12 Myths & Misconceptions About Eloping
There are so many myths and misconceptions when it comes to Eloping especially over the years as the meaning of Eloping has changed. Since the pandemic started couples have begun to Elope more and have given it, it’s own meaning, which is wonderful! Let’s dive into these 12 myths and misconceptions of Eloping but first, let’s define Eloping.
Definition of Eloping:
“run away secretly in order to get married, especially without parental consent.”
This is what people believe Eloping to be but over the years it has become more normal to Elope without running away and hiding it from others. While some still practice eloping the traditional way many are intentional about their day. They want it to be just the two of them or to have minimal people. Some want to go on an adventure doing the things they love rather than hosting a traditional wedding day for their guests.
1st Eloping Myth & Misconception:
It’s selfish
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about eloping. While others may not agree, the day is 100% about you as a couple. You get to decide how you two want to spend the day. It’s a reflection of your relationship together. Making the day special for you both is not selfish. Throw others opinions out the window and follow your hearts on what you both want for your special day, after all, it’s about both of you!
2nd Eloping Myth & Misconception:
It’s not as special as a traditional wedding
Don’t let this misconception about Elopements ruin your wedding day. Elopements are just as special if not more special than a traditional wedding day. When couples decide to Elope they are choosing to have a day more personalized to them versus having a “cookie cutter” wedding. Typically traditional weddings are influenced by others opinions and turns out to be more about what others want rather than what you want. When you decide to elope you’re not spending your time trying to please others and their opinions, instead you get to have a day authentic to your relationship. You’re focused on what’s important to you and there is nothing more special than that.
3rd Eloping Myth & Misconception:
There’s no time to plan
Just because you’re planning to elope doesn’t mean you need to throw it together as quickly as possible! If you decide you want to elope quickly you absolutely can but most couples take anywhere from 4 months to a year to plan their elopement. Take the time to enjoy your engagement, the planning process, picking out your gown, celebrate with friends and family. The misconception that you have to plan your elopement quickly is fairly outdated and is not the case anymore. Take time to plan it the way you want to!
4th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
People only elope to save money
This is another large misconception about elopements. While at the end of the day you can save some money eloping, it’s not the point of it. Just because you decide to elope it doesn’t mean your budget needs to shrink. Instead couples spend the money towards the things they want to do on their elopement day. Perhaps this includes travelling somewhere out of country for their special day or going on a helicopter etc. There are so many ways you can create an experience that you will remember forever.
5th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
It can only be the two of you
A misconception is that eloping can only be the two of you and while that may have been true many years ago it has evolved over the years. If you’re wanting to include a small number of people during your elopement then absolutely do it. The day is yours and if you chose to have some friends or family with you then you should include them. Some consider this an intimate wedding and/or elopement. In this case, they are essentially the same!
6th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
Eloping isn’t romantic
This myth is so not true, you can make your elopement as romantic as you’d like. After all, it is your special day so if you want a romantic day then you can plan for that. There are so many ways to make your day romantic, such as, star gazing, having a picnic, going to your favourite fancy restaurant for dinner or having a private chef. These are just a few examples but elopements are as romantic if not more romantic than a traditional wedding.
7th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
You can’t tell anyone
With elopements evolving over the years it is more common now to announce your elopement to family and friends. There are so many great ways to share with your loved ones about your decision to elope, if you need a few ideas check out my blog post 5 ways to announce your elopement.
There is no pressure to tell anyone though, if you decide it’s in your best interest to announce your elopement then absolutely do that. Not everyone will understand your decision but at the end of the day, your day is about you two and not others!
8th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
You have to travel
Wherever you may live there is beauty in the location. There is no need to travel if you don’t feel inclined to! A misconception about eloping is that you have to travel for your special day. Perhaps you have fond memories of where you live and you want to add to that. Eloping at those locations is a great choice.
Many couples are choosing to elope abroad and if you’re wanting ideas on where to go check out my blog about the best places in the world to elope.
When you think about your special day where do you imagine it? Go from there when deciding if you want to travel or not for your day.
9th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
Eloping is quick
A misconception about eloping is that it has to be quick and that is just not true. While you can having an elopement as “quickly” as you’d like you can also enjoy the day as long as you’d like. Adventure elopements take all day and sometimes longer depending on what you’re wanting to do! Some couples opted for a multi day hike (not saying you have to) which is much longer than a one day event.
It’s not just about doing things quickly, it’s about enjoying the experience and your time together creating an elopement that’s authentic to your relationship.
If you need ideas on what an elopement day can look like check out my blog post about Timelines for Elopements to give you a better idea of how an elopement isn’t just a quick experience.
10th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
You don’t include any “classic” wedding traditions
This myth is untrue because each couple decides on what is best for them and their day. Some couples prefer to include some classic wedding traditions into their elopement while others want nothing traditional. Both choices are completely okay as long as you’re following your heart.
Example: Having a cake and cutting it together
You can include wedding traditions into your elopement while still having a day authentic to your love.
11th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
You have to be a hiker
With adventure elopements becoming more and more common these days, there is the misconception that you have to be an avid hiker to elope. There are many ways to get to amazing locations without having to hike! Such as taking a helicopter to the top of the mountain, that requires no hiking and you can get amazing views.
In fact, you don’t even have to elope on a mountain, it can be almost anywhere you want. Another great way to get to your desired location is by horseback riding. If you need more ideas on how to elope without having to be an avid hiker reach out and we can get to planning your elopement.
12th Eloping Myth & Misconception:
Eloping isn’t legally binding
A myth about eloping is that they are not legally binding, which is simply not true. Couples still have to sign papers on their elopement day or prior to (if they are travelling) if they want their elopement to be legally binding.
When couples elope abroad it is usually easier to have the papers signed prior to leaving or as soon as you get back so they have a symbolic ceremony at the location of their elopement instead. This is just easier as there is less paper work involved when eloping. At the end of the day, eloping is legally binding.
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