In the past, weddings were almost always big, traditional, and filled with hundreds of guests. But today? More couples are redefining what it means to say I do — and choosing to celebrate in a way that feels true to them.
The rise of elopements is more than just a trend. It’s a shift toward intentional, meaningful, and intimate celebrations. If you’ve found yourself torn between planning a big wedding or eloping, this guide will help you weigh the differences and understand why so many modern couples are saying yes to elopements.
What’s the Difference Between an Elopement and a Wedding?
Traditional Wedding
- Usually 80–200 guests
- Planned around tradition (ceremony, reception, speeches, dance floor)
- Larger venues, catering, décor, and entertainment
- Big budgets and lots of moving parts
Elopement
- 2–20 people (sometimes just the couple!)
- Focused on intimacy and personal connection
- Location-driven: beaches, forests, mountains, luxury Airbnbs
- Less stress, more freedom, and often lower costs
- Prioritises meaningful experiences over entertaining others
Why More Couples Are Choosing Elopements
1. Less Stress, More Connection
Planning a wedding often means spreadsheets, seating charts, and family politics. An elopement removes that weight, giving couples the freedom to plan a day centred around their love story. Instead of managing 100 guests, you get to wake up slow, share coffee together, and ease into a day that feels entirely like you.
2. Freedom to Choose Your Adventure
Want to say your vows at sunrise on a clifftop, picnic under the trees, or end the night stargazing by a campfire? Elopements give you that freedom. No strict timelines, no pressure, just space to create a day that reflects who you are as a couple.
3. Multi-Day Elopements = More Time Together
A traditional wedding is usually just one whirlwind day and most couples say it goes by in a blur. With an elopement, you can stretch the experience over multiple days. Imagine:
- Day one: A sunset boat tour joined your love ones to set the tone of the weekend adventures.
- Day two: An afternoon for just you two, a hike to your ceremony spot and heartfelt vows, celebratory cake and champagne whilst watching the sunset
- Day three: A private chef cooking dinner at your Airbnb joint with family and friends to celebrate.
Elopements don’t have to fit into a 6-hour window. They can be an entire experience that unfolds slowly, giving you time to actually savour every moment.
4. Traditions — Your Way
Traditional weddings are often steeped in rituals like bouquet tosses, cake cuttings, and long speeches. With an elopement, you get to choose which traditions matter to you and let go of the rest. Maybe you still want to exchange rings, but you’d rather replace the first dance with a champagne toast on a mountain peak. The beauty of an elopement is that nothing is expected, everything is intentional.
5. Quality Time and Presence
One of the biggest reasons couples elope is the desire for uninterrupted time together. At a traditional wedding, you spend most of your day moving from guest to guest, barely having a moment alone. Elopements give you space to breathe, laugh, and truly be present with each other. Instead of rushing through a schedule, you can soak in the views, enjoy quiet moments, and celebrate your love without distraction.
6. More Meaningful Experiences
Couples are choosing to invest their budget differently. Instead of spending tens of thousands feeding a crowd, they’re booking luxury accommodation, private chefs, helicopter rides, or simply a beautiful picnic with champagne. Experiences over things. Memories over tradition.
7. Photography That Tells Your Story
With fewer distractions, your photos become a true reflection of your day — unposed, genuine, and storytelling-driven. From your quiet morning coffee together to your vows under golden light, elopements allow your photographer (hi, that’s us!) to capture every meaningful detail.
8. The Budget Factor
Elopements are often more cost-effective than weddings, but not because they’re “cheap.” Instead, the money goes exactly where you want it: location, photography, styling, your outfits, or a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. You get more of what you love and less of what you don’t need.
Elopement vs. Wedding: Which is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you feel excited about planning a big wedding, or does it feel stressful?
- Do you want to be surrounded by hundreds of people, or just a few of your closest loved ones?
- Would you rather invest in experiences and memories, or tradition and formalities?
If the thought of an intimate, adventure-filled day makes your heart skip a beat, then eloping might just be the perfect choice for you.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice — only what feels true to you. A wedding might suit some couples, while others feel called to an intimate elopement. What matters most is celebrating your love in a way that feels aligned with your values, your story, and your vision for the future.
If you’re leaning toward eloping in Australia, we would love to guide you through the process and capture every beautiful moment along the way. From helping you choose a location to recommending vendors and planning a stress-free timeline, we will be there to make sure your day feels effortless and unforgettable. Get in touch here to make all your elopement dreams come to life!
