Should We Elope?
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Thinking about eloping? It’s a big decision! Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you want it to be something you’ll look back on with love and joy for years to come. But stepping outside the traditional wedding box takes courage, especially when family expectations and social norms come into play. If you’ve been weighing your options and aren’t quite sure which path to take, you’re in the right place!
Eloping isn’t just about running off to Vegas (though, hey, that’s a great option too!). It’s about crafting a wedding experience that reflects your love, your priorities, and your sense of adventure. Ditching the big guest list, skipping the stress, and saying “I do” your way? That kind of freedom is pretty tempting! But before you trade in the banquet hall for a mountaintop, let’s dive into some fun and thought-provoking questions to help you feel confident about whether eloping is the perfect fit for you.
What Do You Want to Prioritize on Your Wedding Day?
One huge benefit of eloping is the ability to be fully present with your partner. Without the pressure of a large guest list or a packed schedule, your wedding day becomes an intimate experience centred entirely on the two of you. Many couples who have had traditional weddings have lamented that the day went by in a blur of schedules, handshakes, and forks on glasses when you’re trying to eat dinner. Instead of feeling like you're putting on a performance or rushing from one obligation to the next, you can slow down, savour every moment, and focus on what truly matters: your love, your vows, and the beginning of your next chapter together.
Where Do You Want to Say "I Do"?
One of the best things about eloping? You’re not stuck choosing between a banquet hall or a golf course. With a smaller guest list (or no guest list at all!), the world is basically your wedding venue. Picture yourselves exchanging vows on a mountaintop, in the middle of a forest, or barefoot on the beach. Eloping turns your wedding into an adventure rather than just an event. If the idea of making epic memories in a stunning, one-of-a-kind location sounds way better than stressing over centrepieces and seating charts, then an elopement might be exactly what you're looking for!
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Do You Care About Your Environmental Impact?
If the idea of a giant wedding with tons of waste makes you cringe, eloping might be the perfect way to keep things simple and eco-friendly! Fewer guests mean less travel, which means a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, you won’t have to worry about leftover food, single-use decorations, or a venue using enough electricity to power a small town. Eloping also allows you to be more mindful of your surroundings, especially if you opt for a stunning outdoor location. With a “leave no trace” approach, you can say your vows in nature without leaving a negative impact behind. It’s a beautiful way to start your marriage while also showing some love to the planet!
Want Less Drama and More Freedom?
Eloping means skipping the family debates over the guest list, dodging awkward conversations about plus-ones, and saying goodbye to the stress of managing a million moving parts. Imagine a wedding day with effortless planning, a flexible schedule, and the freedom to celebrate without the expectation of entertaining distant relatives. Eloping offers the chance to celebrate in a way that feels natural and true to yourself, giving you a stress-free, intimate experience. Whether that means exchanging vows in a breathtaking location, sharing a quiet moment together, or crafting a wedding day that’s as unique as your love story, the choice is entirely yours.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Where Do You Want Your Money to Go?
Let’s be real… traditional weddings can cost as much as a down payment on a house. With price tags ranging from $35K to $100K, it’s easy to see why many couples are rethinking the big wedding splurge. But, eloping isn’t about being cheap, it’s about being intentional. Instead of spending thousands on feeding 100+ guests, you get to put your money toward what actually matters to you. Maybe that’s an epic location, a dream photographer, or turning your elopement into a honeymoon adventure. And you can put the money you save toward a home, future travels, or just about anything that brings you joy as a couple.
Who Do You Want at Your Wedding (and How Much Fanfare Feels Right)?
Not a fan of being the center of attention? Eloping lets you skip the grand audience, awkward speeches, and that weird pressure to be “on” all day. No stage fright, no endless small talk. Just you, your partner, and maybe a handful of your closest people.
Sure, you might miss out on the big guest list, the over-the-top reception, and the pile of wedding gifts, but is that a pro or a con? It totally depends on what you want. Some loved ones may still send gifts or money to celebrate, but there’s zero expectation. And if you’re worried about certain family members feeling left out, don’t stress, there are plenty of creative ways to include them, from live-streaming your ceremony to hosting a post-elopement celebration.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
What Traditions (If Any) Do You Want to Keep?
Eloping might not scream traditional, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch all the wedding customs you love! You can still exchange vows, wear a white dress, have a first dance, or even walk down an “aisle” (whether that’s a mountain trail, a sandy beach, or a forest path). The beauty of eloping is that you get to decide what traditions to keep, tweak, or toss.
Want to blend the old with the new? Go for it. Prefer to create your own unique traditions? Even better. Want to honour meaningful customs from your family’s culture? Absolutely! An elopement is all about making the day feel authentically you, without any rules or expectations holding you back.
How Much Time and Energy Do You Want to Spend on Planning?
Eloping means fewer moving parts, which also means fewer things can go wrong. And if something does go sideways? You have way more flexibility to roll with it. No need to spend months (or years) stressing over seating charts, caterers, and a million tiny details—less planning means more time to actually enjoy your engagement. Imagine free nights and weekends instead of endless wedding to-do lists!
That said, with fewer guests and a more intimate ceremony, your vendors play an even bigger role because their work becomes the lasting memories of your day. That’s where we come in. Our team of experts handles everything, from the officiant to hair and makeup, plus stunning videography and photography. Founder Jocelyn Bacon brings an extensive network of talented professionals, deep experience in navigating any last-minute hiccups, and insider knowledge of some of the most breathtaking elopement locations. All you have to do is show up, say your vows, and soak in every incredible moment.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
So, should you elope? If you’re all about an intimate, stress-free, and adventurous wedding experience, it might just be the perfect fit! But if you’ve always dreamed of a big bash with family and friends, then I love that for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to weddings. The key is doing what feels right for you and your partner. The great news is that you can have the freedom to do things your way. So, we hope the questions above have helped you navigate whether an elopement suits you best!
And don’t forget, just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you’re doing it solo! When you book with Sea to Sky Elopements, we’re here to make your dream day happen. We’ve got the experts and know-how to handle everything, so all you have to do is focus on celebrating your love, making memories, and soaking in the moment. Let’s create an extraordinary experience that’s all about you and the one you love!
