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For many couples, the thought of hosting a big, traditional wedding ceremony can feel overwhelming, expensive, and even a little impersonal. That’s why more and more people are choosing an elopement wedding—and not in the secretive, last-minute way you might be imagining.

Elopements today are intimate, meaningful, and deeply intentional celebrations of love. If you’re curious about whether eloping is right for you, here are ten thoughtful, experience-driven reasons to consider it.

1. You Can Focus on What Truly Matters: Your Love

Traditional weddings often come with long guest lists, timelines, and expectations. When you elope, it’s just the two of you (or a few close loved ones) and the moment you say, “I do.”

Elopement weddings strip away distractions and give you space to be fully present. Imagine holding hands on a quiet beach, exchanging vows you wrote from the heart, with no pressure to perform. That kind of intimacy can be hard to replicate at a traditional wedding.

2. A Stress-Free (and Often Cheaper) Alternative

Eloping doesn’t just ease emotional pressure—it can dramatically cut down on the costs of your special day too. Consider the average wedding price tag:

Expense	Traditional Wedding	Elopement Wedding
Wedding Venue	$5,000+	$0-$500 (public lands, beaches)
Catering (100+ guests)	$7,000+	N/A
Decor + Rentals	$2,000+	Minimal to none
Photographer	$4,000+	$2,000+
Total (average)	$18,000+	$3,000+

And that’s not to mention the time and energy spent planning a large event. With an elopement wedding, you get to skip the stress and focus on celebrating. YAY for easy wedding planning!

💕 P.S. Curious to see my elopement packages? You can view them here!

3. Choose a Breathtaking Location That Speaks to You

Whether it’s cliffside vows on Vancouver Island, a cozy forest in the Gulf Islands, or the shores of Tofino, British Columbia elopements open up endless possibilities for stunning, meaningful backdrops.

You’re not limited to banquet halls or booking venues a year in advance, like with big weddings. Instead, you can choose a place for your intimate wedding that resonates with your story—a favorite hiking spot, a quiet meadow, or the place you first said “I love you.”

The only thing to keep in mind about national parks is that some require a permit. Make sure to check with the city at least a few months before.

Pro Tip: Did you know some Airbnb’s allow elopements and micro weddings? This can be a very cost-effective way to host all day (or for a weekend getaway!). Check out these photos from an Airbnb micro wedding I photographed in Sooke: The Cove at Otter Point Wedding | Rowan + Brandon

4. Invite Your Closest—or No One at All

Elopements can be just the two of you, or you can invite your closest loved ones. There’s no obligation to create a guest list that includes coworkers or distant cousins.

Some couples choose to elope privately and then host a celebration afterward with friends and family members. Either way, the day stays focused on your relationship, not managing a crowd.

An easy way to cut down your guest list is to opt for an ‘adventure elopement’. If you need to hike in or camp overnight, your guests will definitely understand why it needs to be just you two!

Real Elopement Wedding Example:

Crystal and Kevin eloped at Saxe Point Park in the afternoon with their siblings, officiant, and me! Afterwards they met their family and close friends at Zambri’s restaurant in downtown Victoria BC for an intimate and beautiful dinner party ⬇️

5. Personalize Every Moment

From what you wear to the words you say, elopements give you the freedom to make each part of the day your own.

Want to wear hiking boots with your wedding dress? Go for it.
Want to read handwritten letters instead of traditional vows? Beautiful.
Want to jump in the ocean after the ceremony? Why not?

With no script to follow, you create a celebration that feels like you.

6. It’s Easier to Be Present

Without a packed itinerary or long line of guests to greet, couples find it easier to slow down and truly experience the big day.

This presence leads to genuine, emotional moments—the kinds that aren’t rushed or choreographed. It also makes it easier for your photographer to capture the real, unscripted beauty of your connection.

7. Incredible Photos in Epic Locations

When you’re not tied to a tight wedding-day timeline, you have more space for golden hour portraits in the best places, adventure shots, and exploring beautiful scenery.

And because elopements are usually set in stunning natural environments, your photos will reflect that magic.

8. Your Timeline, Your Way

No two elopement experiences look the same, and that’s the beauty of it. You decide when the elopement day starts, what you do, and how you celebrate.

Here’s an example of a relaxed elopement wedding timeline:

Time	Activity
1:00 PM	Getting ready together
2:30 PM	First look at a quiet location
3:00 PM	Drive to ceremony location
3:30 PM	Elopement ceremony
4:00 PM	Champagne toast + guest group pictures (if you have any)
5:00 PM	Adventure photos
6:30 PM	Sunset portraits
7:00 PM	Head to dinner or private celebration

9. It’s a Unique Story to Tell

Elopement weddings aren’t just beautiful—they’re meaningful. Your day becomes a story that’s entirely yours. One that reflects your relationship, values, and connection.

When you look back, you won’t remember managing a seating chart. You’ll remember how the wind felt during your ceremony, the way you laughed at your partner’s vows, and the joy of sharing a day that felt true to you.

As an elopement photographer that focuses on authentic moments and timeless portraits, I am all about telling your story. Your elopement photography should be beautiful, while still feeling like YOU 💕

10. It Starts Your Marriage With Intention

Eloping is an intentional act. It’s about starting your life together in a way that honors your connection, not external expectations.

Couples who choose to elope often say it sets the tone for their marriage: deep, honest, and joyfully true to themselves.

Final Takeaway: Is An Elopement Wedding Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a day that prioritizes connection over production, intimacy over performance, and presence over perfection, eloping might be exactly what you’re looking for.

There’s no right or wrong way to get married—only the way that feels right for you.

Next Steps: Planning your Elopement

Here are a few first steps to help you begin planning your day:

Choose a location that feels meaningful
Hire a photographer who understands elopements
Decide if you want guests or to elope privately
Write your own vows
Plan a celebration that fits your style (even if it’s just the two of you!)

➡️ Looking for more information about the legal logistics and Vancouver Island elopement location suggestions? Check out How to Elope on Vancouver Island.

Ready to start planning your dream elopement? I’d love to help you create and capture a day that’s full of meaning, connection, and beauty. Let’s chat!

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