What does it mean to elope?
Imagine exchanging vows here, in the mountains of Patagonia with no one around
First of all, what is the definition of elope?
i-ˈlōp
Wow. Great question. What it means to elope has really changed over the last decade.
Merriam-Webster defines it this way: "to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent"
But, this isn’t your grandmother’s elopement!
Eloping today is not the same last minute decision to go to the courthouse that it used to be! (Although it still can be if you're into that!)
To elope these days means to have a wedding that is focused on what is truly most important on a wedding day; you, your partner, and your promise to each other to love and respect one another for as long as you live.
To elope can mean anything. It can mean hiking to the top of a 14,000 foot peak in the snow, just you and your partner (and me capturing every stunning detail!). It can mean traveling to the wine country of Tuscany and relaxing on a vineyard with your ten closest friends. It can mean surfing on a remote island somewhere in Indonesia while exchanging your vows on surfboards in front of your immediate family. It can simply be going to the park where you met your partner and exchanging vows beneath the same tree you had your first kiss.
That is the beauty of it! Eloping can be anything and everything. It can and should be, the single best day of your life. Imagine what it is you like to do most in the world with the person you love most.
Ok, so you get the premise. But why should YOU elope?
There are so many reasons to elope.
You prefer experiences to things.
Less stress! I didn’t know about elopements when I got married. I thought I had to throw this big party for all of my friends and family. And that’s what it was. Me throwing them a party. My partner and I were stressed out the whole time. We had quite a few things go wrong and didn’t have the resources to hire a bunch of people to take care of it for us. We were both utterly exhausted and drained by the time the weekend was over. Honestly, everything was a blur and I don’t even remember getting to spend time with my husband - ostensibly the whole point of getting married!
Authenticity. Weddings can feel like big business. Talk to a few wedding venues and you will quickly feel like just another cog in the wheel. And all the steps can sometimes make you feel like you are just going through the motions. Do you really have to do a father daughter dance? What if you hate dancing? What if you don’t want to be the center of attention? What if you just don’t get along with your dad?
Intimacy. Elopements are smaller. You get to invite only the people you love most in the world. Or, just keep it between you and your partner. Truly get to spend the first day of the rest of your lives just enjoying the company of the person you love most.
Less family drama. Maybe you don’t get along with your family. Guess what? When you elope you don’t have to bring them!
Maybe you're actually super close with your family. Maybe by marrying someone, your whole family is marrying them. Great. Now you can celebrate with just those people and actually get to spend quality time with each other. You won’t be trying to squeeze in hellos to 200 people you don’t even know that well.
Adventure. Spend the day doing what you love most. Start your marriage off by going on the most fun adventure together. Better yet, turn your wedding into your honeymoon!
Budget. Maybe money is a factor for you, maybe it isn’t. But either way, by eloping you are saving money on things that don’t really matter (place settings and table decorations for example) and putting it towards what is really important to you. Whether that be travel or adventure or stunning photographs that you will have for the rest of your life. Eloping means that you get to splurge on what really matters and forget the little things.
how to start turning your wedding day into an intentional and intimate elopement
Send me a message and let's get the ball rolling! I have a little questionnaire that helps me get to know you, so that I can start coming up with the best ideas.
2. Let's meet up and grab a beer!
Or a coffee! Or if you are feeling pretty busy / you're not in the South Bay of Los Angeles, let's hop on Zoom for a free brainstorming session.
3. Planning Time
So. Now you've made the best decision and you have decided to elope on your wedding day. Amazing. I am so stoked for you. Now is the time that I can really shine, assisting you at every stage, with the perfect location ideas, timeline coordination, travel planning, vendor recs, permit info, etc. Keep my number on speed dial and call anytime. I am here for you. That's why you booked me - remember?!
4. Let's Get You Eloped!
Take a deep breath. The day is finally here. Sit back, relax, focus on your partner. Aren't you so glad you don't have to stress about being the center of attention, about family drama, about place settings, or food vendors, or your drunk bartender, or your missing bridesmaids? Instead, truly enjoy the moment. Be present on your wedding day.