“Destination Elopement vs. Traditional Weddings: Which is Right for You?
As a wedding photographer who has captured over 90 love stories across different countries, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unique beauty of both micro elopements and traditional weddings. Having personally chosen to elope, I can speak to the profound intimacy and joy that this decision can bring. In this post, I’ll share my perspective on the differences between elopements and larger weddings, helping you decide which option aligns with your vision for your big day.
An intimate church ceremony at Tregole in the heart of Tuscany, Italy
Why I Chose to Elope
When my partner and I began planning our wedding, we faced the same question that many couples do: Should we have a traditional wedding or elope? As someone who has seen the magic of both experiences, I ultimately chose to have a micro elopement. Here’s why:
1. Intimacy and Connection
Eloping allowed us to create a deeply personal experience. With just the two of us, our closest friends and family, our officiant and our photographer, we could focus entirely on each other and the vows we were making. It felt incredibly special to have that intimacy, free from the distractions and pressures that often come with larger weddings. As someone who struggles with having the attention on me, the pressure of a big wedding felt extremely overwhelming. There are, of course, so many great benefits to having a larger wedding. The memories of dancing the night away with all your friends and family is unmatched, but if I could have skipped the dramatic ceremony entrance and the I do’s infront of a large crowd, I would have been more inclined to opt for a big celebration.
Special moments from our elopement captured by the incredible Sharyn Hodges Photography
2. Simplified Planning
As a photographer, I understand the complexities involved in planning a wedding. By choosing to elope, we simplified the entire process. There were no lengthy guest lists, seating arrangements, or elaborate vendor contracts to manage. This allowed us to spend more time thinking about what truly mattered: the experience and memories we were creating together.
3. Cost-Effective
Elopements can be much more budget-friendly than traditional weddings. Without the need to rent a large venue, cater for numerous guests, or pay for extensive decor, we were able to allocate our budget toward experiences that mattered to us, such as breathtaking photo’s in one of our favourite locations in the world and a memorable honeymoon in Italy.
Picture perfect landscapes from our honeymoon in Amalfi, Italy
4. The Freedom to Choose Unique Locations
Eloping gave us the flexibility to choose a location that spoke to our hearts. Me and my hubby have always treasured the memories of our vacations together in the early days of our relationship and we fell absolutely in love with the Garden Route. We decided on a beautiful cliffside location in the heart of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa, where we exchanged vows against a backdrop of the ocean's breathtaking beauty. This choice not only made our ceremony feel true to us as a couple, but also offered endless opportunities for stunning photographs—something every couple should consider.
The breathtaking scenery from our elopement captured by Sharyn Hodges Photography
Elopement vs. Traditional Destination Weddings
1. Size and Intimacy
Elopement: My experience showed me how powerful it is to share such a significant moment with only a few select witnesses or even just each other. The focus remains on your love story, and the stress of wedding planning is significantly reduced.
Traditional Wedding: Larger celebrations create a festive atmosphere, filled with loved ones and joyful celebrations. The logistics that go into planning a large wedding can be intense, but ultimately it is so rewarding when you finally see your vision for you day come together perfectly and you get to enjoy the wedding of your dreams with all your favourite people.
Celebratory moments from a traditional destination wedding in Sitges, Spain
2. Planning Complexity
Elopement: The ease of planning an elopement allowed us to be spontaneous, embracing our desires as they came. As a photographer, I found this flexibility invigorating—capturing genuine emotions and not following a strict timeline. The unstructured nature of elopements can sometimes cause some awkward moments of guests standing around, so be sure to still have a plan in place to keep guests entertained during your couples portraits.
Traditional Wedding: Planning a traditional wedding involves coordinating numerous vendors and details, which can quickly become overwhelming, but if you carefully select a team of experienced vendors and a fantastic wedding planner, pulling off the wedding of your dreams can be a breeze!
3. Cost Considerations
Elopement: When we started wedding planning, we quickly realised the costs involved in making it all happen. Unfortunately my expensive taste and my not so extensive wedding budget, meant that a big wedding would not live up to the picture I had envisioned in my mind. By deciding to elope, we were able to allocate our budget towards what mattered most to us, including hiring a skilled photographer who truly understood our vision. This investment allowed for breathtaking images that we’ll cherish forever.
Traditional Wedding: It goes without saying that the costs can add up quickly with a larger guest list, venue rentals, and catering. Budgets can quickly be exceeded and unforeseen expenses can pop up easily. Be sure to carefully consider your wedding budget together with your partner, ensuring that you do not create any financial pressure that will put a strain on your relationship. A larger budget typically associated with bigger weddings, allows for more options for personalisation, allowing for a tailored experience that reflects the couple's personalities.
A small reception in the beautiful Tuscan village of Castellina in Chianti
4. Experience and Memories
Elopement: The experience of eloping is uniquely personal, filled with spontaneous moments that create lasting memories. Elopements also mean that there is no strict timeline pressures, allowing your photographer to capture those genuine emotions and candid interactions between the couple and their families.
Traditional Wedding: Having a big celebration allows you to share the joy of your union with family and friends, creating lasting memories together. This social aspect can enhance the overall experience and make it feel more meaningful. Big weddings also allow you to partake in meaningful cultural and religious traditions, which is often skipped when eloping.
The party is in full swing at this traditional wedding reception
Elopement Tips for Couples
If you’re considering eloping, here are some tips to help make your day as special as ours was:
Choose a Meaningful Location: Select a spot that resonates with your love story. Whether it’s a mountain, beach, or garden, ensure it reflects your journey together.
Invest in Professional Photography: Hire a photographer who has experience in elopements and destination weddings. Capturing those raw, intimate moments is essential, and a skilled photographer will know how to frame your love story beautifully.
Personalize Your Ceremony: Include personal touches like writing your own vows or choosing a special reading. This can enhance the emotional experience of your day.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between elopement and a traditional wedding comes down to your unique preferences and vision for your special day. If you’re seeking intimacy, spontaneity, and a focus on your love story, eloping may be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you dream of celebrating with a larger community of loved ones and creating shared memories that everyone can reminisce about for years to come, a traditional wedding could be ideal.
A beautiful traditional wedding ceremony at the Xalet del Nin
Conclusion
As a photographer who has captured countless love stories and made the decision to elope myself, I can confidently say that what matters most is celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you choose to elope or host a traditional wedding, embrace the journey and cherish the moments. Do not feel pressured by family, friends or society to have a wedding that does not feel true to you. After all, your wedding day is about the love you share and the beautiful memories you create together, no matter the setting.
