What Does “Elope” Mean?

What Does It Mean to Elope Today?

When you hear the word “elope,” what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine a couple running away in secret to get married, or perhaps you envision a hasty, low-key ceremony in a courthouse. If any of these come to mind, I totally understand, and at one time, that may have been true, but not anymore. The concept of and elopement is often misunderstood, and it can be challenging to define what an elopement truly is, and that’s because it really can be whatever you want it to be.

Despite what many people may believe, modern elopements, more often than not, aren’t last-minute or secretive. The meaning of eloping has evolved, and today, elopements are a deliberate choice for couples who want an intimate, meaningful, and authentic wedding experience that reflects their relationship.

The Definition of a Modern Elopement.

So, what is an elopement exactly? Simply put, an elopement is a small, intimate wedding experience that focuses on the couple rather than the production or performance of a traditional wedding. It can take place anywhere, with just the two of you or a few close loved ones, and it can be as simple or elaborate as they choose.

Elopements are about stripping away the pressures and expectations of a big wedding and allowing the couple to celebrate their love and commitment to each other in a way that feels genuine and authentic. Whether it’s spending the weekend in a cozy cabin in the woods together, exchanging vows at sunrise in a desert oasis, or saying “I do” by a serene alpine lake or on top of a glacier with an epic heli elopement, an elopement is an opportunity for the couple to create a unique and memorable experience that they will cherish for a lifetime.

As an elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of helping many couples plan and execute their dream elopement adventures and have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of eloping and how it can bring couples closer together and create lasting memories that they will treasure forever.

Elopements are not about following tradition or pleasing others. They are about creating a day that is focused solely on the couple and their love for each other. It’s about creating a personalized and meaningful ceremony that reflects their values, beliefs, and relationship.

Elopements are not a lesser or secondary way to get married. They are a valid and intentional choice that can provide a more authentic and fulfilling wedding experience. Elopements are not about sacrificing the joy and celebration of a wedding; rather, they are about creating a wedding experience that is more personal, intentional, and memorable. It’s an opportunity for couples to create a wedding experience that is uniquely their own and reflects their personalities, values, and relationship.

In the end, eloping is all about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

An elopement is for couples who want nothing more than to spend, a day, two days — however long — savouring the moment they choose to share their lives with each other.

Elopements are freedom from expectations, pressures, obligations and judgement.

Elopements are for people who want to grab their partner’s hand and jump right into the grand adventure of life and marriage together, exactly the way they want to.

Intentional. Meaningful. Significant.

That’s what an elopement really is.   

If any of this has resonated with you, I would love to help plan and photograph the elopement of your dreams. Get in touch!