage – an intimate ceremony celebrating the love each person has for the other. In my mind, it's the truest form of what commitment to one another really is.
Eloping has always been a non-traditional style of celebration, and I understand that there are still some misunderstandings or misconceptions about what a true elopement is.
Let's explore some of these myths!