Should You Have a Traditional Wedding or Elope?

How do we decide “Should we have a traditional wedding or elope??” AHH! I get it, the pressure on you is definitely ON! There are pros and cons to a wedding, like an elopement, and I’m here to help you figure out which option is more suitable for you!

Why Should You Choose to Elope?

Elopements allow couples to break away from tradition and societal expectations. They are often characterized by: 

• Selective guest lists are often limited to the couple and a few loved ones.
• Exotic or meaningful locations.
• Activities and surroundings that reflect the couple’s preferences.
• Inclusive of pets.
• Focused on the couple’s bond, throwing the spotlight on intimacy and presence.
• Being more budget-friendly, with photography often being the primary investment.

Pros of Eloping

Authenticity & Intimacy: When choosing to elope, the ceremony revolves around the couple, making it a genuine and intimate affair. You can exchange vows without the gaze of hundreds, just the beautiful scenery, your officiant, and a photographer to capture the moments.

Budget-Friendly Option: Elopements are generally more cost-effective. Your Photographer will be the priciest part, most likely, and if you value quality, but that’s truly all you can take with you. With the money you DON’T end up spending on a big wedding, you could make a downpayment on a house, go on a big honeymoon, or just save up for a rainy day.

Destination Elopement Options: Whether it’s a sunrise ceremony on a mountaintop in Alberta or an enchanting castle in Scotland, eloping opens the door to countless unique and breathtaking locations across the globe.

Creative Freedom: Eloping is an opportunity to express your unique love story creatively without the constraints of tradition. If you’re dreaming of saying your vows in a hot air balloon over Alberta’s Badlands or skiing down a mountain, eloping is where it’s at!

Easier Planning: planning an elopement is much easier and less stressful than a big wedding – no more fights over the budget, guest lists, venue, etc. AND If you hire me as your elopement photographer, you get a planner to help you design your perfect elopement! Check it out and all I offer here!

Cons of Eloping

Honestly, I don’t see too many cons to eloping! I may be a bit biased after being a part of so many beautiful, intimate, and adventurous elopement days and having eloped myself. Here are a couple of the possible cons, though.

Limited Guest List: The selectivity of guest lists might lead to hurt feelings among friends and relatives who might wish to witness the union.

Potential for Strained Relations: Some family and friends might not understand or respect the couple’s decision to elope, leading to strained relationships.

Embracing The Beauty of Larger Traditional Weddings

Traditional weddings are grand celebrations, often involving extensive guest lists and elaborate plans.

Pros of Traditional Weddings

Larger Guest List: Traditional weddings allow you to include and share your special day with everyone you care about.

Cultural Benefits: Traditional weddings often hold space for time-honored customs and rituals, allowing families to connect and share their heritage.

Planning: While planning can be extensive, the structured nature of traditional weddings can provide clear guidelines and expectations, and professional wedding planners can ease the decision-making process.

Cons of Traditional Weddings

Financial Strain: Traditional weddings, with their expansive guest lists and elaborate plans, can be financially draining, potentially impacting your financial stability.

Stressful Planning: The multitude of decisions and considerations involved can be overwhelming and lead to fights and tension between the couple and their families.

Potential for Conflict: Balancing family expectations and relationships can be challenging and might lead to tension or disagreements. And also your families might simply not get along, causing drama on the wedding day too.

Best of Both Worlds? Micro Weddings!

If you can’t choose between either of the options – micro weddings are the best of both worlds! They involve a compact guest list of close friends and family, still allowing for an intimate and personal experience for you and your partner.

Similar to elopements, the smaller scale can also make micro weddings more affordable, so you can spend more money on things that truly matter to you on your big day. Maybe even save up for the future with your new spouse!

So, Should You Have a Traditional Wedding or Elope?

At the end of the day, it really comes down to what is really important to you as a couple. Block out the noise of what you “should do” and what is “expected” of you by family and friends, and ultimately, do what suits you as a couple and your relationship!!

Whether you choose to have a larger wedding or elope, I’d love to be there to capture your big day and help to make your dreams come true. Send me a message, and let’s chat! I can’t wait to hear from you!