Why Eloping Might Be the Best Decision for Your Wedding Day

Why Eloping Might Be the Best Decision for Your Wedding Day

Once during a wedding day, I overheard the bride say something that, in my opinion, is one of the worst things you can say on your big day.

“I wish we had just eloped.”

Imagine spending so much time, energy, and money planning a big wedding, only to feel that way at the end of it. It’s a thought that no couple should have on their wedding day. To be fair, this bride had an incredibly stressful day. From an overbearing mother-in-law to bridesmaids arguing with each other, and family members barging into her hotel room uninvited, it was clear that her wedding was off to a rocky start. Add in a late ceremony because the officiant wasn’t there on time and a malfunctioning microphone, and it’s no wonder she felt frazzled.

But it got me thinking: What if she had eloped instead?

The Realities of Wedding Planning vs. Eloping

So, let’s rewind a bit. Picture this: You’ve just gotten engaged. You’re basking in the glow of what was hopefully an epic, love-story-worthy proposal. But then, you’re hit with the question: Do we elope or do we go all-in with a big wedding celebration?

This decision can be incredibly overwhelming, especially because there’s so much pressure around what a wedding should be. Do you want a huge party with hundreds of guests, or would you rather skip the stress and have a quiet, intimate ceremony with just the two of you? Let’s break down why eloping might—or might not—be the best choice for you.

Why Eloping Might Be the Right Decision for You

First off, if you’re feeling overwhelmed about planning your wedding, don’t panic. Feeling stressed during wedding planning is totally normal—it’s a big deal! But if you’re also feeling frantic, anxious, and dreading the idea of hundreds of eyeballs on you all day, eloping could be the perfect solution.

Personally, I’ve always hated being the center of attention, so when my husband and I planned our wedding in Lake Tahoe, I was excited but also a little uneasy. We did it for the family, but I would have been equally content having a much smaller celebration, or even just eloping! The pressure of having to entertain dozens of guests can be exhausting, and it’s hard to focus on the meaning of the day when you’re running from one activity to the next.

Incorporating Family with an Elopement

One of the biggest misconceptions about elopements is that you have to do it alone. But here’s the beauty of modern technology: live streaming. With the rise of virtual weddings (thank you, COVID!), you can easily include family and friends who might not be able to attend in person. I’ve helped couples set up live streaming for their elopements, and it’s a fantastic way to share the moment with loved ones while still keeping the day focused on you two.

And honestly, when you eliminate the need for a huge venue, catering, and all the other logistics of a traditional wedding, you’re left with a more personal and meaningful experience. You get to celebrate in the way that feels right for you, not based on what others expect.

Eloping vs. Traditional Weddings: Cost Considerations

A lot of people assume that eloping is the cheaper option. And while that can be true in some cases, it’s not always the case! Eloping can actually be more expensive than you might think—especially if you’re dreaming of a destination elopement in a faraway location.

For example, one couple I worked with chose to elope in London. While it was more expensive than they originally anticipated (coming from the States), the experience was absolutely worth it. The memories from that day are priceless! They picked a location that was meaningful to them, kept the ceremony simple, and then we did a photoshoot followed by a romantic dinner. Plus, they turned their elopement into the start of their honeymoon by spending a few days in London before heading off to Italy.

That said, there are definitely ways to save money with eloping. If you’re willing to stay local and choose a beautiful but less expensive destination (maybe a secluded beach or a national park), you can cut costs significantly. Instead of spending on fancy props, floral arrangements, or a large venue, you can focus on what truly matters—your love for each other.

The Romance of Eloping: Why It’s So Special

I’ll be honest: Eloping is 100% more romantic than a big wedding. Here’s why: when you have a large wedding, you often lose out on the intimate, one-on-one moments with your partner. You’re too busy greeting guests, taking photos, and running from one part of the event to the next. Eloping gives you the gift of time—time to simply be present with each other, away from the hustle and bustle.

For example, I helped a couple plan their elopement in Big Sur, and it was an absolute dream. We chose a destination, got the necessary permits, and they booked a cozy cabin in the redwoods. We spent the day exploring the cliffs and chasing the surf, capturing beautiful moments along the way. It was magical. The best part? They had quality time with each other, without being pulled in different directions like they would have been at a traditional wedding.

I can’t stress enough how important that time together is. At my own wedding, I had 100+ guests, and I barely had a moment with my new husband. We were constantly talking to people, moving through the schedule, and I never got to just breathe and enjoy the day with him. With an elopement, you get to make it all about you two—no distractions, no stress.

Does Eloping Sound Like Your Perfect Wedding?

If all of this sounds like your kind of wedding, then maybe eloping is the right choice for you! Whether you’re drawn to the romance, the freedom, or the simplicity of elopement, it’s a choice that allows you to create a deeply personal experience.

If you’re ready to elope and want some expert help in planning your dream day, I’d love to work with you! From destination elopements to local escapes, I’m here to help you make your day as magical as possible.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement? Let’s Chat!

So, tell me: Does eloping sound like your jam? If so, I’d love to help you plan your perfect day. Hit me up, and we’ll start planning the most unforgettable, stress-free wedding experience!

xoxo,

Alley

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Check out the full video for the Big Sur Elopement HERE