5 Misconceptions About Eloping & Why It’s An Awesome Way to Get Married
May 11, 2024
Introduction: What is Eloping?
Eloping can mean lots of things to different people, but there are also many misconceptions about eloping. For some, it’s running away to Vegas on the spur of the moment and getting married in a tiny chapel with Elvis, not telling your friends and family. That might be the most popular association people make with elopements in their minds, but it’s not the only one. Eloping can also mean choosing an intimate ceremony in a beautiful location, with just you, your spouse, and an officiant. There are a variety of reasons why someone might choose to elope. Today let’s talk through 5 common misconceptions about eloping–and why it’s a great alternative way to tie the knot!
As elopements become more and more popular in recent years, and especially since Covid-19, it’s a good idea to look at what an elopement doesn’t mean, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you! Let’s dive in.
Misconception #1: Elopements are impulsive.
This is a huge falsehood. Elopements don’t necessarily have to be a spontaneous decision made without forethought. In fact, many people spend just as much time planning their elopement as they would a normal wedding! If you want to elope in a beautiful location and find meaningful ways to include friends and family, you might benefit from starting to plan early. Increasingly, what people mean when they say “elopement” is interchangeable with other common wedding types such as micro weddings and destination weddings.
Elopements can be a really thoughtful and intentional decision. The choice to eschew traditional big weddings is not an easy one, especially if you have close friends and family–but don’t fear, as we continue looking at the other misconceptions, you’ll see that eloping doesn’t have to mean excluding loved ones if you don’t want it to. It can just mean a more intimate ceremony for you and your partner!
Misconception #2: Eloping Means Exclusion
The second of the misconceptions about eloping is that when you elope, you’re choosing to exclude your family and friends. Not all elopements are created equal! Your elopement can be whatever you want it to be. Many eloping couples choose to have a few dear loved ones attend. Some will stream their ceremony virtually using a platform like Zoom so their circle can attend. Some people have a private elopement ceremony and then a big reception party that everyone can come to. There are endless ways to customize, especially in our digital age. So your wedding does NOT have to mean excluding anyone!
You can also opt to announce your elopement beforehand with some beautifully made cards featuring your engagement photos, or announce afterward with your elopement photos! A company I LOVE for photo cards is Artifact Uprising.
Misconception #3: Eloping Is Only for Young Couples
This one is kind of silly, when you really think about it! If you can get married at any age, of course you can elope at any age! Lots of people who remarry later in life choose to elope. In fact, my step-aunt and uncle eloped to Lake Tahoe, just them two. It was a beautiful moment for them, and we loved seeing the pictures afterward! An elopement is just about the commitment you’re making to your partner, and that’s a beautiful thing to celebrate at all stages of life.
Misconception #4: Eloping Means Sacrificing Tradition
Many people don’t like the concept of elopements because they think it means going without time-honored traditions that should be at a wedding. First, there’s no such thing as “should” when it comes to your wedding! Second of all, an elopement ceremony can absolutely incorporate traditional elements. You can still walk up an aisle. You can still exchange rings and vows, you can still be married in a church or by a pastor. All of these things and more are totally possible with elopements. You can even incorporate traditions from family or cultural heritage. Because eloping doesn’t mean one specific thing, you have the freedom and flexibility to structure it exactly how you want it to be. Keep the traditions that matter to you, and forget about the ones that don’t. That’s the beauty of an elopement–you’re only doing what’s important to you, and not a hundred other people.
Misconception #5: Eloping is a Sign of Relationship Problems
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Because eloping has gotten such a bad rap for decades, many people assume it means an unstable or unhealthy relationship. This is one of the misconceptions about eloping that can be really damaging. Remember my aunt and uncle I mentioned before? Still happily married, going on 20 years. Eloping is not at all a sign that a a relationship is in a bad place. In fact, it’s chosen by many couples as a way to confirm their commitment to one another without all the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding. It can be an intimate and powerful way to prioritize your connection with your partner.
Conclusion: Misconceptions About Eloping
In conclusion, if you’ve ever wondered if eloping was right for you but got caught up in the negative connotations, I hope this post debunking 5 misconceptions about eloping has helped you realize that eloping can be such an amazing choice for a fulfilling, memorable, and special wedding day for anyone!
Are you ready to start thinking about planning your own elopement? I’ve got a free elopement planning guide that walks you through all the major moving parts and gives you space to plan, dream, and organize. You can download my Free Elopement Planning Guide here!
Or if you have more questions, get in touch with me and let’s chat about your wedding!
xo Stacey
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. Images by Stacey Vandas Photography.
