What is Eloping?

Historically, the definition of eloping was once meant to run away or escape secretly with the intention of getting married without parental consent.  Nowadays, living in a more modern world, couples have different reasons as to why they are choosing to elope.  

Just as the cost of living, gas prices or a gallon of milk has gone up, so have the costs of traditional weddings.  Aside from the rising anxiety a future bride might feel as she spends months planning out every single detail for her special day, the rise in costs for a wedding can get very expensive.  If a couple doesn’t have the financial stability they need, they may choose to elope to prevent from having any future financial burdens.  

There are also those couples that have financial backing but might not want to spend money on a big wedding.  These types of couples very well might prefer to save their dollars for their honeymoon or save up for a first down payment on their new home.  

Another possible reason to elope is that the bride may be pregnant.  If this is the case, some couples might want to be married prior to their baby being born.  

Aside from the possible reasons listed above, there are also just those couples that love to be spontaneous and experience things outside of the norm!  Some couples love an adventure and eloping would certainly be an unforgettable one.  You can’t fault them for that!  

As a professional photographer, I love to shoot elopements.  Not only do I get to experience the adventure of getting to the desired destination location, but the images I have been able to capture from the beautiful backdrops nature has created, have been breathtaking!  The experience alone creates an entirely different meaning to the word intimate.  

Each and every couple has their own definition of what eloping means to them. Whatever your reason might be for choosing to elope, just remember it’s your personal decision.  Eloping isn’t meant to be a negative thing, but another unique way to tie the knot.  Even if you choose to forego a large, traditional wedding, that doesn’t mean completely skipping out on a ceremony or reception later.  You just might be that couple that wants a more intimate wedding with fewer guests.  Or you might want a big reception later where you invite all of your family and friends to celebrate.  

So whether you want to save your dollars, have a small intimate wedding, or want to experience an elopement in a magical place like deep in the heart of redwood country, follow your heart.  

Life’s too short to be anything but happy!