What Is An Elopement?

Elopement vs. Wedding

As far as the outcome is concerned, weddings and elopements are technically the same thing — two people getting married — but where they differ is the core belief of what the wedding day should be about. So, how are weddings and elopements different? An elopement is a personal, intimate, and romantic alternative for couples who want a wedding day that is focused on the two of them and their relationship. Choosing to elope means breaking away from traditional norms and getting married the way you want to, without any outside pressure or expectations influencing how to celebrate your day. Often it means the couple is seeking out a more intimate and simple day, focused on their love. Instead of focusing on a never-ending guest list, how many table and chairs they will need, and the color of the table runners, they focus on each other and build a day that celebrates that.

You have probably heard the terms micro-wedding, intimate wedding, and even destination wedding used as a synonym for elopement. These are all very similar in concept to an elopement, but there is a slight difference. Most commonly, the modern wedding industry views an elopement as less than 15 people in attendance, micro-weddings as less than 25, and intimate weddings as less than 50. As you add on more and more people, the focus generally becomes less about the couple and the amount of stress in planning increases, so the definitions aren’t really nearly as important as understanding what your main goal is for your wedding day experience, and choosing the size that best fits those goals.

The Modern Definition of Elopement

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the term “elopement”? Generally, the first thing people think of when they think of eloping is running away in secret, probably in a hurry, to get married without telling anyone…Or maybe a quick shotgun wedding at the courthouse, or a drive through chapel in Vegas. In the old days there may have even been a certain level of shame involved - perhaps the family didn’t approve of the marriage. Based on the old definitions of the word, you’d be right! But….

The definition of eloping is quickly changing to reflect a more modern interpretation of the word. Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/read-this-before-you-elope) has even adjusted their official definition recently to keep up with the changing perception around the word. Seriously, read that article, it’s short and hilariously well-written.

Historically speaking, the root of the word elope is Anglo-French from around the beginning of the 15th century. It’s literal definition is “to leap.” Over time it took on the meaning “to run away”, and eventually gained its romantic context to include running away with a lover. From a modern context you could think of it as couple taking a leap to do something unique and meaningful for just the two of them on their wedding day.

Within even just the last 5 years, elopements have become even more popular and more accepted as an alternative wedding experience — which many couples are finding to be the perfect fit for them!

Who Are Elopements Right For?

If you are trying to decide if an elopement is a good idea for you and your partner, you should ask what is important to both you and your partner on your wedding day. Here are a few questions to think about when considering having an elopement versus a big wedding:

Do you want to include a LOT of family and friends?
Do you want to have a big bridal party?
Does planning a huge party with a lot of little details sound like fun, or does it cause you stress?
Does exploring a new place or going on an adventure sound like a fun way to spend your day?
Do you want a day focused on traditions, or the freedom to blaze your own path on your special day?
Are you nervous at the idea of having a ton of people around as you say your vows to each other?
Do you want a day with a tight timeline and rigid structure, or a more go-with-the-flow experience?

If you want to include a lot of friends and family, have a big bridal party, or have a very traditional wedding day, then a big wedding is probably more for you. If you want to focus on adventures and each other, have less distractions, and have a more relaxed or go-with-the-flow type experience on your day, then it sounds like an elopement or micro-wedding might be for you! There are so many different reasons to elope, but those are a few key things to consider when making your decision.

Locations For Elopements

The magic of an elopement is that the sky is the limit (literally) as to where you can hold your ceremony. From mountain tops, beaches, city rooftops with a skyline view, someone’s home, a park, or even a family member’s property, there are endless options for where to have your elopement.

At Kindred + Co. we create a custom specific location list for each of our couples based on their vision for their elopement day, but some of our all-time favorite general locations are places like:

Salt Lake City, Utah
Moab, Utah
Park City, Utah
Zion National Park - Utah
Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming/Montana
Glacier National Park- Montana
Sedona, Arizona
Big Sur, California
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Munising, Michigan

Our home base is in Utah, and since it is our new chosen home we are, of course, partial to all the beautiful and unique landscapes that Utah has to offer for a stunning elopement! Did you know Utah has FIVE national parks, and Salt Lake City is only a few hours away from the always gorgeous Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks?

Need help coming up with your ideal location? We offer planning assistance including customized location options for all of our couples. Plus, all our elopement photo + video packages include our travel so there are never any extra hidden fees or logistics to worry about, no matter where you choose to elope!

Cost of an Elopement

One of the great things about elopements is that, typically speaking, they are less expensive than a traditional wedding. While there is no set cost to elope, research has shown the average elopement budget is $5,000-$15,000, which is less than half of the national average (US) for a traditional wedding which comes in at $33,000 according to The Knot. Couples who choose to elope tend to cut out things they don’t really care about, but might splurge and pay a little more for things that they do care about. Eloping allows you to be more intentional about your day, and ensure that you are only spending on the details you care about on your day, versus what is expected by everyone else.

So, what are some of the things you may need to purchase for an elopement? A basic list could include: travel expenses (flights, lodging, food, etc.), permits (a permit is needed to give you access to hold your ceremony on most public lands), photographer, videographer, officiant, wedding attire, & rings. From this basic list you can build out additional details depending on your budget and desires.

Want to see how an average elopement stacks up against the cost of the average traditional wedding? Take a look at these examples with average costs sourced from The Knot and other wedding planning resources. Remember, all of these things are an estimate and actual costs will vary depending on location, packages sizes, and other factors.

Average Cost of A Wedding — $33,900

What you’re paying for:

Photographer/Videographer ~$6,000
Wedding dress / attire ~$3,000
Venue ~ $7,000
DJ / Band ~$1,200
Officiant ~$500
Flowers ~$2,000
Hair and Make Up ~$400
Caterers / Food for Guests ~$10,000
Cake ~$500
Event Planner ~ $2,500
Travel and Accommodation ~$800

Average Cost of An Elopement — $15,250

What you’re paying for:

Photographer/Videographer ~$6.000
Wedding dress / attire ~$3,000
Wedding permit (public lands location) ~$150
Officiant ~$500
Flowers ~$500
Hair and Make Up ~$400
Caterers / Food for Guests (if you decide to have some) ~$500
Cake ~$200
Event Planner (some elopements with guests might need an elopement planner) ~$2,000
Travel and Accommodation ~$2000
An epic adventure & long lasting memories for you and your partner ~$Priceless
A personalized and authentic experience crafted for you ~$Priceless

Not only are elopements often more cost effective, but they also bring the focus back to what a wedding day should be all about: your marriage and the joining together of two lives into one. The savings that couples have from choosing to elope is often put into building their future together by going towards a house, or creating memories together through adventure, an elopement experience, or honeymoon.

Eloping means using your budget to invest in what matters and what you truly love.

So, Is An Elopement Right For You?

From reducing stress due to planning and drama, to big cost savings, to choosing your own path and creating your own traditions, there are so many amazing reason to elope! Eloping can offer you complete control of your day. Do what speaks to you and is authentic to your relationship. Wear what you want, shed everyone else’s expectations, embrace adventure. Be as spontaneous or organized as you desire! Take all the outside pressures out of the equation. Focus on what truly matters — the two of you!

Does breaking traditions and doing your own thing for your wedding
sound like you? Heck yes.

Let's make it about you two, because at the end of the day that’s what it should really be about, right? We will help you plan your elopement so it’s perfect for you two and documented the way it felt. Read your vows under the great arch, proclaim your love for one another on a mountaintop, escape to an island to seal the deal (like we did), run away to a cabin in the woods and promise yourselves to one another.

The possibilities are endless.

Learn more about the elopement packages we offer. Contact us today to learn more about eloping and to start planning your dream elopement!.