Ditch the Stress: 13 Reasons Eloping Is Totally Worth It

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to get married, and that’s the beauty of it. While big weddings can be magical for some, they’re not the right fit for everyone. The most important thing? Choosing a wedding experience that feels true to you.

If you’re currently planning a traditional celebration, but something about it just doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone. Many couples find that eloping offers the freedom, intimacy, and authenticity they are truly craving.

So, if you’re on the fence, here are 13 compelling reasons why eloping might be the perfect choice for you!

1. Eloping is Stress-Free

Let’s be real, wedding planning can be super stressful. Between juggling a budget, managing a guest list, coordinating with endless vendors, sending out invitations, and trying to please everyone… it can quickly feel overwhelming. And if you’re someone who already tends to get stressed easily (that’s me!), all of that can be downright exhausting. Where do you even start??

That’s one of the biggest reasons we’ve fallen in love with adventure elopements. Since we started photographing and filming them in 2021, we’ve learned to let go, go with the flow, and fully embrace the moment with our couples. Being in nature, away from the pressure and expectations, has shown us just how freeing elopements can be. In fact, it’s what made us realize that we wanted to have an intimate National Park elopement when it was our turn!

Because here’s the thing: your wedding day shouldn’t be a blur of stress and anxiety. It should be a joyful, relaxed experience that you actually enjoy in real time—not just survive. You deserve to feel excited, at peace, and deeply connected to your partner. When you look back on your day, we want you to remember the laughter, the views, the little moments, not just the stress leading up to it.

2. Eloping is an Experience

Eloping has come a long way from the old-school image of running off to Vegas or signing papers at the courthouse. And while those are still 100% valid (and sometimes awesome!) ways to tie the knot, today’s elopements have evolved into something much more meaningful.

Eloping now is an experience, not just a moment. It’s about intentionally creating a day (or even multiple days) that’s centered around your love, your connection, and what truly makes you happiest. Instead of rushing through a quick ceremony, couples are choosing to turn their elopement into an unforgettable adventure—hiking to a mountaintop, saying vows at sunrise, kayaking through a canyon, or road-tripping through a national park.

It’s less about tradition and more about intention.

Many couples who elope aren’t focused on centerpieces or matching napkins, they’re focused on how the day feels. It’s about trading stress for stillness, pressure for presence, and stuff for stories. When you elope, you’re not just checking a box… you’re making memories you’ll want to relive for the rest of your life.

3. The Day is About You Two!

This might feel like a redundant point, but we want to make it abundantly clear that your wedding is about YOU. Instead of planning a wedding with hundreds of guests, you’re choosing to create an experience that’s entirely centered around the two of you. You’re not worrying about feeding a crowd or juggling different opinions… you get to eat your favorite food, go to your favorite places, and make choices that reflect your relationship. You don’t have to compromise for anyone else’s schedule, comfort, or expectations. It’s just you two—doing what feels right, in a way that feels real. And what’s truly powerful about that is the space it gives you to be present with each other. No distractions, no intense timelines to manage (we’ll keep your day on track so you don’t have to), no performance. Just deep connection, honest emotion, and a celebration that reflects your love exactly as it is. That kind of intimacy is rare — and incredibly special.

4. You Make The Decisions, Not Your Family & Friends

One of the most freeing parts of eloping is that every decision is yours and yours alone. Without the noise of family expectations or friends offering opinions you didn’t ask for, you and your partner get to plan a day that reflects exactly what you want. Want to say your vows in Arches National Park? Do it. Craving an off-road adventure in the San Juan Mountains? Go for it. You get to build your own timeline, choose your own colors (or no colors at all), and follow your vision. No one’s rushing you or crushing your vibe. No one’s questioning your choices, or telling you what’s “supposed” to happen next. You’re in full control, and that kind of freedom is priceless!

5. Eloping is Non-Traditional

One of the most beautiful parts of eloping is that there’s zero pressure to follow traditional wedding rules. You’re not expected to have a first dance, a bridal party, or even a big reception, unless those things actually matter to you. Elopements give you the freedom to honor the traditions that feel meaningful and let go of the ones that don’t. Even better? You can create your own traditions that tell your unique love story.

Maybe you choose to exchange handwritten vows on a cliffside at sunset, or seal your promises with a kiss under the stars after a quiet hike. Perhaps you share a private champagne toast beside a roaring campfire or take a dip together in a crystal-clear mountain lake after your ceremony.

When you elope, every moment is intentionally crafted by you—no one else’s expectations or timelines to follow. So, embrace what feels right, create rituals that speak to your hearts, and let your elopement be as wild, romantic, and unforgettable as your love.

6. You Choose Who To Invite

With elopements, the guest list is completely up to you! Many couples choose to keep it just the two of them, but you can also invite family and close friends if you want to share the moment with loved ones. The awesome thing about elopements and small wedding adventures is that there’s no pressure to include distant relatives or acquaintances you haven’t seen in years. You get to surround yourselves with only the people who truly matter; the ones who make you feel comfortable, supported, and loved. That intimacy turns your day into a deeply personal celebration, filled with genuine connection rather than obligation.

7. Spend Your Wedding Budget on What Actually Matters!

Eloping isn’t always about saving money because it can sometimes cost just as much as a big wedding. But the key difference is where you choose to spend your budget. Instead of feeding hundreds of guests and booking a pricey venue, many couples invest in an unforgettable destination that doubles as both their wedding and honeymoon. Plus, at large weddings, couples often don’t get to enjoy their own food or fully appreciate the decorations and details because they’re busy managing the event and chatting with their 200 guests. But with an elopement, every dollar is spent intentionally—on experiences and moments that truly matter to you. It’s about making your budget work for your vision, turning your wedding day into a meaningful adventure instead of just another event.

If you aren’t sure where to start with planning your elopement budget, we suggest making a list of the most important parts of your day first. For example, maybe your top priorities are: photos, video, a fun adventure, and a unique stay. So, do some Google searching and allot a certain amount of your budget to each of those priorities first. Then, make sure to take into consideration other things such as a rental car, gas, food, florals, your Marriage License, permits, maybe hair and makeup, etc.

8. A Big Wedding Doesn’t Feel Like You

This is a huge realization for many couples. Before the pandemic, big weddings were the norm—almost expected. But when COVID-19 forced so many to pause and rethink their plans, it gave people the chance to reflect on what really matters. Many discovered they were planning a celebration more for their guests than for themselves. While some people genuinely want a big party (and that’s wonderful!), a lot of couples realized that it just didn’t feel like them.

Nine times out of ten, our couples top reason for choosing to elope is that a big wedding doesn’t feel like them. And personally, we couldn’t imagine a large wedding with hundreds of people either. We thrive in smaller, more intimate moments, and that’s why we encourage you to do the same kind of soul-searching. Ask yourselves: Does a big wedding truly feel like you? Is it what you’ve always dreamed of? Or do you picture your perfect day as a quiet adventure shared just between the two of you? Your wedding should be a reflection of your unique love story, not a checklist of expectations.

9. Avoid The Family Drama

One of the biggest perks of eloping is leaving family drama at the door. Big weddings often come with a long list of expectations, opinions, and sometimes even conflicts from relatives… you could have so many problems from the guest list to the seating arrangements. But when you elope, you create a space that’s free from all that tension. It’s just you and your partner, focusing on your love without outside distractions or disagreements. That kind of calm and peace lets you fully enjoy your day and start your marriage on the right foot—surrounded only by joy, not drama.

You should never feel obligated to include anyone in your elopement if it doesn’t feel right to you. Whether you decide to keep it just the two of you or invite a small circle of loved ones, we fully support your choice. Unfortunately, some family or friends might not understand and could react negatively. But it’s often better to face that resistance early on rather than having it overshadow your wedding day. If you encounter pushback, gently remind them that this day is about you and your commitment to each other, not about meeting anyone else’s expectations. Hopefully, with time, they’ll come to respect and celebrate your decision. And if they don’t, just know that we’ll always have your back!

10. Create Exciting Memories!

One of the best parts about eloping is that you have full creative freedom to create exciting, unforgettable moments that reflect your unique love story. So, instead of planning things like a rehearsal dinner, seating charts for your reception, etc., you get to focus on the parts of your day that are actually exciting to you! Want to exchange vows at sunrise on a mountain peak? Or maybe say “I do” after a scenic hike followed by a picnic in a hidden meadow? You can plan adrenaline-filled adventures like zip-lining, kayaking, or even a helicopter ride as part of your celebration. Unlike traditional weddings with strict timelines and formalities, elopements let you embrace spontaneity and craft experiences that truly thrill and connect you both. Your day becomes more than just a ceremony, it’s a fun-filled journey you’ll cherish forever.

11. You’ll Have Amazing Photos & Videos

When you elope, you get the chance to have truly amazing and unique photos and videos that really show who you are as a couple! Without the rush and distractions of a big wedding, Adam and I have the opportunity to take our time capturing intentional moments; those belly-aching laughs, the quiet looks, and all the little details that make your day special. Plus, being in beautiful, natural spots means your photos won’t just look stunning—they’ll feel like you. At the end of the day, you’ll have a collection of memories that feel honest and unforgettable, not just another posed photo session.

Check out these epic galleries for an example of what we’re talking about!

Sunrise to Sunset Micro Wedding in Grand Teton National Park

Rugged Off-Road Adventure Wedding in Ouray, Colorado

Western Boho Montana Elopement in Glacier National Park

12. Elopements Are More Intimate

Okay, we said it: Elopements are more intimate, and it goes beyond just having a smaller guest list. While elopements usually include 10 people or fewer (in our experience), and even small weddings might have up to 30 guests, intimacy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the quality of time you get to spend with your partner.

On bigger wedding days, there’s so much going on—running between events, greeting guests, and managing logistics—that you often barely get to catch a moment alone together. But when you elope, the focus is on you two… the entire time. You get to spend almost every second side-by-side, sharing your vows, your laughs, and your adventure without distractions.

Speaking from experience, that closeness and the ability to be present with each other on your wedding day, is truly priceless. Adam and I had a very small wedding in Glacier National Park and we only invited our parents and siblings. We got to spend every moment together from a big breakfast in the morning to our adventure portraits around sunset to our small home-cooked camp dinner, and it felt so special the entire day.

13. You Don’t Have To Wait To Get Married

One of the best parts about eloping? You don’t have to wait. Whether you want to plan a year in advance or say “I do” in just a few weeks, elopements give you total flexibility. Unlike traditional weddings, there’s no need to book a massive venue a year out, send 100 invitations, or lock in a long list of vendors months ahead of time. Yes, you’ll still want to secure key vendors and your location with some notice, but we often work with couples who book just a month or two before their date.

If you’re thinking, “We just want to be married already!”, eloping makes that possible. With fewer moving parts and way less stress, you can plan a day that’s meaningful and beautiful, without the long wait. All you really need is a location you love, your marriage license or permit, your outfits, and each other. The rest? That’s up to you.

Book Your Elopement With Us

Do any of these points resonate with you? If you caught yourself nodding your head while reading this blog, then an elopement might be the perfect wedding experience for you! Contact us to book a zoom call. We can chat more about your vision and see if we’d be a good fit for your adventure.