The traditional wedding with a grand ceremony, hundreds of guests, and a day full of formalities—isn’t for everyone. Do you dream of a more intimate celebration, with just a small group of loved ones or even just the two of you? Then an elopement might be the perfect choice! This growing trend comes straight from—no surprise—the United States
Do you really need anything more than love to celebrate your union the way you want? Elopement gives you the freedom to say ‘I do’ on your own terms.
But what exactly is an elopement? Why might this type of wedding be the perfect choice for you? Let me walk you through the concept—you might just fall in love with the idea!
1. What is an Elopement?
Elopement, often referred to as a “getaway wedding,” is all about breaking away from traditional conventions to celebrate your union in a more intimate and meaningful way. Originally, the term described couples who ran away to marry in secret, but today, it represents a wedding designed for just the two of you or a very small gathering of loved ones. Often set in a location that holds special meaning or a breathtaking destination far from the usual wedding formalities, an elopement is about authenticity, simplicity, and, most importantly, focusing on what truly matters you and your love story.
2 Why choose an Elopement?
Choosing an elopement means embracing a wedding that truly reflects you—without compromises. Here are just a few reasons why more and more couples are opting for this intimate and meaningful way to say “I do”:
An intimate ceremony
Choosing an elopement means freeing yourself from the stress of planning a large wedding, which often takes a year or even two. Instead, you can focus on what truly matters your love, your desires, and the experience you want to create together.
Controlling your budget
A wedding can quickly become a significant expense. By choosing an elopement, you eliminate many costly elements such as the venue, catering, and elaborate décor, allowing you to invest in what truly matters to you.
A unique place
You can exchange your vows wherever your heart desires, whether in France or abroad—with a few logistical considerations, of course. If you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” on a secluded beach, atop a breathtaking mountain, at the foot of a volcano, or in the vast expanse of a desert, an elopement makes it possible.
Social pressure in Less
Your family insists on inviting that distant uncle you barely know or their friends you haven’t seen since childhood? With an elopement, you free yourself from these expectations and focus solely on what truly matters you and your partner.
3. How to organize an Elopement
Planning an elopement offers you far greater flexibility and far fewer constraints than a traditional wedding. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for this unforgettable day.
Choose a location
First and foremost, just like with a traditional wedding, you’ll need to choose the location for your elopement. Do yourself a favor and pick a venue that truly speaks to you. If you’re hesitant about organizing a wedding abroad, don’t worry—there are plenty of professionals specialized in this kind of event who can assist you in making your dream day come true.
Set a date
With much more flexibility on the date, you can choose to marry during the week or on any date that holds significance for you both. For instance, you could select a date that has a special meaning in your relationship, making it even more personal and memorable.
Hire your photographer
Elopement is an incredibly intimate moment, but that’s exactly why it deserves to be immortalized. The photos will serve as lasting memories of your unique day. Having had the privilege of photographing several elopements, one thing is certain: the emotions are real, and as your photographer, I’m here to capture every beautiful moment.
Decoration to mark the occasion
No matter the venue, don’t hesitate to enhance your celebration with beautiful floral decorations. Since you’ve saved so much by opting for an elopement, why not make your intimate ceremony feel like a scene from a movie?
decide who you invite
Most elopements are a private affair for just the two of you. However, like some couples, you may choose to invite your parents or closest friends. As long as it’s your decision, it’s the perfect choice for you.
4. Addressing the concerns of loved ones
One of the biggest challenges of elopement is the fear of disappointing those close to you. This decision is often misunderstood. To help your friends and family understand your choice to marry in an intimate setting, clear and thoughtful communication is key. Here are a few tips to handle this delicate situation:
Be transparent and honest
At first, they may not understand, but if you explain why you’ve made this choice one that aligns with your values and your vision of wedding they will come to appreciate it. Patience and sincerity will always prove valuable, even with the most traditional of family members.
Share this moment in a different way
You can always plan a small celebration with your closest loved ones after the ceremony. It’s the perfect time to share your photos or the video of the day. Seeing the emotion captured in those moments, they’ll quickly understand why you chose this intimate and meaningful path.
5. The benefits of elopement: the freedom to be yourself
As you can see, an elopement offers you incredible freedom and a multitude of meaningful benefits. It allows you to focus solely on each other and what truly matters: your love. It’s also a chance to fulfill a shared dream whether it’s a journey to a faraway destination, a one-of-a-kind experience like a ceremony aboard a sailboat, or even a celebration atop the summit of your dreams.
6. CONCLUSION: Elopement is the wedding that’s truly yours
In the end, elopement is so much more than a simple wedding. It’s the opportunity to create the wedding of your dreams, one that perfectly reflects who you are. Free from traditions and conventions, it allows you to focus entirely on your desires and your relationship. A wedding is the journey of a lifetime, and you have every right to choose your own path. Elopement is a celebration of your love, with no compromises.
7. Looking for your elopement photographer
As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the love stories of couples who have traveled from all corners of the world to celebrate their union. Americans on the shores of Lake Annecy or in the lavender fields of Provence, Japanese couples at the foot of the Eiffel Tower or on the Alexandre III bridge. Whether your dream is Venice or a tropical island paradise, one EasyJet flight is all it takes, and I’ll be there to immortalize the most beautiful day of your life together.
