Pros and Cons of Eloping VS Having a Traditional Wedding: A Simplified List for the Newly Engaged

So you just got engaged and you might be started to think about your plans. Most times, couples immediately think they need to plan a traditional type layout for their wedding day- morning through evening- a step by step process that requires lots and lots of planning, money, and typically a larger guest list. I’m going to hit you with the honest ins and outs of holding a traditional style wedding day versus Pros and Cons of Eloping (or holding a very intimate destination wedding).

What if you are the kind of couple that doesn’t love being in the spotlight? What if you are looking for something more low-key, more centered around spending time with each other on your big day, more adventurous, and generally less stressful to plan with less dollar signs involved. I’ve seen both sides and situations- and have photographed couples who have opted for each for different reasons!

Pros and Cons of Eloping

Pros of Eloping

• getting to go somewhere sweet- its intimate, romantic, adventurous, and a once in a lifetime experience
• less pressure, less stress, more time to yourselves as a couple
• stressing it again- but lots more time to yourselves as a couple
• one thing i notice about weddings that are traditional is that the couple spends so much time on photos and making sure they talk to all guests that the day goes by so so fast
• more relaxed
• less MONEY – you need less – you can make it your own – less breaking of the bank haha- leaving many couples able to hire a great photographer and/or videographer to not only capture their intimate day beautifully but add to the intimate and adventurous experience of eloping together (it should be LOTS of fun!!!)
• you can do whatever you want, literally – the is one of the most important things to consider when looking at the Pros and Cons of Eloping Versus having a traditional wedding – making it about YOU and your relationship!
• less spotlight moments (could be a con though if you like that feeling- it depends on the couple!)-
• your day will be 100% about you and your partner
• little to no planning (especially because i can help with a lot of it!) 
• can turn your elopement into a honeymoon too (save on travel costs- you are already somewhere cool!)
• travel opportunity for close family (if you decide to invite them along)

Elopement Cons

• Not having family present (however, i will note that it is possible to plan something in a cool place and invite your closest family) (or video it and send later) (or… have a small reception later with a slideshow of photos from the day to share with everyone. ive seen it all!)
• no gifts to open on your wedding day… BUT you can always have a gathering or reception later. this is where the gifts come in if you want! 🙂 and you will save major money on the elopement….. sooooo gifts become a bonus at this point if you do a gathering! $$$
• the dress might get dirty at some point- but it can be cleaned! and its amazing for adventurous photos believe it or not
• Not having family present (however, i will note that it is possible to plan something in a cool place and invite your closest family) (or video it and send later) (or… have a small reception later with a slideshow of photos from the day to share with everyone. ive seen it all!)
• no gifts to open on your wedding day… BUT you can always have a gathering or reception later. this is where the gifts come in if you want! 🙂 and you will save major money on the elopement….. sooooo gifts become a bonus at this point if you do a gathering! $$$
• the dress might get dirty at some point- but it can be cleaned! and its amazing for adventurous photos believe it or not

Pros and Cons of Having a Traditional Wedding

Traditional Wedding Pros

• you get to be with all the loved ones you want to be with in one spot
• the spotlight moments (can be a con too if you are a more reserved couple)
• atmosphere- it is super cool to see everything come together after a lot of hard work in planning everything!
• more gifts
• more planning time
• the enthusiasm and excitement of having friends/family around to celebrate

Traditional Wedding Cons

• money money money – it adds up fast (you have already seen this i’m sure)
• stress
• larger and more complicated guest lists
• more difficult ‘who to invite’ moments
• time, lots of planning every detail and every hour, and more money if you need/want help with planning, lots of work
• the spotlight moments (could be a pro if you like the spotlight though)
• from experience, the more extravagant the wedding… the more impersonal and rushed it feels for the couple and I’ve heard many times “WOW that went by way too fast” or “I can’t believe it’s 9:00 already.”
• the more relaxed weddings and elopements, even as a photographer, feel so much more intimate, relaxed, and the couples are usually smiling more. there is less pressure.

Ready to Plan your Elopement or Destination Wedding?

Are you convinced after seeing the Pros and Cons of Eloping Versus having a traditional wedding? I may be a little bit biased for elopements (because of all the pros, and how happy my couples are during them!) and Couples have endless locations to choose from. I know of some great ones! Connect with me to start planning your destination wedding or elopement. Share your vision, and we’ll make it happen.