Is Eloping a Good Idea? Why More Couples Are Saying “Yes” to Intimate I Do’s
For some couples, wedding planning sparks a dream of gowns, florals, and joyful guests. For others, it ignites a sense of pressure, budget strain, and a calendar full of obligations. If you’ve been wondering is eloping a good idea?, you’re not alone.
More and more couples are choosing to forgo the traditional wedding blueprint in favour of something that feels simpler, more personal, and wholly authentic. Whether it’s the thought of skipping the guest list or exchanging vows on a mountaintop with just the sound of nature in the background, eloping could be the meaningful alternative you didn’t know you were looking for.
Looking to learn more, we spoke with Jude Douglass, a wedding celebrant and planner at Sea to Sky Officiant, who works closely with couples choosing to elope.
Is Eloping a Good Idea for Couples Who Want to Keep Things Intimate?
When speaking to Jude, she says the appeal is clear for many. “For some couples, planning a wedding can feel like taking on a second job—and you might just need one to pay for it. Eloping allows couples to skip the overwhelm, save time and money, and focus on what really matters: each other. Eloping peels back expectations or pressures, leaving room for something deeply personal and meaningful.”
Many couples are drawn to the intimacy that comes from doing things their own way. Without a packed schedule or dozens of guests to entertain, the experience becomes quieter, slower, and centred on connection. There’s also freedom in stepping outside of the expectations of tradition. Instead of navigating opinions or worrying about pleasing everyone else, couples can turn inward and create a moment that’s entirely about them.
Freedom, Flexibility, and Creative Possibility
One of the greatest advantages of eloping is the sheer freedom it offers. “When it comes to eloping, there are no rules,” says Jude. “I've married a couple on a fishing boat, and another rock climbing couple tied the knot while dangling from a cliff. Eloping gives couples the freedom to reflect on who they are, how they spend their time together, and create a day that celebrates that—instead of spending budget on chair covers or a multi-tiered cake.”
Couples aren’t limited to one venue or even one type of experience. Whether you want to exchange vows in a national park, on a glacier, or in your own backyard, you can make your day reflect your story. It also opens the door for budget flexibility. Rather than allocating thousands of dollars to a single event, couples can direct their spending toward meaningful elements—like photography, travel, or accommodations—without compromising on quality or significance.
Eloping can also be less logistically demanding. Planning a large-scale event involves coordination with vendors, venues, and guest management, whereas an elopement offers a streamlined approach with more room for spontaneity and joy.
Why More Couples Are Choosing to Elope
There’s a growing shift in how couples define a meaningful wedding day, and for many, that means scaling back. “Couples elope to save money and time, reduce stress, or because their families are spread across countries and it simplifies logistics,” Jude explains. “More often than not, it comes down to the fact it just feels more like ‘them.’”
Whether it’s the emotional toll of managing expectations or the desire to be fully present with their partner, couples are seeking experiences that align with their values. Eloping offers an alternative that prioritizes emotional presence and shared memories. It also gives couples space to celebrate their relationship without distraction, which can feel especially meaningful in today’s fast-paced world.
Rather than being a low-effort substitute for a wedding, elopements are often highly intentional. Choosing to elope doesn’t mean caring less—it means choosing differently.
Making It Unique, Personal, and Special
Even with a smaller guest list—or none at all—an elopement can still be rich in meaning. Jude approaches each ceremony with the goal of making it unforgettable. “It starts with a conversation—I get to know each couple, their dynamic, and how they spend their time together. From there, we shape a day that feels completely and authentically theirs.”
One of her favourite stories involves a couple of environmental scientists who wanted to marry in an ancient forest. “I found a location for them that has 800-year-old cedars,” she says, “and we wove references into their ceremony about laying down roots, growing in parallel, and choosing to weather the elements together.” These details add depth and symbolism, allowing couples to feel seen and celebrated in ways that resonate beyond tradition.
From writing your own vows to choosing music that speaks to your journey, every element can be tailored to your bond. When the day is about the two of you and no one else, there’s a natural intimacy that emerges—and it often creates lifelong memories that feel deeply grounded.
Navigating Family Expectations and Personal Preferences
Eloping doesn’t mean turning your back on loved ones. It simply means choosing to celebrate your relationship in a way that prioritizes your needs. Jude encourages couples to remember the heart of their decision: “Eloping isn't about exclusion—it's about doing your wedding in your way, representing the two of you to a tee.”
That personalization often includes how couples choose to share the moment with others. “At big weddings, couples often spend the day apart. Eloping flips that—it’s just the two of you, fully present, celebrating your love. And you can still celebrate with your family with a celebration later, sharing your photos or playing your wedding video over dinner. You always have the option to livestream the ceremony to your family.”
These approaches allow couples to honour their relationships without compromising their vision. Whether you host a small dinner party, send a heartfelt video, or include a livestream, your loved ones can still feel part of your journey—on your terms.
Eloping and the Joy of Celebrating Your Way
Contrary to popular belief, eloping doesn’t mean skipping the celebration altogether. In fact, it can open the door to more flexible and diverse ways of celebrating. “Eloping just means you get to celebrate your way,” says Jude. “Host a party, share your photos, or screen your ceremony video with loved ones. One recent trend is to invite everyone to an engagement party, then surprise them with a video from your elopement.”
This approach allows couples to create multiple memorable moments instead of one big event. “I’ve had couples elope with me in Canada, then celebrate with family in England and then again with family in Australia—they had three meaningful gatherings instead of one giant event, as that's what suited them best!”
With elopements, celebrations become an extension of your love story, not a requirement to meet expectations. Whether you want to keep it low-key or throw a party later, there’s no one right way to mark the occasion. It’s about choosing what feels good—and that can be incredibly freeing.
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If wedding planning has you feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from what the day is supposed to be about, you might be asking yourself is eloping a good idea?
The answer depends on your values, your relationship, and how you want to begin your marriage.
For couples looking to prioritize connection, reduce stress, and create something deeply personal, eloping offers a path worth considering. With thoughtful planning, meaningful touches, and space to truly be yourselves, eloping isn’t a shortcut—it’s a celebration in its purest form.
