We talk a lot about elopements, specially in the last months when a lot of traditional weddings got canceled or postponed. But what are elopements, how do you define that?

The verb “to elope” actually means to run away secretly in order to get married. Elopements used to be for couples that did just that or just signed the legal papers just to get things done. But this is not the thing anymore.

This, in my opinion is “new” definition of an ELOPEMENT:

What is an elopement? Elopements are small and intimate, authentic wedding experiences. They are a true reflection of a couple and their relationship where the focus is on the couple. It does not matter where is it happening or how is it planned, the main point is that it is just the way you want it to be. With who you want it to be.

I hear a lot that elopements are just for the ones who want to get married alone in some remote, scenic locations, who don’t have time or resources to organise a “real”wedding and so on. But how much of that is really true?

• Elopements are for couples who don’t have supportive families and friends. This is so not true. A lot of people choose to elope, not because their families don’t support their relationship, or they don’t want to throw a huge party for all of their friends, but because they want to commit that day to each other. For some it is stressful to organise a huge wedding with all the traditions that they don’t even want. Instead they choose to organise a day by their own standards.
• Eloping also doesn’t mean you have to be alone. These are intimate experiences but there is not a single thing that could stop you from inviting your family or some of the closest friends. If you ask me any intimate wedding with less than 25-30 guests can be called an elopement as long as the main focus is on the couple and not the quests themselves. I have shot elopements where the closest family members were present or the kids. I even shot an elopement where the couple was only accompanied by their dog. Oh yes! I love when people bring their dogs with, whether this is an elopement, bigger wedding or just a random shoot.

• Elopements are only for adventurous couples who want to get married somewhere you need to hike up for hours. Not true either. Elopement can happen anywhere. Probably most of the people thinking of elopements are more adventurous and outdoorsy, that’s why the general opinion of elopements somewhere in remote areas. But if this is not you, you can still elope in the city. In your favourite caffe, on your own back yard, or even on the roof of your building. It is all about your imagination.

• You don’t have resources to have a huge wedding. In fact you will probably end up saving some money compared to organising a huge wedding party, but this is not the statement that describes elopements. You can organise a 100+ person wedding on a budget and on the other hand spend thousands on your elopement. It is not about saving a money, it is about investing into your day in a different way. Maybe you can save some money on a dinner and invest that money in the shoes you really wanted but thought are out of budget. Or hire a photographer and choose a package that would be out of your reach. It is really more a matter of spending time with someone you really care about and do the things that make the most sense to you two.

Again. What is an Elopement? Elopements are not a cut-off from traditional weddings. They are for people who really want their wedding day is about themselves. It is not just a ceremony and a few photos and everything is over. Elopements are about spending the whole day or even a weekend with the one you love. It is about holding hands and jumping into the new adventure together, just the way you want it.

What is an elopement? An intimate wedding experience. Nejc Bole intimate wedding and elopement photographer.

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