10 Reasons You Should Consider Eloping

When we think about reasons to elope, more than 10 pop into our minds. After interviewing and featuring hundreds of couples who elope worldwide, we thought we’d share the top reasons we tend to hear about the most.

Why should you trust us? Wandering Weddings is an elopement planning resource for couples who aspire to plan their wedding day at epic places around the world. We have an elopement vendor directory of over 800 skilled elopement vendors who have years of experience at their given location. Aside from creating epic features and resources for our couples, we are also elopement photographers ourselves! 

Most importantly, we have been in your shoes. Our team has planned both big weddings and elopements. We have helped couples navigate the waters of planning an elopement versus a traditional wedding, and we have seen the difference hundreds of times to say, “Let’s elope”, every time. The point is, that we can relate to how you must be feeling on your planning journey. 

We made sure to include experiences from real couples who decided to forgo traditional wedding planning and have an epic adventure together instead. If you don’t know whether you should plan a traditional wedding or an elopement, then see if you agree with any of these reasons to elope. If you do, then you may want to consider planning an elopement!

Why Do Couples Decide to Elope? Reasons to Elope in 2024

1. You Want to Focus on You Two

We have featured hundreds of elopements, and the number one reason why they decide to elope is almost always the same, “we want to be able to focus on each other”. 

It’s ok if you’re thinking about eloping because you want to enjoy the moment together and be completely present. It’s also no surprise that this is the number one reason on our list. 

More and more couples crave to have an authentic experience where they can soak in every moment. Deciding to elope, means deciding how you’re going to celebrate your wedding day together, despite what anyone else wants or recommends. 

Reason to Elope From a Wandering Weddings Featured Couple:

“We wanted a wedding day dedicated to focusing on each other, our love story, and the adventure of the day. Traditional weddings often feel like they are planned with everyone else’s wishes in mind. So often, we’ve attended traditional weddings where the bride and groom seem to be pulled in many different directions and are left with little time for each other. We wanted a day filled with intentional moments, allowing ourselves the freedom to be fully present with each other.” [Ally and David, from this Canadian Rockies Adventure Exploring Banff & Yoho National Parks ]

2. You Want Something Intimate and Meaningful

Imagine this…

You attend a wedding and the bride and groom spend the whole night saying hi to everyone, barely eating, and being pulled from one side of the room to the other. At the end of the night, they are happy they are finally married, but they barely remember anything. 

Does this sound familiar?

Couples usually decide to have a big wedding because they want all their family and friends present on their big day to celebrate with them. While this is a great idea, it’s almost impossible to be fully present, to be honest.

Let’s think about it…If you have a large number of people at your wedding, how many of those people are you going to spend time with? How long are you going to dance with them? Talk to them? Let’s not forget that you’re probably limited to 4-5 hours at your venue for your wedding! 

We have also been to those types of weddings, and that is why we created this resource, for couples like you. It’s ok to want something more than just a couple of hours of blurred conversations and greetings. 

You deserve a wedding day that is intimate and meaningful. You should be able to look back on your wedding day and remember the little details you incorporated that will most certainly be forgotten or unnoticed at a bigger wedding. Not to mention that you can always plan a micro wedding and include your closest family and friends if you want to include a small group on your adventure!

Reason to Elope From a Wandering Weddings Featured Couple:

“I definitely think elopements can be for anyone. They can be as detailed and planned out if you need them to be or it can go with the flow with only the most important things taken care of. We knew an elopement style would fit us because we didn’t need anything, just each other in nature and everything would be okay…

I really appreciated the way we decided to get married. It was intimate and special and we still got to share it with our family. We got to say our vows to each other in private and show our raw emotions without fear of judgement of family or friends. Aside from getting ready, we got to spend the whole day with each other and focus on each other…” [Kyle and Keaton from this elopement adventure in 3 areas of Olympic National Park]

3. You Both Want to Explore Somewhere New

One of the best reasons to elope is probably having the opportunity to explore somewhere new together. A lot of couples who decide to elope are adventurous and value experiences over material items. 

Deciding to elope is also a great idea if you’re thinking about combining your honeymoon and wedding day into one big event. How awesome would it be to say “I do,” and then instantly turn your vacation mode on without worrying about flight delays or hauling your luggage?

Elopements are also different from destination weddings where you have to worry about all your guests, including their arrival times and accommodations (unless a few loved ones are joining you). 

By deciding to elope together, you also have fewer limitations on where you can celebrate your marriage together. Do you want to hike 10 miles? Go for it! Maybe you want to elope on a beautiful black sand beach in the middle of winter? Let’s plan it! How about an epic Yosemite sunrise ceremony? You got it. Or maybe you want a romantic elopement in Italy? Do it! There are so many possibilities when you decide to elope, and that is reason enough for so many couples to plan one. 

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“We have always enjoyed getting outdoors and having adventures. It could be a day trip driving around on gravel roads, eating jerky and apples, listening to music, and watching for chanterelles. Or getting up early to hike up a cliff in time to see the sunrise. Or scrambling up mountain trails to find waterfalls. So when it came time to plan our wedding, we wanted to do something that was reflective of our relationship and the memories we have made together.” [Alicia, the bride from this Central Oregon elopement adventure with their dog, Whiskey]

4. Wedding Planning is Too Stressful for You

When you decide to plan a wedding, there’s a lot of planning that is usually involved. You have to consider way more things when planning a traditional wedding compared to an elopement. 

Some of the questions you’ll think of as you’re planning for your wedding will probably include: 

“Should we have a bridal party? Who should we invite? Do we have to include plus 1s? Do we need to include transportation? How much alcohol do we need? Nothing else is included in that price? Do we need to have favors for guests? How much is it per plate?! I can only stay in the venue for 5 hours. Why do I need all of this? “

The questions and decisions that usually arise during planning a traditional wedding can be a lot for some couples and very stressful. Couples have told us they usually plan for over a year and still find themselves getting things ready the night before their big day.

This is one of the most special days for you and your partner. You both deserve to enjoy the most of it without wanting to pull your hair out.

Planning an elopement allows you to still put your beautiful wedding inspiration Pinterest board to use, AND also saves you from becoming a bridezilla or fighting with your partner from all the stress of the long list of things that still need to get done.

Compared to wedding planning, elopements can take as much as 3 months to plan sometimes! While there is some planning involved during elopements, it’s not even a quarter of what’s required for bigger weddings. 

Wondering what you need to plan an elopement? We break down how to elope in 7 easy steps.

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“Weddings are stressful and expensive, and they seem to focus more on impressing people with the event itself versus the actual marriage. My parents actually encouraged us to elope and offered to give us more money for an elopement versus a traditional wedding, because they knew we would be happier having an experience like an elopement.

I’m very lucky to have parents who didn’t put pressure on us to make our wedding about everyone else. So many friends have told me the only reason they didn’t elope was because they knew it would upset their families and also mention they regret spending so much money on a wedding and wish they used that money for a longer honeymoon, etc.” [Cindy and Tom, the couple from this epic plane elopement adventure in Denali National Park]

5. You Want to Avoid Any Wedding Day Drama

We know you have seen movies and heard stories about the drama that comes with big weddings. Unfortunately, a lot of this drama encompasses the family and immediate friends of the bride and groom.

When planning your wedding, with multiple personalities involved, there are bound to be some individuals who don’t agree, or who butt heads with one another. Then there is the issue of your family, from each side, thinking their wedding tradition should play a part on your big day.

With that being said, your wedding day is your day. If you want to have all the wedding traditions, even on a beach in Hawaii, then go for it. If you just want to say your vows during a personal commitment ceremony and forget the rest, then do it! We are all for it. Heck, you can even marry yourselves in some states!

Remember that no matter who you are and what you want to do, it’s completely up to you. 

We also want to remind you not to become overwhelmed with what your family thinks is right or wrong. The truth is, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate your marriage.

If you want to throw all the planning, drama, and extras out the window and elope, then that should be reason enough. 

Wondering how to announce your elopement to your family and friends? Check out our 5 tips on announcing your elopement!

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“Our families are completely different from each other; his is very supportive while mine is incredibly opinionated. We spent a whole year trying to plan a simple, outdoor wedding to accommodate both sides, but in the end, we realized that my family might sabotage the whole thing by turning it into theirs. I did not want to spend my day pleasing everybody and being told how to put on a great show. Eventually, I discovered an adventure wedding, and everything clicked: it was us, and it was for me. ” [Trang, the bride from this Mt. Baker elopement]

6. You Want to Save Money

Let’s talk numbers! A topic that can easily send you into an anxiety attack. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by just the thought of how much it’s going to cost to have a big wedding, then that should be a big red flag.

Another reason why so many couples have decided to forgo a traditional wedding is to avoid starting their forever, forever in debt!

Did you know the average cost of a wedding in the US was $30,000 in 2023, according to a report by CNN. We have met plenty of couples who were planning a $50,000 wedding event before deciding to elope. Not to mention this cost does not include honeymoon expenses! What?!

Couples who plan a lavish, multi-day elopement spend $15,000. That’s literally half of the estimated average cost of a traditional wedding. AND a lot of couples pick an elopement destination that doubles as their honeymoon spot too.

While this is fine if you’re okay with spending this much money on a wedding, this is not ok if you have other plans that may be put on hold for a one-day event. 

If you find yourself pushing back some important to-dos on your list together because of your wedding day expenses, then maybe it’s time to elope instead. 

Learn more about how much it costs to elope compared to a traditional wedding. 

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“We chose to elope because we realized with the budget we had in mind, we would either be able to take a really cool honeymoon and elopement trip, or have a very average traditional wedding. Our budget also forced us to have a very small guest list and we did not want to deal with people being upset with us for not being invited, so we felt this was the easiest route.” [Paide and Zack, from this Small Wedding Ceremony at Tenaya Lake Beach in Yosemite]

“We are both passionately opposed to the wedding industrial complex — the idea that you need to have and spend at least $40,000 on a wedding to prove your love and marry each other. We wanted our marriage to be about us and wanted our ceremony to focus on what we care most about — each other and the commitment we were making — not the bridesmaids dresses, centerpieces, or table linens.” [Jessie, the bride from this Big Sur elopement]

7. You Want Something Different

If you made it this far, then you’ll probably agree with this next reason why most couples elope. They want something different.

For some couples, the thought of getting married at an indoor venue, surrounded by people they’ll barely talk to, and barely enjoying themselves doesn’t sound ideal. The thought of even wearing a white wedding dress doesn’t even appeal to some brides!

This is ok! Different is beautiful. 

Planning an elopement is the perfect cure for your wedding planning blues. 

There are so many opportunities for you both to do on your wedding day that exceed the traditional ceremonies.

We love it when couples incorporate their favorite wedding traditions into their elopement day! You may be thinking, “What does that even look like?”

Imagine sharing your first dance as the sun sets over the mountain tops, or cutting a mini cake together on a picnic blanket with your best friend and popping a champagne bottle. The limit does not exist. You can even incorporate non-traditional activities that are not wedding-related during your elopement. Think of an activity that you both enjoy and implement it within your elopement timeline! 

One thing to remember is that no elopement is the same, and there is no correct formula for planning your elopement because, at the end of the day, it is your elopement. 

It’s your opportunity to go on the path most do not pick and make your own traditions. 

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“Those who know us knew this would likely be how we got married. Eloping felt like a natural option as it allowed us to focus on each other and our day, rather than catering to a large group of friends and family. We wanted to keep the details minimal so we could have a relaxed and intentional day. We also decided to split our day into two parts, a sunrise ceremony, and a sunset motorcycle ride to another location. This let us add in and document something that we love to do as a couple, riding our motorcycles together.” [Sierra and Colton from this intimate Capitol Reef elopement]

8. A Big Wedding Doesn’t Feel Like You

A big wedding is not for everyone, and that’s ok. A lot of couples may not agree with their families’ wedding traditions or wedding traditions in general. Some couples may not even like being the center of attention. These couples may also want a more casual environment for their wedding day.

It’s ok to think outside the box for your wedding and not want to fall within the status quo. That doesn’t make your wedding any less of a wedding. If you don’t love the idea of planning a big wedding, try planning an elopement instead and see how you feel!

You should do something that reflects your relationship together. If that means renting a cool Airbnb, sharing some pizza at the end of your hike, or going on a ski adventure, then elope!

It’s also important to note that you can plan an elopement and bring immediate family or friends along to your adventure. You don’t have to be completely by yourselves if you don’t want to. Again, do what makes you happy. 

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“We both have big families, and while our family and friends are the most important part of our lives, both of us strongly disklike being in the spotlight. After some consideration, we ultimately decided that a formal wedding would feel like too much of a production and it just wasn’t ‘us’. Our number one priority for our wedding was the meaningful connection we hoped to feel between us as we made the biggest commitment of our lives to each other. For us, we knew this moment would be best experienced privately and we have no regrets about that decision.” [Maggie and Kelly, the couple from this winter adventure elopement in Norway chasing the northern lights]

9. Leave No Trace Philosophy 

Not only does a big wedding cost a lot of money, but a big wedding also produces a ton of waste. All that planning requires stuff you’ll probably only use once, including flowers, party favors, and so much more.

If you’re planning a wedding with 150 people, that can easily equate to hundreds of pounds of waste produced. For what? 

It’s ok to realize the amount of waste big weddings produce, and it’s not uncommon to worry about it since so many other couples feel the same way. 

You probably have a Leave No Trace philosophy (LNT). LNT is when you are conscious of not disturbing the planet with waste or footing. Essentially, you leave no trace of you ever being there in the first place. 

So if you value experiences over material things, then grab your partner and plan an epic adventure with just your wedding attire and a bouquet (if you want), because that’s all you really need to elope. 

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“New Mexico is a special place for us because the first trip we took together as a couple was a road trip from LA, where we were living at the time, to Albuquerque. That trip was my first time in New Mexico and It’s hard not to fall in love with the  beauty and vastness of the landscape. For us it’s a place of reflection, new beginnings, and also, I think, a scene that conjures the eternal in evoking the idea of geologic time. Choosing New Mexico for our elopement was also a good way for us to have another opportunity to explore—revisiting places we love and discovering new ones.” [Caitlin, the bride from this New Mexico elopement embracing Nature’s beauty and culture]

10. You Want Amazing Photos From Your Wedding Day

People usually have a different idea of what it truly means to elope. They usually think couples who elope plan their wedding last minute or just don’t care about their wedding day.

This is so beyond the truth. Thanks to social media, people are realizing they don’t have to sacrifice their wedding day portraits when eloping. 

So many couples have told us they eloped, so they can have more pictures of each other. These couples also want wedding photos that reflect who they are as a couple. They don’t want anything too posed. We love this reason to elope. Instead, they want to capture the raw emotion between them that day. 

When you elope, your photographer and videographer can capture that. When you elope, you don’t have any distractions. Your elopement team can focus entirely on the two of you. When you reflect on your wedding photos years from that day, you’ll remember every detail like it happened yesterday. 

So if you’re looking for a more romantic and personal experience with epic backdrops, then this reason is for you. 

Reason to Elope From a Wanderings Wedding Featured Couple:

“There is one particular photograph of me reading my vows to Grif. My chin was quivering, and I had tears in my eyes. Even though only the back of Grif’s head is showing in the picture, I can tell he’s smiling. I get happy tears just thinking about it because I have never had a photo perfectly capture exactly how I felt in such an amazing moment.” [Maddy, the bride from this Southern Iceland elopement]

So what do you say? Are these reasons enough to convince you to elope? How many of these reasons do you align with?

We’d love to know, but more importantly, we’d love to help you with your elopement planning journey. Explore our favorite elopement packages to get started.

If you’re starting to love the idea of eloping, then check out our list of best places to elope in the US and the world (because who needs restrictions right?)

Convinced by these reasons to elope?