Elopement vs Traditional Wedding | Which One is Right for You?

One question that couples inevitably come across as they are planning their wedding is "Should we just elope instread?" I know my husband and I definitely asked each other that many times during our wedding planning. Wedding planning can be tough and overwhelming sometimes so it makes perfect sense why this question comes up. But how do you know what type of wedding is for you? Hopefully this blog post can help some!

First, let's start with what is an elopement?

An elopement is a marriage that takes place without a formal wedding ceremony and often with no guests or a very small number of guests - less than 15 people. An elopement makes it easier for you to focus more on the fact that you're getting married and less on the party. Elopements are limitless because you get to decide when, where, and who to invite, if anyone! I love elopements because they usually happen in really cool places like hocking hills, somewhere in the woods, on private property, or in cute historic churches.

Pros:

• Less stress

• Can be more cost effective

• More intimate

• More options for location

• Can be made into an adventure and you can even travel for it

• Focuses on you and your relationship

• No outside opinions

• Can be a quick thing or be made into a whole weekend experience

• You can ditch tradtions that you don't love

• Option to be more flexible with spending and budget

Cons:

• Limited guest list

• Family and friends may feel left out

• Less in person support

• Requires flexibility

• No big dance party

• Usually no wedding party

What is a traditional wedding?

A traditional wedding is exactly what you picture. A big wedding with lots of guests, a formal ceremony, and is usually at a church or a wedding venue. A traditional wedding focuses more on the guests and the celebration and often follows typical wedding traditions like the bouquet toss and cutting the cake. I love traditional weddings because I enjoy seeing the details the couple puts into their wedding and I love photographing special moments with family members.

Pros:

• Big party

• Celebrating with your friends and family

• Can create a unique experience for your guests

• More support during the day

• Can invite more people

• Can incorporate meaningful traditions

Cons:

• More expensive

• Coordinating with many vendors can be overwhelming

• Planning a timeline can be overwhelming

• Managing guest list and table seating

• Have to follow venue rules and regulations

• Possible family drama

• Outside opinions

  

  
  

  How do you know if eloping is right for you?

If a big wedding doesn't feel right: one of the first signs you should elope is often just a gut feeling - if it doesn't feel right when you think about spending money on your wedding or when you imagine saying your vows in front of 100 people, then that is your first sign.

If you don't want to be the center of attention: a huge reason why many couples elope is because they don't want a ton of eyes on them all day. I 100% understand that!

Planning a wedding stresses you out: wedding planning is actually a lot of work. While eloping does require some planning too, planning a bigger wedding means more planning and figuring out how to keep your guests entertained.

You want the day to only be about you: traditional weddings can sometimes feel like it's about everyone but the couple and sometimes, the couple doesn't even have a moment to sit and enjoy each other on their wedding day because there is so much going on.

You'd rather spend money on experiences and not things: if you'd rather spend money on a really cool airbnb out of state for you to stay at after you elope in a forest somewhere instead of feeding 100 guests, then eloping is probably for you.

How do you know if a traditional wedding is right for you?

You love the idea of a huge wedding: if you love the idea of having all your friends and family with you on your wedding day, then a big wedding is right for you!

Bigger budget: if you have a bigger budget and really want to invest in the details and your guest's experience as well as an amazing venue and vendors.

Family traditions: if you have family traditions that you'd really love to incoporate into your wedding day. Or if you're looking forward to other traditions like a first dance with your dad or cutting the cake.

Wedding planning makes you excited: if wedding planning makes you excited and you love planning out all the details and steps, then a big wedding would definitely be where you thrive!

You've dreamed of this day forever: if you've dreamed of this day since you were little and this is all you want, then go for it!

As a wedding and elopement photographer, I truly love both types of weddings and understand the pros and cons of both. Both elopements and traditional weddings are special in their own way and I love being a part of them! I've spent the majority of my career celebrating with my couples and photographing some amazing moments. I'm here for support no matter what you choose!