Why You Should Elope: 5 Compelling Reasons to Choose an Intimate Wedding

Deciding between a traditional wedding and an elopement or small, intimate ceremony? Here are five compelling reasons why choosing to elope or host a small wedding can offer a more personal, stress-free, and memorable experience.

I. Experience True Intimacy.

There’s something deeply sacred and personal about exchanging vows with just your partner—or having a small group of loved ones there to witness your commitment. Smaller weddings remove distractions, allowing you to be fully present in every moment. Instead of worrying about timelines, formalities, or greeting 150+ guests, you get to focus entirely on each other and soak up every part of the day.

II. Reduce Wedding Day Stress.

No wedding should be stressful—but let’s be real, large weddings often come with more logistics, more expectations, and more pressure. A smaller wedding day naturally encourages a go-with-the-flow mindset, where changes to the plan don’t feel like a disaster but rather an opportunity for adventure. No rushing, no stress—just a day that unfolds in the way that feels right for you.

III. Create Unforgettable Experiences.

I always tell couples: Elopements aren’t just about a wedding day—they’re an experience. When you choose a small wedding or elopement, the possibilities are endless because nothing is off-limits.

Want to take a sunrise helicopter ride to a remote peak for your vows? Do it.
Thinking about camping under the stars the night before? Go for it.
Feel like stopping for tattoos on the way to your ceremony spot? Why not!

You aren’t bound by traditions or rigid timelines. Your wedding day becomes a story—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reflects exactly who you are.

IV. Choose from Stunning Locations.

One of the biggest perks of an elopement is the ability to get married in places that wouldn’t be possible with a large guest count. Instead of being limited to traditional venues, you can choose:

🏜 A secluded desert canyon with golden light all around
🏔 The peak of a mountain at sunrise with no one else in sight
🌲 A moss-covered forest with misty, fairytale vibes
🌊 A cliffside overlooking the ocean as the waves crash below
🌆 A chic city rooftop with the skyline as your backdrop
🏝 A tropical paradise with soft sand under your feet

Whether you want to explore a hidden gem in your state or travel across the world, a smaller wedding gives you the freedom to make your dream location a reality. Check out my location guide!

Wedding couple running on the beach after their elopement

V. Enjoy Flexible Planning.

No 12-month planning timeline. No massive guest list. No vendor juggling.

With an intimate wedding or elopement, last-minute planning is totally doable—which is a game-changer, especially in today’s world. Some couples decide just weeks or months before to elope, and it still turns out to be the most beautiful, stress-free day.

Bonus Perks of Small Weddings:
✔ Weekday weddings = fewer crowds at popular locations
✔ Easier vendor availability (especially for photographers 😉)
✔ Less logistics, more flexibility to make last-minute decisions

Thinking about eloping? Check out my Elopement Planning Guide!

Your Day, Your Way

At the end of the day, your wedding should be about YOU. Whether it’s just the two of you on a mountaintop, or a cozy gathering with your closest family and friends, the beauty of an elopement or intimate wedding is that every single part of it reflects who you are.

💡 Need help bringing your dream wedding day to life? I’d love to guide you through the process and help you create a day that feels completely authentic to you. Let’s start planning!