What is Eloping and Is It For You? (2022)

Eloping is something that every couple considers at least once during the planning of their big day. There’s a level of uncertainty about which route might be the right one for you to take, and it’s a significant decision with big repercussions. So what exactly is eloping? And Is it right for you? Let’s take a look!

What is Eloping?

When you’re asking ‘what is eloping?’, the basic answer is a more private wedding that’s less focused on the pomp and circumstance. But, as we know, pomp and circumstance - all the fun bells and whistles - are a fixture of traditional big tent weddings. 

The history behind the word ‘eloping’ is that the couple would run away in secret and get married without anyone’s knowledge. That’s not so much the case anymore. People still run away and get married, of course, but an elopement nowadays is more publicized to friends and family. 

But what is eloping really about? Well, it’s about love. It’s about really focusing on one another and the major commitment you’re about to make to one another. As with everything, it’s got its high points and low points, and there are different reasons why people might embark on such a decision, and we’re going to get into that. 

When it comes to what is eloping at its core, the main thing to keep in mind is you and the love of your life. When you opt for an elopement, you might face questions and pushback from friends and family, but you’ll find that the noise is not worth backing down from what can be the best decision you make for your special day.

Pros & Cons of Eloping

Here are some of the pros and cons of eloping:

What is Eloping: The Pros

1. Eloping is far less stressful than a traditional wedding for so many reasons. Less admin, planning, people involved. With a big wedding, the stress doesn’t just happen over the planning stages; it carries up until the very end of the day - eloping means you don’t have to deal with that.

2. Saves you the stress of making incredibly tough decisions that might otherwise cause tensions among your relatives.

3. When you elope, you get to make it more about yourself and your partner. Traditional big tent weddings have a nasty habit of unintentionally pulling focus from the happy couple. When you elope, you cut out the noise.

4. Weddings are expensive, and if you’re not into it, why waste the money? Waste might be the wrong word, but still, take a moment to decide if it’s really what you want to do to yourselves financially.

5. You get to adventure! This is our favorite part of eloping - you can explore somewhere beautiful and make unforgettable, one-of-a-kind memories. You’re not confined to a venue - the world is your oyster.

What is Eloping: The Cons

1. You might disappoint your wider family and friends who won’t get the chance to be part of your big day.

2. There’s a chance your friends simply won’t understand your decisions. You’ll be getting the question ‘what is eloping and why are you doing it?’ a lot more than you expect. 

3. Certain traditions may no longer be achievable. This can cause some tension in your family or disappoint you and your significant other. 

4. You have to realize that you’re not going to be getting gifts anywhere close to what a traditional wedding brings about. While weddings aren’t meant to be about gifts and material possessions, it might sting just a little. 

Signs that Eloping Might Be For You

There are a few signs that might explain why eloping could be exactly what you need to choose for your special day. 

#1 - You Have a Smaller Budget

We all know that weddings are costly events. You’re focusing on so many different aspects, and eventually, it just adds up. So, when you ask ‘what is eloping?’ it’s a chance to forget about those unnecessary costs and instead focus on the main event: getting married. 

#2 - You’re Not into the Spectacle

Some brides (and grooms) have no desire to be the center of attention. Stop gasping! It’s not that shocking! They would rather avoid the spectacle that comes with an overblown event where they’re on full display. 

In these ‘to each their own’ moments, eloping just kind of makes total sense!

#3 - You Want a More Intimate Ceremony

Some couples want to focus more on one another and the love they’ve cultivated over the years, not the gifts or the big receptions. They just want to get married. It’s rather beautiful when you think about it! In these instances, opting out of the ‘big’ aspect of a ‘big day’ means sharing it with the people who really matter in your life or even going it alone.

#4 - You Want to Dodge the Pressure Weddings Can Create

Weddings are stressful, and the pressure is real. It can be a lot for some people to manage. Add in your responsibilities outside of the wedding, and it’s enough to pull your hair out over! A lot of couples eventually come to the conclusion that it’s simply not worth it. Not that their love isn’t worth it, but more that it’s not worth putting one another through a situation that can cause such tension in every corner of their lives. 

#5 - You’re Worried About Family Drama Ruining Your Day

We all love our family, hopefully! But let’s just admit it, they can make your wedding very much about them. Whether or not they realize it, they can add a lot of unnecessary drama to your special day. It can get real messy, real quick. Some couples aren’t interested in even entertaining it, so they don’t, and that’s where eloping becomes the solution.

#6 - You Want to Travel and Explore

One of the best reasons to elope, and we’re biased, but it’s true, is traveling! Of course, anyone can get married at the chapel down the road or the farm across town, but how many people can say they took their wedding international? How many can say they had an adventure and got married in Ireland or Norway? 

Traveling ends up being a major consideration for couples who want to make their union one that really is so memorable and magical, and destination elopements are 100% the way to go. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, now the question of ‘what is eloping?’ is asked and answered. You’ll find that if you choose to embark on a journey of elopement that other people will be asking you the question of ‘what is eloping?’ and you’ll be in a position to answer it and defend your decision - maybe even inspire them to do the same!

Here at Promise Mountain, we are all about making your elopement something genuinely memorable. We offer some breathtaking packages that take you to some of the most exquisite places such as Norway, Ireland, and all across America. So get in touch with us today, and let’s offer you an experience like no other.

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