Elopement Defined: What does it mean to elope in 2024?

There are so many ways to get married in 2023, that the term elopement has become household. But how do you define it? And what is an actual elopement?

Elopements used to be thought of as a secretive wedding ceremony, where a couple ran off into the blue to get married away from everyone they knew. But in 2023, that’s not always the case.

Allow me to provide my definition of eloping:

An elopement is an intentional and a reflective wedding experience that allows the couple to enjoy their wedding day as an adventure together. An elopement is about creating an experience based in intimacy, intention and love. It is a chance to build an experience with your partner that reflects everything that you are.

Sounds familiar? Because it is. Eloping is simply turning your wedding day into an adventure that highlights your favorite things, rather than following a traditional wedding formula.

WEDDINGS VS. ELOPEMENTS

While both of these ceremonies have intimacy and intention, one is based on tradition. And if traditional structures don’t fit you, an elopement can be a perfect way to build a day that does.

You can go horseback riding on the beach, prep for your day with some hot springs, or even take your time to hike to a waterfall before your ceremony, because you get to call the shots.

WHY ELOPING MIGHT FIT YOU:

  1. YOU CRAVE ADVENTURE

If you love the thrill of a new experience, or learning a new skill, eloping might be the perfect way to kick off your next chapter in life; a new adventure, for your next adventure. To incorporate more fun into your wedding day, think about the things that make you the most happy. Then, make those into priorities.

2. YOU LOVE THE OUTDOORS

Maybe you are the type of person who spends more time outside, than inside. Or maybe you’d like to start. Maybe nature is a better background for your vows that a church would be. Regardless of the reason, there is no bad view out here.

3. YOU WANT TO SURROUND YOURSELF WITH BEAUTY

And that includes friends and family! Loved ones are welcome in any elopement, and often the best ones feature loves ones crying around your alter. So think about the people who have metaphorically climbed that mountain with you, and let them join the adventure team.

4. YOU ARE INVESTED IN EXPERIENCES

There is a myth out there that people who elope don’t want to invest in a real wedding. And that’s simply not true. Many couples who choose to elope simply invest their money in different experiences that they want to share with their partner and close friends. And while the venue may be cheaper, the wedding attire is often adventure-specific and vendors are still providing a hand-crafted experience.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter what your elopement takes place, as long as it makes you happy. Because this is about you and your partner’s happiness, and that’s all that matters. Eloping isn’t easy; it takes courage, spirit and the ability to put your needs before others, but trust me. You deserve this. 

So whether you are going somewhere special with your close friends and family, or adventuring with just the two of you, you can count on the fact that I will be there to document every beautiful, intimate moment of it. Contact me today to ask more questions about Colorado elopements.

Previous
Previous

How to write authentic wedding vows

Next
Next

How to host a backyard wedding