4 Reasons Couples Choose to Elope (and How to Plan Yours Right!)

Guides

Mar 8

Written By Manny

Once upon a time, eloping meant running off in secret to exchange vows before your parents could track you down and ground you. But these days? Eloping is less about scandal and more about style. Whether you’re looking to save money, keep things intimate, or turn your wedding into a grand adventure, eloping can be the perfect way to say "I do" without the stress of seating charts and distant cousins you've never met.

But before you book your one-way ticket to a remote mountaintop, let’s explore five popular reasons couples choose to elope and what you should consider for each.

1. The **Budget-Friendly Elopement:** Saying "I Do" Without the Debt

Let’s be real, weddings are expensive. The *average* wedding in the U.S. hovers around $17,000, and that’s before you factor in the open bar (which, let’s be honest, is the best part). If you’re dreaming of a meaningful celebration without maxing out your credit cards, eloping might be the move. Elopements allow couples to focus on the essentials: the vows, the love, and maybe a celebratory dinner afterward. Courthouse ceremonies are the most affordable option, typically costing between $100-$200, including the marriage license fee.
For couples who want something more scenic but still cost-effective, many national parks, beaches, and public gardens allow small wedding ceremonies for a fraction of the price of a traditional venue, often requiring only a permit that ranges from $50 to $500. Elopement photographers often offer budget packages for quick ceremonies, ranging from $500 to $2,000, ensuring that couples still have high-quality wedding photos without the high price tag.
**Things to Consider:**
**Cost:** A simple courthouse elopement can be as little as $100-$200, while a modest elopement with a photographer and officiant might range from $500-$2,500.
**Vendors:** Consider vendors like an officiant and a hair and make-up artist.

2. The Intimate Elopement: No Crowds, Just Love

Not everyone dreams of a packed dance floor and a 200-person guest list filled with distant relatives they’ve never met. For some couples, eloping is about stripping away the noise and focusing on what truly matters, their love for each other. Intimate elopements allow couples to exchange vows in a setting that feels personal, whether it’s a quiet mountaintop, a secluded beach, or even their own backyard. Without the pressure of a large audience, couples can be fully present in the moment, making the ceremony more meaningful and authentic.

While a courthouse wedding is an option, many couples looking for a private experience opt for a destination elopement with just a handful of close family or friends. Private estates, boutique hotels, and Airbnb rentals are popular choices, offering beautiful settings without the wedding venue price tag. One stunning and budget-friendly option is Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder, Colorado, which offers breathtaking mountain views and a serene, romantic atmosphere.

Things to Consider:

Cost: $1,000-$5,000 depending on location and vendor selection.
Vendors: Consider vendors like an officiant and for a hair and make-up artist you may consider one who is willing to be a part of your journey to ensure you are always looking your best.

3. The Pre-Celebration Elopement: Get Legally Married First

Sometimes, the legal part of a wedding is just a formality. Whether it’s due to complicated destination wedding requirements, the desire for a close friend or family member to officiate or simply wanting to take the stress out of the big day, many couples opt to elope first and celebrate later. This approach allows couples to be officially married before their larger wedding, making their big celebration more about the fun and less about the paperwork. It also provides flexibility for couples who may be planning a wedding at a later date or in a different location.

This is a particularly popular option in military communities, like Colorado Springs, where couples may need to secure legal marriage status for military benefits while still planning a bigger wedding for later. Others take this route to allow a special person, like a sibling or best friend, to act as their officiant without requiring them to be ordained. For those looking to keep things simple, a courthouse ceremony is the easiest and most affordable option, usually costing between $100-$200, including the marriage license fee. However, couples who want a more romantic setting often choose a small elopement with an officiant and photographer in a scenic location.

Things to Consider:

Cost: $100-$500 for a simple legal ceremony.
Vendors: Check with local officiants or courthouse services to keep it simple.

4. The **Adventure Elopement:** Because Weddings Should Be Epic

For some couples, eloping isn’t just about skipping the guest list—it’s about turning their wedding into an unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s exchanging vows on a mountaintop in Colorado, saying *I do* on a black sand beach in Iceland, or hiking through the Italian Dolomites to find the perfect sunrise ceremony spot, adventure elopements are all about the experience. Many couples choose this route to blend their wedding and honeymoon into one seamless journey, celebrating their love in a place that feels magical and deeply personal. Many photographers now specialize in these high-end experiences, acting as guides, officiants, and storytellers, crafting elopements that feel more like cinematic journeys than simple ceremonies.
Of course, adventure comes with a higher price tag. Unlike a simple courthouse elopement, these weddings often involve permits, travel costs, specialized elopement photographers, and sometimes even a guide or planner who doubles as an officiant. Couples can expect to spend anywhere from **$8,000 to $15,000+**, depending on location and vendor selection. For those eloping in Colorado, destinations like **Rocky Mountain National Park or the San Juan Mountains** offer stunning, accessible backdrops, often requiring only an affordable permit fee. Internationally, locations like **Santorini, Iceland, and Bali** are popular among couples looking to combine luxury with breathtaking scenery. Many vendors offer **all-inclusive elopement packages** that take care of logistics, ensuring couples can focus on the adventure rather than the details.

Things to Consider:

Cost: Typically, $8,000-$15,000+, depending on location and vendors.
Vendors: Many photographers double as planners and guides. Look into adventure elopement specialists like Brianna Parks Photography, who offer full packages that include travel logistics, photography, and officiating.

Final Thoughts: Is Eloping Right for You?

Eloping isn’t just about saving money or avoiding drama (though those are solid perks). It’s about crafting a wedding experience that truly fits you. Whether that means exchanging vows in a courthouse, on a cliffside, or somewhere in between, there’s no wrong way to elope, only the right way for you.