As a wedding and elopement photographer / videographer I know how important and special your wedding day is. I’m sure after doing all the research on wedding planning you’re aware that weddings and elopements are completely different.
My definition of an elopement is an intimate and personal wedding experience focused on your relationship and the love you have for one another. It is the day you commit your love to each other however the heck you want with nothing holding you back!
Unlike elopements, weddings usually:
– Involve dancing, music, and celebrating your wedding day as one big party.
– Cost A LOT more than elopements.
– Include traditional wedding activities.
The most important thing about your wedding day is how you feel. Your wedding day should be everything you want it to be. If inviting people to celebrate your marriage and having a party is your thing, then go for it!
Elopements and traditional weddings are both special and I enjoy photographing both. It’s one of the most important days of your life where you’re committing your love to be with your partner forever.
It’s the adventure and the experience that make elopements uniquely different from weddings.
The 5 Differences Between a Wedding and an Elopement
In no specific order, here are some important differences between a wedding and an elopement to consider when planning your wedding day.
1. People
One big difference between wedding and elopement planning is the number of people involved. It’s not just about guest count—it’s about intention.
Eloping gives you complete freedom to invite only the people who bring you the most joy. That could mean a “just us” wedding with no guests, a small gathering with parents and siblings, or an intimate group of 15-20 loved ones.
Traditional weddings often come with a long guest list—cousins, colleagues, family friends, and even your parents’ coworkers. Before you know it, you’re inviting 100+ people, many of whom you barely know. That can be exciting, but it also means less time to focus on your partner and the moments that truly matter.
With an elopement, every person present is there for a reason. There’s no obligation, no pressure—just an intentional, meaningful experience with those who matter most. Even if that means the only guest is your dog.
Your wedding should reflect what makes you happiest. If that’s a big, traditional celebration, go for it! If it’s a small, intimate adventure, embrace it fully. No matter what, your day should feel like you—and I’m here to capture it in a way that’s true to your love.
2. Authenticity
Having an authentic, non-traditional wedding experience is another big difference between having a wedding vs eloping.
The difference between wedding and elopement experiences isn’t just about the guest list—it’s about having a day that feels true to you. Some couples genuinely love the energy of a big wedding. They get excited about the traditions, dancing with their friends, the toasts, and the grand send-off. And if that’s you? That’s amazing!
But for others, that kind of day feels anything but authentic. The idea of a jam-packed timeline, constant socializing, and a day that feels more like a production than a personal experience just doesn’t fit.
Eloping gives you the freedom to strip away the expectations and create a day that actually reflects your relationship. No rules, no obligations—just the two of you deciding what feels right.
Want to wake up slow, share coffee on a mountaintop, and exchange vows as the sun rises? Go for it.
Want to spend the day off-roading, exploring canyons, or running barefoot through the desert? Do it.
Your wedding day should be about the moments that feel the most meaningful to you. Whether that means a big celebration or an intimate adventure, the right choice is the one that makes your heart the happiest.
3. Privacy
When it comes to privacy, elopements focus on intimacy, while weddings often involve a public celebration.
An elopement can either be just you and your partner or a small group of people. Some couples even choose to keep it secret from most family and friends, sharing the news later or not at all. This level of privacy allows you to be fully present and experience your day without outside pressure.
Elopements also allow for uninterrupted alone time, letting couples soak in the moment together.
Traditional weddings, even small ones, often follow a structured schedule, leaving little time to pause and connect without interruptions. When you elope, you create your own timeline—whether that means relaxing in a hammock, taking a scenic hike, or simply enjoying the quiet nature around you.
The difference between wedding and elopement comes down to how much privacy matters to you. If you want a quiet, personal experience without outside expectations, eloping might be perfect. If you prefer an intimate celebration but still want to include loved ones, a small wedding might be the better fit.
4. Stress & Flexibility
Before I continue talking about this important point, I want to share that elopements are not stress-free. They are less stressful than a traditional wedding, but that they give you more freedom.
A traditional wedding runs on a tight schedule. The moment you say “I do,” you’re whisked away for portraits, pulled into greetings, and barely have time to grab a drink before the next event. The day moves fast, and with a hundred things happening at once, it’s easy to feel like you’re being pulled in every direction.
Eloping, on the other hand, gives you complete control over your timeline. No venue coordinator rushing you. No strict schedule to follow. Just a day designed around what makes you happiest.
Elopements also remove a huge source of stress—managing a massive guest list. Even if you invite a few close people, you’re not juggling travel plans, seating charts, or making sure 200+ guests are happy. You’re focusing on what matters most—your love, your experience, and your happiness.
And if family dynamics make things complicated? Eloping gives you the space to make decisions based on what you want. Whether that means celebrating with loved ones or having a just-us day, eloping allows you to be intentional about who you include.
At the end of the day, it’s about choosing what brings you the most joy. Whether that’s a big celebration or an intimate adventure, your wedding experience should feel right for you.
5. Cost
According to The Knot, the average wedding costs around $33,000. That includes everything—venue, catering, flowers, favors, entertainment, decor, and more. If a big celebration is what you want, go for it! But for couples who value experiences over tradition, eloping lets you invest in what truly matters to you—adventure, meaningful moments, and a wedding day that feels authentic.
The cost of an elopement? About half the price of a traditional wedding. While the final cost depends on how you plan your day, many couples spend between $11,000-$17,000 on their dream elopement. That includes a photographer, travel, attire, food, and any other elements that make the day special. You’re skipping the huge guest list and venue fees but still creating an unforgettable experience.
The Average Cost of a Wedding vs Elopement
Average Cost of A Wedding:
Average Cost of An Elopement:
Choosing between a traditional wedding and an elopement significantly impacts your budget. Elopements often offer a more intimate and cost-effective alternative.
And let’s be real—spending more doesn’t mean your wedding will be better. The value of your wedding day comes from how intentional you are, not how much you spend. Whether you keep things simple or go all out for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, eloping gives you the freedom to prioritize your happiness.
So if you’d rather intentionally spend your money and create a wedding day that feels true to you sounds like a dream—eloping might be the perfect choice.
Creative Idea—Why Not Include Both
If you love the adventure of an elopement but still want a wedding celebration, you don’t have to choose just one! The difference between a wedding and elopement doesn’t mean you have to stick to one path.
There are no rules!
You can mix elements of both to create the perfect wedding experience.
At the end of the day, the difference between wedding and elopement comes down to what feels right for you. There are no rules—only possibilities. Whether you elope, have a wedding, or mix the two, make sure your day reflects your love and what matters most to you. This is your adventure—make it one you’ll never forget.
More Wedding & Elopement Planning Resources
Hey, I’m Kelcee
I would love to be your Wedding / Elopement photographer
I’ve been photographing weddings & elopements since 2021, and it’s my passion to help adventurous couples like you create the perfect wedding day.
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you deserve the support to make it uniquely yours. Together, we’ll create quality memories that beautifully tell your love story, lasting a lifetime.
