Why more couples are skipping the big wedding for something real
First of all, let’s get one very important thing straight:
Elopements are real weddings.
Elopements are not “less than,” “giving up,” or “running away.” Elopements are intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal celebrations of love, and for so many couples, they are the best decision they’ve ever made. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I elope or have a wedding?” or even just “Should I elope?”, you’re in the perfect place. Let’s break it down together. No pressure, just perspective.
Top 7 Reasons More Couples Are Choosing to Elope
1. More Privacy — It’s Just the Two of You
One of the biggest reasons couples elope is privacy. When it’s just you and your partner, you have the freedom to say and do whatever feels right, especially during your elopement ceremony. No eyes on you. No pressure. No worrying about being watched during your most vulnerable, emotional moments.
2. No Performance, No Expectations
For many couples, the idea of “performing” on their wedding day feels exhausting. Eloping removes that completely. There’s no audience to please, no timeline to follow, and no one else to worry about — just space for you and your partner to be fully present with each other.
3. Financial Freedom to Spend on What Actually Matters
Trying to save for a down payment on a home? Dreaming of an unforgettable experience instead of a one‑day event? Eloping gives you the freedom to spend intentionally — whether that’s a private chef, a jaw‑dropping Airbnb, travel, or creating an experience that truly feels like you.
4. Way Less Stress
Eloping eliminates the overwhelming dynamics that come with traditional wedding planning. No napkin swatches. No seating charts. No worrying about who sits next to who. Just you, your partner, and a day that feels calm, meaningful, and exciting.
5. No Family Drama
Let’s be real — this is one of the biggest stressors couples face. When you elope, you don’t have to navigate family expectations, opinions, or tension. No guest list means no drama, and that peace alone can be priceless.
6. Way Less Planning (and Way More Fun)
You’re planning an elopement — not a party. The planning process is simpler, more flexible, and actually enjoyable. And the best part? You’re not doing it alone. I’m here to help you every step of the way. All of my elopement packages include help planning your elopement (and so much more!).
7. Jaw‑Dropping Images in Nature
Let’s not ignore the obvious — elopement photos are next‑level. You and your boo, fully present, surrounded by epic landscapes. The kind of images that make people stop scrolling and say “wow.” Everyone will oooh and aaahhh over your photos.
Why Do Couples Elope?
Real Answers From Real Couples
Over the last 5 years of photographing elopements full time, i’ve asked every couple this question: “Why did you decide to elope?” And every answer, without exception, centers around the same few themes.
Here are honest, heartfelt reasons couples chose to elope:
- We prefer a private moment and experience.
- An elopement feels more like us. We are not interested in the performance of a bigger wedding. We want simplicity, and a real memory.
- We want our day to actually be OUR day.
- This is both of our second weddings. We know from the first time around that big weddings actually suck.
- We want to travel to a place we always wanted to go to, and get married there.
- We just want a day for us. We don’t want to worry about other people, and have to hold space for all the different personalities on our special day.
- We began planning a wedding and realized it didn’t feel like us.
- We want an unforgettable wedding day, one that feels authentic.
Notice the pattern? The reasons most couples elope come back to experience, intention, authenticity, and connection.
Should I Elope or have a wedding? Signs an Elopement Might Be Perfect for You
Ever find yourself knee‑deep in wedding planning and thinking… “Wait. Why are we even doing this?”
You’re not alone.
Here are a few signs you might be the kind of couple who would actually love eloping:
- You feel overwhelmed just thinking about a big wedding.
If the idea of a 150‑person guest list and seating charts makes you want to hide — yeah, that’s a sign. - You’d rather spend your day together, not entertaining others.
Instead of “making the rounds,” you want to wake up slow, take your time, and soak it all in — together. - You don’t want to perform — you just want to be yourselves.
You’re not into the spotlight. You want to cry during your vows without a hundred people watching. You want to laugh, dance, and feel totally free. - You value experiences over traditions.
A wedding day that’s about you, not what’s expected of you? Yes please.
- You’d rather invest in meaning than stuff.
You’re dreaming about a beautiful location, amazing photos, and an intentional experience — not centerpieces and party favors. - You feel most alive in nature.
If your dream wedding day includes being outside, fresh air, blue skies, and golden light instead of ballrooms and banquet halls, eloping in the outdoors might be your thing. ✨ Need ideas? I live in Colorado, and 90 minutes from Moab, Utah, I know of the best places to elope in Colorado, and all about Eloping in Moab. Reach out to me today, and let’s start planing your outdoor elopement!
If you’re reading this and thinking “oh yeah… that’s us” — then eloping might just be your perfect fit.
Bottom line is….
If wedding planning has begun to feel more stressful than exciting, that’s a real sign that maybe a traditional wedding day isn’t for you, and you should elope instead.
Ready to Talk About What’s Best for You?
i’m kelly, an adventure elopement photographer specializing in moab, utah, and colorado
Colorado is more than just beautiful backdrop for me; it’s home. The mountains play host to my everyday adventures, making me the local you’ve been looking for. Whether it’s hiking in the front range, or exploring the turquoise blue lakes in the San Juan’s, I’ve got the experience to lead you through both the natural wonders and the perfect shots for your Moab, or Colorado elopement.
This business has become so much more than a job and I feel truly honored to call so many clients my friends. It would be a pleasure to work with you and your soon-to-be spouse as we plan and execute your dream Moab, or Colorado elopement in the places I now call home.
Let’s chat and figure out the answer to your question:
Should I elope or have a wedding?
You deserve a wedding day you can look back on and say:
“We really did that. I’m so proud of us.”
Got a feeling eloping might be your thing? Let’s talk.
I’m here to help you figure out what feels right, walk you through the process, and help you create a day you’re truly excited about. No pressure, no expectations — just honest support and guidance.
Fill out the form below and i’ll be in touch as soon as I can. (don’t be surprised if you hear from me right away!)
