How to Know If You Should Elope: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Ditch the Traditional Wedding

So, you're wondering... Should we elope?

You’re not alone. More and more couples are asking this same question — often quietly at first. Maybe it started as a joke. Maybe it bubbled up after yet another overwhelming family conversation. Or maybe it came from a moment of clarity: that your wedding day should feel like you.

If the traditional wedding mold doesn’t feel like a fit, this guide is for you. We're going to explore the top 5 signs you're ready to elope, the emotional and practical reasons couples are choosing intentional, non-traditional wedding days, and how to plan an elopement that reflects who you are.

And yes, there's a free downloadable guide at the end.

Let’s get into it.

What Does It Mean to Elope in 2025?

Eloping in 2025 isn’t about running off in secret (unless you want it to be). It’s about opting out of expectations and choosing a wedding experience that reflects your values, your relationship, and your vision.

Today’s modern elopement might mean:

• Hiking to a mountaintop and exchanging vows at sunrise

• Renting a cabin on Lake Superior and celebrating with a few close loved ones

• Taking a road trip across Ireland and saying "I do" on windswept cliffs

• Or simply having a cozy ceremony for two, followed by tacos and a dance in your living room

An elopement is not a lesser-than version of a wedding. It is a real wedding, just deeply personal and often more intentional.

Why More Couples Are Choosing to Elope

When you strip away the pressure of performing for others, what’s left is something real, romantic, and wildly freeing. That’s why elopements are growing in popularity: they remove the overwhelm and return the focus to the marriage itself.

Top reasons to elope:

• The stress of wedding planning has become too much

• You want a day that feels like a shared experience, not a production

• You care more about marriage than a party

• You want to honor your values and preferences without compromise

5 Signs You’re Ready to Elope

These signs are based on real stories from couples I’ve worked with over the years as a full-day elopement photographer and filmmaker. They knew the traditional route wasn’t right — even if they couldn’t fully articulate it at first.

1. You care more about your marriage than the party.

If you're more excited about writing your vows than planning a seating chart, that’s a clue. You’re here for the deep stuff — the promises, the connection, the lifetime you’re building. You don’t want to lose sight of that by getting caught in Pinterest boards and obligations.

2. The guest list gives you anxiety.

Every time you try to write one, you freeze. You’re trying not to offend anyone, but what you really want is something small, intimate, or even just the two of you. Eloping lets you escape the pressure to perform or include people who don’t feel aligned.

3. You want your day to feel like an experience, not a performance.

You want to wake up slow. Go on an adventure. Sip coffee, take a deep breath, and savor every minute. You don’t want to be ushered from event to event by a timeline that was built for someone else.

Eloping means you get to choose how the day unfolds. It can be just as full as a traditional wedding — or even more so. It's just curated by you.

4. You don’t fit the traditional mold (and never have).

You never saw yourself in the classic wedding image. The big dress. The big venue. The big cost. Maybe you’re introverted. Maybe you’re wildly creative. Maybe you just never dreamed of a ballroom.

An elopement is your permission slip to do something different, and to be unapologetically yourself.

5. You want your wedding to reflect your values.

Whether that means sustainability, simplicity, authenticity, or adventure, eloping gives you the space to infuse your day with meaning. This isn’t about skipping out — it’s about showing up fully.

Elopement vs Traditional Wedding: Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here are a few questions that might help:

• Do you feel more energized by a crowd or one-on-one connection?

• Is your budget going toward what matters most to you — or everyone else?

• Are you excited about planning or just overwhelmed?

If you find yourself choosing intimacy, creativity, or peace of mind — you might already know the answer.

How to Plan an Elopement That Feels Like You

Planning an elopement doesn’t mean winging it. In fact, some of the most beautiful, cinematic, emotionally-rich elopements are the result of careful, thoughtful planning.

Step 1: Get Clear on the Vibe

Before you pick a date or destination, ask yourselves:

• How do we want to feel on our wedding day?

• What kind of locations make us feel most alive?

• Do we want to be alone, or with a small group of people we love?

Step 2: Choose a Photographer Who Helps Plan

Some photographers (like me!) help couples plan every part of the experience — not just show up and shoot. From location scouting to timelines to activity ideas, your elopement photographer should be your creative guide.

Step 3: Make It an All-Day Story

Don’t limit yourself to a 30-minute ceremony. This is your wedding day. Fill it with things that light you up: a sunrise canoe ride, a mountaintop hike, a cozy brunch, a private dinner, a slow dance under the stars.

Elopements aren’t short. They’re intimate. And they deserve the full attention and documentation of your love story.

Step 4: Legally Elope (Wherever You Are)

The legal stuff is super doable. Different states and countries have different rules, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. Some couples even do the paperwork quietly at home and save the ceremony for the day that matters most.

Elopement Myths (That Aren’t True!)

Let’s break a few misconceptions:

• Myth: Eloping is only for couples on a budget.

• Truth: Eloping allows you to spend money on what matters most — whether that’s travel, photography, or the experience itself.

• Myth: Elopements are rushed or casual.

• Truth: Elopements can be slow, luxurious, adventurous, or emotional. The key is that you choose.

• Myth: Eloping means excluding people.

• Truth: Many couples include a few guests or do a celebration later. It’s not about exclusion — it’s about intention.

Free Resource: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Elope (Downloadable Guide)

If this blog post resonated, I made you something.

My free guide “5 Signs You’re Ready to Elope (Even If You’re Still on the Fence)” includes:

• A self-check quiz

• Real-life stories

• Journal prompts to help you make your decision

• Planning tips for elopements in Michigan, Colorado, Ireland + more

• Bonus tips on how to plan a full-day elopement experience

→ [Download Coming Soon]

This guide is perfect for couples who are dreaming of a non-traditional wedding and just need clarity, language, and permission to choose what’s true.

Next Steps

Choosing to elope isn’t about running away. It’s about running toward the kind of love story that actually feels like yours. It’s about trusting your gut and crafting a day that reflects who you are and what you value most.

So if you’ve been googling things like:

• "Should we elope?"

• "How to plan an elopement"

• "Elopement vs traditional wedding"

• "Reasons to elope instead of a big wedding"

...this is your sign.

You’re not alone. You’re not selfish. You’re not doing it wrong.

You might just be ready to elope.

Let’s plan something unforgettable together.

• Tiff Nutt
  Elopement Photographer & Filmmaker
  Based in Marquette, MI | Available worldwide

7 Myths About Elopements That You Need to Unlearn

When most people hear the word "elopement," they still picture a rushed courthouse ceremony or a secret escape in the middle of the night. But today’s elopements are a far cry from those outdated ideas. They’re intentional, emotional, wildly personal, and often more beautiful than traditional weddings. As an elopement photographer and filmmaker who’s traveled across Michigan, Colorado, Ireland, and beyond to capture intimate weddings, I’ve heard every myth in the book — and it’s time to set the record straight.

Here are 7 of the most common elopement myths (and why they couldn’t be more wrong). Let’s clear the fog and show the truth of what modern eloping is all about.

1. Elopements Are Just Courthouse Weddings

Let’s get this one out of the way first. Yes, you can elope at a courthouse. But that’s just one option of many. Today’s elopements can happen anywhere — on a misty cliffside in Ireland, deep in the forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on a kayak in a glacial lake, or during a golden hour hike in the San Juan Mountains.

Eloping is about freedom of location and intention. You don’t have to squeeze your vows into a government building. You can speak your promises surrounded by mountains, ocean, forest, or even in your own backyard. The beauty of eloping is that it’s not confined to one location or format — it’s a choose-your-own-adventure love story.

2. You Can’t Have Guests at an Elopement

The definition of an elopement has evolved. It’s no longer just “the couple and no one else.” You can absolutely include your closest people — your best friend, your parents, or even a small circle of loved ones.

We often call this a micro wedding or intimate elopement — usually with 5–25 people. You get the best of both worlds: the meaningful, low-stress vibe of an elopement and the joy of sharing it with your people.

Some couples choose to do a two-part day: a private ceremony and vows, followed by a dinner celebration or mini-reception with guests. It’s all up to you.

3. Eloping Means You’re Skipping the Real Wedding

This one makes my heart ache. Because the truth is: eloping IS a real wedding.

In fact, for many couples, it’s more real. It’s stripped of the pressure, the production, the 150-person guest list. It’s just you two, fully present, committing to each other in a way that’s deeply honest and personal.

You can still wear your dream dress. You can still walk down an aisle (even if it’s a mountain trail). You can still say vows, cut a cake, and have a first dance. The only thing you’re skipping is the stuff that doesn’t feel like you.

4. Elopements Are Just for Budget Couples

This is one of the biggest misconceptions — that people elope because they “can’t afford a wedding.” But many couples choose to elope not to save money, but to spend intentionally on what matters most to them.

Instead of a $30,000 ballroom, maybe you put that money toward a 10-day road trip through Ireland, a private chef experience in the woods, or custom heirloom albums and elopement films you’ll treasure forever.

Eloping gives you freedom to invest in what you value, not what tradition tells you to spend on.

5. Elopements Are Just a Quick Ceremony

Gone are the days of 10-minute ceremonies and a rushed exit. The best elopements unfold over an entire day — or even multiple days. Think of it like this: just because you’re not having a big wedding doesn’t mean your experience should be less.

I always recommend a full-day elopement for couples who want to make the most of their experience. This could look like:

• Getting ready slowly with coffee and music

• A first look in the forest

• A morning hike to your ceremony spot

• A midday picnic or break

• An adventurous afternoon activity (horseback riding, kayaking, pottery-making)

• Sunset vows and golden hour portraits

• An intimate dinner or bonfire celebration

It’s not just a ceremony. It’s your whole wedding day — built around your love story.

6. Elopements Don’t Need a Photographer or Planning

Here’s the truth: because elopements are so personal and flexible, they actually need more intention to feel cohesive and magical. And that’s where having an experienced elopement photographer who also helps plan your day is invaluable.

I’m not just showing up with a camera. I’m helping you:

• Find the perfect location

• Craft a timeline that flows naturally

• Get permits or understand local rules

• Suggest meaningful activities

• Capture every in-between moment that makes the day yours

Elopements deserve just as much care as traditional weddings — and arguably even more.

7. You’ll Regret Not Having a Big Traditional Wedding

This is the one that stops couples in their tracks. The fear of regret. The whispers from others saying, “You’ll wish you did more.” But the truth? Most couples who elope say it was the best decision they made.

Why? Because they were present. Because their day felt like them. Because they didn’t perform for anyone. Because they said their vows without pressure, stress, or distraction.

What you might regret is doing a big wedding you didn’t want — just to meet someone else’s expectations. What you won’t regret is choosing a day that honors your relationship, your values, and your joy.

Final Thoughts: Elopements Are a Celebration of Intentional Love

Eloping isn’t about running away. It’s about running toward the life you want to build together. Whether you want to say your vows on a foggy Irish cliff, under the stars in Marquette, or surrounded by wildflowers in the Rockies — your elopement can be just as meaningful, just as emotional, and even more unforgettable than any ballroom bash.

If you’re ready to ditch tradition and create a wedding day that’s adventurous, intimate, and 100% you — I’m here to help you plan every piece of it.

📩 Reach out to start dreaming up your perfect elopement. Your story deserves to be told exactly the way it feels.

Ready to plan an elopement that actually feels like you? Inquire now to start dreaming up your day. I offer full-day elopement photography, custom timelines, and expert planning support in Michigan, Colorado, Ireland, and beyond.

What is Leave No Trace? A Guide for Elopements and Beyond

In a world where outdoor adventures are becoming increasingly popular, the principle of Leave No Trace (LNT) has never been more important. Leave No Trace refers to a set of ethical guidelines designed to minimize the impact of human activity on natural environments. According to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, the official definition is:

“Leave No Trace is a framework for making decisions in the outdoors that help protect natural areas and ensure the environment remains pristine for future generations.”

For couples choosing to elope in breathtaking natural settings, understanding and practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential to preserving the beauty of these locations for years to come.

Key Principles of Leave No Trace

While the official LNT framework includes seven principles, here are a few practical examples that are especially relevant for hikers, nature lovers, and elopement photographers:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

   - Research the area to understand regulations, weather conditions, and any sensitive ecosystems.

   - Stick to designated trails and campsites to avoid damaging vegetation.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

   - Avoid walking on delicate wildflowers or fragile ground covers.

   - Use established paths instead of creating your own, which can lead to soil erosion and habitat destruction.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

   - Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, tissues, and biodegradable items like orange peels.

   - Carry a small trash bag for any litter you encounter along the way.

4. Leave What You Find

   - Don’t pick flowers, stack rocks, or disturb wildlife.

   - Take only photographs and leave nature as it is.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

   - If a fire is necessary, use a fire ring or portable stove, and ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving.

6. Respect Wildlife

   - Keep a safe distance from animals, and never feed them.

   - Store food securely to avoid attracting curious critters.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

   - Keep noise levels low to maintain the serene atmosphere of the outdoors.

   - Yield to other hikers and share the trail respectfully.

Why Leave No Trace Matters for Elopements

Elopements often take place in stunning, untouched locations like national parks, secluded beaches, or remote mountain ranges. These places are beautiful precisely because they remain relatively undisturbed by human activity. Practicing Leave No Trace during elopements ensures that these natural spaces stay pristine for future couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. Here’s why it’s critical:

- Preservation of Scenic Beauty: When couples choose a location for its wildflowers, clear waters, or dramatic cliffs, they’re drawn to the unspoiled charm. Trampling vegetation, leaving trash, or carving initials into trees detracts from the beauty everyone hopes to enjoy.

- Protecting Wildlife Habitats: Wildlife often depends on these environments for food and shelter. Disrupting ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences for the animals that live there.

- Setting a Positive Example: As an elopement photographer or couple, your actions can inspire others. When guests and passersby see your commitment to respecting the environment, they’re more likely to adopt similar practices.

Practical Tips for a Leave No Trace Elopement

1. Work with Vendors Who Value Sustainability

   - Hire photographers, planners, and officiants who understand and practice Leave No Trace principles.

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Props and Decor

   - Avoid using confetti, balloons, or other non-biodegradable items in outdoor spaces.

   - Opt for natural or reusable decorations.

3. Stay on the Trail

   - Even for that perfect photo, avoid stepping off designated paths to prevent harming known endangered vegetation.

4. Carry In, Carry Out

   - Bring a reusable bag to pack out any waste from the day, including small items like hairpins or flower petals.

5. Educate Guests

   - If you’re bringing a small group, provide them with information on Leave No Trace practices to ensure everyone is aligned.

My personal thoughts on this topic are this: as humans we have been given a big responsibility to care for our environment. Everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors and gatekeeping is not the solution many are seeking to spark a change for this issue. We are stewards of this precious planet called earth but we do not dictate who gets access to nature. We must find balance in enjoying locations and finding enjoyment in preserving locations.

Leave No Trace is more than just a guideline—it’s a promise to protect and preserve the natural world. For couples eloping in nature, embracing LNT principles is a way to honor the beauty of the setting and ensure it remains unspoiled for future generations. By taking thoughtful steps to minimize your impact, you’re not only creating stunning memories but also contributing to a legacy of environmental stewardship.