Should my partner and I elope?


Whether to elope or have a traditional wedding is an incredibly personal decision, and it can feel impossible to decide. What will our parents/grandparents/siblings think? What does the day even look like? How can we spend time celebrating just the two of us?


It can feel like a selfish choice, and some people might even say that to you if you tell them you're thinking about it. Here's the thing: you and your partner are the only two people who can make this call. Getting married is more than the wedding. It is a lifetime commitment to one another, and only you two should have input on how this celebration happens. But how can you make that choice?


Pros OF Eloping


  • You can do anything you want however you want. I mean it. Hot air balloon ride? Jeep tour through the mountains? Week long road trip? You name it! I've heard others describe that an elopement should feel like the best day of your honeymoon, and I think it's a great approach. Eloping is an excellent opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience (and most importantly...)
  • It will probably save you money. Of course, if you go overboard, this might not be true. But the average wedding cost according to Zola is $36,000, which is a lot of runway for whatever adventure you might have in mind. I also help all of my clients with location scouting, timeline work, and other planning - all as part of your package. Consolidating vendors helps keep costs down even more; it can be as easy as attire, flowers & a great photographer. ;)
  • The planning and stress load is way lighter. While you still need to take the time to envision your perfect day/weekend/week, there are way less decisions to make. No agonizing over who to invite, table linens, seating charts or what to serve for dinner. It's all about making choices that make you and your partner feel happiest.
  • Bonus for Colorado brides: you can self-solemnize! No need for an officiant that doesn't know you or your story; you can sign just the two of you. Some counties even allow your dog to "sign" as a witness! For more info, here are instructions for some popular Colorado counties:
  • Denver
  • El Paso (Colorado Springs)
  • Jefferson (West Denver, Golden, Morrison)
  • Eagle (Vail)
  • San Miguel (Telluride)


Cons OF Eloping


  • People might be disappointed. Even if you have a small group of family and friends, there will likely be one or two people who are sad they can't be there for this special moment. And that might be a deal-breaker for you; there's no shame in wanting to share in the joy with the people you love most. You'll also likely receive less gifts as a result, but again, hopefully you'll have saved on quite a bit to make up for that.
  • You'll have to bring the party. More people = more excitement. You won't have your hype crew there to join you on the dance floor or to clink glasses to get you to kiss. Thankfully, you can always throw a reception after the fact if you're still looking to have that celebration with everyone.
  • Missing out on community & tradition. A lot of people feel that having their friends and family at the ceremony helps keep their community involved and invested in upholding those vows through the highs and lows of life.



To Conclude


There are so many options to consider, and I completely understand that it might seem overwhelming. You are ultimately in charge of your own wedding destiny. If that means the full to-do with hundreds of people, that is amazing! I bet it will be an incredible party, and you'll have a great time with friends and family. You could also consider a micro-wedding, which I would argue is the best of both worlds: you can have the party with the people who matter most to you, but by keeping it less than 50 guests, you can cut costs and make intentional choices that work for you as a couple.



In a world where the big wedding is expected - if not the default - it might be worth examining if that is the right option for you both. Your wedding is how you start your official journey together as committed partners, and you deserve a day (or multiple days!) that is meaningful and reflects who you both are and who you want to be together.



Always wishing you the best on this journey, and I hope to be a part of it as your photographer. All of my wedding packages include planning assistance, so if you need to talk it out with someone who knows the industry, I am here for you! Click the button below to get started.

Let's get you married!