20 Real Reasons Couples Are Choosing to Elope in 2025-2026
- Karlie Larson
- 3 days ago
- 14 min read
With the trend of elopements continuing to rise, many people are still wondering, why are couples still eloping? The pandemic may be over but elopements and intimate weddings are still becoming more and more common. Over the last 5 years or so as an elopement specific photographer, I've gathered 20 Real Reasons Couples Are Choosing to Elope in 2025-2026.
Even from the initial inquiries I get from couples looking to do something a bit different for their day, they include reasons why they are interested in eloping. But first let's go over why elopements and smaller weddings are growing in popularity, even into 2025-2026!
Hi there, I'm Karlie, your North Idaho based elopement photographer! My job as an elopement photographer is so much more than just being your photographer, but I help you plan and create your own memorable and meaningful wedding experience! Click here to read more about me and elopements!
Why Elopements are Growing in Popularity
All of the reasons we are about to go over basically answer this question, but as you can see there are several reasons why couples are still going the elopement route. A few general reasons elopements are popular are because they are more flexible, less stressful, and often much more affordable than a traditional wedding.
With traditional weddings (and I used to photograph traditional weddings before I discovered elopements!) I started to realize the wedding wasn't truly about the couple. Traditional weddings are often about the guests, planning around the guests, and the couples have very little time to themselves. Everything is on a strict timeline, you have to cater to people you might not know very well, and be subject to everyone's opinions (even when you don't ask for them).
Overall, the traditional wedding planning process is often known as being very stressful, and you get to the point where you can't wait for everything to be done. But with elopements, they give you the opportunity to take back what actually matters to you, and to create an unforgettable experience with your other half.
What is an Elopement?
So what do I even mean by the term "elopement?" I can tell you right now I definitely don't mean that it has to be just the two of you, eloping without any planning. It's also not a quick fling done at a local courthouse without anyone knowing.
Elopements have taken on a whole new meaning in this day and age. Elopements have truly opened up opportunities for those who want to create an unforgettable and unique wedding experience, often surrounded by a small group of friends or family - many couples even bring their dog along! (If we work together please bring your doggo!)
In short, it's really just creating a day that you'll actually cherish. Choosing to elope means including things that actually mean something to you, and investing in things and experiences that you get to enjoy together, and having the people that you care the most about there to witness it if you'd like!
I could honestly go on and on why elopements are such an amazing way to get married, but I'll let the following 20 reasons speak for themselves!
At the end of the blog we will go over common FAQ's regarding elopements as well!
Reason 1: Ditch Meaningless Traditions
Personally, when I think of planning a traditional wedding, it can sometimes include people pressuring you to include things that you really just don't like or care about. These things could include wearing something blue or borrowed, or the garter toss.
The wonderful thing here is that you are able to include traditions! Just pick ones that are actually meaningful to you. I've had brides love the something blue, and they brought along gorgeous blue heels! Simply put, you have the freedom to ditch what you don't like, and to keep what you do.
Reason 2: You Want an Meaningful and Memorable Day
Of course everyone wants a wonderful day for their wedding - I actually used to photograph traditional weddings, but there was just always something missing for me personally (from a photographer's POV). Sure, the decor can be exquisite and the ceremony space really luxurious, but how are you actually feeling on your day? Are you absolutely exhausted from planning the day around everyone else except yourselves?
When you elope or have a micro-wedding, there's lots more room to enjoy what you're actually investing in. Things tend to be slower and calmer paced since it's with a more intimate group, so this leaves lots more room to truly enjoy the space and your day.
You can even do something outside the box that is meaningful to you! If you love the outdoors and love kayaking, include that (and if you do please hire me because I love kayaking too)! If it makes you happy, include that! It will truly add to your day being so fun and memorable.
Reason 3: You Crave an Adventure
Use elopements as an opportunity to experience a new area that you haven't been before. Think of it this way, whenever you go on a vacation to a new place that you're excited about, how often do you think of that trip afterwards? It's likely one of the best experiences you've had! This can be the case for your wedding day as well.
A lot of my couples who come here to Idaho to elope haven't been here before, so me getting to document them exploring my home is so fun for me, and it's tons of fun for my couples too of course!
If you're curious about what it's like to work with me, you can read more about it on my about page!
Reason 4: You Want a Relaxed Day
Elopements allow you to plan in time for moments to truly soak in your day, and even relax! Even if you want a bit of adventure, balancing that out with some relaxed activities adds a perfect balance to your day to enjoy each little bit together!
Some of my absolute favorite relaxed ideas for elopements:
Hammocking
Enjoy coffee together on the front porch of your rental
Enjoy a charcuterie board picnic
Private first dance and/or cake cutting
Private vow reading to each other
Walk on a flat, easy trail and enjoy the views
Eat a catered dinner by a private chef (YUM)!
Reason 5: Love of the Outdoors
Though hiking is not required to have an adventure elopement in the outdoors, the outdoors is such an incredible place to celebrate your marriage! Many people find much joy spending the day outside, so it makes perfect sense to get married where it's pretty, and where it makes you happy!
Another huge plus is that the cost of eloping outdoors is usually only a couple hundred dollars for an incredible backdrop, and sometimes it's even free to do so!
If you're worried about figuring out how much that might cost, click here to read more about my services. Since I am an elopement photographer, I will help you figure out all the logistics for the location you're interested in for your elopement or micro-wedding 😉
Reason 6: Experiences vs Things
With the amount spent on experiences on the rise, it's very well known that the experiences that you spend on are going to leave a lasting impression on your life. We all love to be in pursuit of new and memorable experiences, and your wedding day can be no different!
Especially money wise, money in this case will get you so much further than investing in things that only last one day, such as table settings for 100+ people and wedding favors.
If you invest in the experience, you will no doubt get to ponder and reminisce over it for the rest of your life. And your wedding day is your one day to do so :)
Some incredible experiences previous couples of mine have been able to share together on their elopement day:
Ziplining
Horseback riding at sunset
UTV excursion to a lookout tower in the mountains
Fishing at an alpine lake
Exploring National Parks
Reason 7: Avoid Catering to a Crowd
Going along with my point above about catering to 100+ people, you definitely don't have to do so unless you want to. There's nothing wrong with doing so, a lot of my couples after traveling back home will enjoy a larger reception so a larger group of their friends and family can celebrate together!
But I personally think trying to fit in an incredible experience and a party of 100+ people on the same day can definitely be too overwhelming. The day always flies by so fast (trust me) - leaving very little time for you two to enjoy your wedding day together.
Did you know that I offer two day elopement experiences for this very reason? One full day can be spend out adventuring, then the second day is all dedicated to spending time with your guests, so you can have the best of both worlds if that's what's important to you! Check out this blog of a two-day elopement here in North Idaho!
Reason 8: Authenticity
Authenticity means to be true to yourself. For example, if you're introverted, being expected to dance in front of a crowd honestly sounds awful! It takes the joy out of the day. Allow yourself to skip out on the things that make you uncomfortable (it's not selfish I promise)!
I always tell my couples who are afraid of people pleasing that you as the couple won't forget your regrets from your day, but everyone else will. It's okay to put their wants aside for your wedding.
Or if you just really love Chipotle burritos...make that a part of your day! 😃
Reason 9: Feeling Like You're Putting on a Show
This reason makes me think of the old TLC wedding shows that I used to binge 🤣 Don't even get me started on Four Weddings- everything was always a competition! The couple was expected to put on the best wedding to impress the guests. Since when is your wedding day about impressing others?!
I will shout it from the rooftops and be your biggest support: planning a day for yourselves isn't one bit selfish! You get one day to celebrate each other, make it about yourselves and what matters to you ☺️
Reason 10: Personalized Experience
Creating a personalized experience for your wedding day makes your day that much more fun and exciting! Reaching out to vendors who have similar values to you, or who are experts in the location you're eloping in, or even just investing in fun details with your wedding date on it add such a unique and personalized touch to your adventure.
Reason 11: Avoid Family Drama
If the thought of inviting your family to be all in the same place stresses you out and if there's family drama, eloping is a great way to put that aside for your special day.
You can either have them there for a portion of the day, or just keep it the two of you! If the expectations of your family are putting a damper on the wedding planning process, then it may be best if you keep them at home. You can always celebrate together later after your elopement as well.
How to Tell Your Family You're Eloping:
Tell them how happy it will make you. Usually elopements will reflect activities that you have always loved growing up. Make it a reflection of you and that might help your family see it in the best light.
Tell them about your vision for the day. Show them all the ideas you have, and how excited you are while explaining!
Be up front and honest. This is your day, after all. Don’t be afraid to do something that you will enjoy and have the greatest memories for the rest of your life.
Reason 12: Include Closest Friends and Family vs Hundreds of "Acquaintances"
As someone who had a traditional wedding, I can definitely say that everyone will want to be invited and be pushy about it 😅 Both me and my husband have said that if we could redo our wedding, we would keep it very intimate. Because it didn't seem meaningful to get married in front of someone you've talked to a handful of times in your life.
Reason 13: Freedom to Customize Your Day
Many of my couples travel from across the country to elope out West here in Idaho and do really fun activities that mean something to them! I've had couples come and zipline, horseback ride, hike to an alpine lake, and wake up at sunrise to get the most intimacy in the mountains. When you open up options like this, you are giving yourself such creative freedom to craft a day that will be so much fun for the both of you.
Reason 14: Affordability/Save Money
Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in 2024 was $33,000?! If you're not looking to spend that much on one day, definitely consider keeping your day intimate. While a meaningful elopement still costs, it can be a literal fraction of that amount, and it's spent on things that you actually wanted to invest in.
With investing in experiences over things, your money will get you much further this route. You don't have to spend money on things that you don't want, which leaves room to invest in the things that really matter and that will add to an overall much more meaningful and memorable experience!
With the money you're saving, invest in your travel, your experience, your honeymoon, or even use the money for something else like a down payment or keep it in savings!
Reason 15: You Can Still Include Your Family and Friends
A large misconception I hear often when people hear the word "elopement" is that they think it means ditching family and friends completely and running off to get married. While in some cases this still can happen, many modern day elopements today definitely still have family involved!
If family is something you treasure and if you can't imagine getting married without them there, then please bring them along! This doesn't mean you aren't eloping. It means you're being intentional, so that the day is the most special to you.
Many of my couples bring family along and have them there for ceremony and a dinner, but the rest of the day my couple goes on an adventure of some sort, so they can get the best of both worlds of having family there but also having time to enjoy your marriage with just the two of them.
Reason 16: Avoid Planning Stress
I think this is the number 1 reason my couples choose to elope! They just don't want to deal with wedding planning stress. From getting hundreds of unwanted opinions from others, to realizing how much everything is going to cost, and everything in between - many couples today want to elope for the more laid back reputation of elopements.
And good news - as your elopement photographer I do help in the planning process, so you can have someone to help guide you through this unknown process!
Reason 17: Unforgettable Photos
Of course with me being a photographer, I had to include this one. But I say this because when I used to photograph traditional weddings, there was only a small amount of rushed time at the end of the day for couples photos, so getting to document your whole experience, not just getting a few bridals at golden hour means you get unforgettable photos of your entire elopement experience!
Reason 18: More Environmentally Friendly
Did you know how much waste happens in one year with traditional weddings? According to botanicalpaperworks.com, "The Green Bride Guide states that the average wedding produces 400 lbs of garbage and 63 tons of CO2. With an estimated 2.5 million weddings per year, that is about 1 billion lbs of trash and as many emissions as approximately 4 people would produce in a year, in just one single day."
Not only does eloping/having a micro-wedding eliminate a ton of waste by not having hundreds of guests, it also means less emissions. Click here to read more about Eco-Friendly Elopement Ideas.
Reason 19: Simplicity
The fact of the matter is, sometimes less is more! Going back to my TLC wedding shows reference, there was a wedding show I was watching once and there was a reception set up so extravagant, that I literally forgot that I was watching a wedding show. I was so focused on the setup and decor in the show that I actually forgot a wedding happened and that there was a couple ready to celebrate. Crazy, I know!
Let me tell you that you don't need much for a wonderful reception. I've seen picnic tables decorated so nicely it looked luxurious. I've seen simple table setups with cake, flowers, and cute mushroom candles, and it was absolutely magical! Just putting a few of the right pieces together will really make in impact.
Reason 20: Not the First Marriage
This is another popular reason couples choose to elope instead of having a large wedding. They have had a large wedding already and don't wanna do it again 😂
It's just a lot of unnecessary extras doing it all over again, when the second time can be kept simple and just as special!
BONUS - Reason 21: You're Introverted
And this isn't a bad thing! Introverts don't like being center of attention, and they don't enjoy being in large groups. When you do an elopement, it's a stress reliever to not be surrounded by so many people. If you don't like parties, then why throw one on the day you get married? If you find solace and peace in the outdoors, then do that for your wedding, I promise you won't regret it!
Common FAQ's About Eloping
Do people regret eloping?
I often hear couples absolutely rave about their day and that they would do it again in a heartbeat!
Can I invite family or friends?
Absolutely! Elopements and micro-weddings often have up to around 25 total people, so there's room to invite your favorite people along with you.
Do I have to ditch all traditions?
You don't have to ditch any, in all honesty! It's really about the experience that you get to create together, and if any regular traditions still speak to you, you are free to include the ones you like and skip the ones you don't!
What if I don't want to hike?
You definitely do not have to hike to elope! While it is popular to hike and have an adventure elopement, not everyone wants to or is able to, and that is totally fine! A lot of people who do value the outdoors and hike in it in their free time, so it makes sense to them to get married that way. But if you don't and if you want a relaxed day, then this is totally doable. Just include what sounds fun to you!
How do I start planning an elopement?
Find an elopement specific photographer!! This is the number 1 thing you should do, even if you don't have a location in mind yet. They can help you decide on a location, pick activities, and more!
How long should my elopement last?
You may be thinking: what will we do for 6+ hours? Why can't we just get photos of a ceremony and call it good?
I can assure you that you aren't alone in thinking that way! It's because this is all new to you, so you aren't sure how to fill your day. Again, reaching out to an elopement specific photographer will help a ton in this part, they can recommend ideas and help you pick the best amount of coverage for what you're wanting. We as elopement experts truly believe to invest more than a couple hours into your day, simply because it's still your wedding day and you deserve to celebrate just the same!
Will I feel left out for not having a reception party?
Have a later reception! This option just works out better anyway for couples who travel to their elopement location and they can't bring all their family along. Having a separate reception back at home later gives you the best of both worlds, and you can get into your dress again!
Should I not invest in things like florals, wedding attire, hair and makeup, etc?
On the contrary! You now have more money you can use towards things you want, and things that will make your day that much more special. Don't skip out on feeling your best and having your dream bouquet, or your favorite hairstylist. Hiring these vendors will also help ensure everything stays top notch throughout the day.
And there you have it! 20 Real Reasons Couples Are Choosing to Elope in 2025-2026. If any of these reasons speak to you, definitely consider eloping as an option for your wedding. I'd love to hear all about your vision, and if you still can't see your own elopement vision, reach out to me! I'd love to help you get an idea :)
Here's some more elopement planning resources to help ensure you'll have the most beautiful and memorable day:
Elopement Pricing + Packages
For even more help for all things elopement, check out my elopement packages and pricing to see how I can help you throughout the process of planning your dream day!
What's included in all of my elopement packages:
↠ Booking Gift
↠ 72 Hour Turn-Around Time for Sneak Peek Images
↠ Day of Elopement Gift
↠ Beautifully Edited Final Images
↠ Access to High Quality Print Products
↠ Free Phone Consultation or Zoom Call
↠ Timeline Creation
↠ Leave No Trace Guide
↠ Idaho Location Guide
↠ 90+ Page Elopement Planning Guide
↠ Vendor Recommendations
↠ Unlimited Planning Assistance
↠ 6-8 Week Turnaround Time for Full Elopement Gallery
↠ Travel & Accommodations are Covered for Photographer
Reviews from Real Couples Who Eloped
Still on the fence? Take it from my real couples who chose to elope with me, and read their 5 star reviews here!
Ready to Elope with Karlie?
As an elopement photographer, it's super important to me that you get images you'll cherish and an experience you won't forget on your wedding day. That's why I love providing these blogs for you to help navigate the process of creating your own unforgettable and beautiful elopement day!
Interested in working together? You can contact me here and let's schedule a free planning call for your elopement experience!
