What is an Elopement Anyway?
In this article I’m going to talk about the evolution of an elopement. How and why they’re not what they used to be. So many people still think eloping means secretly running off to Vegas and that’s not necessarily the case anymore. Here’s why the definition of an elopement no longer means what it did when your grandparents were getting married:
Times Have Changed…
The wedding industry is always changing and rapidly evolving. Since I’ve been photographing large, beautiful, extravagant weddings since 2010 (though super fun) made me wonder if the big sha-bang was genuinely for everyone or if couples just felt like they ‘had to’ go big because of external pressures and social norms. When I spoke with couples one-on-one, I learned that not all of them really cared for the big party. Many would tell me they wished they could skip it all and go right to the honeymoon –how heartbreaking! I’m here to tell you that it’s totally OK if you feel that way. And there is absolutely another way to celebrate this day if you feel called to it… elope!
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to get married. You can celebrate your promise to each other in a way that feels 1000% authentic to you and your relationship! If you’re an introvert the thought of walking down the aisle in front of hundreds of people gives you the heebeejeebees, don’t do it! If you love a big party and planning every last detail, then hell yea, you should do that! Just get married in a way that’s enjoyable TO YOU. Because it only happens once and I’m a firm believer in enjoying the experience. Every step of the way.
Dare I Say It? Ugh, Inflation.
Let’s be honest, with the rate of inflation, everything is much more expensive than even a year ago. How nice would it be if that pricey honeymoon you booked for the Maldives could double as your wedding location too? It doesn’t mean your friends and family can’t come. It just means they come with you! You could all treat it like a once-in-a-lifetime vacation spending quality time with each of your loved ones and not have to worry about seating charts or mailing hundreds of invitations. Doesn’t that sound great??
The Covid Conundrum
I hate to bring it up but, remember 2020? The pandemic made a lot of people realize that maybe having a big wedding wasn’t totally necessary. I watched many of my own Covid couples breathe a sigh of relief that morning, making statements like “I’m kind of glad there aren’t more people here. I think I’d feel really overwhelmed right now”.
**not me behind the camera silent cheering “YES!!!”
That season was pivotal for my business. As lame as it was to watch my couples go through it, those small, intimate wedding celebrations ended up being my favorite ones ever. I watched them get to talk and hang out with each of their guests and have a blast the entire time because they were never being stretched too thin. One of the best receptions took place in a beautifully-decorated garage! It was a BLAST!!!
Basically,
Eloping doesn’t necessarily mean having a courthouse wedding, or running away to Vegas, or have to be a secret, or mean you’re defying all of your relatives and ancestors…
It’s simply a you-do-you thing.
That’s all. 🙂
about the author:
Hi! I’m Mia!
I live in a tiny cabin in the woods of central Oregon and have been a wedding photographer since 2010. My love languages are quality time and travel.
My style is a cross between documentary and editorial. I love capturing special moments between couples beautifully. I believe the experience is just as, if not more important than the photos.
Click the button below to work with me! I’d love to help you figure out if eloping is right for you, and if so, imagine the perfect elopement day with you. ♥︎
