Elopements: Intimate, Beautiful, and Just as Special as a Full Wedding

When many people picture a wedding, they think of big guest lists, elegant venues, and months (or even years) of planning. But here’s a little secret: an elopement can hold just as much love, meaning, and magic as the grandest celebration. In fact, for some couples, it’s even more special.

Why Couples Choose to Elope

Elopements often carry a sense of freedom. There’s no pressure to create a Pinterest-perfect event or balance the opinions of dozens of family members. Instead, it’s about the two of you — your love, your promises, and the way you want to start your life together. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a quiet lakeshore, in your own backyard, or at city hall, the focus is entirely on your connection.

The Heart of the Day: Your Vows

No matter the size of the wedding, the ceremony is always the centerpiece. Your vows are the words that bind you together, and those words are just as powerful with two witnesses as they are with two hundred guests. Elopements remind us that marriage isn’t about the size of the party — it’s about the strength of the commitment.

Elopements Can Still Be Personal & Unique

Choosing an elopement doesn’t mean giving up special touches. You can still wear the dress or suit you’ve dreamed of, carry flowers, or hire a photographer to capture the moment. You can even plan a celebration with friends and family later if you’d like. The beauty of eloping is that it allows you to write your own rules.

Why I Love Officiating Elopements

After 13 years of officiating, I can tell you — elopements are some of the most heartfelt ceremonies I’ve been part of. There’s something incredibly moving about watching two people strip away all the extras and simply focus on their vows. It’s pure, it’s powerful, and it’s unforgettable.

Your Love Story, Your Way

If you’re thinking about eloping, know this: it’s not “less than” a wedding. It is a wedding. It’s your love, your moment, your forever — just the way you want it.

So whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, remember this: the size of the wedding doesn’t measure the depth of the love.