Not exactly sure what the difference is between an elopement vs a wedding? Let me break down the key benefits of each for you and your family members.

Elopement vs Small Wedding vs Traditional Wedding

First things first, let’s be clear on what I mean when it comes to an elopement vs small wedding vs traditional wedding, 

So what is the definition of elope? Compared to a traditional wedding, an elopement is a non-traditional wedding day that is a “just us” experience. 

A small wedding (sometimes called a micro wedding or an intimate wedding) can include elements of a traditional wedding and is celebrated with close friends and family. Typically the guest list is around the 50 guest mark.

A traditional wedding is often closer to the 100-guest list mark and includes all the traditions you’ve come to associate with weddings. The ceremony, photos, cocktail hour, bouquet toss, etc.

Is Eloping or Having a Wedding Better?

There are definitely pros and cons for each but when it comes to eloping vs wedding, there really is no wrong answer. There is only what is right for you both! My advice is to always listen to your gut and go with the wedding or elopement that feels like the truest choice for who you are. 

But in case you’re still on the fence, here are some benefits of each.

Benefits of Eloping vs Wedding

Less stress. Due to the smaller nature of elopements, your guest count can be smaller and you don’t have as many moving parts to keep track of and navigate. Dinner for 10 is easier to organize than dinner for 150, for example.

There can also be less stress in terms of the people. Worrying about how certain guests are going to interact with each other, can take away and be a distraction from such a special day.

Choice. It becomes a lot easier to choose who’s joining you on your special day when you decide to elope vs have a wedding. Maybe you’re not that close to your family and you only want to invite your chosen family. Maybe you’re very private and want to exchange vows somewhere private just the two of you but still want to clink glasses with your ride or dies and enjoy a great evening. Maybe you’ve both got big families that your wedding day would become way too cray that you’d rather not deal with it.  There is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing who to invite!

Location. When your guest list is smaller, it opens up options for where you say I Do. You aren’t restricted by venue sizes so you can exchange vows wherever you want on your big day. At the top of your favourite hike at a national park, at your favourite beach, in a big open grassy field, or at a killer AirBnB rental with an amazing backyard. The choices are endless. 

Timing. Another awesome reason, when you choose to elope instead of having a traditional wedding is that you have way more say in when things happen. This means you can have your ceremony when the light is at its best which makes for epic photos. Don’t get me wrong, if high noon is the only time your ceremony can happen, I got you! I know how to create amazing beautiful photos even at that time of day. But if you don’t have to, why not choose a time when the light gives you that magical look and feel?!

Flexibility. There are literally no rules when it comes to eloping. You have the freedom to do whatever you want on your wedding day. You can make it legal or not. (Dennis and I made our marriage legal 6 months after our intimate wedding). If it’s just the two of you, you can choose to get married on a weekday, especially if you are looking for a more private spot.

You even have flexibility when it comes to the exact date you’re eloping. For example, having an adventure elopement such as a helicopter wedding can be impacted by the weather with very little advance notice. Provided it’s an option you have discussed with each of your vendors, rescheduling to a different day isn’t as challenging as a traditional wedding. 

Benefits of having a wedding vs eloping

Everyone gets together. Sometimes, the only time the entire family gets together is for a wedding. Weddings are a perfect reason for a family reunion with the extended family. And a super easy way to document everyone being together again. 

Traditions. Having a more traditional wedding allows you to keep all the traditions you love and can’t wait for. Your first dance, the bouquet toss, the grand entrance, etc. All these wonderful traditions that will inevitably become amazing memories of your best day!

Invite everyone. When it comes to the guest list, it can be stressful trying to narrow it down to 10 or 20 people. By choosing to have a big traditional wedding, you can invite all your friends and family without having the stress of only inviting a few. I mean, we all love a good dance party, don’t we?

Eloping vs Wedding: The Best of Both Worlds

Still struggling to make a decision between an elopement vs a wedding and don’t feel like there’s a clear choice? I have an awesome option for you! Throw a post-elopement party!

This lets you exchange vows in private and have a “just us” experience, but still celebrate with your closest family + friends. There are no rules of when to host the party, but often couples choose to have a 2-day elopement so that their guests can join you one of the days. It’s a great way to keep the happy wedding vibes going for a little bit longer.

Related: How To Throw A Post-Elopement Party

An easy alternative to a 2-day elopement is hosting a small wedding that allows you to have a just-us experience as well as all the traditions you love on the same day!

Related: What Is A Micro Wedding

Are You Guys Planning To Elope?

Because if you are, I’d love to hear about it! I’m here to serve as your elopement BFF. I’ll help you create a custom wedding day timeline that keeps the day from feeling rushed or stressed, scout out locations ahead of time whenever possible, and help when it comes to what to wear based on what activities you’re including. If you’re looking for a sounding board, let’s book a time to chant and get into ALL the things.