I've seen a good amount of traditional tie-the-knot ceremonies, and they are all wonderful in their own way, don't get me wrong. But for some reason whenever I come across an elopement, I get all misty-eyed in a way I just don't with run-of-the-mill big days. Elopements stand out as more romantic, personal, and sentimental than over-the-top ceremonies because they are really all about the couple. And modern-day elopements now incorporate many of the perks a traditional wedding has — cakes, professional photography, a reception/party later on — making it a sort of best-of-both-worlds hybrid event. To see what I'm talking about, I've rounded up some of my favorite elopements for a show-and-tell on the beauty of an unwedding.
The Location
When you're eloping, the location doesn't have to be group-friendly or easily accessible, so whether you want to have it in Joshua Tree, CA, like this couple or somewhere exotic [3], the world's your oyster!
The Location
The Location
The Photos
Just because you're running away to get hitched doesn't mean you can't document the moment with professional photography. In fact, it can be the one splurge you make, because the pretty photos will last far longer than centerpieces or a wedding cake.
The Photos
The Photos
The Timing
One of our tips for a nontraditional wedding [16] is to be spontaneous, which is possible when you're eloping because you don't have to work around your third cousin's graduation or deal with out-of-towners making flight reservations. How cute are these two?
The Timing
The Timing
The Cost
One of the key benefits [23] of a just-us ceremony is saving big bucks. From paying for family members' flights to food for 100-plus guests to elaborate floral centerpieces, the wedding tab racks up fast. True newlywed bliss is starting off a debt-free life together. This bride saved on the dress by making it herself!
The Cost
The Cost
The Dress
Forget the pressure to wear a floor-length, white ballgown down the aisle, when you elope you can wear whatever you want — like a fun blue-and-white, polka-dot frock! I especially love all the short dresses and fun colors.
The Dress
The Dress
The Guests
Whether it's your closest friends and family present or just the two of you, when you elope the guest list is free of acquaintances and on-the-fence relatives. It's quality over quantity, and no one will scoff at you for inviting whomever you want (including horse-y companions!).
The Guests
The Guests
The Details
The moment is completely centered on the two of you, you're not having to appease mothers-in-law or bossy bridesmaids, so make every aspect uberpersonal. This couple incorporated the bride's childhood wish to fly away with balloons, exchanged self-written vows, and went to their favorite restaurant after the ceremony. The bride even made the ceramic cake topper!
The Details
The Details
The Food
Not only can you pick whatever food and dessert you'd like — no guest food allergies or diet restrictions to consider — but you'll actually be able to eat in peace, instead of running around greeting all the guests at the reception. You can even just share doughnuts if you want!
The Food
The Food
The Party
You can still have a reception to share your newly wedded joy with loved ones, it'll just be days, weeks, or months after quietly tying the knot. And the party won't have to be a stuffy, pricey event. It can be at you and your hubby's fave line-dancing bar, a combo housewarming soiree, or a classy cocktail happy hour.
The Party
The Party
The Heart
An elopement is an intimate alternative to a frou-frou wedding. You won't get overwhelmed with stressful wedding-planning checklists and lose sight of what it's really all about: spending the rest of your days with the love of your life.
The Heart
The Heart