Elopement vs Wedding: Which is Right For You?
If you’re engaged and trying to decide between an elopement vs wedding, I got you! This is one of the biggest, confusing, and emotional decisions that couples make during the wedding planning process. Most couples do already have a basic idea of what each option might look like, but sometimes they just need some guidance on which one will actually fit their vision, personalities, and priorities. This guide will go over what an elopement or traditional wedding really are, pros and cons, if you should elope or have a wedding, which one is right for your personality and vision, and how to decide.
Table of Contents:
- What is an Elopement?
- What is a Traditional Wedding?
- Elopement vs Traditional Wedding Pros and Cons
- Should We Elope or Have a Wedding?
- Which is Right For Your Personality and Vision?
- How to Decide Between Eloping vs Having a Wedding?
- Wisconsin Wedding and Elopement Photographer
- Other Wedding and Elopement Guides
- Wanting to Get Married outside of Wisconsin?
What is an Elopement?
An elopement is an intentional experience that focuses on just the couple first. It can include just the two of you, or your favorite people. Some elopements are completely private, but others include up to 25 people. Elopements are all about the freedom in location, flexible timelines, designing the day around what matters to you, and removing pressure or expectations. A lot of couples will choose to elope in places that are meaningful to them or just a beautiful location they want to explore together. Some examples are state parks, nature preserves, a nearby trail, lakeshore, mountain overlooks, courthouse, or even their own house/backyard.
What is a Traditional Wedding?
A traditional wedding usually involves a larger guest list, a wedding party, formal ceremony, structured timeline, extended family, traditions, and a reception venue. Traditional weddings are often centered around bringing all families together, honoring cultural and family traditions, creating an experience for all of your guests, and having a full on party with food, dancing, speeches, and making lots of memories. For a lot of couples, this is meaningful and exactly what they want, but it’s not for everyone!
Elopement vs Wedding: Which is Right for you? Pros and Cons
Elopement Pros:
-Lower cost
-Flexible schedule without a rush
-Ability to choose unique locations
-Less stress and pressure
-More time together
-Ability to be able to do whatever you want
Elopement Cons:
-Fewer guests
-Family may not like your decision
-Less tradition
-Most likely no wedding party
Traditional Wedding Pros:
-Everyone you love will be there
-More tradition
-Formal reception and party
-Predictable planning process
Traditional Wedding Cons:
-Higher Costs
-More logistics and coordination
-Tighter Timelines
-More outside opinions and expectations
-Most likely need a wedding planner/ day of coordinator
Should We Elope or Have a Wedding?
Elopement vs Wedding: Which is right for you? If you’re asking yourself if you should elope or have a wedding, you’re likely already feeling a pull in both directions. Having an elopement means more freedom and simplicity and having a wedding is more about tradition, family, and a full party or celebration.
Which is Right For Your Personality and Vision?
Elopement vs Wedding: Which is Right for You? You might want to elope if you value experiences over formalities, you feel overwhelmed by planning, you want your day to feel like you, calm, and unrushed, and you care more about being present with your partner than having a big celebration. You might want to have a traditional wedding if you want to have a big celebration, you want your families involved, you love structure and tradition, and you’ve dreamed about having the big wedding experience. On the other hand, some couples also choose to have more of a micro wedding, a destination wedding, or elope and have an after party later.
How to Decide Between Eloping vs Having a Wedding?
Ask yourself these questions:
-What do we want our wedding day to feel like?
-Who do we want to absolutely be there?
-What will we remember most in 20 years?
-Are we making choices based on expectations or excitement?
Your answers to these questions usually make the decision clear on whether you actually want to elope or have a traditional wedding.
Wisconsin Wedding and Elopement Photographer
As a Wisconsin Elopement and Wedding Photographer, I help couples design a wedding day that actually reflects who you are. Whether you’re planning a private elopement at Devils Lake State Park or a full traditional wedding at a wedding venue in Wisconsin, your experience should feel intentional, relaxed, and unique to you.
If you’re still deciding between eloping vs having a traditional wedding, I’d love to chat with you about your vision!! You can contact me here.
Other Wedding and Elopement Guides
-How to Decide Who to Invite to Your Wedding
-The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Wisconsin
-How to Elope in Wisconsin With No Regrets
-How to Include Family in Your Wisconsin Elopement
-Best Wisconsin State Parks for Elopements
Wanting to Get Married outside of Wisconsin?
Here are a few guides I think you’ll love:
-How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Mexico
-Reasons to Elope in Chicago: A Guide to Chicago Elopements
-How to Elope in Colorado| Ultimate Colorado Elopement Guide:
-How to Elope in Oahu, Hawaii | Hawaii Elopement Photographer
-Greece Adventure Elopement | Santorini, Greece
-Big Sur Elopement Guide | California Elopement Photographer
-Intimate London Elopement | Destination Elopement Photographer
Click this link to find out more about eloping at state parks in Wisconsin.
Hey there!! I’m Jessica, your go to Wisconsin and destination/ travel wedding, elopement, and boudoir photographer. I help couples ditch the big wedding stress and plan a wedding day that’s is authentic to them. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, a breathtaking micro wedding, a wedding at a venue, a cozy in home session, a picnic engagement session, or an intimate boudoir session in Milwaukee, I got you! I’m here to guide, plan, and capture it all in an authentic way. My style is storytelling, so expect real moments, genuine emotions, and photos that really feel like you. Let’s create a day that feels unique to the two of you
