Planning your wedding day should feel exciting—not stressful. But with so many options out there, like choosing between an elopement vs wedding, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Do you want to hike a mountain and say your vows just the two of you? Or throw a party surrounded by all your favorite humans?
This blog is your guide to figuring out what’s best for your love story—whether that’s a soulful, unscripted elopement or a joyful, community-filled wedding.
What’s the Real Difference Between an Elopement vs Wedding?
Elopements today are no longer about running away in secret—they’re about running toward something meaningful. They’re usually just the couple (sometimes with a few guests), focused on intentional, intimate connection. No fluff. No pressure. Just the two of you and the moment.
Weddings, on the other hand, are more structured and traditional. They often involve ceremonies followed by big receptions, guest lists, speeches, and dancing. If you’re all about community celebration, this might be your jam.
Why Couples Are Choosing to Elope
- It’s more intimate – Just you two, no audience.
- It’s less stressful – Fewer moving parts = more peace.
- It’s more budget-friendly – Spend on what actually matters to you.
- It’s full of freedom – Want to hike at sunrise or say vows under a waterfall? Let’s go.
Consider this: You may miss the presence of loved ones or certain traditions you’ve always imagined.
Why Traditional Weddings Still Hold Magic
- Celebrate with everyone – Feel the love from your whole crew.
- Honor meaningful traditions – Bring in your culture, values, or family legacy.
- Create a full-day experience – From getting ready to late-night dancing.
Heads up: Planning can be intense and expensive. And expectations (family, cultural, societal) can weigh heavy.
Cost Comparison: Elopement vs Wedding
| Elopement | Traditional Wedding | |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Count | 0–20 guests | 50–200+ guests |
| Avg. Cost | $5,000 – $15,000 | $35,000 – $45,000+ |
| Vendors | Minimal + intentional | Multiple vendors + contracts |
| Experience | Personal & adventurous | Structured & community-based |
Pro Tip: With elopements, you can still go luxe—think designer florals, styled picnics, or adventure add-ons. The beauty is, you choose where your investment goes.
You can read more about the costs of eloping in Canada on my blog post –> HERE
How to Choose What’s Right for You
Start by asking:
- Do we want a big party or an intimate experience?
- Do we love spontaneity or crave structure?
- What do we want to remember when we look back on this day?
- What’s our version of meaningful?
No matter what others expect, your day should be a reflection of you two. Full stop.
Elopement Planning: Where to Begin
- Pick a location that inspires you – Mountains, forests, coastlines, or even your backyard.
- Choose a photographer who gets your vibe – (hi, that’s me ✨)
- Keep it personal – Handwritten vows, a cozy picnic, or a sunrise hike.
- Sort out the legal stuff – Every destination has different marriage requirements.
Need help planning it all? That’s where I come in. I help couples create adventurous, stress-free, and deeply them elopement experiences across Canada and beyond.
Looking for elopement planning tips? Download my free checklist here.
Wedding Planning: Keeping the Magic in the Details
- Set a clear budget (and stick to it!)
- Secure your date + venue first
- Build a team of vendors you trust (Want an all-inclusive elopement? I offer that!)
- Personalize everything—from your ceremony script to your playlists
Don’t forget to schedule in rest, date nights, and moments of presence during your planning season.
Infuse Your Day with Personality
No matter what you choose, elopement vs wedding, your day should feel like you.
For elopements:
- Pick a location with meaning
- Incorporate rituals like handfasting, private letters, or a champagne toast on a mountaintop
- Hike, canoe, or dance barefoot under the stars
For weddings:
- Choose a theme or vibe that feels aligned
- Design details that reflect your journey—family heirlooms, favorite foods, or custom vows
- Include moments of intentionality: a first look, a private vow exchange, or a quiet moment alone
Real Couple Stories
Maddie & Nate chose a sunrise elopement in the Rockies. Just the two of them, the wild, and a handful of wildflowers. “It felt like we were writing our own story.”
Ava & Lucas threw a backyard wedding surrounded by their entire community. Homemade desserts, heartfelt speeches, and barefoot dancing on the lawn. “It was exactly how we dreamed it—loud, full of love, and so us.”
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Your Way
There’s no wrong way to get married. Whether you want to wander into the wilderness or throw the ultimate party, what matters most is that it feels right for you.
You deserve a day that reflects your connection—raw, romantic, intentional, and unforgettable.
Ready to start planning your dream day?
Let’s create something wildly you. Inquire here
Free Resource: Elopement Planning Checklist
Dreaming about eloping but unsure where to start?
Download my free elopement planning checklist packed with all the must-knows to create a stress-free day.
👉 Grab yours here
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