What is an Elopement?
THE MEANING BEHIND THE WORD ELOPEMENT
Originally, an elopement meant running away to marry in secret, only to surprise family and friends back home, but luckily, that’s not the case anymore. Perspectives have evolved and many couples are increasingly seeking something unique and extraordinary for their big day. In this modern, meaningful sense, an elopement represents a deeply personal, tailored celebration of love.
With an elopement, you are not bound by others' expectations or traditional wedding conventions. You have the freedom to focus solely on each other and your vision for your wedding day. This approach creates a relaxed and intimate experience, centered entirely around your love story.
As an experienced and professional elopement photographer and videographer duo, we define eloping as this:
“An elopement is a personal, authentic, and meaningful intimate wedding with just the two of you, or with a small circle of your loved ones, held in a significant place. This day is truly about you and your love for each other”
Why choose an Elopement?
Many couples today are drawn to elopements for various reasons. Some want to avoid the stress and expenses of a traditional wedding. Others are looking for an adventure or a meaningful location that reflects their love story—like the mountains where they first hiked together, a secluded beach where they shared a memorable trip, or a charming city that’s special to both. Or they want to create a new experience together, and connect their wedding memories with a unique and scenic new place.
Eloping allows you to have a wedding experience that's more in tune with your personalities and relationship. Instead of a day packed with obligations and ceremonies dictated by others, you create a memorable experience that's uniquely yours.
So, you’re feeling inspired to elope!
You’ve seen stunning images of couples exchanging vows in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations and thought, “This feels like us!” But now the question is: how do you actually make it happen?
That’s where we come in. As your photo and video team, we’ve guided countless couples through the elopement journey. And trust us—we know how freeing, yet sometimes overwhelming, it can be to have no “rules” to follow!
Planning an elopement is all about creating a day focused on your love story, minus the pressure and endless traditions of a big wedding. In this post, we’ll answer your top questions about how to elope, share tips for choosing the perfect location, and guide you through every step of this incredible journey.
We can’t wait to help make your day unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions about an Elopement
1. Can we invite guests to our elopement?
Yes! Although elopements are often associated with intimate ceremonies for just the couple, you can always invite a few of your loved ones, as there isn’t an exact number that specifies an elopement versus a wedding. Some couples adventure with just the two of them, some couples bring only immediate family members or a few close friends. Ultimately, it’s about creating the right atmosphere and including those who make the day feel special.
So, your options here are either to:
- Elope with just the two of you (and your new friends aka your photographer and videographer duo, - who can also be your witnesses if needed, btw.)
- Elope with your dog and/or, kids, parents, family & friends (normally up to 20 people)
2. How do we make an elopement meaningful?
The beauty of an elopement is that it reflects your love story authentically. You could write personal vows, incorporate a meaningful tradition, or simply spend quality time together while doing things that you like to do together or that you’ve never done and want to experience. Many couples choose activities they love, like hiking, sightseeing, having a picnic, or even having a private dinner celebration. The possibilities are endless - which sometimes opens a new problem - to decide what to do. But no worries, we’re also here for these kinds of topics, as we help you to find out what you envision for this amazing day.
3. Is an elopement legally binding?
Yes and no, an elopement can be legally binding, just like any other wedding. You may need a marriage license and some other documents depending on the location you want to get married in. It’s essential to research the requirements of your chosen destination. Some couples also choose to do the legal paperwork in their home country and then have a symbolic ceremony at their elopement location.
Remember: your wedding day is whenever you choose to declare your commitment. You’re in control of how and when that happens, not the government or paperwork. The joy, the promises, the love—that’s what makes it your wedding, no matter where or how you handle the official parts.
On your elopement day—the day you exchange vows, make promises to each other, and begin this new journey together—the focus is entirely on you and your love. It doesn’t necessarily need to include the legal marriage process if that doesn’t align with your vision or if local laws make it too complicated. In fact, many couples choose to separate the legal marriage from their elopement celebration. Maybe the location you’re dreaming of has restrictive requirements, complex rules, or just isn’t flexible with how you’d like to structure your day. If that’s the case, you can still celebrate there—without worrying about officiants, witnesses, or signing documents. The legal side of things can be handled in your home country or on another day entirely, freeing you to focus on each other and experience a day designed by and for the two of you. The most important part of your day is the commitment you’re making to each other, and you don’t need legal paperwork to make that real.
4. What can we do during our elopement?
This is one of the greatest things about eloping—you can do anything you want! Just because you’re not celebrating with a large crowd doesn’t mean you deserve any less. Your elopement can be an entire day, or even a multi-day celebration filled with meaningful experiences, unique adventures, and special moments together.
Eloping gives you the freedom to design a day (or days!) that truly reflects your relationship. You could start your day with a sunrise hike to a scenic overlook, share a private ceremony by a waterfall, or exchange vows on a secluded beach. Your elopement could include a road trip to your favorite places, a picnic in a wildflower meadow, a kayaking adventure, or a quiet dinner under the stars.
The options are endless—whatever activities make you feel most connected to each other, and most alive, are exactly what your elopement day should include. Whether you dream of a simple, intimate day or an adventurous, multi-day journey, your elopement is about celebrating your love, your way.
5. What happens during an elopement ceremony?
An elopement ceremony is personalized to reflect your love and relationship. It often includes exchanging vows, sharing private moments, and perhaps even incorporating symbolic activities like lighting candles, reading letters, or sharing a first dance. You can also include other vendors like a (symbolic) officiant, a friend officiating your ceremony or a live musician playing your most favorite songs! The ceremony can be as brief or detailed as you want, and we can help you structure it to feel deeply meaningful.
6. How do we choose where to elope?
Oh yes, we know, that’s a hard one! There are so many amazing places all around the world - how to choose which one you want to elope in?
Choosing the right elopement location is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. We encourage you to start by thinking about places that hold significance to you both. Whether it’s a favorite spot from your shared history or simply a landscape that you both love, the location can transform your day.
For couples drawn to nature, the options are limitless: imagine mountainscapes, secluded beaches, forests, or a peaceful lakeside cabin. Prefer a city vibe? An urban rooftop with dazzling city lights or an iconic landmark can make for a stunning, intimate setting.
Remember, your elopement location isn’t just a background—it sets the entire tone of your celebration. From sunrise beaches to hidden valleys, our goal is to help you find a spot that’s uniquely “you.” We’ll guide you through possibilities, share insights, and capture each beautiful moment so you can look back on a day that truly reflects your love story.
THE BEST PLACES FOR AN ELOPEMENT
With no limits to your location, your elopement is truly about your love, celebrated in a place that resonates with you. Your options for an elopement location are as wide as your imagination and just as unique as your love story! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Meaningful Personal Spots
Consider places that have sentimental value, like where you first met, enjoyed a memorable vacation, or a quiet hideaway that’s dear to you both. Imagine exchanging vows in your hometown’s secret garden, by the lake where you spent summers, or in a quaint café where you had your first date.
Breathtaking Natural Settings
If you’re drawn to nature’s raw beauty, think of places like the soaring peaks of the Dolomites, the unique crystal formations of Iceland, the land of fire and ice, the serene beaches of Hawaii, the majestic forests in the Pacific Northwest, or the unique landscapes of Utah’s deserts. Locations like these offer a sense of freedom and timeless beauty that make for stunning elopement backdrops.
Intimate Urban Settings
If cities energize you, choose a favorite urban spot. Picture yourselves in Paris for iconic romance, in a cozy corner of Florence, eating Paella in Barcelona or in the vibrant streets of New York. You could have an intimate ceremony on a rooftop, explore the streets with a photographer capturing candid moments, or simply savor the charm of a historic town square.
International Destinations
Take your love abroad to a place that inspires you both! Dream destinations could include exchanging vows on the cliffs of Santorini, amid the picturesque Alps, in a remote Icelandic landscape, or in the vibrant jungle of Costa Rica. These places offer the chance to blend your wedding with the adventure of exploring a new culture and breathtaking scenery.
Hi, WE'Re KATJA & WALTER
Your Europe based Photographer and Videographer Couple for Elopements and Intimate Weddings.
We are more than just the photo- and video team of your dreams. We are here for you in every possible way. We know that planning an elopement can be overwhelming. Don’t you worry, we’ve seen it all and got you covered. We help you plan and outline your Elopement Experience in your personal way and style. We help you find vendors that fit your lifestyle and most of all, we listen to your dreams and make them come true. Last but definitely not least, of course, we’ll capture all the big and small moments of your elopement just like they happened so that your precious memories are always just one click away.