Elopement vs Wedding: Pros & Cons of Both

Updated 2/8/2025

Trying to decide between an elopement and a traditional wedding? You’re not alone. For many couples, this choice comes down to personal values, family expectations, and the kind of experience they truly want on their wedding day.

Maybe you love the idea of an intimate, stress-free elopement where the focus is entirely on you two. Or perhaps a big celebration with all your family and friends sounds like the perfect way to start this next chapter. There’s no right or wrong answer—just the one that feels best for you.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of an elopement versus wedding, covering everything from cost and planning stress to family dynamics and overall experience. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which path feels like the best fit for your dream day.

One of the biggest perks of eloping? The entire day revolves around you and your partner—without the pressure of a big audience. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your closest people, eloping keeps the focus on what truly matters: your love and the commitment you’re making. No seating charts, no timelines dictated by a venue—just an intentional, stress-free experience.

Elopements allow you to invest in what truly excites you—whether that’s a helicopter ride over epic landscapes, a private chef cooking dinner under the stars, or an extended honeymoon in a dream destination. When you compare the cost of eloping vs. a wedding, an elopement often means spending less while getting more of what you actually want.

Picture yourself exchanging vows on a mountaintop at sunrise, in a secluded red rock canyon, or on a glacier in Alaska. With an elopement, you’re not tied to traditional venues or guest count restrictions—you get to choose a location that speaks to you. Need inspiration? Here are some of our favorite elopement locations in the U.S.

Eloping gives you the freedom to design a day that’s completely personalized—no pressure to follow traditions that don’t resonate with you. Want to write your vows in a canoe at sunrise? Exchange rings on a sailboat? Say ‘I do’ at the base of a waterfall? It’s all possible. And if you’re looking for unique ideas to make your elopement extra special, check out our list of 15 unforgettable elopement activities.

If you already know an elopement is the way you want to go, what are you waiting for? Book a discovery call so we can hear more about your dream day and start planning your elopement!

If you’ve always pictured a packed dance floor, a grand entrance, or a full wedding weekend with all your loved ones, eloping might feel like you’re skipping out on the big party. While elopements are incredible for intimate, meaningful moments, they don’t come with a traditional reception vibe—so if that’s something you’d miss, it’s worth considering.

One of the trickier parts of choosing an elopement vs. a wedding is managing family expectations. Some loved ones may have envisioned a traditional celebration and might struggle to understand your decision. If family is a big part of your life, it can be tough to navigate their emotions—but there are plenty of ways to include them, even from afar (like hosting a post-elopement party or FaceTiming them in for a special moment).

For some couples, eloping is perfect because it means fewer distractions and a truly private experience. But if you’ve always imagined sharing your vows with a big group of family and friends, a small guest list might feel like a downside. Whether this is a con or a pro depends on how you envision your day!

A big wedding means you can invite all the people who have played a role in your life—from childhood friends to extended family. If being surrounded by a large, supportive group is something you value, this might be a major reason to choose a wedding over an elopement.

Let’s be real—one of the perks of a traditional wedding is that guests often contribute gifts (or even financial support) to help start your new life together. While gifts aren’t the main reason to have a wedding, for some couples, this extra help can make a difference in planning a honeymoon, buying a home, or just starting out.

A traditional wedding brings with it all the classic celebrations—bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and the big reception. If you love the idea of multiple events leading up to the wedding and want those iconic moments (like a first dance, a champagne toast, or a sparkler send-off), a traditional wedding might be the right fit for you.

One of the biggest differences between an elopement vs. a wedding? The price tag. Traditional weddings often come with a hefty cost due to the larger guest count, venue, catering, and all the extras that go into planning a big event. According to Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2024 was around $33,000, while an elopement typically ranges between $5,000-$15,000—allowing couples to prioritize what matters most to them instead of stretching a budget to accommodate a large party.

The logistics of a big wedding—guest lists, seating charts, vendor coordination, and timelines—can quickly turn into a full-time job. Many couples who choose to elope do so because they want to skip the stress and focus on a more relaxed, meaningful experience. If the idea of planning a large event feels overwhelming, eloping might be the perfect alternative.

With a large wedding, much of your day can feel like playing host rather than fully soaking in the moment with your partner. Between greeting guests, making sure everyone is having a good time, and sticking to a packed timeline, some couples find that the day flies by without much one-on-one time. If your priority is an intimate, present, and stress-free experience, this is something to consider when weighing an elopement vs. a wedding.

One of the hardest parts of deciding between an elopement and a traditional wedding? Navigating family expectations. It’s completely normal to want your loved ones to feel included, but it’s also important to stay true to what feels right for you as a couple.

If you’re leaning towards an elopement but worried about disappointing family, consider hosting a celebration afterward—whether it’s a casual dinner, a backyard party, or a post-elopement reception. This way, you get the best of both worlds: an intimate, intentional elopement experience while still celebrating with those who mean the most to you. Open communication can go a long way in helping loved ones understand why eloping is the best fit for your vision.

At the end of the day, choosing between an elopement and a traditional wedding is entirely personal. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice comes down to what feels most authentic to you as a couple. Whether you’re drawn to the adventure and intimacy of an elopement or the excitement of a big wedding celebration, what matters most is that your day reflects your relationship—not anyone else’s expectations.

Still unsure which route is best for you? We’re here to help! At Scenic Vows, we specialize in planning and capturing elopements that are as unique as the couples we work with. If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable, stress-free wedding experience, let’s chat about how we can bring your vision to life. Reach out today, and let’s start planning something incredible!