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 But today’s elopements are a far cry from those outdated ideas.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.
