Updated 4/14/2025
Elopement vs Wedding Guide: What Feels Right For You?
Trying to decide between an elopement and a traditional wedding? You’re not alone. For many couples, this decision comes down to personal values, family expectations, and the kind of experience they want to have on their wedding day.
Maybe you love the idea of an intimate, stress-free elopement where the focus stays entirely on the two of you. Or maybe a big celebration with all your favorite people feels like the perfect way to start this next chapter. There isn’t a right or wrong choice. It’s about finding the one that feels most like you.
In this guide, we’re sharing the pros and cons of an elopement vs wedding, covering everything from cost and planning stress to family dynamics and the overall experience. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of which path fits your vision and your relationship.
Pros of an Elopement Vs Wedding
It’s All About You Two
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.
More Adventure, Less Expense
Elopements let spend your money on things that you actually want to do! That could look like a helicopter ride over epic landscapes, a private chef preparing dinner under the stars, or an extended honeymoon in a dream destination. When you look at the cost of an elopement vs wedding, eloping often means spending less while getting more of what actually matters to you.
Say ‘I Do’ Anywhere
Picture exchanging vows on a mountaintop at sunrise, in a red rock canyon, or on a glacier in Alaska. With an elopement, you aren’t tied to a traditional venue or limited by guest count. You get to choose a location that speaks to you. If you’re still figuring out where that might be, check out some of the best places to elope in the U.S. for inspiration.
Just be sure to check the local marriage laws and permit requirements for your chosen location. You can find a breakdown of marriage license rules by state to help you plan ahead.
A Wedding Day That Feels Like You
Eloping gives you the freedom to create a day that’s completely personal, without the pressure to follow traditions that don’t feel right. Want to write your vows in a canoe at sunrise? Exchange rings on a sailboat? Say ‘I do’ at the base of a waterfall? All of it is possible. If you’re looking for ways to make your day even more meaningful, this list of unforgettable elopement activity ideas is a great place to start.
If you need some help talking through an elopement vs wedding, we’re for you. Book a discovery call so we can hear more about your dream day and can help you decide the way to go!
Cons of Eloping
Missing Out on the Big Party
If you’ve always imagined a packed dance floor, a grand entrance, or a full wedding weekend surrounded by everyone you love, eloping might feel like missing out. Elopements are incredible for intimate, meaningful moments, but they don’t come with the same reception energy. If that kind of celebration is important to you, it’s something to think about before choosing an elopement.
Family Expectations and FOMO
One of the more challenging parts of the elopement vs wedding decision is navigating family expectations and opinions. Some loved ones may have pictured you having a traditional wedding and might not understand why you’re choosing something different. If you’re close with your family, their reactions can be tough to manage. But there are ways to include them, even from afar. You might plan a small post-elopement gathering or have them join in virtually for a special part of the day.
A Smaller Guest List
For many couples, a small guest list is exactly what they want. It creates space for more connection and fewer distractions. But if you’ve always pictured a big group watching you exchange vows, the limited guest count that comes with an elopement might feel like a drawback. Whether this is a con or a pro really depends on the kind of experience you want to have.
Pros of a Traditional Wedding
A Celebration with Everyone
A big wedding gives you the chance to invite all the people who have played a role in your life, including childhood friends, extended family, and everyone in between. If being surrounded by a large, supportive group feels important to you, this might be one of the biggest reasons to choose a wedding in the elopement vs wedding decision.
Gifts, Contributions, and Support
Let’s be honest, one perk of a traditional wedding is that guests often give gifts or financial support. While that’s not the main reason to throw a big event, it can help couples start their life together. For some, those contributions make it easier to plan a honeymoon, put a down payment on a home, or simply cover wedding costs.
The Full Wedding Experience
Traditional weddings often come with a whole series of celebrations. Think bridal showers, bachelor or bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and the big reception. If you’ve always pictured a day with iconic moments like a first dance, champagne toast, or sparkler send-off, a traditional wedding can bring those visions to life.
Cons of Traditional Weddings
Higher Costs Compared to an Elopement
One of the biggest differences between an elopement vs wedding is the price tag. Traditional weddings often come with a much higher cost, mainly due to the guest count, venue, catering, and all the extras that go into planning a large event. According to Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2024 was around $33,000. In comparison, most elopements range from $5,000 to $15,000. That difference gives couples the chance to prioritize what matters most instead of stretching a budget to accommodate a big party.
Planning Stress
Coordinating a large wedding usually involves a long list of logistics. Guest lists, seating charts, vendor communication, timelines, and decision-making can quickly feel like a second job. One of the reasons couples choose to elope is to step away from the pressure and create a day that feels relaxed, intentional, and completely their own. If you’re not sure where to begin, we share what’s included in our all-inclusive elopement packages to help make the process feel easy and stress-free.
Less Intimacy, More Hosting
With a bigger guest list, your wedding day can start to feel more like playing host than soaking in the moment. Greeting guests, checking in with vendors, and staying on schedule often leaves little time for just the two of you. Some couples find that the day flies by without many quiet or connected moments. If you’re dreaming of something more present and meaningful, this is an important factor to consider when choosing between an elopement vs wedding.
Balancing Your Vision with Family Expectations
It can be tough to plan a traditional wedding that reflects your vision while also considering family expectations. Some couples feel pressure to include certain traditions or invite extended relatives out of obligation, even when those choices don’t feel meaningful to them. Your wedding day should feel like your day, not something shaped entirely by outside opinions.
If you’re leaning toward eloping but feel nervous about disappointing others, consider planning a small celebration afterward. It could be a casual dinner, a backyard gathering, or a post-elopement reception. That way, you get the intimate elopement experience you want while still celebrating with the people who matter most.
Elopement vs. Wedding: Making the Right Choice for You
At the end of the day, choosing between an elopement and a traditional wedding is deeply personal. Both options come with their own pros and cons. The right decision depends on what feels most true to you as a couple. Whether you’re drawn to the adventure and intimacy of an elopement or the energy of a big wedding celebration, the most important thing is that your day reflects your relationship. It shouldn’t be about meeting other people’s expectations.
Still not sure which path to take in the elopement vs wedding decision? We’re here to help. At Scenic Vows, we specialize in planning and photographing elopements that feel intentional, meaningful, and totally unique to each couple. If you’re dreaming of a stress-free experience in an incredible location, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Get in touch today and let’s start planning something unforgettable.
