What is eloping?
So… what actually is eloping?
If you still picture a couple sneaking off to Vegas in secret, you’re not alone — but that definition doesn’t really hold up anymore.
Eloping today looks totally different. It’s not about running away or hiding your love. It’s about intentionally choosing a day that feels true to you — whatever that looks like. Maybe it’s just the two of you on a mountaintop at sunrise. Maybe you bring a few close people along. Maybe it’s a multi-day experience full of adventure, good food, and quiet moments together.
Eloping gives you the freedom to throw out the rulebook and design a wedding day that’s yours — not one that checks everyone else’s boxes.
If you’re new to the idea (or even just curious), let’s break down what eloping really means, how it’s changed, and why so many couples are choosing it today.
Eloping Definition
a whole new way to get married
It’s no secret that the eloping definition has greatly evolved over the years. Even Wikipedia, and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary have updated their definition of eloping (it’s about dang time!).
In the past decade or so elopements have really turned into being a whole new way to get married. What once used to mean running away without parental consent has graduated into a whole new meaning. In my opinion, it’s been long overdue. Couples feel like they need to abide by the rules of the wedding industry due to the societal pressure to do so – book a venue, create a seating chart, hire a DJ, invite every extended family member (even Aunt Betty who you haven’t seen or talked to in years),… you get where I’m going with this. Couples have always wanted a different way to get married – I just don’t think couples knew they could get married differently.
So forget everything you thought you knew about eloping – as love, marriage, and the world changes around us, so does our idea of what a wedding day should look like.
Modern Elope Definition
e·lope
/əˈlōp/
verb
An elopement is a type of way to get married where two people escape the traditional wedding day expectations and plan an intentionally intimate wedding experience where the sole focus is on the couple committing their lives to one another.
Old School Elope Definition
e·lope
/əˈlōp/
verb
To run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.
Should I elope? An elopement might be for you if ….
you value experiences over stuff
If you wouldn’t describe yourself as a materialistic person, then eloping is probably for you. Eloping really strips back what a wedding day is all about and puts the focus back on the couple. You’re investing in the experience of your wedding day and the memories that will last a lifetime, and not all the fluff and stuff that gets thrown away after the day is over.
you value quality time with your partner
Have you ever heard ‘I don’t remember my wedding day!” Well, you can stop worrying about that when you elope. You’ll be able to spend the entire day with your partner without any distractions. Just you two, and the great landscape as your witness.
you hate being the center of attention
This is the main reason I eloped. I couldn’t stand the idea of walking down an aisle, and having ‘all eyes on me’. Does being the center of attention sound like hell to you? Then eloping is probably for you!
Exploring the Shift of Eloping Definition Over the Years
This transformation in the eloping definition can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, couples are increasingly valuing experiences over extravagance. They seek meaningful, intimate celebrations that focus on their love and commitment rather than the grandeur of a traditional wedding. Elopements offer this in spades, allowing couples to exchange vows in stunning natural settings, under starlit skies, or in the heart of their favorite cities.
Additionally, the modern elopement emphasizes personalization. Couples are eager to craft elopement ceremonies and celebrations that authentically represent who they are as individuals and as a couple. Whether it’s a mountaintop exchange of vows or a simple city hall ceremony, elopements are all about celebrating love on one’s own terms.
Ultimately, the shift in the eloping definition is about empowerment and choice. Couples are reclaiming the narrative of their love stories, embracing the freedom to marry in a way that feels right for them. In doing so, they are creating deeply personal and unforgettable moments that reflect the essence of their relationship, making elopement an increasingly attractive option for those seeking to start their marital journey in a unique and meaningful way.
Hear “why” from my past couples
So, why do couples choose to elope anyway?
People elope for all kinds of reasons but the #1 answer we always get when asking our couples why they’re considering eloping is a variation of this: we’re not big on to do’s, and we want our wedding day to be about us, and have an unforgettable experience.
Here are a few answers that came straight from my couples on why they chose to elope:
- We prefer a private moment and experience
- We began planning a wedding, but felt it was not the right fit for us, we want our wedding to be intimate and about us and our relationship
- We want our day to actually be OUR day with the people who are closest to us
- The only thing I have ever wanted for my wedding day is to be in the mountains with the people we love the most
- We just want a day for us and our people to celebrate
- We want an unforgettable wedding day
Who am I?
hi, i’m kelly! an adventure elopement photographer (that’s me! >>>>)
I help couples ditch tradition and navigate the elopement of their dreams, and photograph it! I eloped back in 2016, so I’m super passionate about helping my couples have a wedding day just like I did. A day that’s fun, exciting, unique, adventurous, and stress-free.
I consider myself to be a Colorado elopement photographer, as well as an Utah elopement photographer, photographing a bunch in Moab, Aspen, Breckenridge, Telluride, and more!
Reach out to me today to learn more about how I can help you bring this all together, and deliver the photos you’re dreaming of having.
What’s the difference between weddings and elopements?
Eloping and traditional weddings represent two distinct paths to celebrating love and commitment. While both are beautiful in their own right, they diverge in several key ways.
Differences Between Weddings and Elopements
- Elopements typically involve a smaller guest list, often limited to just the couple themselves or a handful of close friends and family. This intimate setting fosters a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
- In contrast, weddings are often grander affairs, featuring a larger guest count, formalities, and elaborate ceremonies and receptions.
- Elopements tend to be more budget-friendly, allowing couples to allocate resources differently, such as towards travel or experiences.
- Conversely, weddings may involve higher costs due to the scale and scope of the event.
The choice between eloping and having a wedding ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities, with each offering a unique and memorable way to express love and commitment.
Where can I elope?
One of the main differences between eloping and a wedding is the location. You can elope anywhere (well, almost anywhere!). Below I list a few places I love and think are perfect for adventurous couples looking to elope!
These are some of the best places to elope in Colorado
What is eloping? Here are some real Life Utah Elopements
What is eloping? And Can you have guests at your elopement?
Deciding who gets to join in on your elopement
If you’re wondering “what is eloping”, and wondering if you can invite guests to your elopement, the answer is yes! Deciding who to invite to your elopement can be a tricky task, but it’s important to remember that this day is all about the two of you and the people that matter most to you. One way to narrow down the guest list is to think about who you would want by your side in a crisis, those are the people you want at your elopement. Or you can think about who you would want to celebrate with you if you won the lottery or if you passed an important exam. Those are the people that should be there on your special day.
Another way to decide is to have a heart to heart conversation with your partner and make a list of people that you both would like to have there. It’s also a good idea to consider the logistics and practicalities of having guests at your elopement, such as location and travel arrangements. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that this day is about the love and commitment between you and your partner, and the people you choose to share it with should be a reflection of that.
What is eloping? Here are some real elopement stories with family
What is eloping? And what are the Elopement Wedding Laws
While wedding laws vary from state to state, we don’t like to put any red tape on our couple’s elopement days. What do we mean by this? Well, have you ever seen the episode of Grey’s Anatomy where Meredith and Derek get married on a post-it note? No? Well, that’s ok. You don’t need to watch the episode to understand what I mean here! Your wedding vows and your commitment to your partner is so much more than a piece of paper, but to the government, it’s nothing more than a piece of paper. So what if you want to elope and can’t get the marriage license in time? Or what if you want to elope in Norway, and just don’t want to deal with the legality of it all, and would rather just sign a marriage license here in the US? Then, post it! Or as some people know it as a commitment ceremony. You two are still saying your vows to one another, that moment is what counts, not the red tape.
Elopement Wedding Laws for the State of Colorado
Did you know that you can marry yourself in Colorado? That’s right. It’s like this state was made for eloping couples! There is also no waiting period! Some states require you to have your marriage license for a certain amount of time before you can turn it back in signed, but not in Colorado. Walk into a clerk’s office, get your marriage license, walk out, sign the marriage license, turn around, hand it in, you’re married! No witnesses or officiants are needed. Pretty freakin’ neat, right? Now, that is the ultra-simple version, but technically that’s how easy it is! Sprinkle your day with a little bit of activity or sightseeing, and you’ve got yourself a proper Colorado elopement story! This whole process of marrying yourself in Colorado is a little lovely law called self-solemnizing.
What is eloping? A bunch of Q’s that need to be A’ed about eloping!
Do elopements have guests?
Elopements are a freakin’ blast, and there’s no rule that says you can’t invite a few of your closest peeps to join in on the fun. Sure, traditional weddings may have a guest list the size of a small village, but an elopement is all about keeping it intimate and personal. Imagine exchanging vows with your besties and family by your side. Now that’s a party!
But don’t worry, just because you’re inviting a few guests doesn’t mean the whole shindig will turn into a full-blown wedding. An elopement is still all about the two of you. So, whether you want to have a handful of your closest buds or just your immediate family, the choice is yours. Just remember, the more the merrier, but the fewer the better if you’re planning to make a quick getaway.
what does an elopement ceremony look like?
An elopement ceremony is a intimate and unique event. It’s all about the couple, their love and commitment to each other. It can take place anywhere, whether it’s a city hall, a beach, or even on top of a mountain (if you’re feeling adventurous). It’s a private and intimate event, no need to worry about seating charts or speeches. It’s your day, make it as simple or as elaborate as you wish.
Is an elopement a real marriage?
Yes! Just because there isn’t a room full of guests to witness two people saying their vows to one another doesn’t mean the marriage isn’t real. Couples who decide to elope don’t have marriages that are “less than”. Actually, quite the opposite could be argued! We won’t get into that though. 😉
Do I have to climb a mountain to elope? What if I’m not adventurous?
There are so many reasons why couples choose to elope, and we promise you only a handful of couples choose to elope because they want to climb a mountain on their wedding day. While we love waking up before the birds to summit a mountain or climb to an alpine lake, we understand that’s not everyone’s speed. Whether you want to have a hiking elopement, or you want to do something super mellow, we’ll customize your adventure to you. Like, the real you. If your’re planning on having an adventure hiking elopement, check out this blog on what to pack!
How much does it cost to elope?
The answer to this question will depend greatly on the couple and what matters most to them. On average couples will spend anywhere between $5k – $25k+ (cause the sky is the limit!). Couples who are deciding to elope are eliminating the traditions like a venue, bridal party, food for a big number of guest, a DJ, and their spending their money on things they care about like traveling to a destination or participating in a new activity. Although the high end of $25k might seem like a lot of money, it’s really not when you look at the average cost of a traditional wedding, being $20k, when that $20k is spent on entertaining your guests and making sure they’re taken care of. What would you rather: spend tens of thousands on a day you likely won’t remember much of, not enjoying the majority of the planning, or experiencing the day. Or would you rather take that money and spend it on an incredible experience and come out of it with your favorite story to tell?
When calculating the cost for your elopement consider these options: traveling expenses, lodging, attire, activities, vendors. Get in contact with us to see our elopement packages, or to get a bespoke elopement package quote.
how do you plan an elopement?
Don’t stress yourself out by thinking of how you’re going to plan your elopement. Chances are your elopement photographer will do most of the heavy lifting for you. For me, I love taking on most of the planning tasks so my couples can head off into their elopement adventure with the peace of mind they’re looking for.
I’ll take care of things like finding a location, working out a timeline to ensure we have plenty of time to soak in the views and get to the best scenery during the perfect time for the best photos, helping you with what to pack for your elopement, getting the proper permits for that location, telling you exactly where you should go to get your marriage license, mapping out the terrain, and so much more.
Why do I do this? Because when your elopement day, location, and timing come together perfectly, your photos will be incredible. It’s all apart of the experience when you work with In Love and Adventure!
But there are just a few things that are required to put on an elopement. These things are the two of you, your wedding vows, and a signed marriage license (a maybe a few witnesses, and officiant depending on the marriage laws of the state you’re getting married in). Pretty simple, right? We like to keep things easy peezy around here. But of course, yes, 100 times yes, we will help you with whatever you need. Literally, there is no task that is out of our scope when it comes to helping you plan your day. Why? Because we also eloped, and we know how incredibly special it is to have a day you can look back on and be super proud of, and be super happy about. We’re talking no ragrets. Not even one letter.
Is eloping a legal marriage? And are they legally binding?
YES! Eloping is a real marriage! Marriage laws vary by state, but 100% elopements are completely legal. They are also legally binding. Two people who choose to elope are legally getting married by signing a marriage license.
Is an elopement a real wedding?
Abso-freakin-lutely, an elopement is a real wedding. Do two people sign a marriage license? Yes. Is that marriage license a legally binding agreement? Yes. Then elopements are real weddings, and if anyone else tells you otherwise, send them my way because I have 100+ wedding galleries to show them of real weddings that were elopements. 😊
Is eloping cheaper?
It certainly can be! The national average cost of a traditional wedding in 2020 was $20k. So unless you’re planning on spending tens of thousands on your elopement, eloping is more affordable.
What do you do during an elopement?
When you’re thinking about the question of what is eloping, and what do you do during an elopement, just remember to think of an elopement as a blank canvas, where you draw your relationship straight onto the crisp white paper. Eloping is all about escaping the traditions of a traditional wedding day. We have some advice for our couples when brainstorming what their elopement could/should look like. It’s about a 50/50 split between couples who come to us knowing exactly what they’re envisioning for their elopement, and couples who really don’t know, or maybe they’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Our biggest piece of advice is to do what we like to call the Random Memory Game. Essentially, you’re just looking back through memories the two of you had together and picking apart why they were so special and so meaningful. What did do during that time that made it the best day ever? Did you sleep in, or wake up early? Did you have a fantastic meal you can’t stop daydreaming about? What was the vibe of the day? Was it easygoing, or did you follow a schedule? What activities did the two of you do together? Did you experience something new, or were you doing something you’ve done dozens of times before together? Knowing the answers to these questions will be able to help you start to map out what your elopement should look like, and to make your day special. There are no right or wrong answers here. Escape the traditions, and create a day that is a representation of the relationship you’ve built.
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