When you hear the word elopement, does it make you think of a trip to Vegas, in a cute white cocktail dress with Elvis marrying you and your love? If this is the picture that comes to your mind, I can tell you that today’s elopements have become more like “intimate” weddings. They are not unplanned, spur of the moment events that happen after one too many glasses of wine.

Elopements have become intimate weddings with just the two of you or a few of your closest friends and family in attendance, allowing you to focus on what REALLY matters – you marrying your best friend, the love of your life. So let’s chat about the top three reasons why you should consider an elopement!

1. A big wedding doesn’t feel right

If you think that a big wedding just doesn’t fit the vibe that you and your fiancé have then I totally vote moving to an elopement or an intimate wedding. You might be nervous about the stress of wedding planning or being the center of attention or maybe you despise getting all dressed up and fancy. Some couples just realize that for them, the big moment of saying I Do is something they want between the two of them and want to cherish the time privately.

2. Elopements are less expensive

According to Nerdwallet, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900. Now this information can change depending on the location, style, and size of the wedding but for some couples the cost of a wedding is just too much.  I’m not here to state things one way or another, but it is a reason why some couples choose to elope and then celebrate with their families later.

3. Elopements let you focus on what you care about

When you pare down the budget, you can focus on things that really matter to you, whether that means traveling and getting married on the edge of a mountain, or heading to Italy to get married on Lake Como. The world is yours, so get the dream dress, go to the dream location, and make it truly what the two of you want! Besides that, the photographer, florist, and officiant are the vendors you typically have to pay for.

Bonus reason!

Destination elopements tend to be easier to plan than destination weddings! If you have ever wanted a destination wedding, the stress of coordinating with friends and family can be extremely tough. Grandparents might not be able to travel and the logistics can be overwhelming. The legalities of getting married in different countries can be a bit challenging so I always encourage my couples to get married at the courthouse stateside first.

I know in my heart that as long as you choose to decide between an elopement or a big wedding, that if you do it with intention and because you know it’s the right thing for YOU, then you can’t go wrong!

If you’re planning to elope in Minnesota, I would love to take your photographs! Please contact me to discuss the details.