The concept of eloping has been in existence for centuries. Back in the 18th century, English law required young couples under the age of 21 to obtain parental permission to get married. This led many young lovers to escape to Scotland, where such a law did not exist. As time went on, eloping evolved to predominantly mean getting married in a courthouse before a judge. However, the meaning of eloping has now shifted. It is no longer solely a secretive way to tie the knot but has become synonymous with small and intimate weddings, often in destination locations, with or without a small number of guests.
In recent years, there has been a trend where couples prioritize their own experience over conforming to traditional wedding expectations. As a result, elopements now encompass a wide range of scenarios, from impulsive decisions to well-planned luxury events complete with professional photography. While there are no definitive statistics on how most marriages begin, there is abundant anecdotal evidence suggesting that more couples are opting to elope than ever before.
To cater to this demand, popular wedding destinations now offer specialized “elopement packages” that are significantly cheaper than the average cost of a traditional ceremony in the US, which amounts to around $25,000. A whole industry has sprung up around providing elopement planning services, with terms like “micro-wedding” and “mini-wedding” emerging on wedding websites and destination service offerings. Additionally, eloping allows couples to avoid complicated family dynamics by eschewing a traditional guest list and opting for only a few close friends and family. The overarching idea behind eloping is to begin a new life together in a carefree and memorable way, focusing on the couple’s own journey rather than the intricacies of planning a grand event.
Contrary to popular belief, elopements are not always cheap affairs. Some couples choose to splurge on their dream destination elopement, spending upwards of $15,000. They prioritize stunning locations and Instagram-worthy photos, which serve as a way to share the occasion with friends and family after the fact. This can be seen in the 128 percent increase in searches for elopement photography ideas on Pinterest.
While not having family and friends present at the ceremony can evoke complicated emotions, some couples find a compromise by hosting a reception at a later date. This allows the newlyweds to create shared memories that would have otherwise been associated with a large and traditional wedding ceremony.
Traditional weddings can be exorbitantly expensive, with costs swiftly accumulating due to venue rentals, floral arrangements, food, beverages, entertainment, and attire. By opting to elope alone or with a select few guests, couples can save thousands of dollars in the long run.
In conclusion, eloping has transformed over time from being a secretive act to a more intimate and personalized way of getting married. It caters to couples who prioritize their own experiences and wish to avoid the expenses and complexities of traditional weddings. Whether it’s a simple and frugal elopement or a lavish destination affair, the key is for the couple to embark on their new life together in a way that is meaningful and unforgettable.