5 Reasons Why Eloping Could Be the Best Decision You'll Ever Make for Your Wedding

Eloping: The Perfect Alternative to a Big Wedding

Are you and your partner thinking about choosing an elopement to tie the knot instead of having a large wedding? Have you started planning a big wedding and got overwhelmed? Well, eloping might be a great option for you two. You can save money, enjoy your privacy, make it personal, be spontaneous, and create lasting memories. If you’re considering eloping, here’s a few reasons to say YES.

*Worcester City Hall Elopement - Worcester, Massachusetts*

1. Save Money.

If you've been dreaming of having the perfect wedding day but the budget doesn't quite match your dreams, you may want to consider having an elopement or intimate wedding instead. Eloping is a great way to save money and still have a beautiful and memorable wedding. Here are a few tips on how to save money while eloping.

✦ Choose a low-cost destination. Eloping doesn't have to mean hopping on a plane to an exotic destination or hike for hours to exchange vows on the top of a mountain. Instead, you can save money by choosing a local destination that you can get to easily and cheaply. Whether it's a local city hall, a park, an easy access mountain view, or a scenic spot in your hometown, you can find the perfect spot for your elopement that won't cost you “too much”.

Another idea would be to look into an Airbnb or Vrbo rental — contact the owner of the property and see what they can do for you in regards of being able to host a ceremony.

✦ Keep your guest list small. Eloping doesn't mean you can't still have people there to share your special moment with. However, if you want to save money, it's best to keep your guest list small. Inviting just a few close friends and family members or even just eloping as a couple will help you save money.

✦ Avoid traditional wedding expenses. Instead of spending money on things like expensive luxury wedding dresses and tuxedos, expensive flower arrangements, wedding cakes, and decorations, you can save a lot by choosing simpler alternatives and still make it memorable and special.

✦ Consider a weekday elopement. If you're looking to save even more money, consider having your elopement on a weekday instead of a weekend. Many venues and some vendors offer special discounts for weekday events, so you can save a lot of money by scheduling your elopement on a Tuesday or Thursday instead of a Saturday for example.

*Ogontz White Mountains Resort Elopement - Lyman, New Hampshire*

2. Enjoy Privacy.

Eloping is a great option for couples who want to keep their wedding private and intimate and to have the wedding of your dreams without the stress and expense of a traditional big wedding. . You won’t have to worry about nosy family members or overbearing friends. You can enjoy a romantic day away with just the two of you, without the distractions of a large wedding.

One way to enjoy privacy is to choose elopement locations that offer seclusion. Look for venues that are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can also choose to elope at a time of day when there won't be a lot of people around, such as sunrise or sunset. This will ensure fewer onlookers and more privacy.

Finally, consider hiring a wedding photographer who specializes in elopements. A good elopement photographer will be able to capture the beauty of your special day while still giving you the privacy you desire. They will be able to take photos that you can share with your friends and family, while still keeping your ceremony private. No matter how you choose to elope, you can still have a private, intimate ceremony that will be just as memorable as a traditional wedding.

*Arnold Arboretum Elopement - Boston, Massachusetts*

3. Make It Personal

One great way to make your elopement feel special is to get creative when it comes to your location. When you elope, you can make your wedding day as unique as you and your partner. You can choose to exchange vows in a special spot that has important meaning to you. Whether it's a scenic beautiful spot in nature that has significance to you, or a historical site that you enjoy visiting together, choosing a unique location can make your elopement feel even more special.

Another great way to make your elopement feel personal is to incorporate elements that are meaningful to you and your partner. Whether it's writing your own vows, having a special song playing in the background, or incorporating a family heirloom into the ceremony, adding meaningful elements will make your elopement feel even more special.

Finally, you can create a special atmosphere for your elopement, you can incorporate traditions and rituals into your elopement ceremony. For example, you could include a sand ceremony, lit a candle together, a handfasting ritual or toasting with your favorite drink. You could even have a special dinner or picnic afterwards to celebrate your marriage.

*Cambridge City Hall Elopement - Cambridge, Massachusetts*

4. Be Spontaneous

For a truly memorable elopement, don't plan too much in advance. Instead, be open and spontaneous. Go with the flow, and enjoy the freedom of being able to change your plans on a whim. No need to worry about anyone else or what they may think. You don’t have to worry about making sure everything is perfect.

✦ One of the best ways to be spontaneous on your elopement day is to plan a surprise adventure. Maybe you and your partner both like to hike and you decide to take a surprise trip to a nearby trail. Or you could take a road trip to a nearby city you’ve both been wanting to explore. Having a surprise adventure will give you and your partner something to look forward to on your wedding day and will make it a truly unique experience.

✦ You can also be spontaneous with your wedding attire. Instead of matching suits or dresses, you can choose to wear something that reflects your personalities. A more casual and fun look with color or if you both have a more classic style, you can opt for a timeless look with a tailored suit and a whimsical dress. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you’re comfortable and it reflects who you are and your love for each other.

Being spontaneous on your elopement day is all about creating a unique experience that you and your partner will remember forever. So don’t be afraid to let go of all the things you think you should do and instead embrace the freedom to be spontaneous and make your wedding day all about you.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being spontaneous is the ability to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. If you hear of a great spot to take a sunset photo, why not take a detour and do it? If you pass a charming cafe, why not grab a bite to eat? If you see a waterfall, why not take a dip? All of these spontaneous decisions can make your elopement even more special and unique. And don't forget to enjoy the moment! Elopements are all about the two of you, and all the love and joy that comes with it.

*Bancroft’s Castle Elopement - Groton, Massachusetts*

5. Create Lasting Memories

Having an elopement instead of a large wedding is a great way to create lasting memories that you and your partner will cherish forever. You won’t have to worry about taking specific detail photos or making sure all your guests are having a good time, so you can focus on each other and create special memories.

Eloping can bring up a lot of emotions and can be a time when you feel overwhelmed with both excitement and anxiety. Creating lasting memories on your elopement day is important and will help you to remember the momentous occasion for many years to come. Eloping is also great for introverts alike that wish no attention towards themselves.

Here are some tips to help you create memories that will last a lifetime:
✦ Have a professional elopement photographer – A professional photographer will capture all the special moments of your elopement while giving you space to be yourself and enjoy the moments. It’s best to hire a photographer who is familiar with elopement photography and can capture the unique emotions that come with the day and that are willing to encourage you to do what you want and be also flexible when plans change on the whim.

✦ Exchange thoughtful gifts – Exchange small, meaningful gifts with your partner on the day of the elopement. This is a great way to show your partner how much you care about them and will be a treasured memory for years to come.

✦ Take time to reflect – Make sure to take some time to be alone with your partner and reflect on the day. This will be a time to share your thoughts and feelings with each other and really soak in the moment.

✦ Have a special dinner – Have a special dinner with your partner on the day of the elopement. This will be a great way to end the day and reminisce about your special day together. Celebrate together! Cook a special dinner together, toast with your favorite drink or go to your favorite restaurant and order the fancy dinner plate you wanted to try and share a special dessert with each other!

✦ Start a tradition - Whether it’s an annual trip to the same spot or a special meal cooked on your anniversary, or going to the restaurant you celebrated the day you got married, create a tradition that you can look forward to each year and make it special for you and your partner.

✦ Create a time capsule or a keepsake box - Fill a box with items that are meaningful to you both, little things you collected from your elopement day like airplane tickets, photos, receipts, your vows, travel guides and either save it to open on a special day or bury it in a special place.

Creating lasting memories on your elopement day is an important part of the entire experience. Taking the time to appreciate the moment and create the memories will help you to look back on your elopement with fondness for many years to come.