stargazing photos during a Colorado elopement

Elope Meaning

The modern definition of eloping

Are you planning a wedding and wondering what options are out there? Maybe a big wedding doesn’t feel like you, or maybe you’re stressed at the thought of planning a wedding that caters to everyone else’s opinions. If so, then an elopement might just be what you’re looking for.

In this blog, we’re going to go over what it means to elope. From understanding what is an elopement, to myths about eloping, elopement ideas, and more, we’re covering everything you need to know about elopements!

What is eloping?

the meaning of an elopement

First things first. What is an elopement? Simply put, an elopement is an untraditional and legal way to get married. Elopements are a form of small weddings and typically involve little to no guests. They also do not take place at a traditional wedding venue, but instead, take place at all types of locations from courthouses to mountaintop trails and everything in between.

When it comes to what an elopement can look like, there are endless ways to plan your day! From a simple courthouse ceremony to a multi-day adventure at a bucket list location, your elopement can be as extravagant or simple as you’d like.

Elopements can also last however long you want, and you can include whatever activities you’d like. Choosing to elope is one of the most flexible ways to get married as it allows you to create a day centered around the vision you create with your partner!

Modern Definition Of Eloping

the new-age meaning

Elopements today look very different than they did even a few years ago. The idea that eloping is a quick, cheap way to get married is no longer accurate.

The modern definition of eloping is getting married with little to no guests, in a way that is completely crafted around what you value most. It’s about kicking off your marriage in a way that feels aligned with who you are as a couple. It’s about the two of you and what you want, not about the guests or anyone else’s expectations of what the day should look like.

Eloping also has nothing to do with the length of time, how much you spend, or any other factor. With elopements, there are no rules.

5 Myths About Eloping

Because elopements have evolved a lot in recent years, there are still many myths about what it means to elope. Here are the top 5 myths we hear and the actual truth about what is an elopement.

MYTH

Myth #1: Elopements Are For the Couple Only & Don’t Include Any Guests

Elopements absolutely can include guests! Your day does not only have to be the two of you unless that’s what you want. You can choose to elope with a handful of your closest family and friends, or you can elope with just your partner.

You can even have the best of both worlds and plan your day so you have alone time and time with your guests. The bottom line is that your elopement day can and should look however you want and if that includes inviting your favorite people, then do it!

However, keep in mind that if you have 10+ guests you may need a micro wedding venue.

Myth #2: Elopements are Selfish

Here’s the thing about wedding days – they are supposed to be about you! Just because you decide you want to do things differently than what others think you should do does not make you selfish.

We encourage couples to prioritize themselves and what they want on their wedding day because the last thing we want for you is to have any regrets about the way you got married.

Your elopement day is your day so do what you want to do and focus on the experience you want to share with your partner.

MYTH

Myth #3: Elopements are Rushed

The idea that eloping is a quick and cheap way to get married is no longer accurate. Eloping is all about getting married in a way that is completely crafted around what you value.

That could look like a beautiful ceremony in the mountains followed by a reception dinner with your loved ones, or it could look like a week-long adventure at your dream destination.

Elopements are so much more than a simple ceremony. They are intentional experiences crafted around what you and your partner value.

Myth #4: Elopements aren’t Real Weddings

An elopement is a real wedding. Just as with traditional weddings, there are legal steps couples must take in order to make the marriage official.

The exact rules will depend on where your ceremony takes place, but oftentimes, this includes applying for a marriage license and having an officiant and a couple of witnesses involved (again, depending on your state). In Colorado, you can self-solemnize and there are less restrictions.

No matter what though, eloping absolutely is a real wedding!

MYTH

Myth #5: Elopements Only Take Place at a Courthouse

One of the best things about elopements is that they can take place anywhere you want! Whether it’s your backyard, a secluded forest, or a stunning mountaintop, choosing where to get married is full of possibilities.

As long as you follow the rules of your state or country, and the principles of Leave No Trace when eloping outdoors, your elopement can take place pretty much anywhere you imagine.

Need some inspiration? Check out this list of the best places to elope in the US.

What Do You Do During an Elopement?

elopement activities and ideas

Just like your elopement can take place anywhere, it can also include anything you want! That is the magic of eloping. When deciding what you want to do on your elopement day, we encourage couples to think about what you would do if you could do anything in the world.

Maybe your ideal day is spending time doing activities you already enjoy. Maybe you love listening to music together while cooking breakfast. Or, maybe you love spending your weekends hiking nearby trails. Your dream day could also include trying new things. Maybe your ideal elopement includes a new activity or traveling to a destination you’ve always dreamed of together.

There is a lot we could say about what activities you can include in your day and what an elopement day can look like. That’s why we created some additional resources for you. Check out this list of the best elopement ideas and activities and some real elopement timelines.

“Should I Elope?”

the big decision

The decision to elope is one that only you and your partner can make. As elopement photographers, we often hear couples say they chose to elope because they wanted an intimate, stress-free day focused on meaningful experiences and their love for each other.

Eloping is all about creating a day that is unique to you and that prioritizes the things you value! If what’s important to you is spending time with your partner while enjoying the things you love most in a place you love, then eloping might just be right for you.

Elopement FAQs

An elopement is a nontraditional wedding that focuses on the couple and prioritizes their experience. It’s a completely customized way of getting married. Elopements can take place at any location and include any activities the couple wants.

Yes, eloping is legal and is recognized in every U.S. state. The legalities are the same as a traditional wedding, meaning you need to obtain a marriage license and follow the local laws to process it.

The difference between elopements and micro weddings comes down to the type of experience you want. Elopements typically have few or no guests, while micro weddings typically include a guest list. Elopements can take place anywhere and include any activities you want, while micro weddings often take place at a venue and focus more on the celebration with your guests.

Elopements can look however you want them to. That is their magic! Whether you want to spend a few days exploring a new destination or have a low-key day doing some of your favorite things together, your elopement can include anything you want!

Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!

Elopement Photographers

We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Colorado. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!

LEARN MORE ABOUT US

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