Not sure if eloping is for you? Here are my top 10 reasons to consider eloping.

Eloping nowadays does not mean running off with your lover and getting hitched in secret… There is a whole new world of eloping and a whole list of reasons that make it convenient and personalized! Here are my top 10 reasons to consider eloping!

1. It is a lot more intimate
   • Sometimes having hundreds of people surrounding you doesn’t sound like the best way to celebrate your new chapter, and that is totally okay! You can decide how intimate you want your celebration to be. Whether it’s just you two and your dog, or maybe a couple family members tag along.
2. It is cost efficient for those who don’t want to start their marriage with wedding debt
   • What’s awesome about eloping is you don’t have to spend the tens of thousands of dollars on all the bells and whistles like a traditional wedding. Say you just want a couple vendors, your lover, and an awesome location? Well then eloping is definitely for you! It is a much better option if you’re looking for an epic way to say “I do” without breaking the bank.
3. Skip out on all the drama
   • Alright now I am sure you might have thought already “Well if we invite him, then we have to invite her, oh and her, oh and then him too,” sound familiar? Your guest list shouldn’t dictate whether other people are happy or not, it should be about whether YOU TWO are happy with it. Perhaps a small gathering with some of your favorite people sounds more like it? Then eloping is definitely for you! 
4. It’s less stressful than planning a larger wedding
   • For some people, the fewer things you have to keep track of, the less stress is involved. This could entail a smaller guest list or even fewer vendors. Not everyone needs all the small details that usually come with larger, more traditional weddings. 
5. You have more control over the planning
   • The planning process when it comes to eloping can be as simple or complex as you’d like. It is more than okay to hire a wedding planner if you don’t want to handle any of the planning process. In some cases, if you are wanting just you, your lover, and your photographer then your photographer can do most of the planning and assist you along the way.
6. You can choose anywhere in the world to elope!
   • Oh yeah… you read that right! Whether it’s along the coast of Big Sur, in the middle of the desert in Nevada or even in your very own backyard, you can choose literally any location! Trust me, there are no limits on this one.
7. You can choose to elope and honeymoon in the same location
   • Have you ever wanted to go on a super nice beach vacation or even backpack through Europe but never took action on booking that trip? Maybe you could consider eloping and honeymooning on the same trip! This is another great way to save money and to go on your dream vacation at the same time!
8. It is much more sustainable for the planet
   • Did you know that the average wedding produces roughly 400 lbs. of trash? Not to mention how much food, party favors, and decorations go to waste by the end of the reception. If you are looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to celebrate, I 100% recommend eloping!
9. If an intimate wedding doesn’t seem intimate enough
   • Maybe you’ve considered having an intimate wedding, but even then it just doesn’t seem intimate enough. That’s no problem at all! When you elope you and your lover get an all inclusive was to celebrate with a “just us” experience. No stress. No hassle. No problem.
10. You care about the experience more than the “stuff”
    • Be honest, what sounds more appealing? Tons of decorations, fancy RSVP cards, and a three tier cake or travelling to a new place to start your new chapter with you, your lover, and your closest friends and family? Okay not going to lie that first one sounds pretty fancy, but some people prefer an experience over “things” which adds one more reason to the pros of eloping.

Have any of these reasons convinced you that eloping is your kind of thing? Maybe you have a little more thinking to do? Regardless, your special day should be spent the way YOU and YOUR LOVER want, whether it’s a more traditional approach or breaking some norms and trying something new! Everyone elopes for different reasons and as an elopement photographer my goal is to make all of my couples feel their best on their special day!

Interested in learning more about how you can turn your dream elopement into a reality? Learn more from Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Kaylie Miller!