Redefining Elopement To Fit Your Plot Line

The definition of eloping is changing. Traditionally, eloping meant running away to get married in secret. Today, it’s more about intentionality.

There’s no right or wrong way to elope. This post explores eight ways couples are rewriting the rules of elopement, showing that intimacy and personalization can take center stage over tradition.

Key Takeaways:

• Definition of eloping
• 8 reasons eloping is gaining popularity
• How to elope: What a day looks like
• Common myths about eloping

From left to right: Erin & Regan’s Kananaskis elopement; Sunny & Kitty’s Lake Moraine elopement

What Makes A Wedding An Elopement?

The official definition of eloping is: “run away secretly to get married, especially without parental consent.”

We think that’s a little outdated.

Modern elopements are carefully chosen, deeply personal celebrations that reflect the couple’s values, priorities, and vision for their marriage. Every choice is made deliberately, rather than out of obligation or tradition.

Elopement is about celebrating your love intentionally, in a way that feels authentic to you both.

It’s not about “skipping the wedding.” 

It’s about making the day uniquely yours.

That could look like:

• Symbolic vs. legal ceremony
• Guests or no guests
• Adventurous or chill setting

There is no wrong way to elope!

Is Eloping Different Than An Intimate Wedding?

From left to right: Virginia & Derek’s elopement; Nicole & Michael’s Iceland elopement; Samantha & Jacob’s Banff elopement

We use the phrase pretty interchangeably. It’s more emotional and intentional than about the headcount. 

Intimate weddings have a guest list, structure, and a different pace. Elopements strip that away in favor of just the couple (or nearly just). 

Both are beautiful—but elopements have their own energy.

Why Are Elopements Gaining In Popularity? 

Couples today aren’t just asking how to elope and get married—they’re asking why and what it should feel like. We think that’s a much more important question to ask before making that commitment.

1. More Meaning, Less Obligation

Photo: Callen & Alexa’s Lake Louise elopement

Elopements allow you to focus on what matters: the vows, the connection, the emotion. You’re not putting on a show—you’re creating a core memory.

You also have more control over your big day. You don’t have to invite your mom’s second cousin, whom you last met when you were three months old, just because you’re getting married.

You get to write the rules for your wedding day.

This includes the question of whether you need to pay for your guests to come to your elopement. This is a very personal question and the obligation lingers from the traditional big wedding. 

With an elopement, we’re playing by your rules. If it brings you joy and you have the money then absolutely do it. If it doesn’t bring you joy, isn’t financially feasible or any other reason there is no obligation to do so. 

2. Deep Intention

Nothing about an elopement happens just because “you’re supposed to.” Every detail is carefully chosen with intention. This saves you so much unnecessary stress.

3. It’s An Experience You Actually Get To Enjoy

Photo: Sarah & Tyler celebrate their Banff elopement with family

How many couples say they didn’t get to enjoy their wedding because they were so busy? Some people don’t even get a chance to eat or talk to their guests! 

Eloping lets you experience your wedding day, not just perform for others. You get to hike a mountain, dip in a hot spring, stargaze after your vows, or nap in a cabin—whatever you want! It’s a day you can remember every detail.

4. It’s Not Just About Saving Money

Photo: Emily & Jon’s Nordegg helicopter elopement

Let’s be clear, eloping is not cheap, and you can easily rack up a price tag similar to a big wedding once all is said and done. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Elopements reallocate your budget to what matters to you and your partner: 

• Travel
• Photography and videography
• An epic dinner
• A private guide
• A week-long adventure

5. Way Less Stress

Photo: Amber & Lauren sip bubbly during their Banff elopement

Without a giant guest list or full-day schedule, elopements strip away the pressure. No table charts, no drama, no awkward small talk—just you, your person, your vision, and vendors to make it all come to life.

6. Perfect For Non-Traditional Couples

Photo: Virginia & Derek’s golden circle fall elopement

There are many wedding traditions that modern couples aren’t subscribed to, such as being “given away” at the altar. And a lot of people don’t want to be the center of attention all day. It’s exhausting!

They just want a ceremony and celebration that reflects their values, gender expression, or love story without compromise.

Can you relate? Elopements are for you.

7. Privacy, Please!

Photo: Callen & Alexa’s elopement witnesses (not legally of course)

Some couples don’t want 100 people watching them cry during vows.

That’s okay. Elopements allow you to create a sacred space, just for the two of you (or a few handpicked guests).

8. Less Planning, More Freedom

Photo: Nicole & Michael walking on a black sand beach during their Iceland elopement

An elopement doesn’t have to take 12 months to plan one event (but let’s also acknowledge that it can, depending on what you’re looking for). 

With the right help, you can plan an elopement in weeks or months, not years. Plus, your timeline is totally up to you. There’s a lot more flexibility in planning an elopement than a wedding.

What Does An Elopement Day Look Like? 

From left to right: Lauren & Amber’s PJ champagne toast; Brandon & Jamie’s poptart picnic; Callen & Alexa’s game of cards

The best part? It’s up to you!

• It can be a helicopter ride to mountaintop views.
• It can be a slow morning of getting coffee and tea, going for a walk, chatting on FaceTime with friends, having a champagne toast and jumping on the bed before their first look and ceremony like Lauren and Amber.
• It can be a family-friendly affair, with beers and gorgeous views, a group dance moment and a mid-day pool party.
• It can be a moody moment on black sand beaches, like Joanna and Kili.

There are no rules when it comes to eloping. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or any combination of the two, your wedding day perfectly reflects who you are as a couple and what matters most to you.

5 Myths About Elopements That We’re Putting To Rest

We often hear myths about how to elope and what it truly means to elope. Today, we’re putting those myths to rest, once and for all!

Myth #1: Eloping = a courthouse wedding and 5 minutes of vows.

Photo: Kristin & Adam say their vows with an officiant at their Snaefellsnes Iceland elopement

Many people assume that elopements are rushed, last-minute decisions. In reality, elopements are highly intentional and meaningful, carefully planned down to every detail. 

Whether it’s a mountaintop sunrise or an intimate beach ceremony, eloping gives couples the freedom to create a deeply memorable experience that reflects their love story, not just a quick signature at a registry office.

Myth #2: Eloping is selfish.

Photo: Sarah sharing moments with loved ones at her Banff elopement

Maybe people who aren’t invited think eloping is selfish, but intentional elopements are about honoring your priorities and values, not rejecting loved ones. 

Many couples include family and friends in creative ways without them attending in person. Eloping is thoughtful, emotionally mature, and respectful—you’re simply designing a day that feels right for you.

Myth #3: Elopements are a cheaper option.

Photo: Emily & Jon’s Nordegg helicopter elopement

Elopements usually (not always) cost less than traditional weddings, but they aren’t automatically budget decisions. 

You’re just allocating your budget in more meaningful ways: destination locations, professional photography, floral arrangements, and officiants who match your vision.

Eloping is more about quality over quantity—focusing on meaningful experiences rather than following a traditional cost structure.

Myth #4: You can’t include traditions in an elopement.

Elopement traditions from top left to bottom: a first look; champagne & cookies; a bridal bouquet; and a first dance

Eloping doesn’t mean leaving all traditions behind. In case you haven’t gotten the gist yet, your elopement can look however you want it to look.

You can incorporate meaningful customs, cultural rituals, or family heirlooms into your day. 

Some common wedding traditions we see at elopements are:

• Ring exchanges
• Hand fasting ceremonies
• First-looks
• Exchanging vows
• Ring blessings
• Champagne toast
• White dresses and suits
• Walks with parents
• First dances
• Reading letters from loved ones

Or create your own new tradition! Some traditions our couples have created based on personal meaning include:

• Reading books to each other
• Picnicking with their favorite snack
• Playing cards during brunch
• Sharing a whiskey on ice

Elopements allow couples to personalize traditions in a way that truly resonates with them.

Myth #5: Eloping is a last-minute or backup decision.

From left to right: Sarah & Tyler’s Banff elopement; Brandon & Jamie’s Mistaya Falls elopement; Sunny & Kitty’s Banff elopement

Elopements are a deliberate and well-thought-out choice, not a fallback plan. 

Couples elope because it aligns with their vision for an intimate, stress-free celebration, rather than because they couldn’t organize or pay for a big wedding. 

Many spend months planning the perfect location, timeline, and experience. Eloping is about intentionality, not spontaneity, even if it sometimes looks effortless from the outside.

Browse Our Gallery Of Elopements!

We hope this cleared up some questions about what it is to elope and how to elope in a way that feels special to you.

Browse our gallery of recent elopements to see how truly unique they are to each couple. And if you’re ready to book your elopement, schedule a free call with us to chat through your special day!