Blog / Is it Better to Elope or Have a Wedding These Days?

Is it Better to Elope or Have a Wedding These Days?

By LoveLife | Posted July 3, 2023

Back in the day, when a couple eloped, it usually meant their families didn’t approve of their relationship; so they would just run away to get married in secret.

Over time, things have changed on who is eloping, how we view it, and what it means. Elopement weddings are now common due to the high cost of traditional weddings and those not wanting to plan a big wedding.

The cost and rigors of planning of a wedding can be daunting and challenging for many. A small simple wedding, especially at a destination spot, with very few people involved, and avoiding religious or cultural practices, can become very appealing!

So in these days, is it better to elope or have a traditional wedding? Here are some ideas and thoughts!

Planning

One of the scariest parts of getting married, as most past brides will attest to, is the actual planning for your wedding.

There are so many things that need to be considered, just thinking about the list can stop you in your tracks! Location, attire, venue, decorations, food, setup, music, reception, etc.

One appealing aspect of elopement weddings is that planning is minimal. With a small group of people and "just getting married" the main focus, eloping lightens the mind when thinking about planning.

Couple smiles and walks on a mountainside

Location

One of the best parts about eloping is the absence of a venue price tag. This opens up the door to possibilities that are picturesque around this world.

Think of the vast array of options to choose from when thinking about a backdrop for your ceremony without finding and paying for a venue: your backyard, family or friend's property, the mountains, the beach, a park, anywhere really!

Easy to say and see, the possibilities are endless. Going this route, setup and decorations are minimal, if at all needed.

If you did an online wedding, you could still get a legal US marriage no matter what part of the world you travel to for your wedding.

Guests

Thinking of everyone you know—and feeling you need to invite them to your wedding—can be a stress.

When eloping, throw that idea to the back of your mind and have a small group of your closest family and friends!

If that is still a worry, it can be just you and your partner, the officiant, and a witness or two to make it legal!

You can go as small and intimate as you want. Plus, you don't have to feel scared or embarrassed on the spot to say your vows in front of a lot of people!

Enjoy your day with just those you are closest to, or no one at all really.

Bride stands at the bow of a boat going across a lake

Money

Have you looked at the average cost of a wedding in the US? It’s right around $30k according to theknot.com.

Venue, food, decor, transportation, vendors—it all adds up!

When you have an elopement wedding, throw out those major costs we just listed and go on an epic honeymoon, or put the funds in what matters most to you as a couple.

Elopement weddings are an affordable option, especially when planning a destination wedding with your closest friends and family.

Your wedding day is about your commitment to each other, so why not take off the major pressures that are burdensome with traditional wedding planning and cost?

Have a personal and intimate ceremony that celebrates your love and commitment, not the grandeur of the ceremony. Feel free to plan it in advance, or have it spur of the moment.

LoveLife gives couples the flexibility to have an online elopement wedding that is convenient and simple. Weddings can be performed within hours of inquiry if needed and allow the couple to be from anywhere and located anywhere. Make it just the 2 of you or have your intimate wedding with your closest family and friends.

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