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From secrecy to a special, intimate celebration -

The concept of elopement has changed a lot in the past few years. While it once conjured images of Victorian novels and scandal, it's now becoming a popular choice for couples who want an intimate marriage experience.

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Rejecting the "wedding industry" -

One of the biggest reasons why couples choose to elope is because they reject the traditional idea of what a wedding day is.

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Rejecting the "wedding industry" -

Eloping means you can tear up the rulebook, and not have to pay exorbitant "wedding" prices that are artificially inflated as weddings are now an industry.

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Intimacy and privacy -

A private, intimate elopement means the wedding day itself is actually about the couple, rather than what their close and extended family, and friends, desire.

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Intimacy and privacy -

For introverts, who make up 40% of the population, the idea of saying intimate vows in front of a crowd of people might stoke more anxiety than anticipation about their big day. Eloping takes this out of the picture.

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Adventure and spontaneity -

Many people have a life philosophy of adventure that doesn't fit the rigid structure of what a traditional wedding looks like.

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Adventure and spontaneity -

By eloping, they have a chance to indulge their desire for spontaneity. They can also make it a unique experience, incorporating their favorite destinations or activities.

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Less family drama -

A chance to avoid the much-dreaded politics and family drama that accompanies a traditional wedding appeals to many couples.

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Less family drama -

Some have difficult family members or a complicated family situation that could really take attention away from what the day is supposed to be about; two people who are in love and committing to each other.

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A feeling of authenticity -

Celebrating the day as a couple alone, there's no need to perform. It gives the bride and groom a chance to embrace their silly, playful sides on their big day.

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A feeling of authenticity -

Releasing the need to please everyone means couples can align it with what feels natural for them. They can show up fully as their authentic selves.

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Less stress and anxiety -

Forget long deliberations about who should attend, keeping track of RSVPs, organizing venues and transport, etc. You both just need to make an appointment and show up! 

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Less stress and anxiety -

This means there's a lot less stress and anxiety on the day itself, as there are fewer moving parts. It allows the couple to focus on their intention, instead of becoming distracted by other people, their expectations, and potential complications.

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A lot less planning -

Building on the previous point, elopement is a lot less stressful because the planning involved is considerably less than a traditional wedding.

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A lot less planning -

Instead, couples can channel their time, energy, and money into the meaningful parts of their special day in the lead-up.

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For the love of nature -

You don't have to go somewhere with spectacular views to elope, but if you do love nature, eloping gives you a lot more freedom to choose somewhere that would be impossible with a full wedding party. 

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For the love of nature -

As there aren't a fraction of the practical considerations to think about, you can honor your connection to the natural world on the day, if that's your thing.

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Simplicity -

For some people, a meaningful, small, stress-free celebration is rooted in a desire for greater simplicity. With elopement, there are far fewer material considerations. 

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Simplicity -

Those who value a minimalist or socially conscious approach to the idea of tying the knot might also prefer to elope so they can keep things simple.

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Valuing experiences over stuff -

People who prefer experiences over material things might want to elope because their priorities are different from those who desire a traditional wedding day (with all the trimmings).

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Valuing experiences over stuff -

The money spent on a traditional wedding could fund an incredible honeymoon instead, with plenty left over for holidays and special events in the future.

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A desire to travel -

Eloping means you can customize your wedding according to the things you value most, and for many couples, travel tops the list. 

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A desire to travel -

Travel-loving couples might want to get married somewhere that's meaningful or a dream destination for them, without having to consider the time commitment or cost that a big wedding there would entail for others.

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Not the "center of attention" -

Being the center of attention for a day is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. If it has no appeal to the bride, she might enjoy the day more with an elopement.

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Not the "center of attention" -

Traditional weddings come with a burden for perfection that's largely unattainable. Instead, couples could choose to elope and hold a party or celebration at a time of their choosing in the days, weeks, or months afterward, that doesn't feel as formal or intense. 

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Better photographs -

Many people who elope are indulging their desire to carefully craft a wedding day that's true to them. Part of that is being able to get stunning photographs.

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Better photographs -

They might want their wedding photographs to reflect their real emotions and the atmosphere of the day, instead of something formal and performative. It eliminates the need for overly posed photographs (with people they don't even like!) while making it possible to set them against jaw-dropping landscapes.

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Being intentional with the budget -

It's no secret that eloping costs a fraction of what a traditional marriage does. The average traditional wedding in the States costs US$29-31K.

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Being intentional with the budget -

While some people might need to be frugal, making elopement a more sensible choice overall, for others the prospect of spending their money more intentionally gives eloping an edge over a traditional wedding.

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Your own day, 100% -

All things considered, it's not a surprise more people are choosing to elope than ever before. If feeling unrestricted and eschewing traditional norms is your thing, an elopement might be the right choice for you. 

Sources: (Adventure Instead) (Evangeline Lane) (Andrea Enger Photography)

See also: How to plan a dreamy destination wedding on a budget

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