Are you on the fence about having a large traditional wedding? Is it the inevitable stress that’s weighing you down? Or was it the thought of “paying-hundreds-of-dollars-per-plate-for-a-guest-you-talked-to-12-years-ago-that-your-mom-insisted-inviting-who-is-one-glass-of-wine-away-from-complaining-that-the-chicken-was-overcooked…“. Is that enough for you to reconsider? But hey! You’re still looking to have the most epic celebration of your life; just without the fuss that comes with planning a huge wedding. I’ve compiled a list of the 7 most common elopement myths and the realities you need to know to make your day a cherished experience.

An elopement experience is a way for you and your partner to experience your next wedding anniversary but in an intimate setting, surrounded by the people who matter most and in a place that holds special meaning. My job is to provide comfort, and clarity that your choice of eloping was indeed, the best one yet. If you’ve already decided to elope, check out my Ultimate Guide to Eloping in San Diego, California.

Myth #1: Elopements Are Only for Couples Who Don’t Want a “Real” Wedding

Reality: This myth is the farthest from the truth! When the focus is entirely on the couple and their commitment to each other, this allows for even deeper emotional and memorable memories. You decided to go against the grain and get married exactly how you’d like and that should be celebrated! Never forget why you want to elope because how you get married matters and at the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is you and your partner’s.

Myth #2: Elopements are only quick courthouse weddings

Reality: While elopements can simply be holding a quick ceremony to make it officially locked in, imagine it going past the “1 – 2 hours” you may believe is best for your elopement day. Think past an “all day photoshoot” and lean into the idea of an elopement experience. Paint a picture of your favorite day together. How would you envision that? Those monotonous moments, as quiet as they are, should be cherished. All the while tying the knot in between it all. 

Myth #3: Elopements mean no celebration with loved ones

Reality: While elopements historically mean running away and getting married in secret, it has evolved to so much more. Your elopement today allows a handpicked crew of those most important to you to witness your loving celebration. Who would you include on a day as special as your elopement?

Myth #4: You have to hike for hours to get to a nice location

Where are my adventure-ish couples at!? You’d be surprised how many “we’ll meet in this parking lot and walk 5 minutes to this view-point” locations there are that you’d never expect! Don’t get me wrong, I’ll lace up those hiking boots in a heart beat but if lugging your wedding attire up a mountain for 2 hours doesn’t seem like the best fit, finding a pull off location moments away is easy-peasy! Torrey Pines is perfect for that!

Myth #5: Elopements Are Cheaper Than Traditional Weddings

Reality: While elopements can be more budget-friendly, they aren’t necessarily “cheap.” Couples often invest in high quality experiences, such as travel, and photography, which allocates towards what matters to them. Yes, you can go to a courthouse and get legally married for under $125 and that’s beautiful in itself! However, if your passions lie in celebrating your official anniversary date in an authentic way, choosing an elopement experience will still, on average, be around 1/4 of the price of a large traditional wedding.

Myth #6: Elopements are easier than planning a large wedding

Reality: Yes, elopements in general are typically more stress-free, skip the fuss, days that only require the attention from a handful of attendees. However, planning for a fully customized day still requires months of coordination with various travel logistics, unpredictable weather conditions and multiple vendors. Being optimistically flexible is essential in planning a day as intentional and personal as your next experience! 

Myth #7: You have to hike for hours to get to a nice location

Where my adventure-ish couples at?? You’d be surprised how many “we’ll meet in this parking lot and walk 5 minutes to this view-point” locations there are that you’d never expect! Don’t get me wrong, I’ll lace up those hiking boots in a heart beat but if lugging your wedding attire up a mountain for 2 hours doesn’t seem like the best fit, finding a pull off location moments away is easy-peasy!

In Conclusion

No matter how you decide to celebrate your love, I hope it’s a choice that is genuine and as authentic to who you both are. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is you found your forever person. Whichever direction you decide to pursue, I hope it’s one that excites you and brings you immense joy.

Although I have been the storyteller to hundreds of love tales, I most importantly want to be a friend as well as a trusted guide through this new journey of yours. I’m always here to listen, whether you’re celebrating, shedding happy tears, feeling nervous, or just a bit unsure. Happy eloping!