Words that come to mind when I think of elopements:
peace, emotion, mindfulness, depth, & heartfelt.
For many years, the norm has been hosting a huge wedding that sometimes entertains hundreds of guests. Oftentimes tens of thousands of dollars are spent to throw the biggest bash possible. However, this sort of wedding is beginning to lose its charm; many people are leaning toward a slower, more intimate type of wedding: elopements. While elopements in the past have had the connotation of being secretive, hasty, and even shameful, today they are a conscious choice to intentionally celebrate the joining of two humans in a deeply personal and intimate way.
An elopement, in its modern incarnation, is a small, intimate wedding that typically involves just the couple, and perhaps a few cherished loved ones. An elopement is not about the grandeur of a large wedding, the meticulous planning, or the entertaining of guests. Instead, it's about focusing on what truly matters: the love between two people and the rituals and activities that feel most authentic to them. It's about creating a day that reflects the couple's unique bond and shared dreams, rather than adhering to societal expectations or traditions that may not resonate with them.
The beauty of an elopement lies in its simplicity and authenticity. It's about creating space throughout the day for presence, for genuine moments that will be remembered and cherished. There's no tight timeline to follow, no pressure to perform or to meet anyone's expectations but your own. It's a day to do whatever you both want, to express your commitment to each other in a way that honors and represents the uniqueness of you both as individuals and as a couple. This could mean exchanging vows under the glow of a sunset on a mountaintop, sharing a picnic in a forest, or simply spending the day in the comfort of their own home. You can truly do whatever you want. This is about understanding that there are no rules for how your wedding day should look or feel.
So, why are more and more couples choosing to elope? The reasons are as varied as the couples themselves. For some, it's a desire to avoid the stress and expense of a large wedding. For others, it's about prioritizing their love and relationship over societal expectations. And for many, it's simply about wanting to create a day that feels more true to them. Elopements are one of the most effortless ways to create a wedding day that is a genuine reflection of the couple. If you're planning your wedding and feeling overwhelmed by the expectations and pressures of a traditional wedding, consider an elopement. It's a beautiful, intimate, and deeply personal way to celebrate your love. And remember, your wedding day is about you and your partner. So, do whatever the heck you both want, and create a day that feels most magical to you.
I repeat: do whatever the heck you both want, and create a day that feels most magical to you.