the Modern definition of “Elope”
What does it mean in 2024?
When you hear the word “elope”, what comes to mind? Do you picture a hasty wedding in Vegas? Running off into the night to escape the judgment of disapproving parents? What about getting married alone?
If any of these images resonated with you, you’re not alone. Eloping once was synonymous with secrecy, but over the last decade it has been undergoing a big transformation. More and more couples are opting to elope over a traditional wedding, which begs the question: what exactly is an elopement today?
WHAT IS an elopement
So what does eloping mean today? It’s not what it used to be.
Eloping is simply creating an intimate, intentional wedding day without the pressure or stress of a big, traditional wedding.
It’s shifting the focus from the event to the couple getting married.
It’s putting the couple in full control to create a day that is fun, free from stress, and is full of everything they love!
There are no rules when it comes to eloping. It’s simply about you and your love getting married, in a place that you love, and having an amazing day to celebrate. That sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF “ELOPE”?
Websters 1828 Dictionary defines “elope” as follows:
To run away, to depart from one’s proper place or station privately or without permission, to quit, without permission or right, the station in which one is placed by law or duty. Particularly and appropriately, to run away or depart from a husband, and live with an adulterer, as a married woman.
To run away; to escape privately; to depart, without permission, as a son from a father’s house, or an apprentice from his master’s service.
Dictionary.com defines “elope” as:
To run off secretly to be married, usually without the consent or knowledge of one’s parents or family
An article from Newsweek explains the history of the word. It’s traced back to the 13th century and meant “to leap”. The word evolved over the next three centuries and by the 17th century it was used to describe a situation where a wife ran away from her husband to be with her lover.
Throughout the 20th century and until the last decade, eloping has meant having a secret wedding, without any guests.
With more and more couples opting to elope, the word is yet again updating its meaning. But to understand how the word is changing, it’s important to understand why couples are opting to elope.
WHY ARE ELOPEMENTS BECOMING SO POPULAR?
In 2020 we saw a huge rise in elopements. This was because of several factors, the biggest being the pandemic forcing many couples who wanted to get married at the time to have a ceremony with few or no guests. Another reason is economic.
But it wasn’t just the pandemic that caused the increase. More and more couples are choosing to elope each year. In fact, in 2022, a survey conducted by Helzberg Diamonds found that 62% of couples would consider eloping over a big wedding.
COST
The average cost for a traditional wedding in the U.S. is $30k vs. the average elopement cost between $5k-$15k.
Many couples choose to elope because they would rather spend $10k+ on a day that they get to have full control over and choose to do something they genuinely enjoy over a day that is filled with traditions that don’t hold any meaning to them. Elopements are both cheaper and more personal.
TO AVOID DRAMA
A lot of couples decide to elope to avoid drama. Whether that’s toxic family members or just the stress that comes from planning a big wedding where everyone feels entitled to their opinion. Eloping allows couples to avoid all the drama of a big event and create a stress-free day instead.
ELOPING ALLOWS TIME FOR COUPLES TO ENJOY THEIR WEDDING DAY
Traditional weddings are usually fast paced with very little time for the couple to actually enjoy the day. Eloping allows couples time to enjoy the day with a more relaxed schedule. It allows more time to connect with each other and their guests (if they bring anyone with them).
Check out this list of 50+ activities you can include in an elopement day!
IT’S MORE PERSONAL
Big weddings come with a lot of expectations around traditions. Sometimes these traditions have meaning, but most of the time couples feel forced to include certain elements just because it’s what’s expected. Elopements allow couples to customize every aspect of their day and tailor it to them. You can include traditional elements that have meaning to you, or you can leave them out completely. What’s important is that you feel comfortable and only include the things that have meaning to you.
COUPLES DON’T WANT TO PUT ON A PERFORMANCE
Big weddings can feel performative for many couples. Reading vows in front of 150+ guests fills many couples with anxiety and goes against their personalities. Eloping allows couples to have a more intimate day without any pressure to look, sound, or act a certain way. You can be completely authentic to you and express yourself in a way that is comfortable and natural to you.
ELOPEMENT MYTHS
Because the definition of what eloping is changing so quickly, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions around what it really means today. I want to address some of the most common misunderstandings around eloping and what the reality is.
Myth #1: YOU HAVE TO GET MARRIED ALONE
This is absolutely not true! The beautiful thing about eloping is that it allows couples to completely customize their day. You can bring your family, your friends, your dog, or no one else at all with you. It’s up to you and who you want by your side as you make your vows with your partner. See this elopement with family in Idaho.
Myth #2: ELOPEMENTS ARE PLANNED LAST MINUTE
Many couples take 6 months to 2 years to plan their elopement day, just like a traditional wedding. You can plan an elopement on a short timeline, but it’s still best to plan in advance if you plan on booking vendors or want a specific location.
Myth #3: ELOPEMENTS ONLY TAKE PLACE IN A COURT HOUSE
Nope! You can elope just about anywhere! This means you can elope in your favorite National Park, on the beach, in your own backyard, or anywhere that is special to you.
In SUMMARy, AN ELOPEMENT IS…
An elopement is an intentional wedding experience that puts the focus entirely on the couple getting married. It lets the couple create a day that is personal, intimate, and exciting whether that’s by themselves or with their closest family and friends by their side.
It can take place anywhere that you want with whoever you want by your side.
Does this sound like your dream wedding?
I want to help you make it a reality!
Elopement Planning Resources to Inspire You
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50+ Elopement Day Activities
Here are over 50 activity ideas to inspire you while planning your elopement day! Whether you’re seeking an elopement experience that is filled with adventure or you would rather have a casual day, there are so many amazing options!
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How to Choose the Perfect Location
With so many beautiful choices for your elopement day, you may be having a difficult time narrowing down the perfect location. This guide will help you in your search to find that perfect spot that checks all of your boxes!
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How Much Coverage do you Need
If you’re not sure how many hours of photography coverage you need for your elopement day, this guide will help you determine the perfect timeline for your day! It also includes sample timelines to help you envision the big picture.