What is an Elopement?
Everything you need to know about the modern version of eloping!
Eloping today has a very different meaning than it did 100 years ago or even 20 years ago!
Over the several years, modern elopements have become more and more popular. With more couples looking to break the mold, spend less, and find a low-stress way to say “I do”, we’ve helped over 700 couples love big and wed small on their special day with the new way of eloping — the modern elopement!
What is Eloping?
Eloping once meant running away in the middle of the night to secretly get married.
TODAY, eloping means escaping social pressures and the high expenses of a big, traditional wedding.
So, how do you define a modern elopement?
An elopement is an intimate and meaningful wedding celebration that honors your love for each other - without the stress or pressures of a traditional wedding.
Eloping is all about the two of you - and the vows you are about to take — and focusing on that above all else!
No matter what definition you use or how many people attend (if any) - eloping is all about celebrating your love in an intimate and meaningful way without the stress, drama, pressure, or expectations of a traditional wedding!
What is it like to elope today?
Eloping looks a lot different than it used to! Getting married at the courthouse or trips to Vegas to elope (been there, done that!) have been replaced by small, intimate spaces with modern decor, photography, and memorable moments to cherish.
Today, eloping looks and feels very much like a traditional wedding - with a few big exceptions:
There are fewer people, which means…
There’s less stress
There are fewer expectations to manage
An elopement is more budget-friendly
Everything is more efficient
Planning takes less time
You can make your wedding uniquely you!
And because of all that… eloping is easier, costs less, is GREAT for introverts, and is often, way more fun!
The Benefits of Eloping
There are so many benefits to eloping vs. hosting a traditional wedding:
It’s low-stress!
Planning a traditional wedding with all the pieces: venue, officiant, bridal party, flowers, catering, and an ever-growing guest list can overwhelm even the most organized couples — let alone trying to juggle wedding planning alongside everything else. Eloping is perfect for busy couples looking for a low-stress wedding experience that will be as enjoyable as it is memorable. The best part? Many elopement venues (like ours) help take care of most of the planning so you can focus on what’s most important… each other!
The day is really all about you!
When you elope, you eliminate so much of the complexity, planning, and “people managing” that inherently comes with a big wedding — which means you can focus 100% of your energy on each other!
This allows for a more meaningful and personal ceremony, where every word spoken and every gesture shared is truly heartfelt.
There are fewer people (and expectations) to manage.
Eloping often means a smaller guest list - which means there are fewer distractions or obligations to cater to the needs and expectations of a large guest list.
Elopements are more budget-friendly!
Traditional weddings can be incredibly expensive, with the average cost in the United States surpassing $30,000. By eloping, you can allocate your budget towards an incredible reception, the honeymoon of your dreams, or simply saving for your future married life together! The average cost of an elopement at Elope 253 ranges from $595 - $2195+!
How to make the most of your elopement? Make your own rules!
We love making our own rules at Elope 253! Here are 7 of our top tips for making the most of your elopement:
1. Choose the right venue
Because you have the flexibility to find the right venue for your elopement, choose somewhere with the right energy, location, and size for your party! One of the biggest things our couples have told us over the years is how important it was to find a venue that made their special day feel as low-stress, relaxed, organized, and seamless as possible!
Interested in visiting our space? Click here to book a Chapel Visit!
2. Write your own vows
This is a beautiful tradition that we love! Adding your own words to each other is the perfect way to personalize your day.
3. Make it musical
We love a good Wedding March… but that song has had its day! Have fun with your song choice! Think of songs that have meaning to you both - and think outside of the traditional wedding box. We love playing songs we’ve never had a couple choose before!
Looking for music inspiration? Click here to browse our love song playlists!
P.S. You can choose your own entrance and exit music when you elope with us. Click here to learn more.
4. Guest wisely! (Yes, none is a completely acceptable answer.)
Eloping means a beautiful chance for less stress, fewer guests, and fewer expectations to manage on your big day — so when building your guest list, feel confident in choosing those who will help make that vision possible!
Want to blend the best parts of eloping and a big wedding? Elope with your nearest and dearest, then meet up with the rest of your party at a post-elopement celebration!
Click here for our favorite post-elopement destinations!
Image by Lisa Monet Photography
5. Dress to impress!
Eloping is the perfect time to have fun, show off, and show up in whatever feels most like you! Never go anywhere without Converse? Wear them! Want to wear that beautiful dress or tux you couldn’t say no to? Wear that! Love the Seahawks and met your partner at a game - wearing your favorite jersey is perfect!
Image by Lisa Monet Photography
6. Make your own traditions!
Consider this your invitation to step outside of the wedding box and make your own rules! Some of our favorite couple-created traditions include:
Pup of Honor
Bubble cannons
A virtual guest list
Donuts instead of cake
Getting tattoos instead of exchanging rings
Wearing wacky socks
Image by Lisa Monet Photography
7. Capture the moments
Don’t forget the pictures! Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful photos of your special day! Hiring a professional photographer will allow you to relive the cherished memories of your special day for your whole lives!
Final Thoughts
Traditions are constantly changing, and your wedding is one place where you should do whatever feels best for you both! Eloping has become one of the most popular ways for couples to do just that. With its inherent sense of freedom, reduced stress, and cost savings, eloping offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate your love for each other.
Whether you choose to elope with us at Elope 253, somewhere else in Washington, or anywhere else — remember that what truly matters is that you two have chosen to say “I do”!
So, are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and are ready to elope?