What does Elopement mean? | Elopement Definition

ELOPEMENT DEFINITION: LET’S BREAK DOWN THE “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ELOPE” AND “WHAT DOESN’T IT MEAN TO ELOPE”?

When you google “What is an elopement?” the first answer that pops up is one from dictionary.com – it says, “run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.”

Now, that may be what eloping used to mean, but no more! eloping is no longer a secret, scandalous affair. it’s not a quickie courthouse marriage or a reason for your grandma to clutch her pearls. ***spoiler alert, my grandparents eloped too!***

Let’s Bust Some Myths About Eloping

Like I said, the meaning of elopement has changed a lot—even in just the past few years. But despite that, there are still a ton of misconceptions about what eloping actually means (and what it isn’t).

So, let’s talk some sh*t about what elopements aren’t, shall we?

Okay, seriously though—people are so confused about elopements. Even if you asked, “What does it mean to elope?” five years ago (heck, even last year!), you probably would’ve heard one of these outdated ideas:

“Elopements Are Secretive, Last-Minute, and Rushed”

Nope. Not even close.

Eloping isn’t about sneaking off in shame—it’s about choosing an experience that feels like YOU. Sure, elopements take couples to breathtaking places, but it’s not about running away—it’s about intentionally choosing adventure. Whether that’s a mountaintop in Alaska, your favorite national park, or even your own backyard, an elopement can happen anywhere you want.

And if you think elopements don’t require any planning? Think again.

Couples plan elopements months—sometimes over a year—out. Yeah, elopement planning comes with way less stress than a traditional wedding (no seating charts here), but there are still details to figure out—like permits, marriage laws, attire, and logistics. Just because you’re skipping the giant guest list doesn’t mean you’re skipping the important stuff.

“Eloping Means Ditching Your Friends & Family”

This one? Totally false.

Yes, some couples elope just the two of them, and that’s beautiful—but plenty still invite their closest people! Eloping doesn’t mean you can’t have guests—it just means you get to choose who actually matters.

And let’s be real—if your people are down for adventure, a 20-person elopement can feel just as intimate and meaningful as an elopement with just the two of you.

“Couples Elope Because They’re Cheap”

Ah yes, the classic “elopement = cheap” myth. Let’s set the record straight.

Yeah, weddings are expensive AF—the average wedding in the U.S. costs $30,000 (yep, four freaking zeroes). But eloping isn’t about being cheap—it’s about choosing where your money goes.

Couples who elope aren’t “cutting costs,” they’re choosing experiences over things. Instead of spending thousands on chair covers, fancy invitations, or personalized napkins (yes, that’s a thing), they’re spending money on what actually matters—like breathtaking photography, epic locations, and unforgettable adventures.

So… What Does Elopement Mean?

Honestly? There are a hundred different reasons to elope, and every couple’s definition is a little different. But if I had to sum it up, here are a few of my favorite ways to define elopement in today’s world…

Elopements Are Intentional & Meaningful

Big weddings come with a lot of traditions—some meaningful, but let’s be real, a lot of them are just there because they’re what you’re “supposed to do.”

With an elopement? You ditch the script.

You get to create a day that actually means something to you. No pressure, no obligations—just a wedding day intentionally focused on what matters most: your relationship and the way you want to celebrate it.

Elopements Are Authentic & Free of Pressure

When you let go of big wedding expectations, you get to be fully yourself. No putting on a show. No hosting a party for other people to enjoy while you stress over timelines and seating charts.

Just you, your partner, and a day that feels 100% like you.

Elopements Are an Experience

Eloping isn’t about just getting those bangers (you know, the jaw-dropping photos), it’s not about how epic your location is, and it’s definitely not about how extreme or adventurous your day is.

Eloping is about the experience.

It’s about bringing the focus of a wedding day back to you two as a couple, without all the performance and production of a big, traditional wedding.

You get to design your day from start to finish—whether that means:
– A picnic by the ocean
– Hiking the trail where you first met
– Jetting off across the world to a place you’ve always dreamed of

Your elopement is about experiencing your wedding day in a way that feels true to you.

Elopements Are About the Two of You

At the end of the day, when someone asks, “What does it mean to elope?”

I want to say this:

It means whatever the f*ck you want it to.

Eloping gives you the courage to be unapologetically true to yourselves. To celebrate your love in a way that actually feels like you, instead of following traditions that don’t. You get to forge your own path, create new traditions, and define what marriage looks like on your own terms.

What does Elopement mean? Speaking from experience:

What My Couples Say Eloping Means

I’ve asked some of my past couples why they eloped—what it meant to them, and why they ditched the big wedding for something more true to who they are. Here’s what they said:

“We eloped because we wanted to actually remember the day we got married.”

“Neither of us are super close to our families, and we didn’t want to feel pressured to invite unnecessary stress into what was supposed to be the best day of our lives.”

“We wanted our wedding day to be full of activities and adventure—so we took the money we saved and turned our elopement into the most epic experience possible.”

“Honestly, we’re just so low-key. A big wedding didn’t feel like us—but 15 of our closest friends, yard games, and craft beer? That was our dream day.”

Need some elopement inspo? Check out some of these journaled adventures to see what an elopement can really look like.

What Does Elopement Mean to Me?

Part of the reason I’m so passionate about elopements? I eloped myself.

So when I talk about this stuff, I’m not just speaking as a photographer—I’m speaking as someone who’s been there.

Let me tell you why I ditched the big wedding and eloped instead.

For me, eloping meant I got to commit to my person in a way that felt right. I couldn’t imagine spending this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental moment surrounded by people who, quite frankly, didn’t matter.

I’ve never been one to follow traditions just for the sake of it, so it became a no-brainer that our wedding wouldn’t be a traditional one either.

We got married on a lake in Washington, with just eight of our closest friends and family, and it was in-f*cking-credible.

Want to learn more about me? Here’s my story.

So, What Does It Really Mean to Elope?

Your love story isn’t the same as everyone else’s—so why should your wedding day be?

I fully believe that eloping is the best way to get married. There’s nothing I love more than helping couples create a wild, intimate, out-of-this-world wedding experience—where they get to ditch the expectations, embrace the adventure, and have the privacy & space to truly be themselves.

So if the whole big white wedding thing isn’t your thing either, let’s talk.

Get in touch here, and let’s start planning your dream elopement together.

Elopement Definition FAQ’s

Even Couples Who Choose to Elope Have Questions

Eloping doesn’t mean skipping out on the details—it just means you get to do things your way. Whether you’re still deciding or already 100% sure, here are a few of the most common questions couples have about eloping.

We Still Want to Include Some Friends & Family—Can We Do That?

Absolutely. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to elopements. Some define an elopement by the number of guests—some say under 5, others say under 15. Me? I’d say anything under 20 feels like an elopement, and anything under 50 is an intimate wedding.

Honestly, call it whatever you want and do what feels right for you. You can absolutely bring your closest people along—whether that’s just a few or a small gathering.

How Do We Tell Our Friends & Family We’re Eloping?

This is a two-part question: How do you tell the people you’re inviting, and how do you tell the people you aren’t?

I’ll be honest—someone might be upset or offended. And while that’s not always easy, those are the people you don’t need to factor into your elopement. This day is about the two of you, and the people you invite should be fully on board with your vision.

So how do you tell them?

• Be honest. Share why you’re choosing to elope and what this experience means to you.
• Set expectations. Let them know you love and appreciate their support—even if they don’t fully understand at first.
• Find ways to include them. There are plenty of ways to involve loved ones, even if they’re not physically there (letters, video calls, celebrations after, etc.).

Can We Still Incorporate Some Traditional Wedding Aspects and Elope?

Absolutely. (Not that you need permission.)

Eloping doesn’t mean skipping out on the things that matter to you. If you’ve always imagined having a first dance, cutting a cake, or reading personal vows—do it. This is your day, your way.

We Love the Outdoors but Don’t Want to Hike on Our Wedding Day. Is That Okay?

100%. You don’t have to trek 5+ miles up a mountain to have an adventure elopement. There are plenty of stunning locations with easy access—think scenic overlooks, secluded beaches, waterfalls, and even cozy cabins. You can love nature and elope outdoors without an intense hike.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement or Intimate Wedding? – Inquire here!