What Is an Elopement? A Modern Guide to Intimate, Meaningful Weddings

For some couples, the idea of a traditional wedding—the big guest list, the tight timeline, the endless planning—just doesn’t feel right. Maybe you dream of something simpler, more intentional, or completely out of the ordinary. That’s where elopements come in.

Eloping isn’t about running away in secrecy anymore (unless you want it to be!). Instead, it’s about creating a wedding day that feels authentic, stress-free, and deeply personal—whether that means saying your vows on a mountaintop, in a cozy cabin, or on the steps of a courthouse.

So what exactly is an elopement, and is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it all down.

What Counts as an Elopement?

Elopements used to mean quick, secretive ceremonies, but today they’ve evolved into something much more meaningful. At its core, an elopement is an intentionally small, deeply personal wedding day focused on the couple’s experience rather than tradition.

While there’s no single definition, elopements generally have these qualities:
✔ A small guest count (often just the couple or up to 10-15 guests)
✔ A unique, personal setting (mountains, forests, courthouses, destination spots, or even your backyard)
✔ A focus on the couple’s experience over wedding traditions
✔ A flexible, relaxed timeline with little to no pressure
✔ A completely customizable structure—elopements are what you make them

That’s the beauty of elopements: there are no rules.

Elopement wedding couple sitting relaxed in park Charlotte NC

Why Choose an Elopement?

Couples elope for all kinds of reasons, but ultimately, it comes down to choosing a day that feels right for you. Here are some of the most common reasons couples choose to elope:

You want a stress-free wedding day. Big weddings come with pressure, timelines, and expectations. Elopements remove the chaos and let you be fully present.
You care more about experience than tradition. Maybe you’d rather hike to a breathtaking overlook or exchange vows under the Northern Lights instead of spending months planning seating charts.
You value privacy and intimacy. If the idea of standing in front of 150 guests feels overwhelming, an elopement allows you to focus solely on your partner.
You want an adventure. Your wedding can be more than just a ceremony—it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You’re working with a specific budget. Elopements let you invest in what truly matters to you rather than paying for a huge venue and hundreds of plates of food.
You don’t want to follow traditional wedding expectations. If skipping the first dance, bouquet toss, or wedding party sounds like a relief, an elopement lets you ditch the rulebook.

Elizabeth Park Charlotte NC wedding elopement bride and groom

**Who Is an Elopement For (and Who It’s Not For)?**

Elopements Are Perfect For You If…

✔ You want a personal, intentional wedding day where the focus is on your love, not tradition.
✔ You love the idea of an intimate, relaxed experience with little to no stress.
✔ You value freedom and flexibility in your wedding plans.
✔ You want to get married somewhere meaningful, whether it’s a national park, your favorite city, or a simple courthouse.
✔ You’d rather invest in experiences (like travel, a private chef, or an amazing photographer) than a big guest list.

**Elopements Might Not Be the Best Fit If…**

❌ You want all your family and friends present—if celebrating with a larger group is important to you, a micro wedding might be a better option.
❌ You’ve always dreamed of a traditional wedding with formal attire, a big reception, and classic traditions.
❌ You love the energy of a big celebration and want a full wedding experience with dancing, speeches, and a structured event.
❌ You feel like you’d regret not having a full guest list—elopements are about intimacy, so if you’d miss having your entire community there, a small wedding may be a better fit.

romantic photo of groom embracing bride sleek low cut dress small bouquet

Ways to Elope: How to Make It Your Own

One of the best parts of eloping? You can do it however you want. There’s no set structure, no rigid timeline—just a day designed around you.

Here are a few ways to elope, depending on what feels right for you:

Adventure Elopement

📍 Where: A mountaintop, a secluded beach, a national park, a canyon, or even a remote international destination.
✨ Why: Perfect for couples who crave adventure and want a wedding day that doubles as an unforgettable experience.
💡 Example: A sunrise hike to a breathtaking overlook, followed by a relaxed picnic and sunset portraits.

City Elopement

📍 Where: A charming city hall, a rooftop overlooking the skyline, or a stylish boutique hotel.
✨ Why: Ideal for couples who love modern romance and want a sleek, chic, and stress-free day.
💡 Example: A courthouse ceremony followed by celebratory cocktails, a rooftop dinner, and sunset portraits in the city streets.

Destination Elopement

📍 Where: Anywhere in the world—Italy, Iceland, the Caribbean, or even a place that holds deep meaning for you.
✨ Why: If you love to travel and want your wedding day to feel like an adventure, this is for you.
💡 Example: A private villa ceremony on the Amalfi Coast, a lakeside cabin in Canada, or a cozy Airbnb elopement in the Scottish Highlands.

Backyard or Private Venue Elopement

📍 Where: Your home, a rented Airbnb, or a meaningful location from your relationship.
✨ Why: For couples who want a relaxed, meaningful celebration without traveling far.
💡 Example: A garden ceremony followed by an intimate dinner with close family.

Bride sitting on grooms lap in front of white hydrangeas in a park in charlotte nc

Who Can You Bring to Your Elopement?

While elopements are typically just the couple, some couples choose to include a few close loved ones. Here’s who you can bring:

Just you two. A private, deeply personal ceremony.
A few guests. Your immediate family, best friends, or a handful of loved ones.
Your pets! Dogs, cats, or even horses (if the location allows it!).
Your officiant and photographer. (If required, some places need an official officiant and a witness—your photographer can often sign as a witness!)

Elopements Are All About Choice

At the end of the day, an elopement is about what feels right for you. It’s about creating a day where you can be fully present, where the focus is on your love, and where the experience is authentically yours.

If you’re considering an elopement and want a photographer who can guide you through the process, document every moment beautifully, and help create a seamless, stress-free experience—I’d love to hear your story.