Why do people elope?

Jun 29

You’ve been seeing extraordinary elopement photos all over social media, you’ve heard friends mention it in passing, and now you’re engaged and wondering if eloping is the right fit for you. Or you’re reading this and thinking, “What the heck is eloping?” Go back and read my blog post on What is an elopement? then come back here once you’re all caught up!

I’ve been where you are right now, wondering if an elopement is right for you. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t have this thought until AFTER my big white wedding so I didn’t have much of an option… But it’s not too late for you to know all of your options before deciding what is the right fit for you and your partner.

To help you decide, let’s look into a few of the main reasons why couples elope.

Budget-friendly

Although elopements can be just as expensive as traditional weddings, they are also a good fit for people working with a smaller budget but still want something unique and true to themselves.

The average wedding in Canada costs ~$50,000. You read that correctly - $50,000. And many couples are paying that without the help of parents. Many couples are starting to rethink the traditional wedding because that money could be used towards a down payment on a future home, travelling across the world, or investing it towards retirement.

Whereas eloping on a smaller budget such as $5000, 1/10th of the average Canadian wedding cost, will still allow you to have a beautiful ceremony almost anywhere in the world. It can also be your ceremony and honeymoon together. As an elopement photographer, I’ve heard many times over of couples spending so much money on their wedding that they’re left with no funds to go away and have time to revel in their new life stage. Instead, they’re back to work a week later saving up to take a honeymoon in later years to come.

Less stress

Having a smaller budget for your wedding can help alleviate mounds of stress right there. But it also reduces stress by reducing the number of vendors you need to coordinate, disagreements over bridesmaid’s dresses, the concern of inviting people you don’t want at your wedding, being worried that your plans will be entertaining enough for guests, etc.

When eloping, you’re creating a more intimate experience with less… well, everything! Fewer vendors, fewer guests, and less potential for disagreements. In return, you receive a day full of more time together, more laughter and smiles, and more of what truly matters, your commitment to one another. The performance is gone.

Toxic Relationships

Not everybody has the traditional family that many grow up with. Due to alcoholism, drug and gambling addictions, verbal/mental/physical abuse, etc. some individuals are left with toxic relationships within their own family and may not choose to have someone toxic at one of the most special days of their life.

Sometimes it’s mentally easier and less stress to invite no one rather than not inviting a few specific people. Mental health is SO MUCH more important than pleasing the people in your life.

Furthermore, not everyone has supportive friends and family, yet those people feel expected to be included in your special day. No one has a right to your wedding day. The day is about you and your commitment to each other. No one has the right to step into your wedding day if you don’t feel comfortable or safe with them there.

You can be genuine

Not everyone can spill their heart in front of a group of people - no matter how small or large! Some don’t even feel comfortable saying their vows in front of an officiant. Eloping allows you the freedom to be genuine and say the things to your partner that you’ve always wanted to say - without anyone overhearing.

You can go sign the legal documents before or after your elopement so that when you share your vows, you can be 100% genuine.

More freedom

Eloping leads to endless possibilities!

Choosing to elope is choosing to focus on what is important to you as a couple. Guess what? That looks different for everybody! It can lead you anywhere in the world from your own backyard to the Scottish Highlands. It can mean you spend the day hiking, touring a brewery, having brunch with your closest loved ones, or playing board games in front of the TV and ordering your favourite pizza.

There is no right or wrong way to elope. There is no cookie-cutter formula to follow. It is whatever you make it to be. This is why more and more couples are choosing to elope. It allows them to celebrate their commitment in a way that means something to them.

Have you eloped? Are you thinking of eloping? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Comment below or email me at hello@kaitlynhill.ca. I’m always available to chat and eager to get to know you!