Why Elope: what is an elopement and why you should do it

Elopement is a word with a wide range of different meanings. Elopement conveys the idea of running away, freedom, and getting married at the same time. It is often associated with rushed, last minute decisions and to many people sounds like something to be ashamed of. This is not the case anymore.

In this post I’ll cover the basics of what is an elopement and a few reasons to choose it:

1. What is an elopement
2. You elope to find freedom and break the mold
3. Eloping means choosing incredibly unique locations
4. You elope because you are looking for a more authentic wedding experience
5. Elopements are inclusive

1.What is an Elopement

An elopement is basically an intimate wedding, a private ceremony with just the nearest and dearest. It can be parents and close friends, or just the two of you.

In Italy elopement is not popular at all. Family is so important that it seems like a terrible, disruptive idea not to invite the customary 200 and plus relatives and friends. It is a very common idea all over the world, but couples are slowly reconsidering traditions and getting creative.

Italy is the land of elopement and destination wedding for a lot of people coming mostly from the US, Asia and northern Europe. According to a study published by The Knot, 21% of US weddings in 2019 were celebrated abroad. And Italy is one of the most sought after destinations.

2. You elope to find freedom and break the mold

Elopements have no rules: it is modeled on the wishes and personality of the couple getting married. Since you are already breaking the mold, there is nothing that is off-limits. You can build your own idea of a perfect day, and invite your loved ones to participate. Or you can experience it on your own, just the two of you.

If you like trekking, you can take a night walk and have a small intimate ceremony, at dawn, in the most perfect silence, with a heart stopping view. If you love the sea, why not celebrate on a sailing boat, overlooking Venice, or Amalfi, or any place that holds a meaning for you? Each elopement is unique. And you make your own rules.

3. Eloping means choosing incredibly unique locations

Organizing an elopement means choosing a place that feels right, that makes sense to you. A day to celebrate love and commit to each other, and a day to do something new, exciting and unforgettable. A helicopter ride on the Dolomites, a private tour on a historic boat in the Venice Lagoon, a day in Bali in search of the most spectacular waterfalls, sunrise under the Eiffel Tower…

It is a dream come true for me: being able to help couples imagine their day, making their wedding experience truly personal and unique. Italy offers so many wedding locations: medieval towns, beaches, remote islands, fancy mountain resorts, or little huts at the end of the most amazing hiking trails. There are endless locations to choose from, either well known or totally hidden to the tourist masses. I can also suggest so many other destinations that I have already explored in Europe and the world, that are perfect for an elopement.

4. You elope because you are looking for a more authentic wedding experience

The idea of organizing a lavish wedding with hundreds of guests seems less and less attractive to millenials. Apparently, even Prince Harry wanted to elope with Meghan Markle, before changing his mind and opting for a traditional wedding. For him, as for many thirty-year-olds, an intimate wedding represents a more authentic way of celebrating love.

I photograph so many couples every year, who choose Venice to get engaged or plan a destination wedding. I have noticed that many of them, much more than I thought, are not looking forward to organize the actual wedding! If they can, they delegate to parents or a wedding planner.

5. Elopements are inclusive

Elopement is an escape, by definition, but an escape in the most beautiful way: an escape from social obligations, from waste, from those things that “must be done” but are not of important to you.

This is even more important for those couples who are not religious, or who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Elopements do not discriminate and feel inclusive to all kind of couples. Elopements and intimate weddings can include all kind of rituals, and you can really get creative.

This is perfect for those who don’t feel at home in traditional religions or may not feel particularly at home in their own family. Elopements give you a chance to do whatever makes you feel good, and build a ceremony that is authentically unique.